As a business owner, one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint and save on energy costs is going green with solar-powered parking lot lights. With so many solar-powered parking lot light options to choose from in the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for your needs. We understand how challenging it can be, and that’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Types of Parking Lot Lights
When it comes to outdoor parking lots, the right kind of lighting is essential. Proper lighting increases visibility for cars and pedestrians, making the area safer and more secure. There are several types of lights that businesses can use for their parking lots, each with benefits and disadvantages.
AC-powered
AC-powered parking lot lights are widely used for their cost-effectiveness in providing bright illumination in outdoor areas. These types of lights typically use metal halide, high-pressure sodium, or LED light engines and fixtures that can be mounted on poles in parking lots or other open spaces, making them an ideal option for many businesses.
However, the installation of AC-powered parking lot lights can be a complex and costly process, especially when it involves a large area. Trenching and wiring must be done to supply power to the lamps, which requires specialized equipment and skills. The process of burying wires underground in order to supply power to the lamps can be a labor-intensive task, as special equipment is needed to ensure that the wires are properly installed and that there is sufficient power distributed to the lamps.
Additionally, multiple circuits may be necessary in order to ensure adequate power distribution. This may require the use of heavy equipment, such as trenchers or backhoes, which can cause damage to paved surfaces if not done correctly. Repaving and restriping may also be necessary to fix any damage caused by the trenching process, which can add significant costs to the overall project.
Solar Powered
The increasing popularity of solar-powered lights in outdoor lighting applications is due to their exceptional energy efficiency and low maintenance costs. With a solar panel system in place, these lights absorb sunlight during the day and store it into batteries, which can then be used to power the lights at night. During the evening, the solar-powered batteries unleash their energy to illuminate the area with either high-quality LEDs or fluorescent bulbs.
Solar-powered parking lot lights are especially beneficial in promising locations where traditional AC power is not accessible. These lights provide an ideal solution for parking lots that have already been paved, making them extremely practical and cost-effective. Furthermore, these lights can come in handy in parking lots that require constant lighting even during utility power outages. They offer a reliable light source even in adverse situations, making them ideal for various outdoor lighting purposes.
Despite modest investments, solar-powered lights have long-term benefits. They offer remarkable savings on electricity bills, reducing expenses for many years. Additionally, as a source of renewable energy, it promotes eco-friendliness and helps to reduce carbon footprints. Furthermore, solar-powered lights necessitate little to no maintenance, making them ideal for areas with minimal accessibility.
All-in-one
All-in-one parking lot lights are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional lighting systems due to their compact design and the convenience of having all the components in one unit.
One of the main disadvantages of all-in-one parking lot lights is their limited power output, which can result in inadequate lighting for larger areas. In addition to this, these systems often face some degree of performance loss when their panels are placed away from a south-facing position, which can further hinder their functionality.
The issue of dark-sky restrictions is another important factor to consider. Many local governments have implemented these restrictions to mitigate light pollution at night, which means that all lighting fixtures must be installed in a way that does not contribute to light pollution. This can be a challenge for all-in-one parking lot lights, as they may not be able to comply with these regulations due to their design limitations.
Furthermore, all-in-one solutions are typically less durable than traditional AC- or solar-powered lights and will require frequent replacement. This can be a significant cost in the long run, as regular replacements can add up over time, making these solutions less cost-effective than alternatives.
Types of Parking Lot Lighting Bulbs
Several types of parking lot lighting bulbs or light sources are also available on the market. Choosing the right lighting source can make a huge difference in the safety, security, and overall look of any parking lot. To help you determine the most suitable option for your parking lot, let’s take a quick look at three of the most common.
LED
LED bulbs are well-known for their energy efficiency and long-lasting lifespan, which can significantly reduce maintenance costs. Additionally, LED bulbs are highly customizable, allowing for a variety of color temperatures and light distribution options. This feature provides an excellent opportunity for parking lot owners and managers to tailor their lighting to fit their specific needs.
Metal Halide
This type of bulb provides bright, white light, which is perfect for large parking areas that require high levels of visibility. Metal halide bulbs are also known for their long lifespan and great color rendering capabilities.
However, they tend to be less energy-efficient and can take some time to warm up, meaning they may not be ideal for areas where lighting needs to be turned on and off frequently.This type of bulb provides bright, white light, which is perfect for large parking areas that require high levels of visibility.
Metal halide bulbs are also known for their long lifespan and great color rendering capabilities. However, they tend to be less energy-efficient and can take some time to warm up, meaning they may not be ideal for areas where lighting needs to be turned on and off frequently.
High-pressure sodium bulbs
These bulbs emit a warm, yellow-orange light, which may not provide the optimal color rendering for some parking locations. However, they are very energy-efficient and have a long lifespan. In addition, high-pressure sodium bulbs have a high lumen output, making them an excellent option for parking lots requiring high levels of brightness.
What Kind of System Is Best?
In this guide to the types of solar-powered parking lot lights, we covered several popular illumination options. But of all these options, what kind of system is the best choice?
At SRESKY, we are committed to providing superior commercial solar lighting systems for parking lots that exceed these fundamental requirements, and offer a range of additional benefits as well. Our innovative solar-powered solutions are built to withstand harsh weather conditions and last for several years with minimal maintenance.
We use high-quality materials that are corrosion-resistant, and our systems are designed to be water-tight to prevent any damage from the elements.