University of Northumbria at Newcastle and Tridonic UK Limited KTP 24_25 R3

Streetlights that run entirely on solar power, even through a British winter, are the target of this collaboration between Northumbria University and Tridonic UK. Most solar-powered outdoor lights struggle with two problems. First, they cannot efficiently harvest energy from the low, weak sunlight typical of northern latitudes. Second, their batteries degrade quickly because charging and discharging is poorly managed. This project tackles both issues by developing a new maximum power point tracking algorithm—a piece of software that tells the solar panel exactly how to extract every possible watt from available light—and pairing it with advanced battery management that prevents the damage caused by overcharging or deep discharge. If the system works, it could make solar street lighting viable across the UK and similar climates. That would cut electricity costs for councils and reduce demand on the grid, particularly during winter evenings when energy use peaks. The technology could also be adapted for other off-grid applications, such as remote traffic signs, bus shelters, or security lighting. The project is applied engineering, not fundamental science: the goal is a working prototype ready for commercial deployment.