Comprehensive Evaluation of the Solar-Powered Street Lighting System Along the Sibulan–Dumaguete Diversion Road in Negros Oriental: Basis for System Enhancement

This study evaluated the performance and reliability of the solar-powered street lighting system along the Bajumpandan segment of the Sibulan–Dumaguete Diversion Road to establish a basis for system enhancement. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational research design, field measurements were conducted across a 300-meter road segment using calibrated digital lux meters, supported by technical component inspections and an analysis of official accident records. The results revealed a critical lighting failure, with several measurement points recording zero to near-zero lux, indicating significant system underperformance and widespread darkness. Detailed component assessments further identified inefficiencies in solar charging, battery storage, and luminaire output as the primary drivers of unstable nighttime illumination. Statistical analysis using Spearman’s rho indicated a very weak positive relationship between illuminance levels and vehicle accident rates. Correlation analysis using Spearman’s rho yielded a p-value of 0.945; thus, the study failed to reject the null hypothesis, indicating no significant statistical relationship between illuminance levels and vehicle accidents within the Bajumpandan segment. However, the findings indicate that road safety is a multi-layered issue influenced by design quality, uniformity, and human factors. The study concludes that the existing infrastructure is technically inadequate and recommends a comprehensive upgrade to LED luminaires and improved photovoltaic systems, alongside optimized pole alignment and regular maintenance programs to ensure consistent roadway safety and operational reliability.