The outdoor lighting industry, as with so many other application-oriented industries, assumes that the power source is infinite and always available. This is a tribute to the reliability of the electric grid - at least in developed-world nations. It has certainly made life simpler for the lamp/lighting designers who, for the most part, are able to divorce the lamp characteristics from the energy source. The developed world is starting to learn that the power source is far from infinite.
Some companies are not waiting to see the bottom of the barrel and are exploring alternatives that range from replacement power sources to energy demand reduction.
There are two primary types of solar street light systems: off-grid and grid-tied. Off grid solar lights use no power from the grid and produce their own self-sustaining power on each pole, allowing for a zero electric bill for the lifespan of the system. Grid-tied solar light systems feed power from the solar panels to the grid during the day, then use the grid power at night. These systems are typically sized for net zero system design, meaning they produce enough power during the day to offset the electrical usage of the lights at night. Both systems designs for solar street lights take into consideration multiple facets of a project; available sun, required lighting levels, spacing, the wattage of the fixture, and backup power (off grid only).
Now in order for a solar lighting system to perform reliably, the solar panel and battery must be sized for the period of longest nights, shortest days and cloudiest weather, all of which occur at the same time each year. Historically, the solar industry has addressed this worst-case scenario by seeking out the most efficient lumen per watt DC lamps and over-sizing the system for the rest of the year. That translated to DC fluorescent bulbs, bigger solar panels, more batteries, higher costs and less-than-appealing appearance.
Recently new technology has given us solar powered flagpole lightings. These lightings have proved to be the best solutions for flagpoles. Solar panel manufacturers are now playing a key role in the solar power industry.
However, there is a barrage of cheap solar powered lightings being imported and sold, that do not comply with the flag statute. This is bad for a number of reasons. Imported stuff is cheaply made and more importantly, the designs, materials, colors, and methods do not compare well with the better quality, longer-lasting, and correctly designed flagpole lightings made by American manufacturers. The Flag Company Inc specialized in flags and flagpole lightings offered a special edition of solar powered flagpole lightings to provide innovative solutions for individual projects.
Some companies are not waiting to see the bottom of the barrel and are exploring alternatives that range from replacement power sources to energy demand reduction.
There are two primary types of solar street light systems: off-grid and grid-tied. Off grid solar lights use no power from the grid and produce their own self-sustaining power on each pole, allowing for a zero electric bill for the lifespan of the system. Grid-tied solar light systems feed power from the solar panels to the grid during the day, then use the grid power at night. These systems are typically sized for net zero system design, meaning they produce enough power during the day to offset the electrical usage of the lights at night. Both systems designs for solar street lights take into consideration multiple facets of a project; available sun, required lighting levels, spacing, the wattage of the fixture, and backup power (off grid only).
Now in order for a solar lighting system to perform reliably, the solar panel and battery must be sized for the period of longest nights, shortest days and cloudiest weather, all of which occur at the same time each year. Historically, the solar industry has addressed this worst-case scenario by seeking out the most efficient lumen per watt DC lamps and over-sizing the system for the rest of the year. That translated to DC fluorescent bulbs, bigger solar panels, more batteries, higher costs and less-than-appealing appearance.
Recently new technology has given us solar powered flagpole lightings. These lightings have proved to be the best solutions for flagpoles. Solar panel manufacturers are now playing a key role in the solar power industry.
However, there is a barrage of cheap solar powered lightings being imported and sold, that do not comply with the flag statute. This is bad for a number of reasons. Imported stuff is cheaply made and more importantly, the designs, materials, colors, and methods do not compare well with the better quality, longer-lasting, and correctly designed flagpole lightings made by American manufacturers. The Flag Company Inc specialized in flags and flagpole lightings offered a special edition of solar powered flagpole lightings to provide innovative solutions for individual projects.
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