Advantages

Solar street lights are independent of the utility grid. Hence, the operation costs are minimized.

Solar street lights require much less maintenance compared to conventional street lights.

Since external wires are eliminated, risk of accidents are minimized.

This is a non polluting source of electricity

Separate parts of solar system can be easily carried to the remote areas

It allows the saving of energy and also cost.

Disadvantages

Initial investment is higher compared to conventional street lights.

Risk of theft is higher as equipment costs are comparatively higher.

Snow or dust, combined with moisture can accumulate on horizontal PV-panels and reduce or even stop 

energy production.

Rechargeable batteries will need to be replaced several times over the lifetime of the fixtures adding to the 

total lifetime cost of the light.

The charge and discharge cycles of the battery is also very important considering the overall cost of the 

project.