Development of a comprehensive model for the design of photovoltaic solar public lighting systems in rural and urban areas

Abstract

This article presents a model for the optimal design of solar street lighting, considering factors such as street width, required average illuminance, solar irradiance, and luminaire characteristics. The goal is to achieve a sustainable installation that ensures adequate lighting levels. The model optimizes pole distribution, luminaire height, battery capacity, and solar panel power, prioritizing a holistic approach over an individual one. While applicable worldwide, a study conducted in Oman validated its effectiveness, revealing that reducing luminaire power does not always lead to lower overall energy consumption or costs. Its key innovation lies in integrating lighting and renewable energy into a single calculation process—unlike traditional methods, which first design the lighting installation and then calculate the battery and PV module requirements separately.