You probably already know that solar is a renewable energy that’s growing in popularity. But did you know that solar lighting can offer advantages in addition to cost savings and ease of installation? If you need another reason to love solar, we’ve compiled a list of some of its environmental benefits and how it can reduce our impact on the planet.
Sustainability
As of 2022, over 60% of electricity in the United States is still created by fossil fuels! With a global focus on combating climate change, solar is quickly becoming an attractive alternative to gas and coal.
All the electricity required to power lighting is generated from the power of the sun, eliminating the need to connect to any power grid. This independence from the grid creates a green and sustainable option for outdoor lighting. Solar lights can require as few as two hours of direct sunlight and keep areas lit all night and in overcast weather. It’s an incredibly efficient way to illuminate as the batteries are designed to store energy for future use.
To maximize sustainability, we source our materials as locally as possible, including American-made steel and aluminum. Virtually all components, including the battery, are recyclable at the end of life. Lithium-ion batteries are non-toxic and accepted for environmentally safe disposal at most recycling centers.
Pollution Prevention
Solar’s most impactful environmental benefits are the lack of emissions, air pollution, and carbon dioxide. Last year at First Light Technologies, our installations prevented 10,060 tons of carbon dioxide from entering our atmosphere. This is equivalent to the emissions from 1,800 homes for one year, 10.1 million pounds of coal burned, and over one billion smartphone charges.
The ease of installation with solar lighting makes it a great choice for remote or inaccessible locations. It’s possible to illuminate spaces without digging trenches to connect wiring to a power grid, saving any emissions from machinery that would occur during that process.
Ecological Benefits
Marine Wildlife
There are three key factors when looking at lighting around beaches: keep it mounted low, keep the wavelength long (such as amber light output), and keep it shielded to prevent backlighting. While wired lighting can offer these solutions, the logistics of installing the wires can wreak havoc on local ecosystems. Solar lighting removes this barrier by being simple to install where it’s needed with little disturbance to the area.
Conservationists have been concerned with lighting around sea turtle nesting grounds for years. Lighting that doesn’t adhere to the low, long, and shielded principles can attract the turtles to areas they shouldn’t be and cause them to be trapped or killed by predators. Our PLB Series solar bollards have been certified by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) as sea turtle-safe lighting.
Land Wildlife
Most mammals are affected by disruptions to circadian rhythm. The result can be an unnaturally extended day for diurnal (daytime) creatures and a shortened day for nocturnal ones. Solar lighting can combat this interference by using motion sensors. This allows the light to be on when needed, providing darkness.
Plants and Flora
Even plants are affected by light pollution. Their seasonal rhythms, ability to perceive and respond to natural light, and relationships with pollinators are all disrupted by it. Many pollinators are drawn to lights kept on all night and away from flowering plants. Smart solar lighting offers a solution with time, dimmable, and motion-sensing capabilities to be as harmless as possible to natural life.
Take a step towards a greener future.
Contact us to light up your project while helping the environment!
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