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Writer's pictureJayne Forde

Solar Street Lights vs. Traditional Street Lights: 

A Smart Solution to Ghana’s Lighting Challenges


In Ghana, where street lighting infrastructure can be outdated or dumsor affecting daily life, the need for innovative solutions is more pressing than ever. Traditional street lights, which depend on a strained electrical grid, often fail to provide consistent illumination, leaving our public spaces in darkness and our roads unsafe. However, solar street lights present a modern, reliable, and sustainable alternative.


Solar street light in Ghana providing bright illumination during a power outage
Dyson Energy Solar Street Lights at Tills Beach Resort, Gomoa Fetteh, Ghana


Energy Efficiency

One of the standout features of solar street lights is their ability to operate independently of the national grid. In Ghana, where dumsor remains a persistent issue, this independence is a significant advantage. Solar street lights harness the power of the sun, ensuring that lighting is available even during blackouts or periods of erratic power supply. This drastically reduces the reliance on electricity, which is often generated from non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels.


Moreover, solar street lights typically use LED technology, which is significantly more energy-efficient than the high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps used in many traditional systems. LEDs produce brighter light while consuming far less energy, a feature that enhances their appeal, particularly in cities like Accra and Kumasi, where outdated street lights struggle to meet current illumination standards.


Cost Considerations

Surprisingly, the initial cost of installing solar street lights is actually lower than the traditional alternative and the long-term savings are undeniable. In Ghana, the frequent power outages mean that traditional street lights not only consume electricity but also require frequent repairs and maintenance due to damage from voltage fluctuations and outages. Over time, these costs add up, making traditional lighting systems more expensive to operate. Solar street lights, on the other hand, require little to no maintenance and have virtually no operational costs since they don’t rely on electricity from the grid. This makes them an economically smart choice, especially for rural areas or municipalities operating on limited budgets. In the long run, solar street lights provide a cost-effective solution, particularly in areas where the national grid does not yet extend.


Quick and Easy Installation

Another key advantage of solar street lights is their quick installation process. Unlike traditional street lights, which require extensive wiring and connection to the electrical grid, solar street lights come as self-contained units with all necessary components—solar panels, batteries, and lights—already integrated into the design, making installation quick and hassle-free. With the right equipment, they can be set up in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal solution for rapid deployment in areas where infrastructure is lacking or where immediate lighting is needed. This simplicity not only saves time but also reduces the labour and technical expertise required for installation, further driving down costs.


Environmental Impact

The environmental benefits of solar street lights are particularly relevant to Ghana’s sustainability goals. By harnessing solar energy, these lights help reduce carbon emissions associated with the generation of electricity from fossil fuels. In a country that is still working to diversify its energy mix, adopting solar street lights is a practical step toward reducing the national carbon footprint.


Traditional street lights, dependent on electricity from the grid, continue to contribute to pollution. Given the global urgency around climate change and Ghana’s own commitments to environmental sustainability, solar-powered lighting is an environmentally responsible option that aligns with national priorities.


Solar street light in Ghana providing bright illumination even during a power outage.
Dyson Energy residential solar lights at a private residence in Ghana

Safety and Reliability

In a country where safety and security are heavily impacted by inconsistent lighting, solar street lights offer a reliable solution. Because they are independent of the grid, these lights continue to operate during power outages, ensuring that streets and public spaces remain well-lit. This is particularly important in high-traffic areas like marketplaces, residential streets, and highways, where reliable lighting can reduce accidents and deter crime.


Traditional street lights, on the other hand, leave entire neighbourhoods in darkness during blackouts, exacerbating safety concerns. Solar street lights provide a critical advantage by delivering uninterrupted illumination, making them especially useful for areas affected by dumsor.


Solar Street Lights Designed for Ghana

At Dyson Energy, we took pride in designing solar street lights specifically tailored to withstand the unique challenges of Ghana’s coastal climate. Our high-quality street lights come equipped with robust batteries, ensuring consistent illumination throughout the night, even in areas prone to fluctuating weather conditions. Over the past several years, we have rigorously tested our lights in various regions across Ghana, ensuring they are perfectly suited to the local landscape. From 60W models ideal for residential settings to powerful 150W options designed for commercial spaces, we also offer double-armed 150W lights for roads and highways. Dyson Energy's solar street lights are the highest quality available on the market, making us a reliable partner for large-scale contracts aimed at improving public lighting and infrastructure. We are committed to providing sustainable, reliable, and durable solutions for Ghana’s future.




As Ghana seeks to modernise its infrastructure and improve public services, solar street lights present an ideal solution to the outdated and unreliable traditional street lighting system. With clear benefits in terms of energy efficiency, cost savings, environmental impact, and reliability, they are an essential part of the conversation around the future of urban development in Ghana. 


Curious about solar street lights for your home or business? Contact us today to discuss options👉🏽info@dysonenergysolar.com or call +233201922066.



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