Solar Lighting Bollards: Answering Your Common Questions

 What is a Solar Lighting Bollard? 

A ‘bollard’ is a pole designed to be used in conjunction with other bollards to form a boundary, like the boundaries you see permanently blocking a street off from cars. A ‘solar lighting bollard’ is simply a bollard with added lights, used to illuminate landscaping, walkways, and other property. Solar lighting bollards are approximate 1m high, and because they’re solar and not connected to any electricity supply, they deliver substantial savings in installation costs. Solar lighting bollards automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn, and operate using batteries and solar panels. 

Are Solar Bollard Lights Popular? 

More and more we’re seeing the use of solar bollard lights around retirement villages, council pathways, resorts, townhouse developments, and worker accommodation camps. This form of lighting is suitable in any situation where it’s logistically difficult or too expensive to connect to the electricity grid; in fact, any place that’s relatively shade-free. 

A new low-power solar bollard light has recently been introduced, one that requires no direct sunlight. All it requires is an area where it’s not too dark so the bollard lights can access UV from indirect sunlight. 

Read more: https://orcasolarlighting.com.au/solar_bollard_lighting

 

How Solar Bollard Lights Work 

Solar bollards work by creating power from the sun during the daytime, then storing this power in the battery. At dusk time, the brains of the system known as the Lighting Controller automatically turns the lights on. When dawn is detected, the lights are automatically turned off. 

Because solar bollard lights are self-contained, they can easily be installed to add light to any space that has access to direct sunlight. Every bollard holds a self-powered lighting source that’s immune to power outages and requires minimal maintenance. Solar panels are able to withstand tough impacts without shattering, with each panel being covered in a protective polycarbonate shield.

 How Long Do Batteries in Solar Bollard Lights Last? 

Generally speaking, if the system sizing is correct, a good quality battery will last between 5 and 10 years. 

Allowing for long winter nights, a well-constructed solar lighting bollard should be able to deliver at least 4 full nights battery backup when running at 100% illumination. Overall performance is typically influenced by the bollard location, long-term weather patterns, and available sunlight hours. 

What Are the Coverage Aspects of Solar Lighting Bollards 

Solar lighting bollards can accomplish AS/NZS 1158 3.1 Pedestrian (P) bikeways and pathways, placed up to 10 meters apart near (for example) a 2m-wide pathway. 

Some solar lighting bollards are offered in symmetrical and asymmetrical distribution patterns – 

o   With symmetrical lighting bollards, light is delivered in an even, circular, condensed pattern. This type of lighting is often used in landscaping applications. Light is delivered from these solar lighting bollards in a circular pattern with a 14’ diameter.

o   With asymmetrical lighting bollards, light is delivered in an elongated narrow form, ideal for pathway lighting. This type of lighting is often used in safety applications, like brightening walkways. Light is delivered from these solar lighting bollards in an elongated oval that is around 20’ long. 

Keep in mind that light fades the further its away from its source, so with this in mind, symmetrical lighting bollards should be placed 8 foot apart and asymmetrical lighting bollards should be placed 12 foot apart. 

How Are Solar Lighting Bollards Constructed? 

Solar lighting bollards are manufactured from steel, aluminium, and polycarbonate. For added protection they are powder-coated, which also helps with durability against vandalism, weather, and other issues. For additional protection, solar panels are covered with a protective polycarbonate shield, enabling them to withstand the harshest treatments without shattering. 

Each solar lighting bollard has a self-powered, self-contained lighting source that requires little-to-no maintenance; and it’s immune to power outages. Under normal operating conditions, long-lasting, energy efficient LED bulbs deliver 50,000 hours. 

Therefore, solar lighting bollards consist of a pole, small footing if required, solar panel LEDs, battery, and lighting controller. 

Why Are Solar Lighting Bollards Preferred over Traditional Lighting Bollards 

Solar lighting bollards have lower upfront costs and can save a substantial amount of money in areas where it can be expensive to trench and cable to the site. In addition, they are a renewable energy power source, meaning that there are no ongoing power costs. 

Are There Any Disadvantages to Using Solar Lighting Bollards? 

If power is already available at the site, then these types of bollards tend to be initially more expensive than main powered lights. 

When solar lighting bollards are placed in locations that are exposed to a lot of shade, it can become problematic because these panels do work best when the solar panel is exposed to direct sunlight. 

Do Solar Bollard Lights Require Any Maintenance? 

There is very minimal maintenance required with this type of lighting. Just ensure that plants are not blocking the sunlight and that the solar panel is kept clean. 

Are Solar Lighting Bollards Weather Resistant? 

Yes, they have an extremely high level of resistance to almost all kinds of weather. In fact, in flood prone areas some are able to be completely submersed. Their battery backup is so reliable that they’re able to provide all-night light for whatever weather situation they’re in.

 Are Solar Lighting Bollards Expensive to Purchase? 

Australian-manufactured solar bollards typically cost between $700 and $950, while Asian-manufactured bollards cost approximately $300. 

What’s the Difference between Australian-Made and Asian-Made Bollards? 

With Australian-made bollards you will receive battery backup of 4+ full nights and a 5 to 7 year warranty. Bollards are manufactured from marine-grade aluminium poles with aircraft-windscreen-grade polycarbonate.

 Asian-made bollards typically come with 2-nights battery backup and a 2-year warranty. 

All options are at 100% output (no dimming) and allow for the longest winter nights. 

Images supplied by Orca Solar Lighting