Citation

Wise J. IMSA J. 2005; 43(6): 34-36, 38-39, 42-43.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, International Municipal Signal Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In this article, the author challenges some of the conclusions of an earlier article on solar powered traffic systems, titled “A Modern Take on Solar Powered Traffic Beacons: Form Leads Function”. In essence, this article serves as a rebuttal to the earlier article, with the author asserting that the rules governing the design of solar power systems have essentially been in place for several decades. The author believes that three things are essential for effective and reliable solar design. They are: load�”how much power the equipment draws; duty cycle�”how much time each load draws power each day; and location�”the geographical applications site of the equipment. He describes in detail the importance of each. Knowing these three values allows a designer to determine the size and number of solar modules and batteries required for a reliable system. The author also describes a number of newer solar materials now available, as well as LED technology.