All-in-One vs Split Solar Street Lights: Which Is Better?

Quick Answer

Both types of solar street lights have their own pros. So, if you're looking to light up small roads, parks, or parking lots, then you should definitely go towards all-in-one solar street lights because not only they're cheaper but also much easier to install. But if you're dealing with wider roads, highways, or areas that don't get much sunlight, split solar street lights are a much better option, because they offer more power, longer battery backup, and are also generally easier to maintain.

Introduction

When it comes to choosing between all-in-one and split solar street lights, there are a few things you need to consider. These include the size of the road, how much sunlight your area gets, and how much maintenance you're willing to deal with.

All-in-one solar street lights are great for smaller roads and projects where you want a quick installation. But if you're planning to light up wider roads or areas with higher lighting requirements, split solar street lights might be a better choice.

So, what's the actual difference between these two? Let's take a look.

What Is an All-in-One Solar Street Light?

An all-in-one solar street light is basically a complete lighting system packed into one unit. When you unbox it, you'll find the solar panel, battery, LED light, and controller all packed together in one unit. You simply install the entire unit on top of a pole, and you're good to go.

Here are some of the things you'll notice about these lights:

• Easy installation: You can get these lights installed in around 15 to 30 minutes.

• No extra wiring: You don't have to worry about connecting separate cables or digging trenches.

• Less chance of damage: Since everything is packed into one body, there are fewer openings where dust and water can get inside.

Since the entire thing is squeezed into one body, there's only so much room for the solar panel and battery. And that can put a limit on how much power it produces and how long the battery lasts compared to split solar street lights. Oh, and there's one more thing. The solar panel angle is mostly fixed, so you can't really adjust it to catch more sunlight.

What Is a Split Solar Street Light?

Unlike all-in-one lights, split solar street lights come with separate components that are connected through cables. The solar panel is usually installed on top of the pole, while the battery is placed inside a separate box. This box can be mounted on the pole, placed on the ground, or even installed underground. The LED light is then mounted on its own arm.

So, what makes these lights different?

• Bigger solar panels and batteries: You can choose the panel and battery sizes separately, depending on how much power your project needs.

• Adjustable solar panel: You can tilt the panel towards the sun to get better sunlight exposure.

• Separate battery placement: The battery sits away from the LED light and solar panel, which can help keep it cooler.

But there's a downside too. Split solar street lights usually cost more upfront, and since their components are installed separately, you'll have to deal with more wiring and a longer installation process.

What Is an All-in-Two Solar Street Light?

As the name suggests, these lights split the system into two parts. The solar panel sits on its own, while the battery, controller, and LED light are packed together in another body. This is done to make the solar panel bigger than what you'd typically get with an all-in-one light.

The installation of this light is also very simple. So, if you want something between an all-in-one and a split setup, an all-in-two solar street light can be a good choice.

How Do All-in-One and Split Solar Street Lights Compare?

Okay, so now that you know how both types of lights work, let's compare their specifications.

Keep in mind that these are typical ranges. The actual specifications can vary depending on the manufacturer and model you're buying.

As you can see, all-in-one solar street lights are much cheaper and also easier to install. But when it comes to power output and battery backup, split solar street lights have the upper hand.

Why Do Split Solar Street Lights Often Last Longer?

Split solar street lights can last longer because you can place their batteries separately, like you can even put them somewhere cooler, such as underground or inside a ventilated box.

 But that's not possible with all-in-one solar street lights because their batteries sit close to the solar panel and LED, which means they get exposed to more heat. And if you're installing these lights in a really hot area, this can affect how long the battery lasts.

 Also, if the battery of a split solar street light stops working, you can simply replace it without changing the entire light.

Which Solar Street Light Should You Choose?

That really depends on your project and how much lighting you need. If you're working on a smaller project and your area gets plenty of sunlight, then you should go with an all-in-one solar street light. Because not only they are cheaper but also much easier to install.

You can use them for:

• Small roads and streets

• Driveways

• Parks and gardens

• Parking lots

• Temporary construction sites

But if you're working on a bigger project, split solar street lights will be a better option for you. You can consider them if:

• Your road is wider than around 12 meters.

• Your poles are taller than 8 to 9 meters.

• You need more than 3 days of battery backup.

• You need more than around 120W of lighting.

• You're living in an area above 45 degrees latitude, where winter sunlight is usually weaker.

• Your area gets strong winds, heavy rain, or extremely hot weather.

• You need lights that can stay on every night, especially on highways.

But what if you want a bigger solar panel without going for a complete split setup? Well, then you can consider all-in-two solar street lights as they give you a bigger panel while keeping the rest of the setup together.

What to Check Before Buying Solar Street Lights

Before you buy solar street lights, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Don't just look at the wattage or price, because the battery, controller, and wiring are equally important too.

Here's what you should check:

• Battery type: Always go for lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries if possible. They can last around 2,000 to 3,000 charge cycles, but keep in mind that this also depends on the battery quality and how well you take care of it.

• Charge controller: Make sure to check whether the light comes with an MPPT or PWM controller. MPPT controllers can offer up to 98% charging efficiency, whereas PWM controllers usually offer around 70% to 80%.

• Theft protection: If you're going with split solar street lights, make sure the battery is properly secured. That's because batteries placed underground or close to the ground can be stolen if they're not protected with a locked box.

• Wiring: Split solar street lights have more cable connections, so you need to make sure they're properly protected against water. Also, don't forget to check these connections during regular maintenance.

FAQs

Are split solar street lights better than all-in-one?

Not necessarily. Both have their own advantages. Split solar street lights offer more power and longer battery backup, but they also cost more and take longer to install. If you're lighting up smaller roads in areas with plenty of sunlight, all-in-one lights can work just fine.

Which solar street light lasts longer?

It depends on the battery quality, installation, and operating temperature. However, split solar street lights can have an advantage because their batteries are installed separately, making it easier to keep them away from excessive heat.

Do solar street lights work on cloudy days?

Yes, they do! But there's a catch. Solar panels produce less electricity when there's less sunlight, which means the batteries take longer to charge. If you're dealing with frequent cloudy days, split solar street lights with larger panels and batteries can handle these conditions better.

Can I use all-in-one solar street lights on a highway?

You can, but they're usually not the best choice. Highways generally need more lighting power and longer battery backup than most all-in-one models can provide. That's why split solar street lights are usually a better fit for highway projects.

Conclusion

So, which one should you choose? Well, if you're looking for something that's affordable, easy to install, and suitable for smaller roads, all-in-one solar street lights are a good option. But if your project needs more power, longer battery backup, and easier maintenance, split solar street lights are worth considering.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to your project's lighting requirements, available sunlight, and budget.

Still not sure which setup is right for your project? You can contact us and share your road size, pole height, and location. We can help you choose a suitable solar street lighting setup based on your lighting needs, sunlight conditions, and battery backup requirements.