Commercial Solar Parking Lot Lighting: What You Should Know

Parking lots are essential for commercial businesses, and it is crucial to ensure they are adequately lit. Adequate lighting enhances safety, security, and visibility, reducing the likelihood of accidents and criminal activities. With the increasing need to adopt eco-friendly and sustainable energy solutions, solar-powered parking lot lighting has become a popular option for commercial businesses. In this article, we will explore the benefits of commercial solar parking lot lighting and what you should know before investing in it.

The Benefits of Commercial Solar Parking Lot Lighting

Energy Efficiency

Solar-powered parking lot lighting is an energy-efficient solution that utilizes the power of the sun to generate electricity. The solar panels absorb sunlight during the day, which is then converted into electrical energy that powers the lights at night. This energy-efficient solution reduces energy consumption, lowering the electricity bills for the business. Additionally, it helps reduce the carbon footprint, making it an eco-friendly option.

Cost-effectiveness

Commercial solar parking lot lighting is a cost-effective solution that can save businesses thousands of dollars in electricity bills. Once installed, solar-powered lighting requires minimal maintenance, reducing maintenance costs. Additionally, it eliminates the need for wiring, trenching, and electrical infrastructure, which can be expensive to install. The initial equipment investment may be higher than traditional lighting options, but total project costs are typically 25%-40% lower than conventional lighting due to the elimination of costly trenching and wiring. The initial project savings coupled with the long-term energy savings make solar a viable and cost-effective solution.

Reliability

Solar-powered parking lot lighting is reliable, even during power outages. It is designed with a battery backup system that stores excess energy generated during the day, which is then used to power the lights at night. This ensures that the parking lot remains well-lit, enhancing safety and security even during power outages.

Easy Installation

Commercial solar parking lot lighting is easy to install, and it does not require trenching or electrical infrastructure. This means that installation is fast, and businesses can have the lighting system up and running within a short period of time.

Safety and Security

Commercial solar parking lot lighting enhances safety and security in the parking lot. Adequate lighting reduces the likelihood of accidents, making it easier for drivers to navigate the parking lot. Additionally, well-lit parking lots deter criminal activities, reducing the risk of theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities.

Factors to Consider Before Investing in Solar Parking Lot Lighting

Location

The location of the parking lot is a crucial factor to consider before investing in solar-powered lighting. The amount of sunlight the parking lot receives will determine the efficiency of the solar panels. Parking lots located in areas with minimal sunlight may require additional solar panels or batteries to power the lights effectively.

Budget

The initial equipment investment in commercial solar parking lot lighting may be higher than traditional lighting options. However, the total project savings and long-term savings make it a cost-effective solution. It is essential to consider the budget before investing in solar-powered lighting and to evaluate the initial and long-term savings and ROI.

Maintenance Costs

Solar-powered lighting requires minimal maintenance, reducing maintenance costs. However, it is essential to consider the maintenance costs, such as battery replacement, cleaning, and inspection, before investing in solar-powered lighting.

Lighting Requirements

The lighting requirements of the parking lot are essential when considering solar-powered lighting. The lighting requirements will determine the number of solar panels needed to generate enough energy to power the lights effectively. It is essential to evaluate the lighting requirements before investing in solar-powered lighting.

Size of the Parking Lot

The size of the parking lot is a crucial factor to consider when investing in solar-powered lighting. Larger parking lots will require more solar lighting systems for effective illumination/coverage. It is essential to evaluate the size of the parking lot before investing in solar-powered lighting.

Types of Commercial Solar Parking Lot Lighting

Pole-Mounted Solar Lighting

Pole-mounted solar lighting is a popular option for commercial parking lots. It involves installing solar panels on a pole and mounting the lights on the same pole. The pole-mounted solar lighting is easy to install, and it is a cost-effective solution. A combination of single and dual-fixture pole mounted solar lighting systems can be utilized to illuminate most parking lots. Additionally, it is a modular design that allows for easy customization, making it possible to install the lighting in any size or shape of the parking lot.

Integrated Solar Lighting

Integrated solar lighting involves installing the solar panels on the roof of a building and wiring the lights to the solar panels. Integrated solar lighting can be a cost-effective solution as it eliminates the need for poles. Infrastructure limitations and solar panel to fixture proximity are other factors for consideration with this type of solution. 

Solar Parking Lot Canopies

Solar parking lot canopies are a unique option for commercial parking lots. They involve installing solar panels on the roof of the canopy and wiring the lights to the solar panels. Solar parking lot canopies provide shade for parked cars and generate energy that can be used to power the lights and other electrical equipment, making it a cost-effective solution.

Conclusion

Commercial solar parking lot lighting is an energy-efficient, cost-effective, and reliable solution that enhances safety and security in the parking lot. Investing in solar-powered lighting requires evaluating factors such as location, budget, maintenance costs, lighting requirements, and the size of the parking lot. Additionally, businesses can choose from different types of solar-powered lighting options, such as pole-mounted solar lighting, integrated solar lighting, and solar parking lot canopies. By investing in commercial solar parking lot lighting, businesses can save money on electricity bills, reduce their carbon footprint, and enhance safety and security in the parking lot.

Greenshine solar LED parking lot light fixtures use CREE LEDs to provide a wide range of lighting intensity and distribution patterns to fit any shape or size of the parking lot. Greenshine provides various fixture styles for your solar parking lot lighting – from cobra heads, dome-shaped tops, and shoeboxes, to decorative style fixtures to enhance pedestrian safety and visibility.