Like many businesses worldwide, web design agency Create Designs has crippling energy bills to contend with. The company, headquartered in Surrey in the U.K., has seen its energy costs jump by more than a quarter, and, at one of its offices, increase from £350 ($428) to £750 ($917) a month. Now, in the throes of winter, Create Designs’ energy rates are expected to jump significantly.
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However, like many businesses confronted by eye-watering energy costs, the company is battling back, and calculating what it can do to mitigate these costs and become more energy efficient.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has wreaked havoc with the energy market, sending wholesale prices soaring. Like households across the world, businesses are also frantically scouting out new ways to cut energy costs. The upshot is they’re also reducing their environmental impact.
Research by comparison site NerdWallet found that 42% of businesses have invested in more cost-efficient measures for the office, such as installing LED light bulbs, to help save on running costs. Meanwhile, over a quarter (28%) of businesses said they have asked staff not to charge personal devices at work. All this comes as close to half of U.K. businesses fear they may have to close due to rising energy bills, according to the survey.
Create Designs is expecting its energy bills to climb from £750 ($917) a month to over £1,200 ($1,468). As a result, the company has introduced a wave of measures.
“We’ve focused on what is most likely to have a notable improvement — secondary glazing for example, which has the added benefit of sound insulation and is a relatively cost effective solution,” said owner James Thurlow-Craig, who added that the company’s primary office is based in a Grade 2 listed building, which has particular historical significance and therefore is legally protected from being altered too much. That means Create Designs’ approach was limited by what it had permission to do.
“The single pane sash windows are very drafty and are terrible at retaining heat so we’ve sealed any gaps in windows and doors from the outside,” Thurlow-Craig said. “Being such an old building, doors and windows are all made of wood and warp over time, creating gaps. Draft protection is a very cheap method of keeping warm air in and cold air out by using specialist stick-on seals at the bottom of door frames and the sides of windows.”
Create Designs has also reduced the boiler hot water flow. “By reducing this, the water does not need to be heated up as much, reducing energy usage,” Thurlow-Craig said.
Over in Kent in the U.K., earlier this year, accountancy firm Spurling Cannon installed solar panels on the roof of its office in Ramsgate.
“We are very passionate about the environment and wanted to work toward being carbon neutral,” said Richard Phillpott, director at Spurling Cannon. “We have two fairly large offices which need to be heated and the uncertainty around energy prices has been of concern to us and our clients.”
Earlier this year the company installed 62 solar panels on the roof of its building and added two car charging ports, costing a total of £45,000 ($55,000). The measure has led to a reduction in the electricity bills at its Ramsgate office from around £650 ($794) per month to about £200 ($244) per month.
“We have another office in Charing and are looking at options there but it’s not such an easy roof to install them on,” said Phillpott. “The roof at our Ramsgate office is almost all flat or has a slight pitch but perfect for solar.”
Phillpott said an app shows the company that since the solar panels were installed, Spurling Cannon has saved almost 24,000 pounds of Co2, which he said is the equivalent of planting 488 trees.
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“The increase in energy prices is still of concern to us and our offices in Charing need a lot of work to make them more energy efficient. It’s a huge capital investment to install solar panels. We are also looking at ways we can support our clients in doing the same as the increase in energy prices is a conversation we have daily with our clients, and is of huge concern to them all,” Phillpott said.
Businesses are hugely worried about their rising energy bills, said Christine Ciavardini, client relationship manager at MD Energy Advisors, a Baltimore-based company providing commercial, utility, and financing and energy solutions. “Energy strategy and alternatives to utility supply are in high demand. Costs have more than doubled in the last year. If businesses weren’t looking at their options a year ago, they are now,” Ciavardini said.
She said before any business gets the ball rolling with energy efficiency projects, they should first think of changing interior and exterior lighting from incandescent or fluorescent to LEDs. “The cost is low, and the payback is usually less than a year. This could save 60% on lighting costs,” she said.
She also recommended installing motion sensors for the lighting in closed offices and conference rooms, and, if possible, in any open areas. “Sensors are inexpensive and can be installed by a technician in about one day, even for a large office space. In addition, ensure all your exterior lighting including signage is controlled by a sensor or a timer. The savings could be 5% to 15%,” Ciavardini said.
Ciavardini also recommended evaluating the use of space in buildings. “Many older offices have large rooms that were used to store large servers for computers that might now be overcooled. Computers are smaller, not emitting the amount of heat that large servers have in the past. In addition, many businesses are now storing data in the cloud. These supplemental cooling systems can be turned down or deactivated completely. There is zero cost for this,” she said.
Stavros Zavrakas, founder of software company Orthogonality based in Cambridge in the U.K., said his company has implemented a number of measures to save money. “We have replaced incandescent lightbulbs with LEDs,” he said. “This practice is also followed by switching off lights when they are not in use. Great care is taken to not leave electrical appliances such as printers on standby. One of our employees is now responsible for switching off all such appliances at the end of the day.”
Zavrakas said that one of the simplest ways Orthogonality has reduced its energy bills is by using a programmable thermostat. “By regulating the temperature of our office by adhering to guidelines that we define, it makes heating and cooling much simpler, and ultimately cheaper,” he said.
A good step for businesses is to check with governments, councils, local authorities and business groups to see if any grants are available to improve energy efficiency or to help them through these difficult times.
In the meantime, businesses like Create Designs are speaking to employees about how to manage energy consumption.
“Staff have been advised during their regular one-to-one meetings and during team meetings about the new protocols to reduce energy usage,” said Thurlow-Craig. “The measures have generally been well received. Our team are environmentally conscious and have been very understanding, primarily because they are also experiencing similar increases in energy costs at home.”
As for the future, Thurlow-Craig admitted he has mild expectations when it comes to how much the company can save on its energy bills.
“There is a bottom limit to how efficient we can be as a business and the major concern is that there is no energy cap at all for businesses and should the situation worsen, we may have to invest in alternative energy sources such as solar power,” he said.
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Solar-powered street lights have become an increasingly popular solution for lighting public and private spaces without relying on traditional electricity. By harnessing the power of the sun, these innovative lights provide a reliable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional street lighting systems.
Whether you're experienced with traditional street lights or you're a first-time buyer, you'll find our Solar Street Lights Buying Guide indispensable. We'll walk you through everything you need to know about solar LED street lights, from the different types available to the benefits they provide. We'll cover installation considerations, how to choose the best model for your needs, and compare outdoor solar street lights to traditional electric ones. By the end of this guide, you'll have a clear understanding of how
LED solar lights can provide long-term savings and sustainability for your lighting projects.
Benefits of Solar Street Lights
Solar street lights offer a range of advantages that make them a practical and sustainable choice for lighting outdoor spaces. Below, we explore the benefits that set solar lights apart from traditional lighting systems.
Energy EfficiencyOne of the standout benefits of solar streetlights is their remarkable energy efficiency. Unlike traditional street lights that rely on grid electricity, solar-powered street lights harness sunlight during the day and store it in batteries to power the lights at night. This self-sustaining system reduces the strain on energy grids and ensures no power is wasted. With advancements in solar panels and LED technology, today's solar street lights deliver bright, long-lasting illumination while consuming minimal energy.
Low MaintenanceSolar streetlights are known for their low maintenance requirements. Since they don't rely on a complex wiring system or external power sources, there's no risk of electrical malfunctions or power outages. Additionally, most modern solar street lights are built with durable materials that withstand harsh weather conditions, requiring little more than periodic cleaning of the solar panels to ensure optimal performance.
Environmental Benefits (Renewable Energy)Solar streetlights are a great option for anyone looking to minimize their environmental impact. Using renewable energy from the sun helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. Switching to solar-powered street lighting contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable planet, aligning with global efforts to promote green energy and reduce the carbon footprint of urban infrastructure.
Cost Savings (Reduced Electricity Bills)While the initial investment in solar street lights may be higher than traditional lighting systems, the long-term savings are undeniable. Since solar street lights are powered entirely by sunlight, there are no ongoing electricity costs. Over time, this translates into substantial savings. Moreover, with fewer maintenance needs and longer lifespans, solar street lights offer a strong return on investment, making them a cost-effective solution for lighting large spaces.
Types of Solar-Powered Street Lights
There are three main types of solar-powered street lights, each with its own design, features, and benefits, making it suitable for select applications.
Integrated Solar Street LightsIntegrated solar street lights combine the solar panel, LED light, and battery into a single compact unit, making them a sleek, space-saving option that's easy to install. This design is particularly beneficial for residential areas, parks, and smaller public spaces where minimal maintenance is desired. However, because the components are fixed within a single unit, there's less flexibility for upgrades or adjustments, which may limit their use in large-scale projects.
Split Solar Street LightsSplit solar street lights offer more flexibility by separating the solar panel, light fixture, and battery. This design allows the solar panel to be positioned for maximum sunlight, even in shaded or complex environments. It's a great option for areas with variable landscapes or lighting needs. While the added flexibility is a big advantage, split solar street light installation can be more complex due to the separate components, and maintenance may require more attention than integrated systems.
All-in-One Solar Street LightsAll-in-one solar street lights are designed for simplicity, with all components (solar panel, LED light, battery, and controller) housed within a single unit. Their quick and easy installation makes all-in-one solar street lights ideal for smaller to medium-sized outdoor spaces like residential streets or parking lots. However, their compact design may not provide sufficient power for larger areas, and if one component fails, the entire unit may need replacement.
How to Choose the Best Solar Street Lights
Selecting the right solar street light for your needs involves considering several important factors affecting performance and longevity. Here's a breakdown of the features to look for:
- Battery Life: The battery is a critical component of any solar street light, as it stores the energy collected during the day to power the light at night. Look for lights with long-lasting, high-capacity batteries, typically lithium-ion or lithium phosphate, which offer better efficiency and longer lifespans than older battery types. A good solar street light should provide at least 8 to 12 hours of illumination on a full charge. The battery's cycle life (how many times it can be charged and discharged) is also essential to ensure long-term reliability.
- Lumens (Brightness): The brightness of the light is measured in lumens, and choosing the right lumen level depends on the specific area you need to illuminate. Lower-lumen lights may be sufficient for smaller spaces like residential streets or pathways, while larger areas like parking lots or commercial zones require higher-lumen options. Generally, the higher the lumens, the brighter the light. Look for LED solar street lights that offer high efficiency in lumens per watt to ensure bright illumination without draining the battery quickly.
- Panel Quality: The quality of the solar panel is essential for ensuring that your solar street light can absorb enough sunlight to power the system effectively. Look for panels made from high-efficiency materials like monocrystalline or polycrystalline, which convert sunlight into energy more efficiently. The size and placement of the panel are also important factors — larger panels or those with better sun exposure can charge the battery faster, ensuring consistent performance even in less sunny conditions.
- Warranties and Support: A good warranty is a sign of a reliable product, and it's something you should always look for when choosing a solar street light. Many reputable manufacturers offer warranties that cover both the solar panel and the LED light for several years, often from 3 to 5 years. Longer warranties provide peace of mind and protect your investment, ensuring you'll receive support if any component fails prematurely. Additionally, look for customer support options that can assist with troubleshooting or replacement parts, as this can save time and money in the long run.
Comparison of Solar and Traditional Street Lights
When deciding between solar street lights and traditional electric street lights, consider the long-term financial and environmental impacts of each option. Here's a breakdown of how they compare:
Cost and InstallationDue to the inclusion of solar panels, batteries, and LED fixtures, the upfront cost of solar street lights can be higher than that of traditional street lights. However, traditional street lights require additional costs for trenching, wiring, and connection to the power grid, which can add significantly to installation expenses. Solar street lights, on the other hand, don't require any electrical infrastructure, making installation quicker and more cost-effective in areas without existing power lines.
Energy SavingsThe biggest advantage of solar street lights is that they run entirely on renewable energy. Once installed, they don't incur ongoing electricity costs, resulting in significant savings over time. Traditional street lights, however, depend on electricity from the grid, contributing to higher operational costs. The energy savings from solar street lights make them a more sustainable choice in the long run.
MaintenanceSolar street lights generally require less maintenance than traditional lights.
With no wiring to inspect or bulbs to frequently replace, solar lighting systems operate for years with minimal upkeep. On the other hand, traditional street lights are subject to potential electrical issues, power outages, and regular bulb replacements, all of which can increase maintenance costs.
Environmental ImpactSolar street lights are powered by renewable energy, significantly reducing their carbon footprint compared to traditional street lights, which rely on electricity generated from fossil fuels. Additionally, LED technology in solar street lights is more energy-efficient and lasts longer than traditional lighting solutions, further enhancing their environmental benefits.
Lifespan and DurabilityModern solar street lights, particularly those with high-quality LED fixtures and durable batteries, are built to last for many years. They often have lifespans of 10 to 15 years for the solar panel and LED light and 5 to 7 years for the battery. Traditional street lights may require more frequent bulb and electrical component replacements, which can drive up long-term costs. However, solar street lights need proper battery maintenance and eventual replacement, which should be factored into overall longevity.You can learn more in our
Solar Light Installation Case Study.Battery and Charging Time
The performance of solar streetlights depends on the quality of their batteries and how efficiently they charge during daylight hours. Solar streetlights are equipped with high-capacity batteries that store energy from the sun throughout the day. This energy is then used to power the light during the night, with most batteries providing 8 to 12 hours of illumination on a full charge. Charging time varies depending on the solar panel's size and efficiency, along with the amount of sunlight the panel receives. In optimal conditions, the battery should be fully charged within 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. However, modern solar street lights are designed to operate efficiently even on cloudy days, ensuring consistent lighting performance throughout the night.
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LED Light Expert Has the Best Solar Street Lights Under the Sun
Solar street lights are an innovative, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution for illuminating outdoor spaces. Explore the options available at LED Light Expert to find the perfect solar street light solution for your project.
FAQs: Solar-Powered Street Lights
Below, we've answered some common questions concerning outdoor solar street lights. Please
contact us for more information on this topic.
What happens to solar street lights during a power outage?Since solar street lights operate independently from the power grid, they're unaffected by power outages. This makes them a reliable lighting solution in areas where electricity supply may be inconsistent or in emergency situations when grid power fails.
Can solar street lights work during the winter months or in cloudy weather?Yes, solar street lights work even in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
While direct sunlight will provide optimal charging, solar street lights can still generate power on cloudy days, though charging times may be longer. High-quality systems are equipped with efficient panels and batteries that store enough energy to keep the lights operational during overcast days or in winter months when daylight hours are shorter.
What is the typical lifespan of a solar street light?The lifespan of a solar street light depends on its components.
Most solar panels last 20-25 years, while LED lights can last around 10-15 years. The battery, which is crucial for storing energy, usually has a lifespan of 5-7 years, though regular maintenance and timely replacement ensures the entire system will continue to function properly.About the Author:
Dara Greaney is founder and CEO of LED Light Expert with deep expertise in LED fixtures and Light design.
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