Street lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing safety, security, and aesthetics in urban and rural environments. The Illumination Engineering Society of South Africa (IESSA) explores the most recent trends shaping the future of street lighting in South Africa.
Street lighting is the single largest source of carbon emissions from local government, typically accounting for 30-60% of their total emissions, according to Green Building Africa. Accelerating the update of LED streetlights by the public sector with ‘smart controls’ improves road safety and security while significantly reducing a city's energy bill plus carbon emissions.
As technology continues to advance, street lighting is evolving to become more energy-efficient, smart, and adaptable to the needs of South African cities and communities.
Current state of street lighting in South Africa
Loss of lighting in critical areas reduces visibility on our roads and endangers the lives of both drivers and pedestrians. Well-lit areas are also a proven deterrent to criminal activities. Current factors leading to loss of lighting include disconnection of power due to unpaid bills but far more common is downtime due to copper cable theft.
Another trend on the rise is the sabotage of the timers on streetlights that switch the lights off during the day and turn them on when it becomes dark. The timers have been a target of deliberate damage, which has led to the lights illuminating throughout the day and night; this apparently enables criminal syndicates to use these circuits for illegal connections. Solar streetlights require absolutely no interaction with South Africa’s national power grid – you could call them “wireless” – so they cannot be affected by vandalism of the power supply or be switched off due to non-payment.
Evolution of local street lighting
The evolution of street lighting in South Africa is being driven by the need for sustainability, cost-efficiency, and adaptability. As smart technologies, solar power, and human-centric designs become more prevalent, street lighting is set to play a pivotal role in the development of safer, smarter, and more attractive cities.
Let’s now look at some of the trends at the forefront of street lighting:
- LED lighting dominance
-Energy efficiency: LED lighting has become the preferred choice due to its low energy consumption, durability, and long lifespan.
-Cost savings: Municipalities are saving significantly on electricity bills and maintenance costs by switching to LED streetlights.
-Enhanced light quality: LEDs provide better illumination with improved colour rendering, which enhances visibility and safety.
- Smart street lighting systems
-Adaptive lighting: These systems adjust brightness based on traffic, weather, or time of day, reducing energy usage during low-traffic hours.
-Remote monitoring and control: Streetlights can be monitored and managed remotely, allowing for quick responses to maintenance issues or malfunctions.
-Integration with IoT: Smart street lighting systems can communicate with other smart city infrastructure, enabling data collection for traffic management, air quality monitoring, and more.
- Solar-powered street lighting
-Sustainability: Solar-powered lights are gaining popularity due to South Africa’s abundant sunlight, offering a sustainable solution to power streetlights, especially in off-grid areas.
-Cost-effective: While the initial investment can be high, the long-term savings on electricity and minimal maintenance make solar lighting an attractive option.
-Hybrid systems: Combining solar with grid power ensures uninterrupted lighting, even during cloudy days or extended periods of bad weather.
- Human-centric lighting design
-Adaptive lighting for pedestrians and cyclists: Prioritising the safety and comfort of pedestrians and cyclists by using warmer, more focused lighting in areas where people gather.
-Reduced light pollution: Efforts to minimise glare and light spillover ensure that lighting is directed where it's needed most, reducing energy waste and light pollution.
- Integration of motion sensors
-Dynamic lighting: Lights can dim when no movement is detected and brighten when activity is sensed, optimising energy use while ensuring safety.
-Crime deterrence: Sudden brightening can act as a deterrent for potential criminal activities, enhancing public safety in urban areas.
- Use of environmentally friendly materials
-Recyclable components: Streetlights made from recyclable materials are becoming more prevalent, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainability.
-Reduced carbon footprint: The adoption of materials with a lower environmental impact supports eco-friendly city initiatives.
- Aesthetic and architectural lighting
-Enhancing urban identity: Streetlights are no longer just functional; they are designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal and identity of urban spaces.
-Customisation: Cities are opting for designs that complement their architecture, using streetlights as a means of adding character and beauty to public spaces.
- Lighting as a Service (LaaS)
-Outsourcing street lighting management: Municipalities are increasingly partnering with service providers who handle the installation, maintenance, and management of street lighting, reducing the need for upfront capital investment.
-Performance-based models: Payment is often based on energy savings, or the level of service provided, making this a cost-effective and flexible option.
By staying abreast of these trends, lighting professionals can ensure they contribute to the growth of modern, energy-efficient urban environments in South Africa.
