![]() ![]() Volume 9 Issue 3
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July 2006
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What is photovoltaic lighting?Photovoltaic (PV) lighting, or PV-powered lighting, is lighting that is at least partially powered by electricity generated from PV panels (often called solar panels). A popular example of PV lighting is the solar garden or pathway light. Other examples include post-top luminaires and parking lot luminaires carrying a solar panel on top. These PV lighting systems are usually off-grid, or "stand-alone" systems; their only power source is solar energy. Utility-connected and hybrid systems are more complicated because solar power is combined with other power sources such as a utility-generated grid, wind-powered generators, or fossil fuel-powered generators. This Lighting Answers considers only stand-alone/off-grid PV lighting technologies that are intended for nighttime lighting applications. A PV lighting system collects solar energy using one or more PV panels, stores that energy in a battery or series of batteries, and then releases the energy to power light sources at night. Typically, PV lighting system components include PV panels, batteries, electronics (including battery charge controller, inverter or ballast/driver, and timer or switch), light sources (lamps), and luminaires. The initial purchase cost and maintenance cost for many of these components are high compared to traditional lighting systems powered by a grid. Designing and installing a PV lighting system are also more complicated than traditional grid-powered lighting systems. As a result, lighting applications suitable for PV lighting systems are currently somewhat limited. However, successful PV lighting applications can be developed through a carefully planned design process and educated choices between PV power and grid power. PV lighting applications are generally most successful where low light levels and limited electric power are acceptable and/or where access to a grid is expensive or difficult. Some examples of these types of applications are campgrounds, rural pathways, and parking lots in remote areas.
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