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Buying solar smart street lights from China can be risky if you don’t ask the right questions.
These 10 essential questions will help you avoid unreliable suppliers, ensure product quality, and protect your investment.
Many buyers get attracted by low prices and shiny product photos. But without clear answers to technical, commercial, and logistical questions, they often face delivery delays, poor quality, or failed projects. Here’s how to avoid that.
What Certifications Do the Lights and Manufacturer Hold?
Buyers often overlook certifications, only to face customs delays or fines.
Always confirm the supplier has CE, RoHS, ISO9001 certifications, and ask for reports tied to the actual model you're buying.
🔍 Key Certifications to Verify
| Certification | Purpose | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| CE | EU Safety Compliance | Required for European imports |
| RoHS | Limits hazardous substances | Ensures eco-friendliness |
| ISO9001 | Quality Management System | Proves organized production |
| IEC Testing | Optical & electrical safety | Confirms technical compliance |
Some suppliers provide fake documents. Ask for certificate numbers or independent third-party test reports to verify authenticity.
Is the Solar Street Light Truly “Smart”? What Features Are Included?
“Smart” means different things to different suppliers.
Ask specifically what features are included: motion sensors, timers, remote control, IoT capabilities, etc.
🧠 Common Smart Features
| Feature | Description | Useful For |
|---|---|---|
| Motion Sensor | Lights up when movement is detected | Energy-saving in quiet areas |
| Timer Control | Automatic ON/OFF at set times | Standard road schedules |
| Remote Access | Control via phone or PC | City-wide management |
| IoT Integration | Networked, connected system | Smart city projects |
Ask for a user manual, demo video, or app screenshots. Confirm the interface is available in English.
What Type and Capacity of Battery Is Used?
Battery quality affects how long the light runs per night and how many years it will last.
Choose LiFePO4 batteries for better safety, long life, and resistance to heat and overcharging.
🔋 Battery Type Comparison
| Type | Pros | Cons | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| LiFePO4 | Very stable, long life | More expensive | 5-8 years |
| Lithium-Ion | High energy, compact | Can overheat | 3-5 years |
| Lead-Acid | Cheap, widely available | Heavy, short life | 1-2 years |
Also ask:
- What’s the Ah capacity?
- Is it built-in or replaceable?
- Is there a Battery Management System (BMS) to prevent damage?
From experience in Uganda, LiFePO4 handles hot and humid climates much better than others.
What Is the Lifespan and Warranty of the Product?
Not all solar lights last 10 years, especially with cheap components.
Request clear written warranties—look for 3–5 years minimum for LED, 2–3 years for battery, and 5+ years for solar panel.
📜 Typical Warranty Coverage
| Component | Warranty Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LED Chip | 3–5 years | Should last >50,000 hours |
| Battery | 2–3 years | Depends on battery type |
| Solar Panel | 5–10 years | Ask about degradation rate |
| Controller | 2 years | Check waterproof rating |
Always ask for a PDF version of the warranty policy. See who pays for shipping if parts fail and what the process is for replacements.
Can the Supplier Provide Customization for Different Projects?
Different areas need different lighting configurations—urban roads aren’t the same as rural paths.
Work with suppliers who can adjust brightness, pole height, solar panel size, and mounting type to match your site.
🔧 What You Can Customize
| Component | Options Available |
|---|---|
| Pole | Height, color, thickness |
| Solar Panel | Wattage, size, tilt angle |
| LED Fixture | Lumens, beam angle, housing material |
| Controller | Timer, sensor, dimming configuration |
| Mounting Kit | Type, steel or aluminum |
Send them a project map, photos, or GPS location. At Sunlurio, we generate lighting simulations to help clients visualize performance before they place an order.
What Is the Lighting Performance (Lumens, CRI, Distribution)?
Not all solar lights give the same brightness or even light distribution.
Ask for specs like lumens, CRI, beam angle, and request photometric test reports or IES files.
🔦 Key Lighting Metrics
| Metric | Meaning | Recommended Value |
|---|---|---|
| Lumens | Brightness | 3000–10000 lm |
| CRI | Color Rendering Accuracy | >70 |
| Beam Angle | Spread of light | 120–150° |
| Uniformity | Light evenness | >0.3 |
Also ask if they use branded LEDs (e.g. Bridgelux, Philips) and optical lenses. These details affect safety, especially on busy roads.
What Are the Installation Requirements and Support?
A complicated installation can eat up time, tools, and labor.
Ask for manuals, video tutorials, and whether remote technical help is available during installation.
🛠 Installation Checklist
| Item | Must-Have |
|---|---|
| Installation Guide | Clear steps, diagrams, English version |
| Wiring | Pre-connected or DIY? |
| Tools Needed | Special tools required? |
| Support | WhatsApp, phone, or video call |
| Labels | Parts clearly marked? |
We’ve had delays in Ghana due to mismatched bolts. A little confusion in specs can cause real-world delays.
Choose a model that’s plug-and-play when possible.
How Is Quality Control Handled During Production?
A good supplier should share how they control product quality during production.
Ask about in-house QC labs, third-party inspections, and whether they provide test reports for your order batch.
🧪 Quality Control Stages
| Stage | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Raw Materials | Battery, PCB, LED chips |
| Assembly | Wiring, sealing, structural integrity |
| Aging Test | 72-hour run-in test |
| Waterproof Test | IP65 or IP66 tests |
| Final QA | Function, packing, label, serial numbers |
At Sunlurio, we also allow clients to do real-time video inspections or send their agent for final checks.
What Are the Shipping Terms and Lead Time?
Late deliveries can ruin government contracts or launch dates.
Clarify if your price includes EXW, FOB, or CIF. Also get realistic lead time estimates with built-in buffer.
Key questions to ask:
- What’s your average production lead time?
- Can I split shipments if needed?
- Do you assist with customs clearance?
A reliable supplier won’t overpromise 5-day production for 1000 units. Transparency here shows professionalism.
What After-Sales Support and Spare Parts Are Available?
Even durable lights can fail due to storms, tampering, or aging.
Check if the supplier offers easy access to spare parts, warranty replacements, and ongoing technical support.
Ask:
- How do I request spare parts?
- What’s the process for warranty claims?
- Is there 24/7 support or a local agent?
At Sunlurio, we support WhatsApp-based service and keep spare parts in our Togo warehouse to cut down wait time for African customers.
Conclusion
Asking these 10 questions before sourcing solar smart street lights from China will help you avoid costly mistakes and unreliable suppliers. Use them to build a supplier comparison checklist—and work only with partners who meet all your technical, commercial, and service needs.
