FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Aeto solar lighting system

For which applications can the Aeto solar system pole be used?

Aeto can be flexibly configured for various locations and applications. With its fully configurable strategy, Aeto can be used for professional outdoor lighting. Typical applications include residential streets, pathways/cycle paths, plazas, bus stops, parking lots, temporary installations, and more.

Does professional solar lighting work in locations with less sunlight exposure?

Yes, it does, with the right configuration and a careful planning strategy. Our Aeto Solar Configurator provides you with transparent, location-specific planning data. We are happy to support you with your project.

In which terrain categories and wind zones can I use Aeto?

The version with the standard flange plate can be used up to terrain category 1 and wind zone 3. The version with a continuous ground piece can be used up to terrain category 1 and wind zone 4. Due to the varying soil classes for each project, the foundation must be carried out on-site.

What luminous flux is available for my project?

The maximum possible luminous flux is 4340 lm at 22 W. The project-specific light output depends on various factors such as location, sunlight exposure, orientation, surroundings, lighting duration, light intensity, and the use of a motion sensor. Our Aeto Solar Configurator helps you determine the specifics for your project. We are also happy to assist personally. When comparing data, pay attention to the values across different seasons. Typically, light output is lower in winter compared to other seasons, as days are shorter and nights are longer.

What is the range of the PIR sensor?

The range of the PIR sensor varies depending on the pole height and sensor position:

(a) Along the road
(b) Across the road towards the luminaire head

  • Pole height 5 m: (a) 8.4–14.6 m, (b) 8.4–9.7 m
  • Pole height 6 m: (a) 10.1–10.7 m, (b) 10.1–12.6 m
  • Pole height 7 m: (a) 11.7–14.7 m, (b) 11.7–12.5 m

How can I use the stored energy, and what lighting profiles are available?

The available brightness, or the light output of our fixture, depends on the selected lighting profile, the chosen light distribution, the use of a motion sensor, and the light colour. Since the available amount of energy is a fixed value, determined by the location and battery, this energy must be allocated accordingly.
How can you calculate the maximum LED power? Simply put, the available energy [Wh] is divided by the lighting duration [h]. For example, if we have 100 Wh of usable energy, it can be used as 10 W for 10 hours or as 20 W for 5 hours.

Can the lighting profile be adjusted later in my project?

Yes, with the Aeto Pro version, lighting profiles can be adjusted later. However, to ensure proper functionality, it is important that the maximum possible light outputs are not exceeded.

How are the switching times of the different lighting profiles defined, and on what basis does Aeto determine the time?

Our profiles are always based on the maximum value of 100% determined in the configurator and are defined from 3:00 PM to 10:00 AM. However, this does not mean that Aeto Pro or Aeto Basic will start lighting at 3:00 PM. The lighting is only activated at the beginning of the night. The trigger for this is a drop in PV voltage on the solar panels, which function as a light sensor. As a result, the profiles are trimmed at the edges by the length of the day.

Specifically, the profiles follow the structure shown in the table linked below, where the 100% value always corresponds to the maximum output calculated by the configurator.

The Aeto Pro version synchronizes the time via the mobile network, achieving millisecond accuracy. Mobile networks are continuously synchronized with atomic clocks or GPS signals and therefore deviate only by a few milliseconds from the official world time. The switching times of Aeto Pro match the table exactly.

In contrast, the Aeto Basic version calculates the middle of the night using an algorithm based on sunset and sunrise. Dimming times are set in relation to this calculated night midpoint. After installing an Aeto Basic, the controller requires about three days to accurately determine the night length and execute the profiles according to the defined switching times. The middle of the night corresponds to exactly 00:00 twice a year, while slight variations occur throughout the year.

The switching on and off of the luminaire is regulated by the presence or absence of PV voltage. Therefore, this switching process is always tied to the respective sunrise and sunset. If all luminaires within a project are unshaded, they will switch on and off simultaneously.

How does Aeto perform during periods of bad weather?

Since it is important to account for periods of bad weather, we do not use all the energy stored in the battery, allowing us to bridge times with less or no sunlight. Additionally, an intelligent algorithm ensures that the light transitions to a kind of safety mode when a certain energy threshold is reached, to distribute the remaining energy over several nights.

Is AETO protected against hail?

The bollard itself and the luminaire are made of solid aluminum, which can withstand any hailstones.
The lenses and LEDs are positioned beneath the lighting unit, keeping them protected from hail.
The solar panels are made of glass and have an IK10 impact resistance rating.
Additionally, due to the vertical arrangement of the panels, hailstones hit them at a very shallow angle, significantly reducing the impact force.

How much time does it take to install the Aeto solar system pole?

The installation of Aeto is simple and quick. Depending on the configuration, the installation typically takes 30-45 minutes.

What foundation options are available for Aeto?

You have the option of in-earth foundation posts measuring 178 × 178 × 1000 mm (or 1500 mm, depending on pole height) or flange plates measuring 240 × 240 mm and 300 × 300 mm.

Is it possible to adapt other luminaire heads to the pole?

No, this is not intended.

What equipment is required for installation, and how long does it take to set up an Aeto?

Aeto is delivered in several parts: base pole, solar unit, luminaire, and battery. First, the base pole must be fixed to the ground depending on the chosen foundation. The foundation must be done on-site. Then, the solar unit should be lifted onto the base pole using a crane and secured. The mounting is done with four M14 hexagon bolts, for which a suitable socket, ratchet, and extension are required. After that, the solar unit should be released from the crane, the intended ring screw removed, and sealed with the appropriate plug. The battery is then placed into the solar unit, secured, and connected. Next, the luminaire head is attached to the solar unit. If necessary, an additional solar panel may need to be mounted and wired. Overall, the assembly should take between 30 and 45 minutes. More details can be found in the associated assembly manual, which you will find at the end of your configuration. Please also refer to the assembly manual at the end of the configuration.

Why can't I select a base mast taller than 3m for a 4m solar unit?

For structural reasons, we are limited to a maximum height of 7m.

What type of battery is used?

We use NiMH batteries in sizes of 312 Wh and 624 Wh. These batteries are highly temperature-stable from -40°C to +60°C and charge safely even in adverse weather conditions. They do not need to be buried in the ground, making them flood-resistant and protected against rodents.

What is the lifespan of the battery?

Perfectly coordinated charge and discharge settings for our NiMH battery ensure a long lifespan of approximately 5,000 charge cycles, which corresponds to 11-15 years. These figures apply as long as the maximum light output specified for the project is not exceeded.

How can the battery be replaced?

To replace the battery, two screws on the access door below the light head are removed. The old battery is then unplugged and replaced with the new one in a plug-and-play manner.

How can I recycle the battery?

Throughout the entire lifecycle of our products, we demonstrate our commitment to the environment. The requirements for environmentally friendly development and manufacturing of our durable solar light also ensure sustainable disposal. End users are legally required to recycle or return used batteries, as disposal in household waste is explicitly prohibited under battery regulations. Based on Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 on batteries and waste batteries, applicable in all EU member states, we ensure proper recycling of these components in Germany through our subsidiaries, and possibly through local service providers in the respective EU country. For country-specific regulations outside the European Union, we are happy to provide project-specific information.

What type of solar panels are used?

We use monocrystalline solar cells with shingle technology, achieving an efficiency of at least 23%.

How many solar panels are required?

This depends on the location and the desired lighting profile. With our online tool, you can configure the best possible setup for your project.

Why is 23% cell efficiency considered a peak value?

Even if other manufacturers refer to an efficiency of 22%, we are only 1% better, but 23/22 = 104.5%, meaning we are 4.5% more efficient. This allows us to generate 4.5% more power from the same area or, with the same power output, reduce the area accordingly.

Therefore, we achieve a pole width of only 178 mm. For comparison, rooftop PV modules have an efficiency of around 20%.

Can the solar panels be replaced?

Individual solar panels within a solar unit can be easily replaced if needed.

Can additional solar panels be installed later?

No, unfortunately, this is not possible.

What are the maintenance cycles for Aeto?

Solar lights are very low maintenance. We recommend an annual visual inspection. The light should be opened or serviced only every 11-15 years for battery replacement.

How does the monitoring work in the Pro version?

The Pro version comes with a hub from esave. The purchase price of the Aeto Pro includes 10 years of access to the esave Control web application, where the customer can view all their Aeto Pro units and monitor their functionality. Through this platform, we can also make changes to the profile for a service fee. If this service is to continue beyond the 10th year, an annual service fee will apply.

How sustainable is the Aeto solar light?

Responsible management of nature and resources is at the core of our values. Our focus on sustainable development encompasses the entire value chain. Therefore, we naturally use long-lasting components. When sourcing, we prioritize short transport distances. During Aeto's operation, the lighting is climate-neutral due to the conversion of solar energy. The installation process is also more sustainable, as it eliminates the need for complex cable installation work.

Select Region and Language

Just like other websites, we use cookies to improve and personalize your experience. We collect standard Internet log information and aggregated data to analyse our traffic. Our preference and marketing cookies allow us to adapt our content and ads to our audience's interests.