Several options are manufactured for the residential and public illumination market. They are available in a varied number of solar modules that provide illumination in a level and amount adapted for each need. There are commercial fluorescent and dulux lighting systems ranging from 9 to 22 W and low-power incandescent illumination lamps from 45 to 110 W. Traditional manufacturers are Philips, Osram, and General Electric.
A typical home lighting commercial kit consists of a 9 W/11 W/15 W energy – efficient compact fluorescent light luminary, solar photovoltaic module, battery, and a charge controller unit. The PV panel charges the battery during the daytime, and the energy thus stored in the battery is used to power the lights whenever required. The bulb controller very often has a built-in high-efficiency electronic inverter to reduce energy losses and noise and provide more lighting time. A charge controller unit is used to control the charging of the battery. It comes with electronics, which controls overcharging and overdischarging of the battery, which in turn increases battery life.
Solar energy can provide a good illumination solution for streets, blocks and parks. Electric power is obtained from solar panels and stored in a system of charged batteries through a load controller. Such systems are usually installed individually on top of each illumination pole with high-efficiency compact bulbs. Solar photovoltaic street light systems use the efficient 11 W/18 W compact fluorescent light providing illumination equivalent to an 60 W/75 W/100W/150 W incandescent light bulb. These systems are equipped with high-efficiency, high-frequency electronic inverters to reduce energy losses and noise and provide lighting for a longer period. The system does not require any external power supply since the solar panel is inherently safe for public use and requires less frequent maintenance.
A truly portable solar lantern is also possible with an energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulb, battery, and electronics all placed in a compact housing and packaged along with a PV module. This solar lantern is equipped with a high-efficiency electronic inverter and a charge controller with deep discharge and overcharge protection to enhance battery life without need of maintenance.
Also, solar energy is used as a practical and economical source of illumination in camping areas, maintaining the charge of the battery system or being transformed to alternative energy at compatible voltage patterns for the most varied domestic means available in the market [19-21]. For fluvial and marine embarkations and similar types of movable loads, the generated energy is indicated for those cases where there is need of a simple, compact, light, and efficient energy system without need of fuels.
