What is a Solar LED Road Stud

2025-03-10
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In the road traffic system, safety is always a top priority. Especially at night or when encountering bad weather, the reliability of road lighting is directly related to the safety of every road user. Solar LED road studs, with its unique design and advanced solar power technology, has become a key device to maintain road safety. So, what exactly is solar LED road studs?

 

the Material Composition of Solar Road Studs

Solar Panel Material

The solar panel is the core component of the Solar LED Spike and is responsible for converting solar energy into electricity to power the LED lights of the Spike. The material used for this part plays a decisive role in the energy conversion efficiency and durability of the studs.

 

Monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon

Monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon: Solar spikes usually use photovoltaic panels made of monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon. Monocrystalline silicon has a very high energy conversion efficiency and excellent durability, while polycrystalline silicon has a cost advantage and is often used in products where cost-effectiveness is important. For example, monocrystalline silicon solar panels are more commonly used on highways where lighting conditions are harsh and high performance is sought, while polycrystalline silicon solar panels have emerged as a cost-effective option for rural roads where budgets are limited but reliable lighting is also required.

 

Surface protection materials

Surface protection materials: To protect solar panels from external elements such as rain and dust, the panels are usually covered with a transparent polycarbonate (PC) or toughened glass. These materials are not only highly transparent, but also have excellent scratch and UV resistance, ensuring that the solar panels work efficiently for a long time. Imagine the performance of a solar panel in an outdoor environment where it is exposed to sun and rain all year round. Without this strong and transparent protective material, the performance of the solar panel would be seriously affected, thus shortening the life of the studs.

 

Shell material

The shell of the solar spike mainly plays a protective and pressure-resistant role, and needs to remain intact under repeated crushing by vehicles and various adverse weather conditions. Therefore, the choice of shell material is crucial.

 

Aluminium alloy: Aluminium alloy is one of the commonly used materials for the shell of solar studs, which is especially suitable for high-intensity road environment. Aluminium alloy not only has excellent pressure resistance and can withstand repeated crushing by heavy vehicles, but also has strong corrosion resistance, which can be adapted to long-term exposure to humidity and salt spray in the working conditions. In addition, aluminium alloys are relatively lightweight and easy to install. In some heavy traffic flow, heavy trucks frequently pass on the national highway, aluminium alloy shell of the solar road spike with its durable characteristics, can be stable for the road to provide lighting and marking services.

 

Plastic (polycarbonate or ABS plastic): Another common housing material is high-strength plastic, especially polycarbonate (PC) or ABS plastic. Polycarbonate has excellent impact resistance and weatherability, can be in high temperature, low temperature and other extreme environments, ABS plastic also has good toughness and strength, and in the weight of a certain number of occasions in the application of a wider range of requirements. In some of the spike weight restrictions on the bike path or pavement, the use of plastic shell of the solar spike can meet the lighting needs, but also easy to install and maintain.

 

Energy Storage Battery Material

The energy storage battery is an important part of the solar road stud, which is responsible for storing the solar energy absorbed during the day and releasing the electricity at night. The quality of the battery directly affects the life and stability of the spike.

 

Lithium battery: In solar road spike, lithium battery is the most common energy storage battery. Lithium batteries have the advantages of high energy density, long service life and fast charging speed, which is very suitable for the need to accumulate enough energy in a short period of time spike use. Its service life is generally up to several years, and has excellent high and low temperature resistance. Whether in hot desert areas or cold alpine regions, lithium batteries can stably provide power support for solar spikes.

 

Nickel-metal hydride batteries: Nickel-metal hydride batteries are also a common energy storage battery for solar spikes. Although its energy density is not as high as lithium batteries, it has high safety and good cycle life, so it is more used in some more cost-sensitive projects. In some small road construction or renovation projects with limited budget, NiMH battery provides a suitable energy storage solution for solar spikes with its lower cost and reliable performance.

 

LED Lamp Materials

The light source for solar spikes is usually an LED lamp, which is known for its low energy consumption and high brightness. the material used for LED lamps not only affects their brightness, but also determines their durability and energy performance.

 

Semiconductor materials (Gallium Nitride, Gallium Nitride and other materials)

Semiconductor materials (Gallium Nitride, Gallium Phosphide): At the heart of the LED lamp is a light-emitting chip made of semiconductor materials, commonly Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Gallium Phosphide (GaP). These materials are able to convert electrical energy into light energy efficiently and have a long service life, often up to tens of thousands of hours. This means that under normal use, LED lamps do not need to be replaced as often, significantly reducing maintenance costs.

Transparent encapsulation material: In order to protect the LED lamp chip from the external environment, epoxy resin or silicone resin is usually used as encapsulation material. These materials have high transparency to ensure that the brightness of the LED lamp is not affected, but also has excellent weather resistance, waterproof and dustproof effect. In the humid and rainy southern region, this waterproof and dustproof encapsulation material can effectively protect the LED lamp chip and extend its service life.

 

Internal Structure Material

The internal structure of the Solar Spike consists of electronic components and circuit boards, which together form the control system of the spike and are responsible for energy management and automatic lighting functions.

 

PCB circuit boards: The circuit boards inside the spike are usually made of glass fibre reinforced printed circuit boards (PCBs). This material has good electrical conductivity, heat resistance and mechanical strength, and is able to work stably for a long time in harsh environments. Whether in the hot summer or in the cold winter, PCB circuit boards ensure that the control system of the spike operates properly, enabling the effective use of solar energy and precise control of lighting.

 

Sealing materials: In order to protect the electronic components inside, the internal structure of the solar spike is usually encapsulated with sealing materials to prevent water vapour and dust from entering the interior. Commonly used sealing materials include silicone and epoxy resin, which have excellent water and moisture resistance. In some areas near the sea or humidity, sealing materials can effectively block moisture, protect electronic components from corrosion, to ensure the stable operation of the spike.

 

Reflective sheet material

 

In order to provide effective road guidance in the absence of light, many solar road studs have built-in reflective sheets to enhance visibility.

PMMA Reflective Material: The reflective sheet of the spike is usually made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a plexiglass material that reflects the light from vehicle headlights to enhance the visibility of the spike. At night, when the vehicle headlights shine on the reflective sheet of the road stud, the reflective sheet can reflect the light back to the driver’s line of sight, even in the absence of street lights, allowing the driver to clearly see the location of the road stud, so as to accurately judge the direction of the road.

 

How do solar LED road studs work?

Solar studs are installed on the top of the solar panels, in the daytime sunshine, the solar panels fully absorb the sunlight, and will be converted into electrical energy. The electricity generated is then transferred to the battery for storage, for the spike at night or when the light is not enough to work on the energy reserves. For example, on a sunny summer’s day, the solar panels can efficiently harvest energy to provide sufficient power to illuminate the spikes for long periods of time during the night. Lighting and road marking

 

When night falls or the ambient light fades, the photoelectric switch inside the spike comes into play. It controls the LED lights that shine through the spikes, providing a bright light that cuts through the darkness and clearly marks the edge of the road. Common locations for solar spikes are the centreline and the edge of the road. Pegs installed on the centreline of the road help drivers to accurately determine whether their vehicle is in the correct lane at night, while those installed at the edge of the road provide drivers with a clear indication of the road boundary, preventing vehicles from veering off the road. Durability and Installation Requirements

 

Solar road studs need to have sufficient load-bearing capacity to withstand the crush of passing vehicles, especially heavy vehicles. When installed, the spike needs to be buried in the road surface with a 5mm to 8mm projection. When properly installed, solar road studs have a service life of 7 to 9 years and require minimal maintenance during that time. On some of the more heavily trafficked national roads, correctly installed solar road studs have stood the test of a large number of vehicles and have worked consistently and reliably for many years, providing a reliable guarantee of road safety.

 

Colors and uses of solar powered LED road studs

 

Green LED road studs

Green LED road studs are usually set up at the entrance/exit ramps of motorways and near parking strips. When drivers see the green spikes, they will know that this is the entrance and exit of the motorway, and they can enter and exit the motorway safely through the ramp. At some motorway interchanges, the green spikes are arranged in an orderly manner, guiding vehicles smoothly into and out of the main road, ensuring the efficient operation of traffic.

 

Red LED road studs

Red LED road studs  are installed along the left side of the road, near the hard shoulder. Its presence clearly indicates to the driver that the road edge has ended and the hard shoulder is about to start. In some mountainous areas, where road conditions are complex and the boundary between the edge of the road and the hard shoulder is not easy to distinguish at night, the presence of a red LED road stud is particularly important, as it helps drivers to maintain a clear understanding of the road boundary at all times and prevents the vehicle from deviating from its normal driving trajectory.

 

Amber LED road studs

The amber LED road stud is placed on the right-hand side of a dual carriageway road or motorway, near the hard shoulder of the central divider. It is primarily used to inform the driver that the edge of the road ahead is about to transition to the centre divider. On some wide urban expressways, amber road studs clearly delineate the boundary between the lane and the median, guiding drivers to drive safely and preventing vehicles from misjudging the danger zone.

 

White LED road studs

White LED road studs are often used between lanes on dual carriageways or motorways. On the one hand, it serves to remind drivers to stay in the current lane, and on the other hand, it provides drivers with a reminder to overtake if it is safe to do so. In the highway with large traffic flow, white road studs are arranged in the middle of the lane in an orderly manner, regulating the driving trajectory of vehicles and effectively reducing traffic accidents caused by lane confusion.

 

Yellow LED road studs (when traffic is temporarily diverted)

When temporary traffic diversion is required due to road construction or maintenance, yellow LED road studs will ‘come on stage’. They are placed on the diverted road sections to convey the information of road adjustment to motorists. During the construction of a section of road, the yellow road studs are set along the edge of the temporarily opened lane, together with the temporary low-speed signs, to guide vehicles safely through the construction area, ensuring construction safety and traffic order.

 

Applications of Solar LED Road Stud Reflectors

 

Motorway and expressway

On motorways and expressways, solar-powered LED road studs play a crucial role. They are widely used in lane demarcation, at night or in bad weather conditions, clearly outline the outline of the lane, guide the driver to drive safely. At bends and junctions, the presence of road studs can warn drivers in advance, reducing the risk of accidents. In some mountainous highways at continuous curves, solar-powered LED road studs provide drivers with accurate information about curves through different arrangements and flashing frequencies, ensuring safe passage of vehicles.

 

Pedestrian Crossings

Installation of solar-powered LED road studs at pedestrian crossings significantly improves visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. For drivers, the bright light emitted by the spikes alerts them to the presence of a pedestrian crossing ahead and the need to slow down; for pedestrians, the presence of the spikes gives them peace of mind when crossing the road. At some pedestrian crossings near schools, the installation of solar-powered LED spikes has effectively reduced the number of traffic accidents and ensured the safety of students and pedestrians.

 

Schools and Residential Areas

In school zones and residential areas, Solar LED road studs act as an additional safety measure, slowing down traffic and increasing the safety awareness of road users. During school drop-off and pick-up times, the flashing of the spikes attracts drivers’ attention to pedestrians in the school neighbourhood, thus reducing speeds and ensuring the safety of students. On roads in residential areas, the installation of road spikes can also regulate the movement of vehicles, creating a safer and quieter living environment for residents.

 

Cycling and Walking Paths

Solar-powered LED road studs also play an important role on cycle and footpaths. They provide clear guidance for non-motorised users and in low-light conditions, the light from the spikes illuminates the path to ensure the safety of cyclists and walkers. In some parks, on walking paths or riverside cycle paths, solar-powered LED road studs not only illuminate and guide the way, but also blend in with the surrounding natural environment, providing a better travelling experience for visitors and residents.

 

Benefits of Solar Road Studs Light

 

High brightness

The brightness of ordinary reflective road studs is usually only between 300MCD and 400MCD, while the brightness of solar LED road studs can reach up to 2000MCD, which is 6 to 7 times of ordinary reflective road studs. In bad weather conditions such as foggy days, the high brightness of solar LED road studs can clearly display road contours and curve information, more effectively guiding drivers to drive safely. Due to their high brightness, solar LED road studs can be installed at greater spacing, almost double the spacing of traditional cat’s eye road studs, thus requiring fewer installations and reducing costs by approximately 50 per cent. In areas where foggy weather is common, the high luminance of solar LED road studs provides a reliable guarantee of road safety and saves costs for road construction and maintenance.

 

Economical and self-sustaining

Equipped with solar-powered rechargeable batteries or capacitors, Solar LED Spikes are able to operate automatically without the need for external power support and without the need to invest heavily in electrical infrastructure, thus reducing the financial burden. This allows them to be easily deployed in remote areas and work even where there is no or inconvenient power supply. In some remote mountainous rural areas, solar-powered LED road spikes have facilitated night-time travel for local residents, making them an affordable and reliable lighting solution.

 

Reduce and prevent accidents

Solar LED road studs provide drivers with more reaction time, allowing them to avoid common causes of accidents such as sudden braking and emergency lane changes. At night or in adverse weather conditions, the bright LED light of the spike can penetrate fog or mist to provide a visibility distance of over 800 metres, warning drivers in advance of hazards ahead. The significant reduction in accident rates after the installation of solar-powered LED road studs on a mountainous stretch of road where accidents are common is a testament to their important role in reducing and preventing accidents.

 

Active Lighting and Dynamic Warning

Solar LED road studs will flash at a certain frequency at night, with a strong dynamic warning effect. Its active light-emitting properties not only minimise the interference of fog, but also allow drivers to get rid of the over-reliance on car headlights and have a longer and better visual distance. This largely reduces drivers’ use of high beams and avoids inconveniencing oncoming drivers or passengers. On some urban expressways, the dynamic warning effect of solar-powered LED road studs effectively alerts drivers to road conditions and improves road safety.

 

Case Study: Staffordshire Project

In Staffordshire, UK, the National Highways Agency installed nearly 6,000 solar road studs on the M6 motorway between Junction 12 and Junction 13. The area had previously been subject to a high number of night-time accidents, such as vehicle collisions and scrapes, due to poor lighting conditions. The installation of the solar spikes has significantly improved the situation by illuminating the road consistently and steadily, improving visibility for drivers and effectively reducing the accident rate. This project demonstrates the effectiveness and potential of solar-powered LED road studs in improving road safety.