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Solar does have limitations to the design. Solar is usually offered to provide 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, minimum 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. Our systems are sized according to the operation profile along with the load to ensure plenty of solar power is generated during the day to operate the light or powered equipment for the specified amount of time.

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. There are very rare cases where using an existing pole is an option; however, that only typically includes wood utility poles.