Contents
Part 6 of the solar lighting design guide is putting it all together and completing the system. The complete system works together to operate exactly as expected. As you can probably tell by this point, there are many factors that are taken into consideration when providing a complete system and each part is required to determine what is exactly required for every project.
Part 1 - Choose a Fixture Style covered choosing a fixture style. Knowing what fixture would fit your project best will ensure that the project is utilizing the best lighting possible for that application. With designs from overhead, decorative, flood and even pathway options will allow for many options for just about all projects.
Part 2 - Determine Wattage / Lumen Requirements covered determining the light output and lumen requirements of a project. Understanding IESNA foot candle requirements for different applications as well as light spread due to distribution patterns and spread will see a better light pattern than just a spot of light under a fixture. Getting light footprints or complete designs completed by a lighting designer will help determine how much light and how many systems it will take to complete a project.
Part 3 - Choose an Operation Profile covered the operation profile required for operation of a light. With nighttime usage being determined at the beginning of a project helps determine how much power is available. Implementing adaptive lighting controls or off periods when there is no one in the area can reduce power requirements and provide a more cost feasible solution to most projects.
Part 4 - Choose Mounting Hardware provides information on mounting hardware options ranging from fixture brackets to attach the fixture to the pole or ground mounting. Hardware options also provide options for poles; ranging from direct burial to anchor base, even auger base poles, as well as providing options for materials such as steel, aluminum, concrete and fiberglass composite. Making sure they are manufactured to withstand the weight and EPA of the solar power assembly is a huge part of making the project successful.
Part 5 - Determine Power Assembly covered determining the power requirements to size the best solar power system to put the system into operation. Knowing the constraints of available insolation in the area of installation as well as the longest night of the year, and sizing accordingly, will ensure a long life of a system. If you design for worst case, the system will work properly the rest of the time.
Putting all these factors together provide the final design of each project. Working with your solar lighting specialist to determine the requirements of the project will ensure that all steps are taken into consideration to design the system to best fit any project. Asking questions is the most proactive way to confirm that all designs are built to meet the requirements of any project.
