| The use of solar energy need not simply be the | | | | Solar photovoltaics (Solar PV) is the process of |
| preserve of those wishing to spend thousands to | | | | capturing the energy from the sun and converting it |
| reduce their electricity bills and carbon footprint. Often | | | | into electricity. Solar lighting systems capture energy |
| overlooked, is the ability of solar power to provide | | | | from the sun with a solar photovoltaic panel and then |
| reliable, cost effective power in situations and locations | | | | store it in a battery until it is required to power the |
| where mains power is unavailable or impractical. | | | | lights. |
| Potential Uses for Solar Lighting | | | | There are three main types of solar panel widely |
| Solar power can be used to provide reliable power in | | | | available on the market today : monocrystalline, |
| remote locations throughout the year, even in the UK. | | | | polycrystalline and amorphous. Most solar lighting |
| There are many situations where a mains free power | | | | systems use polycrystalline panels as these provide |
| supply may be required. These range from | | | | the best balance in terms of price and efficiency. |
| recreational garden lighting through to essential remote | | | | Using a solar lighting system needs a slight change in |
| communications and street lighting. | | | | mindset from our usual gung-ho attitude to using mains |
| Solar lighting is a relatively new concept to most | | | | power! The power that is taken from the battery, |
| people and yet has huge potential to bring light to | | | | when the lights are switched on, needs to be |
| buildings where before electrical power was | | | | replenished from the Solar Panel when the sun shines. |
| unavailable for either practical or economic reasons. | | | | You may have noticed that the sun doesn’t shine |
| Solar lighting systems are ideal for stables, farm | | | | every day(!), so the battery is sized to ensure that |
| buildings, remote dwellings, garden sheds, garages, | | | | there is enough power stored on a sunny day to |
| kennels, summer houses, garden studios and offices, | | | | provide power for a series of overcast days. The size |
| log cabins, greenhouses, beach huts, children’s play | | | | of the solar panel and battery therefore, should be |
| houses, garden lighting, street lighting… the list goes on | | | | dictated by the estimated typical daily requirement for |
| and on! | | | | light and the estimated daily provision of sunshine. In |
| Solar Lighting Benefits | | | | general terms, the lower the requirement for power, |
| Solar lighting can be put to good use anywhere that | | | | the cheaper the system. |
| the sun shines. The cost often compares very | | | | Most solar lighting systems use low energy lights and |
| favourably with a new mains power connection or the | | | | very often run these as at 12V rather than the usual |
| installation of a generator, and in addition to this the | | | | mains 230V as this is the most efficient way to use |
| power produced is totally silent and free. | | | | the stored power. If 230V lighting or power is required |
| The other great thing about solar panels is that they | | | | this can be achieved with the use of an inverter that |
| have no moving parts and as a result are virtually | | | | can be bought separately and easily added to the |
| maintenance free. All they need is a bit of a clean | | | | system. |
| once or twice a year to prevent a build up of dirt | | | | Providing lighting for 2-3 hours per day in the winter |
| reducing their output. They usually have a life | | | | and in excess of 7 hours per day is very easily |
| expectancy of in excess of 15 years and very often | | | | achievable at a cost effective level in the UK. |
| come with a guarantee to this effect. In addition to this | | | | Extended requirements for power in the winter months |
| they produce no polluting emissions and do not to | | | | can add significantly to the cost of a system, but this |
| contribute to climate change. | | | | often still compares favourably with the cost of |
| Solar lighting is simple and safe to use and there are | | | | installing a new mains power connection. In situations |
| complete kits available that make installation a | | | | where winter demand for power is high, it is often cost |
| straightforward and fast DIY job. As they run at 12 | | | | effective to add a small wind turbine to help with |
| volts DC, a qualified electrician is not required and | | | | winter battery charging and to keep the cost of the |
| building regulations do not apply. Compared to a | | | | total lighting system down. |
| generator, a solar lighting kit has the added advantages | | | | The time of year has a major effect on the amount |
| of being totally silent, having minimal running and | | | | of sunshine we receive, so winter lighting requirement |
| maintenance costs and is more secure. Criminals find | | | | tends to be the starting point for designing a system. |
| highly portable generators all to easy to carry away | | | | Conclusion |
| and sell on. | | | | Solar lighting is a practical solution to the lighting |
| In situations where remote buildings are used to house | | | | requirements of many people who have buildings that |
| horses, farm animals or pets, having effective reliable | | | | cannot be served by mains power or where the |
| lighting is essential for routine tasks such as feeding, | | | | provision of mains power is prohibitively expensive. DIY |
| mucking out and most importantly to aid good | | | | kits are available that are relatively cheap and are |
| husbandry and care of the animals. In these situations | | | | simple to install or, for more complex situations, |
| a solar lighting system makes winter and morning | | | | bespoke systems can be designed and installed. |
| tasks easier and safer to carry out. Solar lighting can | | | | The solar energy used does not contribute to climate |
| also provide light for extended periods of time in the | | | | change, produces no pollution, and is completely silent. |
| case of an emergency, for insyance if an animal is | | | | Solar panels have no moving parts, so they are reliable |
| giving birth, or if an animal needs to be examined by a | | | | and virtually maintenance free. And to top it all, there |
| vet. | | | | are no running costs, so once installed the electricity |
| How Solar Lighting Works | | | | doesn’t cost you a penny. |