One way to fight crime at night is by installing solar street lights. This is especially true in places that have poor electricity. For people living in these areas, it is practically used to leave their homes at night to fear the dangers the night could bring. With the use of solar street lights, which don't depend on electricity to work, it'll be safer. Traditional solar street lights contain lead-acid batteries, but in this article, you'd get to know why lithium-ion batteries should be used as a lead acid replacement.
Lead-acid batteries have a low cost of purchase but a higher cost of maintenance and installation. This means more money would be spent overall. Other disadvantages to using this battery include.
● Frequent thefts
The lead-acid battery is stored in a box and attached to the bottom of the solar street pole, making it easy for thieves to steal.
● Long charging time
Lead-acid batteries require more time to charge. In addition, harmful gases are released into the atmosphere while charging.
● Bulkiness
Lead-acid batteries are pretty heavy; thus, transportation is a challenge.
● Frequent maintenance
The batteries need to be refilled with distilled water to keep them running constantly
● Harm to people and animals
The battery has to be placed at the bottom of the pole. This is a potential safety hazard as it can cause harm to stray animals and even people. The more modern lithium street lights are unarguably the best option for solar street lights because it eradicates the problems associated with the lead-acid battery.
Here are the top benefits of lithium-ion batteries over lead-acid ones
● it's lightweight
Li-ion batteries are highly compact and easy to move. These batteries are also mounted at the top of the pole, which means fewer installation costs
● No maintenance is needed
Lithium-ion batteries don't need any additional maintenance, unlike the lead-acid batteries
● They charge faster
It takes about six hours for the battery to be fully charged, and it can run for ad long as 13 hours. No harmful gases are also released
● Hard to steal
The Li-ion battery is placed in the LED at the top of the pole. It would take a lot of climbing and effort to steal such a battery.
● Longer life cycle
Lithium-ion batteries last longer than lead-acid batteries. A longer life cycle is more desirable and can last for even more than five years.
● No safety hazard
Li-ion batteries arent installed at the bottom of the pole. This means that no cables are hanging around that could cause harm to stray animals and people.
● Less damage
Rodents and other animals that like to chew will be disappointed because there are no long cables on wires they can damage.
● High energy density
These batteries have a high energy density, which can be seen in their size. It's about ten times smaller than the traditional lead-acid battery.
Conclusion
Solar energy using lithium-ion batteries has more benefits and is more economical and longer-lasting than lead-acid batteries. There's better safety, lower costs, and an eco-friendly environment with Li-ion batteries.