Solar Powered Lighting Policy
Document No: D13#3167412
Revision: 1
Date Amended: 10-July-2013
The information below is intended to reflect the preferred practice of Main Roads Western
Australia ("Main Roads"). Main Roads reserves the right to update this information at any time
without notice. If you have any questions or comments please contact Bita Charehjoo by email or on (08) 9323 4439.
To the extent permitted by law, Main Roads, its employees, agents, authors and contributors
are not liable for any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on the
information herein displayed.
Revision Register
Ed/Version
Number
Clause
Number
Description of
Revision
Date
1
All
Guideline Developed.
10-July-2013
1)
General ............................................................................................................................ 2
2)
Design Consideration .................................................................................................... 2
3)
Equipment Selection ...................................................................................................... 2
2)
1.1
Solar PanelS .............................................................................................................. 2
1.2
BatterIES ................................................................................................................... 3
1.3
Control CabinetS........................................................................................................ 3
1.4
Light Poles and Luminaires ........................................................................................ 3
1.5
Design Drawings and As Constructed Drawings ........................................................ 3
Asset handover .............................................................................................................. 4
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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 Specification 701.
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)
Specification 701 for the supply and installation of lighting is to be applied for
procurement of all hardware/assets.
3)
EQUIPMENT SELECTION
1.1
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
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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 Specification 701 and those stated within this document.
1.2
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.
1.3
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.
1.4
LIGHT POLES AND LUMINAIRES
1)
Light poles shall be selected as per requirements set out in Main Roads Lighting
design guidelines and specification 701.
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.
1.5
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”.
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2)
ASSET HANDOVER
1)
The completed commissioned solar powered lighting installation is to be formally
handed over to the electrical maintenance contractor within 7 days of the commissioning date.
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