All-in-One (Integrated) vs. All-in-Two (Split) Solar Street Lights: Which is Best for Highways?

December 09, 2025

For highway lighting, the choice between All-in-One (Integrated) Solar Street Lights and All-in-Two (Split) Solar Street Lights hinges on highway-specific requirements: high brightness, long runtime (10–12+ hours nightly), extreme durability (wind, temperature, vibration resistance), low maintenance, and optimal solar energy absorption. Below is a detailed comparison of their suitability for highways, along with a clear recommendation and selection criteria.

First, clarify the two configurations to frame the comparison:

All-in-One (Integrated): Combines solar panel, LED module, lithium battery, and controller into a single compact unit. Mounted directly on the light pole (no separate solar panel installation).

All-in-Two (Split): Splits the system into two parts:

A separate solar panel (mounted on the pole top or adjacent structure)

A light fixture (housing LED, battery, and controller) mounted lower on the pole.

Connected by wires (typically 3–5 meters).

Critical Comparison for Highway Applications

Highways demand uncompromising performance: they require 5,000–20,000+ lumens per fixture (to illuminate 10–20m wide lanes), reliable operation in -30°C to 60°C temperatures, resistance to high winds (≥12 level) and traffic vibrations, and minimal maintenance (since highway poles are hard to access).

Here’s how the two types stack up:

Evaluation Factor	All-in-One (Integrated)	All-in-Two (Split)
Brightness & Runtime (Highway Priority)	Limited by compact design: Solar panel size (max ~1.2㎡) and battery capacity (max ~100Ah) restrict output to 5,000–8,000 lumens. Runtime may drop to 6–8 hours in cloudy weather (insufficient for 24/7 highway needs).	No size constraints: Larger solar panels (1.5–3㎡) and high-capacity batteries (100–200Ah) deliver 8,000–20,000+ lumens. Supports 10–14 hours of continuous lighting (even in low sunlight) — meets highway “all-night” requirements.
Solar Energy Absorption	Fixed panel angle (integrated into the fixture) — hard to optimize for latitude/season. Risk of shading from nearby structures/poles.	Adjustable solar panel: Can be tilted to match local latitude (e.g., 30°–45° for optimal sun exposure) and mounted higher to avoid shading. Captures 20–30% more solar energy than all-in-one.
Durability & Environmental Resistance	Compact design = higher wind load (risk of pole damage in storms). Components are cramped, leading to poor heat dissipation — battery life shortens in high temperatures (critical for highways in deserts or tropical regions). Vibration from traffic may loosen internal connections.	Split design = lower wind resistance (solar panel mounted securely on pole top). Separate components allow better heat dissipation (battery/LED not exposed to direct sunlight with the panel), extending battery life by 30–50%. Sturdier wiring and mounts resist traffic vibrations.
Maintenance & Repairability	Fully integrated: If one component fails (e.g., battery or solar panel), the entire unit must be replaced. Highway maintenance requires cherry pickers — high replacement cost and downtime.	Modular design: Replace only faulty components (e.g., battery, LED) without removing the entire system. Solar panels can be inspected/cleaned separately (critical for dusty highways). Lower maintenance cost and shorter downtime.
Installation Complexity	Simple: One unit, no wiring between panel and fixture. Faster installation (15–20 mins per pole).	Slightly complex: Requires mounting the solar panel, running wires, and aligning the panel angle. Installation time (30–40 mins per pole) is longer but manageable with trained teams.
Cost (Initial vs. Long-Term)	Lower initial cost ($200–$500 per unit) — attractive for budget-constrained projects. Higher long-term cost: Shorter lifespan (3–5 years) and frequent replacements.	Higher initial cost ($400–$1,000 per unit) — offset by longer lifespan (5–8 years) and lower maintenance/ replacement costs. Total cost of ownership (TCO) is 40–60% lower over 5 years.
Suitability for Highway Lanes	Only viable for secondary highways, rural roads, or parking lot access roads (low traffic, moderate lighting needs).

Why All-in-Two (Split) is the Better Choice for Highways

Why All-in-Two (Split) Solar Street Lights is the Better Choice for Highways

Highways are critical infrastructure where performance, reliability, and low maintenance take priority over initial cost. All-in-two systems address the most pressing highway needs:

Adequate Brightness & Runtime: Larger components deliver the high lumens and long operating hours required to illuminate wide lanes and ensure driver safety.

Optimal Energy Harvesting: Adjustable solar panels maximize energy absorption, even in regions with variable sunlight (e.g., northern Europe, mountainous areas).

Durability in Harsh Conditions: Better heat dissipation and wind resistance ensure longevity in extreme weather (highways often span deserts, cold zones, or coastal areas with salt spray).

Cost-Effective Long-Term: Modular maintenance reduces downtime and replacement costs — critical for highways where lighting outages pose safety risks.

Exception: When to Choose All-in-One

All-in-one may be suitable for:

Secondary Roads/Rural Highways: Low traffic volume, shorter lighting distances (≤8m lane width), and easy maintenance access (e.g., roads near urban areas).

Temporary Lighting: Construction zones or emergency highway repairs (fast installation, no long-term commitment).

Budget Constraints: Small-scale projects with limited funding (but plan for higher replacement costs after 3–4 years).

Key Selection Tips for Highway Solar Street Lights (All-in-Two Priority)

If opting for all-in-two (the recommended choice), focus on these highway-specific specs:

Brightness & Uniformity: ≥10,000 lumens per fixture, 120°–150° beam angle (to cover 12–15m lane width), and uniform light distribution (no dark spots).

Battery Performance: Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries (temperature-resistant, 2,000+ charge cycles) with ≥100Ah capacity (supports 12 hours runtime in cloudy weather).

Solar Panel: Monocrystalline silicon (higher efficiency, ≥23% conversion rate) with ≥1.5㎡ area (for high latitudes or low sunlight regions).

Durability Ratings: IP67+ waterproof rating (resists rain/snow), wind load resistance ≥0.6kN/㎡ (for storms), and vibration resistance (IEC 60068-2-6 standard for traffic vibrations).

Certifications: Compliance with highway standards (e.g., CE, FCC, RoHS) and local road safety certifications (e.g., DOT in the US, ECE in Europe).

Warranty: ≥5-year warranty for the battery and LED module (reflects manufacturer confidence in long-term performance).

For primary highways, expressways, and high-traffic national roads, All-in-Two (Split) Solar Street Lights are the superior choice — they meet the strict requirements for brightness, runtime, durability, and low maintenance.

All-in-one systems are better suited for secondary roads or temporary applications where initial cost and quick installation are prioritized.

ETIQUETAS CALIENTES :

All-in-One (Integrated) vs. All-in-Two (Split) Solar Street Lights: Which is Best for Highways?

All-in-Two Solar Street Lights

farolas solares todo en uno

Alumbrado público solar integrado

farolas solares divididas

High brightness Solar Street Lights

Splits system Street Lights

Monocrystalline silicon Street Lights

Combines solar panel Street Lights

LiFePO4 batteries Street Lights