Solar Energy Street Lights

Jose Said:

Recycling light from solar street lights.?

We Answered:

It not really the efficiency of the solar panels that is the problem. In theory they can be made reasonably efficient and so you could get a nicely closed system where the energy circulates endlessly. BUT.....it wouldn't do anything useful for you. For light form street lights to serve some purpose, the light has to hit things. It has to be reflected off the roads and berms and people and footpaths..... and not get collected by efficient solar panels.
You might think that recycling at least a bit of the light produced would be of some value, but you would actually be better off not producing the extra light in the first place..... only produce the light you actually want or need for the street... that would be the sensible conservationist and energy efficient way to go.

Kevin Said:

Has anyone had the idea of solar-powered street lights?

We Answered:

that seems like a great idea to me. we have these tiny panels set up that light our highway signs. why don't you suggest it to your county commisioner? they probably have a website. i'm going to email mine, now.

Wilma Said:

Why doesn't the goverment use solar energy?

We Answered:

They're stupid and only care about money. -_-

Arthur Said:

Who wants to have street lights removed so we may look at the nights starry skies again?

We Answered:

Light pollution at night is a very serious issue with astronomers, especially of the backyard variety. I being one of them totally agree with what you're saying. The night sky is truly a wonder, but the other 99% of the suburban and urban denizens probably don't even look up at the night sky anymore and couldn't care less. Pity.

Wesley Said:

Does anyone know if there are solar street lights,anywhere?

We Answered:

Yes, they can be found in many places.

They have a small solar panel on the top (maybe half a meter square), and the energy that is acquired is used to charge the internal battery, that thus powers the light when it is dark.

Another useful function is that they are connected to the main power grid, so any excess power generated is put back into the mains. This is also useful on overcast days, where the battery may not sufficiently charge, and thus can draw on the main power grid if necessary.

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