Project

Zhejiang DeQing Community Solar-Powered Tennis Court Lighting System Case Study

I. Project Overview

Project Name: Deqing County Moganshan Community Solar Smart Tennis Court Lighting System
Implementation Period: September – November 2024
Project Scale: 2 standard tennis courts (23.77m × 10.97m each), with spectator rest areas
Project Background: In response to the “Green and Low-Carbon Community” initiative, this project addresses the high energy consumption and light pollution issues of traditional lighting systems, while enhancing nighttime sports experiences for residents.

II. System Design Plan

1. Core Component Selection

II. System Design Plan

1. Core Component Selection

Component TypeTechnical ParametersSelection Rationale
Solar Panels24V/300W monocrystalline (22% efficiency), 8 panels, total 2.4kWHigh efficiency, suitable for rainy southern climate
Battery48V/200Ah LiFePO₄, 8 sets, total 800AhLong cycle life (>3000 cycles), high safety, strong temperature adaptability
ControllerMPPT smart controller (built-in)30% charging efficiency boost, overcharge/discharge protection
LED Lights300W asymmetric LED ×16, 5000K color temp, CRI ≥90Asymmetric light distribution, anti-glare design, 30% vertical illuminance boost
Light Poles10m height, hot-dip galvanized steel, anti-corrosion coating, 8 poles per courtMeets professional lighting height requirements

2. System Topology

Solar Panel Array → MPPT Controller → Battery Bank → LED Lights
↑
└─ Smart Control System (Light Sensor + Timer + Remote Control)

III. Lighting Layout Plan

1. Luminaire Arrangement

Bilateral Symmetrical Layout:

2. Optical Design Parameters

ParameterDesign ValueStandard Requirement
Horizontal IlluminanceAvg. 500 lux, uniformity 0.85ITF Class III ≥500 lux, uniformity ≥0.7
Vertical IlluminanceServe area ≥500 luxITF Class III ≥300 lux
Glare Index (UGR)≤18Professional competition ≤19
Color Rendering (CRI)92TV broadcast ≥90
Color Temperature5000K (cool white)4000–5700K (enhances ball visibility)

3. Solar System Configuration Calculation

IV. Anti-Glare & Light Pollution Control Plan

  1. Luminaire Technology:
    1. Patented asymmetric reflector: light reflected directionally, shielding angle ≥30°
    1. Built-in honeycomb grille + nano-etched anti-glare glass to block side glare
    1. Asymmetric rectangular light distribution (120°×60°), precise court coverage, spill light <10%
  2. Smart Control:
    1. Light sensor + timer: auto-on at sunset, dimmed to 30% after 2 AM
    1. Zonal control: separate control for court and rest areas to reduce light pollution

V. Smart Control System Features

  1. Basic Functions:
    1. Auto light control: activates when ambient light <30 lux
    1. Time-based modes: “Match Mode” (100%), “Training Mode” (70%), “Maintenance Mode” (30%)
  2. Advanced Functions:
    1. Remote monitoring via mobile app for real-time status and energy data
    1. Fault alerts: automatic warnings for battery or luminaire issues
    1. Adaptive adjustment: brightness increased by 15% on rainy days

VI. Implementation Results

  1. Energy Efficiency:
    1. 70% energy savings vs. traditional 1000W metal halide lights (saves ~35,000 kWh/year)
    1. Annual electricity cost reduced from ¥28,000 to ¥8,000 (at ¥0.8/kWh), payback period ≈ 3.5 years
  2. Lighting Quality:
    1. Player feedback: “High balls are clearly visible, less eye fatigue during long play”
    1. Spectator experience: no direct glare, improved comfort
    1. Community impact: light pollution complaints dropped from 5/month to 0
  3. System Reliability:
    1. Protection rating: IP66 (lights), IP65 (controller), suitable for humid southern climate
    1. Lifespan: LED ≥50,000 hours, battery ≥10 years (LiFePO₄)
    1. Supports 4 consecutive rainy days with 800Ah battery backup

VII. Innovation Highlights & Lessons Learned

  1. Technical Innovation:
    1. Integrated “PV-Storage-Direct-Flexible” design: solar + battery backup, supports grid peak shaving
    1. BIM optical simulation: pre-construction AGi32 modeling to predict illuminance and UGR
  2. Implementation Insights:
    1. Adapted to local conditions: Zhejiang has ~1,800h annual sunshine; selected high-efficiency monocrystalline panels
    1. Scalable design: 30% capacity reserved for future expansion (e.g., more courts or EV chargers)

VIII. Economic Analysis

ItemTraditional LightingSolar LightingDifference
Initial Investment~¥120,000 (2 courts)~¥280,000 (2 courts)+¥160,000
Annual Energy Use~35,000 kWh~10,000 kWhSave 25,000 kWh
Annual Electricity~¥28,000~¥0Save ¥28,000
Maintenance Cost~¥5,000/year~¥0/yearSave ¥5,000
Payback Period—~3.5 years—
Lifespan5–8 years10–15 years~2× longer

IX. Scalability & Promotion Value

This project serves as a zero-carbon lighting model for community tennis courts, ideal for:

With proper design, solar tennis court lighting systems can recover investment in 3–5 years while delivering professional-grade lighting quality—an ideal choice for sports facilities in the “dual carbon” era.

X. Summary & Recommendations

This case successfully addresses the three major pain points of traditional tennis court lighting—high energy consumption, severe glare, and light pollution—through an innovative integration of solar power, LED technology, and smart controls. The project achieves energy self-sufficiency and significantly improves lighting quality, offering residents a healthier and more comfortable nighttime sports environment.

Recommendation: Before implementing a solar tennis court lighting project, conduct detailed lighting and load analysis. Prioritize professional luminaires certified by CIE or ITF to ensure lighting performance aligns with design parameters.

solar light