Frequently Asked Questions

Wattage is a function of power consumption, not brightness. We look at the lighting requirements and meet those requirements with the needed light output.

SEPCO analyzes the project parameters and sizes the system in order to have the system work through days of inclement weather. Every system is sized for a minimum of 5 days autonomy and additional storage options are available for additional security and backup if preferred.

Every system gets their energy directly from sunlight. Any amount of shading during the day will affect the design of the system. If shading is a concern, such as a tree or system mounted to the North side of a building, please let your solar lighting specialist know and we can discuss special design.

The power designed for the light is for full intensity independent of the battery storage. Dimming only occurs if it is a predetermined function set forth and allowed through the controls for adaptive lighting.

Solar does have limitateions to the design. Solar is usually offered to provide a cost savings as well as for environmental reasons. High wattage fixtures require a much larger solar panel that may not be able to be a self-contained unit. Solar is not usually able to operate a light fixture cost effectively in order to meet light level requirements for banks, car lots or large six lane highways. Applications where solar is feasible are standard parking, mininum security parking, perimeter areas and two to four lane roadways (.20 min to .50 min foot candle).

The lights can be programmed to operate however the customer specifies. If the operation is dusk to dawn, then the system will turn on at dusk and turn off at dawn, which may be up to 15 hours in the winter.

Daily maintenance is not required. The only maintenance needed is when a componenet is reeaching the end of their life cycle. Each component life cycle can vary depending on environmental conditions. For example:

It is important to know that the systems are designed with a 10%-30% power factor to account for dirt and snow build up. If certain environmental conditions are experienced at the project site, it is important to tell the solar designer so that these factors can be put into the system design.

No as the standard solar power light generates power through current on the solar panel when the sun is out. As the sun sets, the current drops, which causes the system to operate the light.

Replacing an existing fixture with a solar fixture requires an in-depth analysis from one of our solar lighting specialists. Typically if there is power at the site, it is more cost feasible to install traditional grid lights; however, there are still cases where solar is the more cost feasible choice. Contact your solar lighting specialist to find out more information.

The existing poles are usually designed for a specific weight and EPA loading. The pole requirements for solar usually require a more substantial pole. Solar is designed with approximately a minimum EPA of 4 to 25 square feet and weighs from 150 to 500 lbs.