Solar Energy Collection: During the day, solar panels collect solar energy. The panels contain photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.

Energy Storage: The DC electricity generated by the solar panels is sent to a rechargeable battery via a solar charge controller. The charge controller ensures the battery charges properly and prevents overcharging or deep discharging, which helps prolong the battery's lifespan.

Lighting: At night, the system uses the stored energy in the battery to power an LED lamp. LEDs are used because they are energy-efficient, have a long lifespan, and require minimal maintenance. Many solar street lights include a light sensor (photocell) that detects the level of surrounding light. This sensor automatically turns the light on at dusk and off at dawn. Some models also incorporate motion sensors (PIR sensors) to save energy by increasing brightness only when movement is detected.

Control Unit: Modern solar street lights often have a smart control unit that allows for adaptive lighting features, monitoring of the system’s performance, and management of the battery’s charge level.