SEPCO-Solar Lighting Blog

  As the solar lighting industry has evolved over the last decade or two, there has been many advances and setbacks that have happened. There are many expectations of where the industry should be and the reality of where we are. Here are some of the various expectations and their realities.  

Doing some research – specifically keyword research – I came across this question – How bright is 7 watts? This made me sit back and think. If people are asking how bright 7 Watts is, then you could put any arbitrary wattage in the place of 7 and the question could be asked in an infinite number of ways. But the explanation can also be done in just as many ways. Instead, here I wanted to cover some ways to look at this for someone who is working on trying to answer this question.

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.

  Often in the solar lighting industry, we receive calls asking for a system to meet a need in an area where power is not feasible to bring out, but then months later, the customer tells you they decided to bring power out to the area. This becomes a frustrating reality because most people see the system cost, and instead should look at the overall project cost. Let me explain.  

  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.

The modern retailer understands the role of various lighting configurations in enhancing customer experience and generating sales. Ambient lighting eliminates gloomy areas in the store, whereas task lighting helps staff and customers complete business transactions. On the other hand, accent lighting enables retailers to highlight specific products and emphasize the store’s style.

  When you are looking for your next solar light project, look to using a distributor to help with the process of design and purchasing. Distributors have a large network of manufacturers they have relationships with and know quality products that they can refer you to use for most any project. Here are some of the benefits to working with a solar light distributor for any project, small to large.

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.

Solar street lights are becoming more popular as a green alternative is becoming the go to option for sustainability. Solar street lights provide a better value for cost, optimum lighting, and a renewable source of energy, lower maintenance, and easier installation. With all these factors added up, solar street lights can be the best replacement for most applications. One of the biggest game changing factors happening now is the reduction in the cost of solar panels and the efficiency ratings of batteries are constantly improving.

Outdoor lighting is not just valuable for landscaping companies. It has also brought a multitude of advantages to today’s consumers. However, we wonder if these outdoor lighting fixtures adversely affect the nearby wildlife and our environment? A large number of studies reveal that using outdoor lighting often disrupts the natural flow of wildlife. For instance, sea turtles get affected by bright lights of condos and insects circle bright outdoor lights.