DarkSky International (darksky.org) is a non-profit organisation that 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 for 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 with minimal blue light emissions.

In this blog we look at the features of solar powered bollard lights, including our own Solareye Bollard Light (of course!), which make them a responsible, as well as sustainable and economic, choice.

The five principles of responsible outdoor lighting

According to DarkSky’s lighting principles, responsible outdoor lighting must be:

1. Useful

All light should have a clear purpose. Consider how the use of light will impact the area, including wildlife and their habitats.

2. Targeted

Use shielding and careful aiming to target the direction of the light beam so that it points downward and does not spill beyond where it is needed.

3. Low level

Use the lowest light level required. Be mindful of surface conditions, as some surfaces may reflect more light into the night sky than intended.

4. Controlled

Use controls such as timers or motion detectors to ensure that light is available when it is needed, dimmed when possible, and turned off when not needed.

5. Warm-coloured

Limit the amount of shorter wavelength (blue-violet) light to the least amount needed.

How do solar bollard lights meet the principles of responsible outdoor lighting?

Useful – light only when needed

Solar powered bollard lights can be equipped with timers and motion sensors, allowing them to illuminate only when a path-user is detected. This feature directly supports the principle of lighting areas only when it is useful, reducing unnecessary light emissions during times of no activity.

Targeted – light only where needed

Bollard lights are designed to illuminate ground areas and are typically positioned along pathways, garden areas, or driveways. Their design focuses light downward, minimising the dispersion of light into the night sky or into areas where it is not needed, thus adhering to the principle of directing light only where it is necessary.

In addition to minimising upwards light spillage, Solareye Bollard Light can be programmed to provide 180° illumination, using only half of its 16 LEDs, instead of the standard 360° illumination. By choosing 180° illumination customers can direct the light and ensure it does not spill beyond where it is needed.

Low level – no brighter than needed

Solar powered bollard lights often use LED technology, which can be precisely calibrated to provide the right amount of illumination for safety and visibility without overlighting. This capability aligns with the principle of using only as much light as is necessary for the task.

For detailed information on the brightness of Solareye Bollard Light, download the lighting files from our resources section.

Controlled – use light only when it is needed

Most solar powered bollard lights have built in photo sensors which activate the light at dusk and deactivate the light at dawn, ensuring light is only used when it’s needed. However, Solareye Bollard Light goes one step further and features a motion sensor which means it can be programmed to idle at 50% illumination, or even turn off entirely when no one is around. When the motion sensor detects a path user approaching, it switches the light back on or returns to 100% illumination.

Learn more about motion sensors with our How Do Motion Sensors on Solar Lights Work?

Warm-coloured – minimising blue light emission

LEDs can be designed to emit lower levels of blue light, which is thought to contribute more significantly to light pollution, as well as adversely affect wildlife behaviour. Choosing LEDs with warmer colour temperatures for solar bollard lights can help minimise blue light emission. The LEDs in our standard Solareye Bollard Light have a correlated colour temperature of 3,500k, but in line with DarkSky’s guidelines for reducing blue light, we also offer a warm white colour option.

How sustainable and environmentally friendly are solar bollard lights?

By harnessing solar power, solar bollard lights utilise a renewable energy source, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering energy consumption. Solar powered bollards are therefore inherently environmentally friendly.

Recycling

All components which make up Solareye Bollard Light can be individually recycled once it reaches the end of its useful life. We’re also a member of Recolight Ltd, the UK’s leading WEEE scheme for the lighting industry. Via Recolight, we offer a free of charge recycling service for waste lamps and luminaires. For more information on this please get in touch.

Responsible solar powered bollard lights from Solareye

By incorporating the principles of responsible outdoor lighting, Solareye Bollard Light offers an environmentally friendly, efficient, and responsible outdoor lighting solution. To find out how you can incorporate Solareye Bollard Light into your next project, get in touch with our friendly team today.

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

Ever wondered whether solar lights work when it’s cloudy or in winter? Check out our blog Do Solar Lights Work When It’s Cloudy or in Winter? >