The short answer: yes and no. While an electric street light pole might be able to be reused for a solar lighting system, the light fixture itself would need to be replaced to run on solar power.
To make a solar-powered street light, you can connect two solar panels to a circuit board and then connect the circuit board to two rechargeable batteries. Place the batteries in a plastic box and secure the unit to a wooden plank to ensure it stays upright as a street light. (Two examples are given in the article: 'DIY Solar Light Circuit – Street Light' and 'Simple DIY Solar Light Circuit')
This project design is centered on solar energy as fast growing technology for street lighting with the use of a solar module. The automatic control process of the light can be achieved by a photocell. Or a LDR (Light Depending Resistor) which eliminates human intervention for manual switching or control/
Can solar powered street lights replace grid connected street lights?
The case study in an engineering institute deals with the proposal of replacing existing grid connected street lights with solar powered LED lights. Simple payback period calculation and Life Cycle Costing Analysis of both systems are done to compare the cost effectiveness of solar powered lighting to conventional grid connected lighting system.
What is a solar powered LED street lighting system?
HeiSolar's solar-powered Led street lighting systems are an efficient means to provide lighting without the need for utility power. Every Stand-alone off-grid lighting system provides cost savings by eliminating the need to trench standard electric wires for installation and providing no electric bill for the lifespan of the lighting system.
Is solar street lighting a viable solution in the UK?
Solar street lighting is becoming an increasingly attractive and sought-after solution in the UK.
You solar street light project should specify the type of cover (cloud cover, tree cover, and roof cover) and any kind of obstruction present in the area that you wish to illuminate. Considering the amount of shade in your solar street light project proposal will bring shade a light on the feasibility of the project.