A solar traffic signal system is more than a signal head
For the African port project, our supply covered traffic signal lights, the control system, solar panels, batteries and related equipment. The local partner handled foundations, poles, installation and commissioning. When questions arose on site, we provided technical guidance.
This article introduces the products supplied for this project and the information needed when planning a similar system.
Products supplied for this project
- 300 mm traffic signal lights
- 100 mm traffic signal lights
- 800 × 600 mm countdown displays
- 300 mm countdown displays
- 100 W solar panels
- 65 Ah batteries
- MPPT controllers
- Wireless traffic control host units
Four equipment groups to discuss together
One project.
Four equipment groups.
Traffic signal lights
Define the required signal functions, installation positions and mounting interfaces. A signal head should be selected in the context of the road layout and applicable project requirements.
Explore traffic signals →Control system
Describe the movements to be managed and the required operating sequence. Confirm compatibility between the controller and the proposed signal equipment before finalising the configuration.
Explore traffic controllers →Solar panels
Share the site location, mounting arrangement and potential shading. Panel selection needs to be assessed alongside the equipment load and local solar conditions.
Batteries
Confirm the operating schedule, expected backup requirement and installation environment. Battery selection should be reviewed together with the panel and control system configuration.
The product list above describes the supply scope of this project. Equipment configurations and interfaces for other projects need to be confirmed against their site conditions.
Connect the equipment scope to the local site
Where equipment meets the site
Signals
Control system
Solar panels and batteries
Mounting details
Connection documents
Installation responsibilities
Foundations and poles
Installation
Commissioning
The planning illustration shows where equipment supply and local fabrication need to be discussed together. Signal heads and locally supplied pole components meet at physical mounting interfaces; power and control connections also need to be agreed.
For a new project, establish who will confirm mounting dimensions, cable routing, equipment connections and the relevant drawings. The sequence above is a suggested coordination framework, not an as-built diagram of this project.
Site records: equipment preparation and mounting
These two additional photographs come from the customer’s original project records. They show equipment preparation and pole-mounted equipment installation, providing context for coordination with the local team.
What to include in a solar traffic light enquiry
A clear project brief helps turn a broad request for “solar traffic lights” into a discussion about an actual installation.
- Location and application: country, site type and a basic road layout.
- Signal requirements: proposed positions, directions and functions.
- Power and operation: available supply, operating schedule and backup expectations.
- Local scope: whether foundations, poles, cabling and installation are arranged locally.
- Project requirements: relevant specifications, review requirements and target schedule.
If some details are still unknown, identify them in the enquiry. They can then be clarified before a configuration is proposed.
Questions before specifying equipment
Did the supplier also provide foundations and poles?
For this project, the local partner was responsible for foundations and poles. Our supply covered signal lights, the control system, solar panels, batteries and related equipment.
Can the same solar panel and battery configuration be reused elsewhere?
This project included 100 W solar panels and 65 Ah batteries. A new site still needs a separate assessment of equipment load, local solar conditions and backup requirements before selecting its configuration.
Where can I see the complete project story?
Read the African port project overview for the supply responsibilities and available site records.
Planning solar traffic signals for your site?
Send your site layout, equipment requirements and local installation scope. We can discuss the configuration and identify what still needs to be confirmed.
Discuss your project →Related solution: Solar LED traffic lights