Integration of Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems Towards a Sustainable Street Lighting

This paper presents and applies a model for optimizing hybrid solar PV and battery energy storage systems (BESS) for street lighting, focusing on the challenges of meeting nighttime electricity demand with a daytime-only renewable energy source. The model determines optimal system sizing for solar PV and BESS by considering various parameters and technical constraints. A case study based on a typical Portuguese municipality is used to evaluate the economic and technical feasibility of this hybrid sourcing. The significant time difference between solar electricity generation and street lighting consumption imposes substantial energy storage capacity to bridge this mismatch. This research provides valuable insights into designing sustainable and cost-effective street lighting systems, enabling municipalities to reduce their reliance on the grid and transition towards greater energy independence. The results offer a framework for evaluating the economic viability under various cost and operational conditions.