Solar bollard lighting offers a range of benefits over traditional street lighting in certain contexts, making it a preferred choice for specific applications. In this blog we take a look at some of the key advantages of implementing bollard lights into a project.

Solar powered versus mains powered lighting

It won’t come as a surprise that we’re big advocates for solar powered lighting over mains powered for the public realm. There are many reasons why we believe solar power is the way forward, which we’ve discussed at length in previous blogs, but for anyone that is new to our site, let’s take a quick look at the headline benefits of solar vs mains outdoor lighting.

Eco-friendly

Solar lights are powered by solar energy, which is a renewable and clean source of energy. By choosing solar, councils and organisations can reduce their carbon emissions and help to conserve the planets non-renewable energy sources.

Easy (and cheaper!) and install

Solar lights do not require connection to the electrical grid, making them simpler and considerably cheaper to install, especially in areas where laying electrical wiring would be difficult or expensive.

No ongoing operational costs

Because solar lights do not rely on mains power from the electricity grid, there have no ongoing operational costs. This can result in significant savings over time.

Versatile

Solar lights can be installed in a wide range of environments, including pathways, driveways, gardens, and remote areas where grid-connected lighting would not be feasible.

Given these advantages, solar lights are a sustainable, cost-effective, and versatile lighting option suitable for many applications, but what about solar bollard lighting in particular.

The benefits of solar bollard lighting over traditional street lighting

While traditional street lighting is essential for wide-area illumination and vehicular safety, bollard lighting offers unique advantages which make it a preferred choice for certain applications.

Here are some of the key advantages of solar bollard lighting over conventional street lighting.

Targeted illumination

Bollard lights are lower to the ground and are designed to illuminate specific areas or pathways, providing targeted lighting that reduces light spill into unwanted areas. This makes them ideal for pathways, gardens, and pedestrian areas where focused, ground-level lighting is necessary.

Responsible Outdoor Lighting – What is Responsible Lighting?

Reduced light pollution

The International Dark-Sky Association advocates for responsible outdoor lighting to minimise light pollution and its impacts on the environment, human health, and astronomical research. Its guidelines, encapsulated in the five principles of responsible outdoor lighting, emphasise the use of lighting that is only as bright as necessary, directed only where needed, limited to when it is useful, and should be the lowest energy consumption possible, with minimal blue light emissions.

Due to their design and the direction of their light (often downward), bollard lights minimise light pollution. Some even go one step further with optional motion sensors, warm white colour variations and customisable lighting levels. This makes them a better choice for residential areas, parks, and locations near astronomical observatories where preserving the night sky is important.

Find out more about responsible outdoor lighting with our blog Responsible Outdoor Lighting – What is Responsible Lighting? >

Learn more about Ecological Light Pollution & the Need for Ecological Outdoor Lighting >

Aesthetic appeal

Bollard lights come in various designs and can enhance the visual appeal of a landscape or urban area. They can be used not only for functional lighting but also to complement architectural features and design elements.

Energy efficiency

Many bollard lighting systems are equipped with LED technology, which is more energy-efficient than the bulbs typically used in street lighting. When combined with solar power, they become even more energy-efficient and sustainable.

Easy installation and maintenance

Compared to street lighting, bollard lights can be easier and less expensive to install and maintain (particularly if they are solar powered), especially in areas not already serviced by street lighting infrastructure. They do not require wiring or high poles and can be placed where needed with minimal disruption.

Flexibility in design and placement

Bollard lights can be placed in locations where traditional street lighting poles would be impractical or visually intrusive. This flexibility allows for creative lighting designs that can define pathways, highlight landscaping, and create ambient lighting environments.

Enhanced security

While street lights provide broad coverage, the targeted illumination of bollard lights can enhance security by clearly lighting specific paths and entry points without creating the deep shadows that overhead lighting can cast.

In summary, while street lighting is essential for wide-area illumination and vehicular safety, bollard lighting offers unique advantages for pedestrian safety, aesthetic considerations, energy efficiency, and the reduction of light pollution in targeted applications.

Solar powered bollard lights from Solareye

To find out more about Solareye Bollard Light and possible applications of solar bollard lighting, simply get in touch. Our team of experts can answer questions, offer advice and give guidance on the use of outdoor solar lighting.

Learn more about solar bollard lights with our blog Solar Powered Bollard Lights – Everything You Need to Know >

Read more about the link between outdoor lighting and public safety in our blog Does Outdoor Lighting At Night Improve Public Safety >