Contents
Dark sky lighting is vital for wildlife and human health because it helps to preserve natural light cycles and reduce the negative impacts of light pollution. Therefore, solar lighting systems should try to be as dark sky friendly as possible by using full cut-off fixtures, lower mounting heights, and lower light temperatures to ensure minimal impact on wildlife and humans alike.
Why Dark Sky Solar Lights are Critical
Light pollution can disrupt the behavior of plants and animals, including their mating and feeding patterns. For example, it can interfere with the migratory patterns of birds, the breeding cycles of insects, and the nocturnal activities of many species. In addition, light pollution can also affect the health of humans, including the production of hormones and sleep patterns.
Dark sky lighting helps to mitigate these negative impacts by directing light downwards, where it is needed, rather than upwards, where it can contribute to light pollution. This helps to preserve natural light cycles and minimize the disruptions to the behavior and health of plants, animals, and humans.
Let’s look at five reasons a dark sky solar lighting solution should be used for your next project:
1. Dark sky solar lighting systems reduce light pollution.
Light pollution refers to the excess or inappropriate use of artificial light that interferes with natural light cycles and disrupts the behavior of plants and animals. It can also affect human health, including sleep patterns and the production of hormones. This isn’t great news, and for the last hundred years or so, we have been producing so much light pollution that it can easily be seen from space. All that light really causes a lot of harm for us here on earth.
Dark sky solar lighting systems are designed to minimize the amount of light directed upwards, which can contribute to light pollution, and instead focus it on the areas where it is needed. They use full cut-off fixtures that do not allow the light to be case upward. LED light fixtures with directional optics ensures plenty of light is produced on the ground to allow visibility for those moving about, but others who are looking to enjoy the night sky or get some shut-eye, will not be affected by these lights.
2. Dark sky solar lighting systems save energy.
One of the main benefits of using solar lighting systems is that they are powered by the sun, which means they do not rely on fossil fuels and can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This means that you can provide the energy required to operate the light fixture at night without using energy from sources damaging our environment. So not only are you saving energy, but you are also saving the environment as well.
In addition, dark sky solar lighting systems are designed to be more energy efficient than traditional lighting systems, as they use LED bulbs that consume less electricity and have a longer lifespan. Operating the LEDs at a lower voltage, such as those used in 12 or 24 VDC solar lighting systems, the LEDs are more efficient, use less energy, less energy is wasted as heat or from converting the energy from one source to another, etc.
3. Dark sky solar lighting systems are cost-effective.
Not only do dark sky solar lighting systems save energy, but they also save money. Because they are powered by the sun and do not require electricity from the grid, they can significantly reduce energy costs. This means that you have zero energy bills for the life of the system, which can be over 25 years with a good, quality system.
Additionally, the long lifespan of LED bulbs means they need to be replaced less frequently, which can also help lower maintenance costs. Instead of old style HID light fixtures, which need to have a bulb and photocell replacement every 2 years or so, an LED light fixture should last 20+ years. Best of all, a solar lighting system doesn’t need a photocell since the solar panel and controller act as the photocell.
4. Dark sky solar lighting systems are versatile.
Dark sky solar lighting systems can be used in a variety of settings, including residential areas, commercial properties, parks, and public spaces. They are also suitable for use in remote or off-grid locations where traditional electricity is not readily available. This type of lighting is perfect for many applications, such as parks, the military, and so much more.
Since all the power and wiring sit at the top of a pole, there is no need to dig up the surrounding area to trench in standard electric lines or have unsightly overhead lines stretching across the area. Instead, all you have to do is auger a hole, pour a foundation or backfill with concrete if necessary, and erect the pole. Once everything is installed, that’s it. No worries about the lights for the next 5+ years.
5. Dark sky solar lighting systems are easy to install and maintain.
Solar lighting systems do not require complicated wiring or electrical work, making them easy to install and maintain. They are also relatively low-maintenance, as they do not have many moving parts and do not require frequent cleaning or servicing. The only thing that requires regular maintenance on a solar lighting system is the battery replacement, and this only happens every 5+ years on a commercially designed system.
Overall, dark sky solar lighting systems are crucial for reducing light pollution, saving energy, and reducing costs. They are also versatile and easy to install and maintain, making them a practical and sustainable choice for lighting needs. Ready to see if a dark sky solar lighting system is right for your next project? Reach out to one of our sales specialists or request a quote and someone will get back to you.
