Solar Power Lighting: A Bright Opportunity for Installers and Electricians
Steve Maurer, IME
There it is again! That cat’s chasing rabbits in my garden again tonight. I knew something was tearing things up in there at night, so I installed a set of solar powered floods on the top of the gate.
Sure enough, every time it roams around in there, the lights go on to let me know. And I can rush out and chase that pesky rascal off. Sheesh!
Now, I’m using the light to spot the cat. And to keep from stumbling around the garden in the dark.
But …
In a world increasingly concerned with sustainability and energy efficiency, solar power lighting presents a unique opportunity for installers and electricians. Not only does this innovative technology allow professionals to expand their service offerings and cater to environmentally-conscious clients, but it also provides numerous benefits to their customers. This article will delve into how solar power lighting can prove beneficial for both installers/electricians and their clients.
Solar Power Lighting: A Bonus for Professionals
Solar power lighting isn’t just another trend. It's a rapidly growing industry that offers several benefits to installers and electricians. The rising demand for solar power lighting allows professionals to broaden their service offerings and tap into a burgeoning market. By positioning themselves as solar lighting experts, installers and electricians can attract new customers and generate more business.
Another advantage is the relative simplicity of solar lighting installation. Solar power lighting systems often don't require complex wiring or connection to an electrical grid. This makes the installation process quicker and easier, potentially allowing professionals to complete more jobs in a shorter time frame.
Solar lighting also requires low maintenance, which can be a selling point for clients and reduce after-sales service requirements. Once installed, these systems typically need only occasional cleaning of solar panels to ensure optimal performance. Newer, larger systems also have replaceable batteries … a quick and easy service you can provide your customers.
Finally, by offering solar lighting solutions, installers and electricians position themselves as environmentally conscious professionals. This can enhance their brand image and appeal to customers who prioritize sustainability.
Sure enough, every time it roams around in there, the lights go on to let me know. And I can rush out and chase that pesky rascal off. Sheesh!
Now, I’m using the light to spot the cat. And to keep from stumbling around the garden in the dark.
But …
In a world increasingly concerned with sustainability and energy efficiency, solar power lighting presents a unique opportunity for installers and electricians. Not only does this innovative technology allow professionals to expand their service offerings and cater to environmentally-conscious clients, but it also provides numerous benefits to their customers. This article will delve into how solar power lighting can prove beneficial for both installers/electricians and their clients.
Solar Power Lighting: A Bonus for Professionals
Solar power lighting isn’t just another trend. It's a rapidly growing industry that offers several benefits to installers and electricians. The rising demand for solar power lighting allows professionals to broaden their service offerings and tap into a burgeoning market. By positioning themselves as solar lighting experts, installers and electricians can attract new customers and generate more business.
Another advantage is the relative simplicity of solar lighting installation. Solar power lighting systems often don't require complex wiring or connection to an electrical grid. This makes the installation process quicker and easier, potentially allowing professionals to complete more jobs in a shorter time frame.
Solar lighting also requires low maintenance, which can be a selling point for clients and reduce after-sales service requirements. Once installed, these systems typically need only occasional cleaning of solar panels to ensure optimal performance. Newer, larger systems also have replaceable batteries … a quick and easy service you can provide your customers.
Finally, by offering solar lighting solutions, installers and electricians position themselves as environmentally conscious professionals. This can enhance their brand image and appeal to customers who prioritize sustainability.
Lighting the Way for Customers
From a customer's perspective, solar power lighting comes with a host of benefits. Chief among these is energy efficiency. Solar lighting uses the sun's energy—a renewable and free source—reducing energy consumption and sometimes leading to significant savings on energy bills.
Who wouldn’t want to slash their utility bill, even if just a little?
Solar power lighting is also environmentally friendly. It reduces reliance on grid electricity, much of which is still generated using fossil fuels. Customers who choose solar lighting can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, contributing to a healthier planet.
Our utility company generates a large portion of their power to customers through a huge solar farm. Using solar lights around the home and office just enhances the renewable effect even more.
The ease of installation is another key benefit for customers. Solar lighting systems can be installed almost anywhere, without the need for wiring or access to the electrical grid. This makes them a flexible solution for a variety of lighting needs, from street and landscape lighting to indoor and decorative lights.
If a customer want lighting down at the end of the lane, for example, you just need to plant a pole … not dig a trench or string overhead wires all the way down to the end.
Despite an initial cost for purchase and installation, solar lighting proves to be cost-effective in the long run. Over time, the savings on energy bills can offset the upfront costs, making solar lighting a smart long-term investment.
But wait … there’s more. Here are some examples of solar power, some you can provide for both residential and commercial customers.
From a customer's perspective, solar power lighting comes with a host of benefits. Chief among these is energy efficiency. Solar lighting uses the sun's energy—a renewable and free source—reducing energy consumption and sometimes leading to significant savings on energy bills.
Who wouldn’t want to slash their utility bill, even if just a little?
Solar power lighting is also environmentally friendly. It reduces reliance on grid electricity, much of which is still generated using fossil fuels. Customers who choose solar lighting can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, contributing to a healthier planet.
Our utility company generates a large portion of their power to customers through a huge solar farm. Using solar lights around the home and office just enhances the renewable effect even more.
The ease of installation is another key benefit for customers. Solar lighting systems can be installed almost anywhere, without the need for wiring or access to the electrical grid. This makes them a flexible solution for a variety of lighting needs, from street and landscape lighting to indoor and decorative lights.
If a customer want lighting down at the end of the lane, for example, you just need to plant a pole … not dig a trench or string overhead wires all the way down to the end.
Despite an initial cost for purchase and installation, solar lighting proves to be cost-effective in the long run. Over time, the savings on energy bills can offset the upfront costs, making solar lighting a smart long-term investment.
But wait … there’s more. Here are some examples of solar power, some you can provide for both residential and commercial customers.
Examples of Solar Power Lighting
Solar power lighting comes in various forms and serves a multitude of purposes. Solar street lights have found their place in cities and towns, providing a more cost-effective and easy-to-install alternative to traditional street lights.
Solar landscape lights, on the other hand, are perfect for illuminating pathways, gardens, and yards, enhancing safety and aesthetic appeal. Our town has over 50 community parks, many of which use landscape lighting to enhance the beauty and provide safe and secure pathways at night.
For indoor settings, solar indoor lights provide a sustainable lighting solution that's particularly useful in areas with frequent power outages. In this case, you’d mount the collector panel outdoors, maybe on the roof, and run the conductor to the light through the attic or similar space. And since it’s low voltage, it’s safer, too.
Solar flood lights are great for providing intense, broad-beamed light in outdoor sports arenas, parking lots, and construction sites. Lastly, for those looking to add a touch of magic to their surroundings, solar decorative lights offer an eco-friendly option for festive or ambient lighting.
But, I know what you’re thinking. How long will the battery last, particularly in areas where light needs to shine all night?
I get that. And I’ve explored the options. First of all, the light may not need to shine all night, just when people or moving vehicles are present. Motion sensors help by turning off the light when not needed, increasing battery power longevity. And besides, new batteries are better at storing and using energy, so some will last long enough to wait until morning to get a new charge cycle.
Solar landscape lights, on the other hand, are perfect for illuminating pathways, gardens, and yards, enhancing safety and aesthetic appeal. Our town has over 50 community parks, many of which use landscape lighting to enhance the beauty and provide safe and secure pathways at night.
For indoor settings, solar indoor lights provide a sustainable lighting solution that's particularly useful in areas with frequent power outages. In this case, you’d mount the collector panel outdoors, maybe on the roof, and run the conductor to the light through the attic or similar space. And since it’s low voltage, it’s safer, too.
Solar flood lights are great for providing intense, broad-beamed light in outdoor sports arenas, parking lots, and construction sites. Lastly, for those looking to add a touch of magic to their surroundings, solar decorative lights offer an eco-friendly option for festive or ambient lighting.
But, I know what you’re thinking. How long will the battery last, particularly in areas where light needs to shine all night?
I get that. And I’ve explored the options. First of all, the light may not need to shine all night, just when people or moving vehicles are present. Motion sensors help by turning off the light when not needed, increasing battery power longevity. And besides, new batteries are better at storing and using energy, so some will last long enough to wait until morning to get a new charge cycle.
Something New on the Market
One of the most exciting advancements in the field of solar power lighting is the development of hybrid systems that can automatically switch to the grid when the solar battery is depleted. These systems provide the best of both worlds: the energy efficiency and environmental friendliness of solar power, combined with the reliability of the traditional electrical grid.
During the day, these hybrid lights function like any other solar-powered lights, harnessing the energy from the sun and storing it in their batteries for use when needed.
However, unlike traditional solar lights, when the battery runs out of stored energy, these systems seamlessly switch over to using electricity from the grid. This ensures uninterrupted light even during periods of poor sunlight or higher-than-usual usage.
This kind of system combines the benefits of solar energy with the reliability of traditional power sources, making it an attractive option for consumers who want the advantages of solar lighting without worrying about the potential drawbacks.
During the day, these hybrid lights function like any other solar-powered lights, harnessing the energy from the sun and storing it in their batteries for use when needed.
However, unlike traditional solar lights, when the battery runs out of stored energy, these systems seamlessly switch over to using electricity from the grid. This ensures uninterrupted light even during periods of poor sunlight or higher-than-usual usage.
This kind of system combines the benefits of solar energy with the reliability of traditional power sources, making it an attractive option for consumers who want the advantages of solar lighting without worrying about the potential drawbacks.
Photo courtesy of Solera Solar Lighting
