Traffic Control
Solar powered traffic control systems include a variety of highly visible traffic products such as flashing signs for school zones, crosswalk systems, continuous flash signs, stoplights, and more. They effectively warn of accidents, curves, road construction and provide safety information for motorists. Solar powered traffic control systems utilize solar power by a solar module that transforms sunlight into DC electricity, a mounting structure to hold the module and attach it to the sign, an output harness, and a battery for storing up solar energy.
These systems allow sunlight to power up traffic controls in cloudy weather, at night, and in cold climates which can saves cities thousands of dollars. Although weather affects the overall energy collected, for example cloudy weather may result in a loss of energy from 10-50%, sunlight still shines through providing enough energy to harness for use. With a battery pack these trafic control systems can function into the night by way of excess energy being stored throughout the day which can then be utilized at night when the sun goes down. In addition, cold days have no affect of the solar systems because the electricity is generated by the light of the sun and not the heat of the atmosphere.
An independent solar system provides municipalities a cost effective solution to expensive electronic traffic controls. In comparison, a solar installation is much lower than an electronic installation because there is no need to tie in the unit to an overhead or underground cable which allows for units to be easily and inexpensively erected for use at any site as needed. The only component that has to be frequently changed in a solar unit is the battery. The life for a solar powered traffic control systems battery is typically between five and ten years. Experts speculate that the cost saved in electricity alone over that same ten year span is more than $2500. In addition to lower costs, the solar traffic control systems also have the advantage of zero down time when correctly maintained. Solar powered traffic systems work continuously, regardless of power outages, poor weather conditions, or rolling black outs.
Solar powered traffic control systems are not currently widespread but are appearing more frequently as various cities, states, and nations discover the benefits of a more efficient solar power solutions to traffic control.
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