Solar power for traffic signals, road equipment and street lighting in Saudi Arabia
Many traffic and ITS sites are far from a convenient grid connection: a warning signal on a rural road, a camera on a highway, a counting station, a temporary junction. X Arena designs, supplies, installs and maintains solar power systems for traffic signals, roadside equipment and lighting across Saudi Arabia, from our office in Jubail in the Eastern Province.
A solar system for road equipment has to keep the load running through the night and through days of dust or cloud. That depends on correct sizing of the panels and batteries for the real load, and on components that tolerate summer heat. We size each site from its load and location, without relying on a standard kit.
What we power with solar
Traffic signals and flashing beacons
LED signals, warning flashers and school-zone beacons at locations without a practical grid connection.
Cameras, detectors and counting stations
CCTV, radar, video detection and counting equipment along highways and remote roads.
Variable message and warning signs
Electronic signs and speed displays that need autonomous power.
Street and area lighting
Solar LED lighting for roads, junctions, parking areas and site access roads.
Main components
Solar panels and mounting
Photovoltaic panels on a pole or frame, with tilt and orientation set for the site and a structure designed for wind load.
Batteries
Battery storage sized for the required autonomy, in an enclosure that limits the effect of heat on battery life.
Charge controller
An MPPT charge controller manages charging and protects the battery from overcharge and deep discharge.
Monitoring
Remote monitoring of battery state and charging, so that a problem is seen before the load stops.
Our scope of work
Load and site study
We calculate the daily energy use of the equipment and review shading, dust and access at the location.
System sizing and design
Selection of panel power, battery capacity and autonomy days, with drawings and calculations for approval.
Supply and installation
Panels, structures, batteries, enclosures and wiring, installed and connected to the load.
Maintenance
Panel cleaning, battery checks and replacement at end of life, and inspection of the structure.
Frequently asked questions about solar power for traffic systems
Can a traffic signal run on solar power alone?
Yes, if the system is sized for it. LED signals use little power, so a correctly sized panel and battery can run a signal or a flashing beacon day and night. Larger junctions need more panel area and battery capacity, and in some cases a hybrid with the grid is the better choice.
How long does the system work without sun?
This is the autonomy of the system and it is a design choice. The battery is sized to carry the load for an agreed number of days with little or no charging.
How does heat and dust affect a solar system?
Heat shortens battery life and dust reduces panel output. We address this with suitable battery technology and enclosures, with a margin in the sizing, and with a cleaning schedule.
Can solar be added to existing road equipment?
Yes. An existing signal, camera or sign can often be converted to solar or given a solar backup, after checking its power consumption.
Does X Arena install solar systems for traffic equipment across Saudi Arabia?
Yes. X Arena designs, supplies, installs and maintains solar power systems for traffic and lighting equipment throughout Saudi Arabia. Our office is in Jubail, Eastern Province.
Related services: Traffic Light Systems · Temporary Traffic Lights · CCTV Cameras · Counting Systems
To discuss a project, contact X Arena or see all our services.