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Choosing a reliable solar outdoor light system for your next project can be a difficult task. All manufacturers have something unique that they offer that is different from the rest. There are four main key points that need to be taken into consideration beyond those small differences to ensure that you are going to install something that will provide an ROI and last for years to come.
System Warranty
The manufacturer’s warranty has a lot to say about their systems. If the system only has a year warranty, chances are, they do not expect their system to last very long in the field. Look for something that has at least a five year warranty, or the components broken out for separate warranty information for individual components. This will ensure that the system will have a long life and you are dealing with a company that will stand behind their product.
Longevity
How long is each component meant to last? Warranty is great to understand how long the manufacturer will ensure their system components will last, but what about lifecycle. Make sure to receive not only warranty information, but lifecycle and longevity information. If a component needs to be replaced every year, this will waste time and money maintaining the systems.
Proven Field Installations
How long has the company been in business? Are there field installations over five years? Ten years? There are many companies coming into the market today that have only been in business for a year or two. Understanding the difference of a company that has proven field installations over a company who is new to the market can help ensure that the systems are built to last for many years. Solar has a life span of 25+ years, but if everything else degrades and falls apart, then the premium for solar power is wasted. Systems should be able to operate in the field for over 20 years with very little maintenance.
Specifications Met
Light level requirements, nights of autonomy, plenty of solar power and operation schedules all are parts of the design of a reliable solar outdoor light. All four factors must be met to the highest standard to ensure that the light will operate as required. Having a lighting plan completed to ensure that light level requirements are met is the first step to making sure that the purchase is from a reputable company. If the autonomy and solar power is not completely understood, calculations provided by the manufacturer can show exactly how the system is configured.
Want to learn more, check out the guide below that can walk through the steps to design the perfect solar lighting system for any project. This step by step guide explains light levels, autonomy and sizing of a solar power system, confirming you will have installed a reliable solar outdoor light.
