Solar Sign Lighting
Signs are changing. Modern high efficiency solar powered signs are allowing lit signs to be installed
in locations that were previously classed as being too far away from the power grid.
A solar powered sign is designed to run all year round, even throughout the winter when there is less
light. Sometimes the solar pv panel is assisted by a small wind generator.
As sign lighting technologies progressively get more efficient, through the use of LED lights and
electro-luminescent materials - it becomes more and more viable to consider solar or wind as a
source of power.
Proof of concept can be seen with the numerous successful installations of solar powered vehicle
activated warning signs which now can be found in all parts of the UK road network.
These solar & wind powered signs, developed by Westcotec, have been repeatedly proven to have a
hugely positive impact on road safety. The signs use an ultra-high efficiency speed sensor to ensure
that the LED light unit only operates when required.
Solar sign lighting offers the convenience of minimal civil works, avoiding the need to lay long cables
at huge expense from the nearest mains connection point.
Solar or wind powered signs are also re-deployable, or in some cases even designed to be mobile,
such as solar powered traffic lights.
All off-grid solar & wind powered lighting uses batteries to store the energy, very often a specialised
deep cycle gel or AGM battery. Both of these technologies offer safe & efficient power storage,
with
the advantage that they are not classed as hazardous goods for transport purposes.
To ensure maximum efficiency, most sign lights are powered from either 12v or 24v dc, which
eliminates the need for a mains inverter and it's associated losses.
Of course, solar and wind powered sign lights have a 'zero carbon footprint' - reducing pollution and
improving sustainability.
At the EDC, we have helped to develop & supplied equipment for many of the solar and wind
powered signs you see on the roads today. Please contact us with details of your power requirements
and our system design team will be happy to recommend a suitable power system.
