Solar Powered LED Lighting Policy

Table of Contents

1) General

  1. This policy provides guidance on the provision of Solar Powered Lighting at remote and isolated intersection locations where the power supply is not economical to provide.
  2. It is a requirement of Main Roads to supply and install solar powered lighting in accordance with this Policy, the Design Guideline for Roadway Lighting and Specifications 701 and 799 (to be published on line shortly).
  3. The designer shall record all changes and departures from Main Roads standards and practices for lighting design.
  4. The designer is required to detail the specifics of products and equipment selected for each location.

2) Design Consideration

  1. Solar powered lighting shall be designed and installed to operate from dusk to dawn every day of the year.
  2. The lighting requirements and category of lighting at isolated intersections shall be selected as per Main Roads Policy, Design Guidelines and Australian Standards.
  3. All other standards and design criteria which are applicable to roadway and public spaces lighting should be applied. Main Roads Design Guideline for lighting design and clear zone requirement shall be applied.
  4. Specifications 701 and 799 for the supply and installation of lighting is to be applied for procurement of all hardware/assets.
  5. The design and installation should be rated to continuously operate at 50 degrees Celsius temperature.
  6. The design shall allow for cyclone rated hardware and equipment.
  7. Lighting design level should be selected in accordance with AS/NZS1158 series and site’s specific requirements where solar powered or flag lighting is considered as a way of providing lighting at an intersection under Main Roads’ jurisdiction.
  8. Light poles shall be placed such that they achieve required setback in accordance with Main Roads roadway lighting design guidelines, AS/NZS1158 series as well as site’s specifics and constraints. The design shall allow for Lightning protection within the circuitry and each individual unit as per applicable standards.

3) Equipment Selection

3.1 Solar Panels

  1. The solar power panels shall be of sufficient size to fully charge batteries in a maximum of 8 hours during winter months of the year.
  2. Each solar panel is to be installed at such an angle that it maximises the sun absorption during winter and summer, and will generally be oriented in a north facing direction.
  3. The solar panels shall be mounted at a minimum height of 5.5 meters and secured to the light pole so that in the event of impact from an errant vehicle the panel does not become a projectile.
  4. If the solar panels are mounted on standalone columns, the support shall be designed in accordance with AS/NZS1170.2 to suit the region in which they are to be installed. The appropriate design parameters to be applied for this design and a copy of the calculations must be submitted to Main Roads for review and approval.
  5. Solar panels shall have a minimum life of 20 years with no less than 80% rated output during that period. 
  6. Solar Panels are to be fitted with a spike to prevent birds from landing and sitting on the solar panel.
  7. When solar panels are to be mounted on a light pole, the light pole design shall be in accordance with Main Roads Specifications 701 and 799 and those stated within this document.

3.2 Batteries

  1. The selected batteries must enable the lighting to be operational from dusk to dawn every day of the year.
  2. The batteries shall have adequate capacity to run without being charged from any solar panels for a minimum of 48 hours.
  3. Batteries shall be securely placed inside a control cabinet that is not accessible by the public.  Main Roads standards for switch boards shall be adopted, including the use of the specified key and cabinet numbering/labelling requirements.
  4. Batteries should be long-life, deep cycle, maintenance free, and able to operate in high temperatures. Batteries shall have a minimum working life of 5 years.
  5. Batteries should be underground rated type.
  6. Batteries should also comply with requirements stated in Specification 799.

3.3 Control Cabinets

  1. The control cabinet shall comply with the requirements adopted for the design (such as temperature, humidity, vermin and any other requirement set out by the battery manufacturer).
  2.  To ensure that the lighting remains operational, it is recommended that the lighting is remotely monitored to ensure that faults are reported, particularly when installed in remote locations.
  3. Control cabinet and battery enclosure shall be as per specification 799.

3.4 Light Poles

  1. Light poles shall be selected as per requirements set out in Main Roads Lighting design guidelines and specifications 701 and 799.
  2. Main Roads approved luminaires are to be utilised when designing for this type of installation. The Lighting Designer may wish to consider light sources with low power consumptions to allow for adequate battery. The nominated luminaire should be approved by Main Roads prior to finalisation of design.
  3. Light poles are to be designed to suit the cyclonic environment area as defined under AS/NZS1170.2.
  4. Light pole mounting height shall be as per specification 799.

3.5 Luminaires

LED luminaires should be considered for solar powered lighting. Luminaires shall be selected as per specification 799 requirements.

Lighting design along with Luminaires photometric data shall be reviewed and approved by Main Roads prior to finalising the design and construct of solar powered lighting.

Applied maintenance factor for LED shall be selected as per applicable standards under LM79 and LM80 as published by IES. Main Roads recommended maintenance factor of LED luminaire is 0.7.

3.6 Electrical wiring and protection

The design shall allow for adequate lightning and earthing protection within each light pole installation and enclosure in compliance with applicable standards under solar powered LED lighting for remote locations.  

4) Design Drawings and As Constructed Drawings

  1. Drawings shall be prepared as per Main Roads “Guidelines for Design Drawing Presentation” and “As Constructed Drawings for Electrical Assets”.

5) Asset handover

The asset handover shall be organised with Main Roads Project Manager in line with Specification 799 and Maintenance requirements.

Acknowledgement of country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

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