When considering solar power vs A/C powered radar speed signs, the choice usually comes down to price. Solar powered speed displays have the added costs associated with the solar panels and batteries needed to power the unit.

On the other hand, hooking up to an existing A/C power supply can be much more expensive. Even when a power source is nearby, the cost of tearing up roads and sidewalks, running wire and installing a meter if necessary, can raise the initial investment price even more.

Fortunately, the choice is getting easier. Thanks to evolving LED technology and smart product engineering, new radar speed signs are being introduced that dramatically improve the energy efficiency of the speed displays. Lower power requirements result in the need for fewer/smaller solar panels and batteries. Smaller solar panels mean a dramatic reduction in product costs.

The difference in price can be striking. For instance, Information Display Company recently announced they had increased the energy efficiency of their radar speed signs by 50 percent. As a result, the cost for a solar powered package needed to run the more efficient speed display is about $800 – compared to a similar display from another manufacturer that requires a solar package priced at about $2,200.

Like any new or evolving technology, implementation of advancements can be slow for some– choosing the most efficient, up-to-date, products may require a bit of extra research but the rewards (and savings) can be substantial.