SEPCO-Solar Lighting Blog

Over the last decade, LEDs have evolved greatly. Not only has their light output increased, but also their efficiencies and price points have changed drastically. There are so many benefits to using LED fixtures, but one of the largest is the benefits to nature and the environment. Here are some of the ways that LEDs have really stepped up to the plate to make our world a little brighter.

  Parks and Recreation Departments have been using solar lighting systems for many years now as they provide a solution to illuminate the required area without disturbing the surrounding areas. Since most parks are older and did not take into consideration the needs for lighting or power when initially developed, a great many are lacking in lighting for nighttime use.

  In the last couple of years, we are seeing an increase in bike paths being installed all over the US. This is because of an increased desire for people to become more active on their off times and travel around to see new places. These bike paths are slowly being connected between cities and states. A couple of the most popular pathways being built are the Rails to Trails and East Coast Greenway projects.

Solar lighting systems provide security and illumination in needed areas when grid power is unattainable or costly to bring to a site, where a company is looking for a grid alternative to showcase their green initiative, or for companies looking to get LEED points for a new project installation. Solar lights are a great alternative and a cost effective solution for projects like this since there isn’t much for installation costs and zero costs to trench in the grid power.

  Rural areas have less infrastructure; therefore, making access to power and lighting more difficult and costly. Solar provides the power for many of these applications at a fraction of the cost to bring in the required power, especially with the cost of solar decreasing at a rapid rate.

Solar LED area lighting can be used for many applications ranging from small single LED lights along a pathway to large overhead lights for roadways and parking lots. Each system should be designed for the specific application and to provide the required lighting levels. Good research on the project application, design work and choosing of the final product will ensure that the end user gets exactly the type of system that perfectly fits their needs.  

Solar powered area lights provide light for so many different applications. Some are for security that is on motion; some are marker lights along a pathway; some even are used for areas that are darker and prone to issues. With different options available, and customizable features, solar powered area light can be used for multiple applications.

  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 to act as a deterrent against crime.

  Most boaters like to go out early mornings or late nights to get the best catch. Lighting up the boat ramps and docks provide safety and security to boaters leaving while it is dark. The lights will help indicate where boat ramps are and allow for easy visibility at night to lower accident rates and provide a safer environment while they are loading and unloading boat trailers. They will also allow easy visibility of docks to reduce accidents when taking off on the water.

  SEPCO was recently contacted by MDNR to provide lighting at the Maple Bay State Park for their boat launch and parking areas. The lights were needed to provide safety to boaters and park goers, but the cost of trenching standard electrical, putting in a meter and boring under the concrete to get the power where they needed it was cost prohibitive. This is where solar lighting was their perfect solution.