Photovoltaic lighting system performance

Abstract

The performance of 21 PV-powered low pressure sodium lighting systems on a multi-use pathway has been documented in this paper. Specific areas for evaluation include the constant voltage and on/off PV charge controllers, flooded deep-cycle lead-antimony and valve regulated lead-acid (VRLA) gel batteries, low pressure sodium ballasts and lights and vandal resistant PV modules. The PV lighting system lessons learned and maintenance intervals have been documented over the past 2.5 years. The above performance data has shown that with careful hardware selection, installation and maintenance intervals, PV lighting systems will operate reliably.