Solar Street Light Installation & Commissioning Checklist — Handover-Ready

Most solar street light failures are not “product defects” — they are installation and commissioning gaps: wrong PV orientation, poor cable gland sealing, missing dimming settings records, and no serial-to-location mapping. This page gives a step-by-step checklist to reduce early shutoff, ingress faults, warranty disputes, and theft risk.

Where This Guide Fits

TL;DR (Non-negotiables for handover)

  • Energy: confirm dimming profile + runtime assumptions match the energy budget sheet.
  • Charging: confirm PV orientation/tilt and no shading at critical hours.
  • Ingress: verify cable glands, gaskets, and sealing points with photos.
  • Documentation: serial-to-location mapping + commissioning settings record are mandatory.

Related guides (use as references during commissioning):

Phase 0 — Pre-installation (before any drilling or lifting)

0.1 Site risk quick check

  • Confirm road type and risk level (highway/main road vs local street/park).
  • Confirm environment risk: coastal/humid, dusty/desert, monsoon/heavy rain, flood-prone.
  • Confirm vandal/theft risk zone and required anti-theft measures.

Reference pages:

0.2 Materials and parts verification

  • Verify model/configuration matches BOQ: panel Wp, battery Wh, controller type, LED power, CCT/optics.
  • Verify fasteners/locks/anti-tamper hardware list for high-risk zones.
  • Check cables/connectors: no cuts, no crushed insulation, correct connector mating.
  • Prepare spare parts: cable glands, gaskets (if replaceable), fasteners, fuses (if applicable).

0.3 Handover documents required (before commissioning)

  • Energy budget sheet (Wavg, hours, Wh/night) and declared dimming profile.
  • Warranty workflow and claim evidence list.
  • Installation photo checklist template + serial-to-location mapping template.

Reference pages:

Phase 1 — Installation checklist (mechanical + electrical)

1.1 Pole and bracket installation

  • Confirm pole height, arm length/overhang, and mounting orientation match the project plan.
  • Confirm bracket alignment and no mechanical interference.
  • Use appropriate tightening practice for critical fasteners (avoid under/over-tightening).
  • For theft/vandal zones: confirm anti-tamper fasteners and lock strategy are applied as specified.

Related:

1.2 PV module installation (charging is everything)

  • Confirm PV orientation (azimuth) is correct for the hemisphere/site.
  • Confirm PV tilt is not “flat” unless justified; avoid water pooling and soiling risk.
  • Confirm no shading during critical charging hours (document with photos if shading risk exists).
  • Confirm cable routing is protected from abrasion and cutting.

Related:

1.3 Cable glands, sealing points, and ingress controls

  • Verify cable glands are installed correctly (seated, tightened, no gaps).
  • Verify gaskets are seated properly and not pinched.
  • Verify all covers are closed as intended; no missing screws or damaged threads.
  • For coastal/humid: verify corrosion prevention measures on connectors/hardware are applied.

Related:

1.4 Electrical connection check (before power-on)

  • Verify connectors are fully seated and locked.
  • Verify cable polarity/labels where applicable.
  • Ensure no exposed conductor and no strain at connector points.

Phase 2 — Commissioning checklist (configuration + functional tests)

2.1 Commissioning record must be created (mandatory)

Create a commissioning record for each installation batch (or each pole if required). It must include:

  • Dimming mode used (time-based / PIR / hybrid).
  • Dimming profile steps (or PIR base + boost assumptions).
  • Runtime start/end behavior (dusk-to-dawn or defined hours).
  • Any special settings (sensor sensitivity, boost duration, schedule table).

Reference pages:

2.2 Daytime charging verification

  • Confirm charging indication/behavior (as defined by the system design).
  • Check that PV is not shaded and wiring is stable.
  • Record basic observations (date/time/weather) for traceability.

2.3 Night lighting verification

  • Confirm light turns on at dusk and follows the declared dimming profile.
  • Verify PIR behavior (if used): base brightness, boost response, boost duration.
  • Confirm no flicker and no random resets (common signs of loose connections or moisture).

2.4 Road projects (if spacing/performance is claimed)

  • Ensure the quoted optic and configuration match installed units (model/optic consistency).
  • Keep IES/DIALux deliverables in the project file for auditability.

Reference:

Phase 3 — Evidence package (photos + mapping) for acceptance

3.1 Standard installation photo set (minimum)

  • PV bracket and fasteners (close-up)
  • Cable routing (show protection/strain relief)
  • Battery compartment / access cover (if applicable)
  • Luminaire mount and fasteners
  • Cable gland sealing point (close-up)
  • Wide shot of installed pole and surroundings (shows shading/vandal context)

3.2 Serial-to-location mapping (mandatory)

  • Record luminaire serial number + pole ID/location for every unit.
  • Store mapping in a single project file accessible for warranty and maintenance.

3.3 Acceptance checklist (handover-ready)

  • Commissioning record completed
  • Photo set completed
  • Serial mapping completed
  • Maintenance plan delivered
  • Warranty workflow delivered

Related:

Procurement clauses (copy/paste) — Installation & Commissioning

Clause 1 — Commissioning record (mandatory)

Contractor/supplier shall provide a commissioning record including dimming mode, dimming profile (or PIR assumptions), and settings for each installation batch (or each pole where required).

Clause 2 — Installation evidence package (mandatory)

Contractor/supplier shall submit an installation evidence package including standardized installation photos and serial-to-location mapping for all installed units.

Clause 3 — Ingress control verification

Contractor/supplier shall document cable gland installation and sealing points via photos, and confirm all covers and gaskets are correctly seated prior to handover.

Clause 4 — Bid comparability rule

Bids without a defined commissioning record template and installation evidence package requirements shall be labeled “Not Comparable / High Risk” for long-term reliability and warranty enforcement.

Request Installation & Commissioning Pack

Get the editable handover pack used for acceptance and warranty protection:

  • Commissioning record template (time dimming / PIR / hybrid)
  • Installation photo checklist (minimum set)
  • Serial-to-location mapping sheet
  • Ingress sealing verification checklist
  • Acceptance checklist (handover-ready)

Want a quick engineering sanity check?

Share your road class, pole height, target lux/uniformity, and worst-month PSH assumptions.

Contact Inlux Solar →

Next Steps (Keep Your Project Tender-Ready)

Ensure your solar street light project meets all procurement and engineering standards.

Templates & Evidence

Shortlist a System Type

Back to All Guides Hub →

FAQ

Why do we need a commissioning record if the lights turn on?

Because dimming mode and settings determine the real energy budget. Without a recorded profile, autonomy claims and warranty troubleshooting become un-auditable.

What photos matter most for warranty and reliability?

PV bracket/fasteners, cable routing, cable gland sealing points, luminaire mount fasteners, and a wide shot showing shading context.

Standardize cable gland installation and sealing verification, and require close-up photos of sealing points for every installation batch.