Street and residential site lighting: mains or solar? Lux levels, poles and luminaires

Short answer: For roads, car parks and footpaths inside residential sites, the P classes of EN 13201 apply; an average of 5–7.5 lux (P3–P4) is enough on most sites. For permanent, even lighting, mains-powered LED street lights are the most reliable solution. Solar lights make sense in parks, garden paths and remote spots where cabling is difficult or expensive; their output drops in winter and during long cloudy spells.

How much light is needed?

In Europe, road lighting is classified under EN 13201. For pedestrians and low-speed traffic, the P classes set these average illuminance targets:

• P1: 15 lux (busy pedestrian and commercial areas)
• P2: 10 lux
• P3: 7.5 lux (main site roads, car park entrances)
• P4: 5 lux (site roads, car parks)
• P5: 3 lux (garden paths, little-used areas)
• P6: 2 lux

Each class also has a minimum illuminance, so the design checks that no dark patches remain between poles, not just the average. The exact class follows from the use of the area and local authority requirements, confirmed by a lighting calculation.

Pole height and spacing

• Site roads and car parks: 4–6 m poles
• Garden and footpaths: 3–4 m poles or 0.6–1 m bollards
• Main roads: 8–12 m poles

Spacing usually starts at about 3–4 times the pole height; the exact figure depends on luminaire output, optics and the target lux level. Road-type (asymmetric) optics spread light along the road and reduce spill into windows.

Choosing an LED street light

• Protection: at least IP65 outdoors and IK08 or higher impact resistance.
• Optics: asymmetric for roads and car parks, symmetric for squares and wide areas.
• Colour: 3000–4000 K in residential areas; warmer light reduces night-time glare and light pollution.
• Control: astronomical timer or photocell for automatic dusk-to-dawn switching; dimming after midnight saves energy.
• Light pollution: flat-mounted fittings with no upward light do not disturb the sky or neighbours.

Mains-powered or solar?

Mains-powered system:

• The same light every night, whatever the weather
• High output and good uniformity; suitable for main roads and car parks
• Needs cable ducts, a lighting panel and a supply; electricity is an operating cost

Solar system:

• No cabling or electricity bill; practical where digging is impossible or the spot is remote
• Works with a panel, battery (usually LiFePO4) and charge controller; dims during the night to protect the battery
• Charges less in winter with shorter days and a lower sun; light can fall during long cloudy spells
• Needs regular panel cleaning and a battery replacement every few years

For site roads, car parks and areas where safety comes first, mains power is recommended. Solar fittings can complement it on park walkways, garden edges and spots where cabling would cost disproportionately.

Steps for site managers

1. Split areas by use: driveways, car parks, footpaths, gardens.
2. Set the target class for each and have a lighting calculation made.
3. Check existing poles and cabling; replacing old fittings with LED is often the quickest saving.
4. Have an electrician check the panel, breakers and earthing.
5. Add automatic control with an astronomical timer or photocell.

In Bursa, ENGN provides lighting calculations, luminaire selection and installation for residential sites and businesses.

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