General Solar Lighting Information
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About SOL
SOL are a privately-owned company that was founded in 1990 as Solar Outdoor Lighting, Inc. Their headquarters and manufacturing facility are located in Palm City, Florida and their Engineering and Design facility are located in Stuart, Florida.
SOL develop, manufacture, and market commercial / industrial-grade solar powered lighting systems for a wide range of lighting applications. They are the largest supplier of solar lighting systems to the United States federal government, their products are used by many universities and large corporations and they illuminate a very large number of roadways.
SOL's innovative and experienced design and engineering team draws upon 150 years of collective experience in developing cost effective state-of-the-art solar lighting systems that provide unsurpassed levels of illumination and reliability. Their products are designed to meet or exceed stringent South Florida building codes, they comply with NEC and ASHTO criteria, and they have been extensively tested at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado, the Sandia National Laboratory in New Mexico, and the Florida Solar Energy Center.
ISO 9000
SOL received its ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System Certificate of Registration from International Management Systems, Inc. in Tampa, Florida in March, 2005.
Partners
SOL are able to provide solar lighting systems with unsurpassed levels of illumination, efficiency, and reliability because they incorporate components that are specifically designed for their products.
To accomplish this, SOL either establish alliances with suppliers of these components or they design these components themselves.
Designing a solar powered system
The solar powered system must be "sized" to determine the appropriate size for the solar panel array before the system can be specified and its price can be determined.
To size a system, we need the following information:
- Geographic Location
- Lighting Application
- Preferred Bulb
- Run Time (Duration of the Load)
- Fixture Model
- Solar Panel Angle: Flat or 45-Degrees
After you provide the information listed above, we determine the following:
- Sun Hours (based on your geographic location)
- Bulb Size
- Solar Panel Size
- Model
- Size and Number of Batteries
- Optimal pole spacing and placement to match your specified light requirements.
- The most suitable Reflector and Refractor
Solar Lighting Basics
The sun is a direct source of energy. Using renewable energy technologies, we can convert that solar energy into electricity. Solar powered lighting is a relatively simple concept. In a basic way, the system operates like a bank account. Withdrawals from the battery to power the light source must be compensated for by commensurate deposits of energy from the solar panels. As long as the system is designed so deposits exceed withdrawals on an average daily basis, the battery remains charged and light source is reliably powered.
- The sun provides a direct source of energy to the solar panel.
- The battery is recharged during the day by direct-current (DC) electricity produced by the
- solar panel.
- The light source is powered by the battery each night.
- Electronic controls are used between the battery, light source and solar panels to protect
- the battery from and overcharge discharge, and to control the timing and operation of the
- light.
How Does Solar Power Work?
In principal, it’s simple. A solar panel converts light to electricity. During daylight, even on cloudy days, this "solar generator" (solar panel) charges long-life batteries, which store the energy until needed. Thus, the energy of the sun is harnessed to product power. In practice, of course, solar outdoor lighting is a little more complex. In addition to large capacity batteries and solar panels, the system also incorporates sophisticated proprietary charge regulators, which stop the flow of solar generated electricity when the batteries are fully charged, and then resume charging when more power is needed. The key to solar outdoor lighting is the solar power pack, which houses photovoltaic solar panels, a proprietary microprocessor control system and batteries. It is attached to specifically designed lights having super reflectivity and high energy ballasts.
How Dependable is Solar Powered Lighting?
Very dependable. For one thing, it’s never too cloudy to collect solar energy. In fact, if there’s enough sunlight to see reasonably well, there’s enough to collect and store energy – even if it’s raining. The SOL system can store enough energy to operate five or more consecutive days without sun. What’s more, solar powered outdoor lighting is virtually maintenance free, since the batteries require no water or other regular service. Unlike some systems that are assembled from "off the shelf" parts not designed for solar service, SOL systems are assembled from components specifically designed for solar. The solar panel itself is backed by a 20 year warranty – the strongest in the industry – and with our new CCFL bulb, the components of the entire SOL system are guaranteed for five (5) years.
What Advantages Does Solar Power Have?
SOL systems provide unmatched convenience, reliability and efficiency. Each SOL light has its own "power plant" – so you don’t depend on far away generating stations, transmission lines, substations, switches and transformers. Since each solar electric light operates autonomously, every light is programmed through its own control system, to turn on and off as needed. And, in the unlikely event that an individual solar outdoor light fails, no other lights are affected. Solar systems outperform traditional wired systems hands-down. In a solar installation, initial costs are incurred for the selfcontained energy collection and storage system. But after that, the energy itself is free! When compared to the traditional system’s cost for cable, trenching, metering equipment and construction – plus electric bills continuing forever – the solar system’s advantages can be dramatic and immediate.
Benefits of Solar Powered Lighting
- No trenching, no metering, no wiring
- Cost savings from day one due to ease of installation
- Lighting works well to deter crime
- People feel safer when areas are illuminated
- Can be installed in the most remote locations
- No cost for daily operation
- Free energy once installed – no electric bills.
- Not connected to grid power – will work even when electric power is out
- Will turn on even after cloudy days
- Reach beyond commercial power lines
- Immune to black outs
Benefits of SOL (SOLAR OUTDOOR LIGHTING)
- CCFL Bulb – provides 30,000 to 40,000 hours with 5 year warranty
- LED technology – provides 100,000 hours
- Max-Lite Reflector in fixtures is specially designed to maximize light output
- No maintenance gel cell batteries
- Batteries located in vented battery box at top of pole
Frequantly asked questions
WHAT IS A SUN HOUR?
A sun hour is a unit of measurement of the intensity of sunlight on the earth at a given time that can be used for generation of solar power, recognizing factors such as climate and weather. A full sun hour is measured as the intensity of sunlight at noon, whereas less than a full sun hour will result during the hours before and after noon.
WHAT ABOUT SHADING?
Any shading from trees, buildings, or other items will decrease the efficiency of a solar powered system.
In order for a solar panel to work properly, the solar panel must have clear exposure to the sun and face the equator. When a solar powered system is located north of the equator, the solar panel must face due south. When a solar powered system is located south of the equator, the solar panel must face due north.
WHERE IS THE PHOTOCELL?
The solar panel array acts as the photocell in conjunction with the solar controller.
HOW DOES THE LIGHT KNOW WHEN TO TURN ON AND OFF?
The solar controller determines when the sun sets (and when to switch the light on) by means of voltage readings from the solar panel array.
The solar controller utilizes an internal timer that is pre-set for a specific number of hours to determine when to switch the light off. If the solar controller is set to leave the light on until dawn, it determines when the sun rise (and when to switch the light off) by means of voltage readings from the solar panel array.
CAN SOLAR LIGHTS BE USED OUTSIDE THE "SUN BELT"?
Solar powered lights can be used virtually anywhere, as long as they are properly configured with correctly sized solar panels and adequate battery capacity.
Properly designed solar lighting systems in areas north or south of the equator are just as reliable as "Sun Belt" systems, although they are usually larger and somewhat more expensive. Correspondingly larger sized solar panels and batteries are required for systems that are installed at greater distances from the equator and have more clouds and longer nights.
WHAT IS THE "WORST CASE"?
We design all of our systems with the "worst case" in mind. In general, the worst case is the worst possible combination of conditions expected in a particular geographical location. This translates to the shortest number of sun hours, temperature and humidity conditions, and the length of the longest nights.
We design each product to work as specified when solar modules provide the least charge during short or cloudy days and while demands on the battery are at a maximum during long nights. If you specify that your system must operate from dusk to dawn, we design the system to run as if all nights were the longest night. If we design your system to work under the worst of conditions, we believe it will work flawlessly all of the time.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE ARE CLOUDY DAYS?
Electrical energy is stored in the battery each day, and some of that energy is used to operate the light at night. Generally, we design your system so that the battery will operate the light for five nights without charging. This means that, even after a series of cloudy days, there will be plenty energy in the battery to power the light each night. Also, the solar panel will continue to charge the battery (although at a reduced rate) even when it is cloudy.
DOES COLD WEATHER AFFECT THE FUNCTIONALITY OF AN OUTDOOR SOLAR LIGHT?
Battery capacity is affected by cold weather, and a fully charged battery loses a certain percentage of its capacity during cold weather. When we design your system, we usually allow for cold weather extremes when determining the battery capacity that is needed. We may also install additional insulation in the battery box, provide an optional custom cold weather enclosure, or (for extremely cold weather) bury the batteries and battery box below the frost line.
WHAT IS THE TYPICAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR A SOLAR LIGHTING SYSTEM?
There is no regular maintenance required for a solar lighting system. However, it is helpful to keep the solar panels clean, especially in a dusty climate.
HOW LONG DOES THE BATTERY LAST?
Under normal conditions with minimum weather issues such as extreme heat or extreme cold, we expect the batteries to last from for to six years.
WHAT IS THE TYPICAL LIFE OF THE LAMPS IN AN OUTDOOR SOLAR LIGHT?
Each different type of lamp has a different rated average life. Compact fluorescent lamps generally have a rated average life of 10,000 hours. Our Cold Cathode Fluorescent (CCFL) lamps have a rated average life of 30,000 hours and a five year warranty. Low Pressure Sodium (LPS) lamps have a rated average life of 18,000 hours.
IS HARDWARE INCLUDED WITH THE UNIT?
A standard hardware package is included with each system. If you procure the pole yourself, we will supply the proper bolts and nuts if you provide us with the pole information.
DO I HAVE TO CHARGE THE BATTERIES?
Batteries are shipped 85% charged. The batteries will be at 100% charged within two weeks of proper operation.
HOW DOES SOLAR LIGHTING COMPARE WITH CONVENTIONAL GRID POWERED LIGHTING?
Virtually every project includes guidelines for the intensity of illumination. We have specifically designed our high-powered solar lighting systems to meet Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) standards, which are based on conventional grid powered lighting. These standards are divided into low, medium and high usage areas, whether they are pedestrian or vehicular.
Solar powered lighting systems are best utilized in the low (generally 0.2 foot-candle to 0.5 foot-candle) and medium (generally foot-candle to 1.0 foot-candle) usage areas because of the limitations of lamp and fixture combinations.
WHAT IS THE COST COMPARISON BETWEEN SOLAR AND GRID POWERED LIGHTING?
Solar outdoor lights may seem expensive at first, before the real costs of installing and operating grid powered lights are considered for the years of service that are to be expected. Solar outdoor lights have zero costs for running wires or trenching, zero costs for putting in transformers and meters, and zero costs for a recurring electric bill.
SOL can provideyou with the tools you need to build a Life Cycle Costing Analysis . This analysis is most meaningful when it takes into consideration all the costs involved with a multiple system project. If you would like to obtain a Life Cycle Costing Analysis for your project, request it from your sales associate.
Warranty
We design our solar lighting products to provide trouble-free illumination for decades. Our solar powered lighting systems provide the most reliable illumination in the industry, and our customers are enjoying millions of hours of trouble-free service.
Security
SOL INC’s solar lighting is very often installed in remote or poor areas. Consequently SOL pays special attention to resistance against vandalism:
- PV panel frame strength exceeds requirements of certifying agencies;
- Cells are laminated between sheets of ethylene vinyl acetate and high-transmissivity low-iron 3 mm tempered glass (similar to car windshields); the glass is certified to withstand a 1" piece of hail or similar impact.
- The PV panels can be entirely protected at the back with aluminum (at the customer’s option);
- The panel backing and battery box are manufactured from 5052 corrosion resistant (especially marine environment), high strength aluminum .090" thick;
- The battery box is mounted high on the pole (difficult access);
- The wiring from the battery box to the PV panel and light can run inside the pole (inaccessible);
- The lenses of the light fixtures are made of highly impact resistant polycarbonate (unbreakable);
- All hardware (bolts, screws, etc.) is vandal resistant requiring special tools.
For more information please contact us a ecogise or visit SOL's web-site www.solarlighting.com