Solar-powered LED lights and the Internet of Things (IoT) are two distinct ways to reduce costs and improve energy efficiency. Furthermore, the benefits achieved by combining these two technologies are far greater than those of either alone.

The Solar LED Light

A typical solar-powered LED light in a parking lot or on a road costs less to set up and operate than a conventional light. The setup savings come from not having to run expensive power cabling to light systems, which can result in even greater savings for lights in remote areas. The operating savings come from LED lights that reduce power consumption and from solar panels that eliminate the need to pay for grid power.

The Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) allows all manner of machines to connect to the Internet, enabling more intelligent use and better coordination. For example, an individual solar panel equipped with the right sensors and a motor can track the sun's position, significantly boosting energy collection. Lights along a highway can also communicate with each other, increasing output as cars pass along during low-traffic times at night.

Reduced Maintenance with IoT Monitoring

Solar power and LED lighting substantially lower maintenance expenses, and IoT monitoring further decreases upkeep costs. LED lights already last longer than most practical alternatives, and IoT light sensors leverage their adjustable light output to reduce usage when more light is present. IoT sensors can also detect when no one is present and switch the lights off entirely.

Other IoT monitoring devices enable maintenance personnel to determine when LED lights burn out, when batteries need to be replaced, or when the system is otherwise impaired, all remotely. Newer lighting systems utilize fuzzy control theory and wireless communications to operate more efficiently as networks of light points. However, they can still revert to individual operation if temporarily disconnected from the Internet.

Wireless Control with the IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) expands the ability to control and monitor solar LED lighting. It has always been challenging to adjust lighting systems, especially those mounted on tall poles along roads or in parking lots. However, IoT motors allow users to tilt solar panels and LED lights using tablets, PCs, and smartphones.

Wireless controls also enable several less dramatic changes at a minimal cost. Light systems can be remotely deactivated for extended periods when not in use, such as at schools during the summer. If speakers are attached, wireless lighting systems can also provide emergency announcements.

IoT Data Collection

IoT-enabled solar LED lights can also collect a variety of data to improve their efficiency and for other purposes. The most helpful information for the lights themselves concerns weather and traffic patterns. IoT sensors in or near lighting systems can also help drivers determine if parking spaces are available in a particular area. Furthermore, IoT data might be used to prevent and respond to crimes more effectively.

Local governments can also install IoT sensors on solar-powered LED light poles to gather information on air pollution. That would enable more accurate air quality warnings and more rapid responses to potentially dangerous conditions. The concept of smart cities largely depends on installing enough of these IoT data collection sensors.

Advanced Features

Solar LED lighting installations can support numerous additional advanced features that are not always directly related to lighting or the IoT. The easiest to implement and most popular is free Wi-Fi for mobile devices near the lights. Wi-Fi consumes relatively little power from the solar-powered light's ample energy capacity while providing impressive cost savings to citizens.

Wireless charging technology continues to advance, with several applications for solar LED light systems. Providing recharging services for smartphones is likely to come first. In the future, wireless power transfer between solar-powered devices might become a reality as well.