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It is costly to light large areas such as parking lots, parks, and other open spaces, yet the benefits of lighting such areas are obvious as it gives users safe access, the ability to see where they are going and act as a deterrent against crime.
Solar-powered flood lighting provides an affordable alternative to mains-powered flood lighting; installation costs are much lower, running costs are negligible, and systems can be adapted to suit clients' needs.
Large Area Lighting
The provision of lighting for large open areas where people congregate for social and other activities is important. Typical examples are public parking lots at malls and airports, industrial and commercial sites, and recreational areas. Lighting levels need to be sufficient to give users and security personnel sufficient light to use and observe these areas with reasonable ease. This is readily achieved with the use of a solar flood light installation as lights can be installed where required.
Safety
Public safety is enhanced by the provision of flood lighting of open areas, particularly during winter when days are short and people need to commute, shop, and transport children while it is dark. The provision of adequate lighting is important to ensure the safety of personnel and to protect property. It also plays a role in the prevention of accidents and injuries. A solar flood light system is an economical solution to providing safety and security lighting for public outdoor areas.
Illumination Levels
Illumination levels are an important consideration when specifying a solar flood light system. The use of low energy bulbs such as LEDs and compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) reduces the current draw, but it's important to carefully evaluate desired illumination levels as this affects the cost of the solar equipment.
One method is to adjust illumination levels automatically through the use of motion detectors that permit running the lamp at low power and switching to full power when there is activity near them. Alternatively, lights can be switched off for certain periods and activated by motion sensors.
Power Supply Packs
A solar flood light is powered by a battery charged by a solar panel. The battery must be sized to provide adequate power while the lights are on. The size of the solar panel will be selected so as to provide sufficient charge to the battery at all times, taking cognizance of reduced solar charging periods during winter and cloudy weather.
Light Fixtures
The selection of the light fixture is based on the required illumination level, the height of the light fixture, and the period the lamp must be lit. If high levels of illumination are required, the choice may include high-pressure sodium, metal halide, or LED fixtures; don't forget to take into account the higher power requirements of some of these lamps. CFL and LED fixtures would be chosen if lower illumination levels are required. If lamps need to be dimmed, LED is the best choice.
Benefits of Solar Flood Lighting
Solar flood lighting provides many benefits over conventional mains-powered lighting. Lamps can be situated wherever they are needed without having to worry about the complexities of running mains power to the fixture, and their installation obviates the need for expensive trenching, conduits, and subsequent pavement repairs. Despite the higher price of a complete solar flood light module, this translates into lower installation costs and negligible operational costs. Maintenance is limited to the replacement of failed lamps and the battery every five years. SEPCO has many years of experience in the design and installation of solar flood lighting systems and will provide interested customers with a free project analysis on request.
