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.

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.

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 6 profiles specifically defined?
How exactly are the switching times of the profiles determined, and where does AETO get its time from?

Our profiles always refer to 100% of the maximum value determined in the configurator and are defined from 3:00 PM to 10:00 AM.
However, this does not mean that AETO starts lighting at 3:00 PM. AETO only switches on the lighting at the beginning of the night. The trigger for this is a drop below a specific PV voltage on the solar panels, which essentially act as a brightness sensor.
As a result, the profiles are naturally shortened at the edges by the length of the day.
The profiles are structured as shown in the table, where the 100% value always corresponds to the maximum performance calculated by the configurator.
AETO PRO Version:
The PRO version synchronizes its clock via the mobile network, ensuring millisecond accuracy. Mobile networks are continuously synchronized with atomic clocks or GPS signals, meaning they deviate by only a few milliseconds from the official world time.
Consequently, the switching times of AETO PRO correspond exactly to the table below.
AETO Basic Version:
In the basic version, the middle of the night is calculated using an algorithm based on sunset and sunrise times. Dimming times are relative to this calculated midnight.
After installation, the AETO Basic controller needs approximately three days to accurately determine the length of the night and adjust the profiles according to the predefined switching times.
The middle of the night corresponds exactly to 12:00 AM twice a year, but deviations occur throughout the year.
The switching on and off of the luminaire is regulated by the presence or absence of PV voltage, meaning this process is always tied to sunrise and sunset. If all luminaires in 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.

In which terrain categories and wind zones can AETO be used?

The variant with the standard flange plate can be used in terrain category 1 and wind zone 3.
The variant with a continuous ground piece can be used in terrain category 1 and wind zone 4.
Due to varying soil conditions in each project, the foundation must be provided on-site.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

How sustainable is the Aeto solar light?

Responsible management of natural resources and respect for the environment is central to our approach. Our focus on sustainable development spans the entire supply chain. Therefore, we use durable components and prioritize short transport distances in our procurement. During operation, Aeto’s lighting is climate-neutral due to the conversion of solar energy. Installation is also more sustainable as it eliminates the need for extensive cable work.

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