In recent years, advancements in technology have significantly enhanced performance and reliability of solar-powered street lighting systems. The latest generation of lithium-ion batteries, coupled with monocrystalline solar panels, has revolutionised energy storage and
utilisation, leading to increased lumen output from luminaires. Consequently, solar-powered street lighting has become a viable option for urban illumination projects.
In another groundbreaking development in solar power, a United Kingdom company has achieved the remarkable feat of proving it possible to power an LED light from space using Wi-Fi transmissions. The company now has ambitious plans to supply energy to over a million homes by the 2030s, using mirrors and solar panels orbiting the Earth to harness sunlight efficiently. The innovative design, known as CASSIOPeiA, utilises a rotating system that tracks the sun's position, directing power to a ground-based receiver. Successful demonstrations at Queen's University Belfast have showcased the technology's potential, with a wireless beam effectively activating a light across a laboratory.
If implemented, this technology could revolutionise energy systems and particularly public lighting electricity supplies. Solar panels deployed in space can harvest thirteen times more power due to higher intensity of sunlight compared to ground-based installations. This advancement also promises to have a profound impact on energy sustainability and efficiency.