An off-grid solar street light can have a correctly specified LED and battery yet still fail to recharge if the panel is shaded at the actual installation site. For contractors installing dozens or hundreds of poles, a shading survey is a procurement requirement, not an afterthought. This guide explains what to record before finalizing the pole and photovoltaic module arrangement.
Walk the site at the proposed pole locations
Mark each planned pole coordinate and identify nearby trees, walls, buildings, overhead structures and future construction. A clear view at midday does not prove good solar exposure during morning and afternoon. Take photographs in several directions and note the height of obstacles. The survey should cover the intended PV module position, not only ground-level conditions.
Account for seasonal changes
The sun’s apparent path changes during the year, and tree canopies may also change with seasons. A location with acceptable summer exposure may receive substantially less winter energy. Use appropriate local solar data and a site-specific shading assessment rather than assuming a generic number of daily sun hours. The engineer should check the lowest-energy season that matters for the required operating profile.
Check panel tilt and azimuth
The module orientation must be compatible with local solar resource, mechanical clearances and the mounting system. Some integrated fixtures offer limited adjustment; others use separate adjustable panels. Avoid changing tilt or mounting hardware without checking wind loading and manufacturer instructions. For roadside poles, the optimum solar direction may conflict with luminaire aiming or decorative design, so these interfaces need coordination.
Calculate generation and load as one system
The design should compare conservative daily PV generation against the nightly LED consumption, controller losses and any communication or sensor loads. Battery autonomy depends on usable watt-hours, depth-of-discharge policy, temperature and expected recharge opportunities. Do not promise a fixed number of rainy-day backup nights without the local weather and dimming assumptions.
Create a site acceptance record
At installation, verify panel direction, fastening, cable protection, shading and commissioning settings. Record the pole number, GPS coordinate, panel orientation, photos and measured electrical checks required by the contract. If trees are expected to grow into the solar window, agree on vegetation management responsibilities before handover.
RFQ and Commissioning Checklist
- Pole coordinates and proposed PV mounting height
- Obstacle heights, distances and directional photos
- Seasonal solar resource and shading study
- Panel tilt, azimuth and adjustable bracket limits
- Nightly LED and auxiliary energy budget
- Battery usable capacity and autonomy assumptions
- Commissioning record and vegetation maintenance plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a bigger battery solve a shaded panel?
Not permanently. Without adequate PV generation, a larger battery may still fail to recharge.
Can the panel face the road for appearance?
Only if the resulting orientation meets the energy design and mechanical requirements.
Should shade be checked before or after buying the poles?
Before procurement approval, so the system and mounting design can be adapted.
Get a Project-Specific SUNLUX Quotation
Send SUNLUX Lighting your project drawings, BOQ, location and required operating conditions. We can review the relevant product and control options and prepare a quotation for the confirmed configuration. Email sales@sunluxledlighting.com or WhatsApp +8619189782897.
Related guides: Solar Street Light Battery Wh Tender Guide · Solar Charging Time Explained.
