Solar Traffic Signs, LED technolgy for road safety

Solar traffic signs can undertake a vital function in a modern, advanced traffic management system. These signs are strongly illuminated and therefore easy to read, making them much more suitable for their purpose of ensuring the attention of road users. In addition, of course, they have the considerable benefit of helping to conserve energy because of their environmentally conscious solar technology.

An analysis of the need for solar traffic signs and their advantages will make it quite apparent why they have proved to be so suitable for traffic management applications such as the advanced warning of hazards.

The situation with regards to conventional sources of fuel for electricity has been deteriorating rapidly in recent years and, as our reserves of fossil fuels have rapidly been dwindling, so scientists and engineers have been seeking viable alternatives. Solar energy represents the cutting edge of this research and is now being employed in numerous ways in connection with traffic management. For example, solar street lights, solar road studs and solar traffic lights are now routinely being used in many parts of the world.

So, why solar traffic signs
Well, the first of a whole host of benefits to be gained from using solar signs is that they are absolutely simple to install at any location. With no cables to run or generators to transport, solar signs can be quickly, easily transported to the place you want the sign and then erected within minutes. This means that unexpected traffic problems which necessitate some kind of warning or advice sign for road users can be up and running very quickly – often needing only one person to undertake the installation.

Solar road signs operate by utilizing Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), which are far brighter than conventional light bulbs – meaning that visibility is much clearer for road users, therefore making the roads safer. These extra bright LEDs also last for a considerable length of time, consuming remarkably little energy in comparison with their conventional counterparts.

Solar outdoor lighting systems are designed to store the energy produced by the solar panel in a battery – itself charged by means of a solar charger – which can keep working for up to two years.
Solar traffic signs can function efficiently during the night as well as during daylight hours. They can be controlled by a timer, or by a remote control device, or they can be programmed to flash to attract the attention of motorists or other road users to give them necessary information. It is now quite possible to program a sign to present different messages at various times of the day, to cater for different road conditions. Additionally, because of the developments in solar technology, there is no need to worry about overcast or cloudy days – the signs nowadays will just keep on working.

Similarly, despite their small size and ease of transportation, they are able to withstand buffeting from strong winds, whilst continuing to function. The effectiveness of the solar technology and the lack of cables, etc also means that, once in position, solar road signs are refreshingly self-sufficient and require very little in the way of maintenance.

There are countless applications for solar traffic signs – around schools, pedestrian crossings, working areas, accident ‘black spots’, emergency road or lane closures or traffic diversions and many, many more. This is a market which, undoubtedly, will continue to expand in the foreseeable future. More on outdoor solar lights