Ground lighting is a popular solution for indoor and outdoor lighting, creating safe pathways and aesthetically pleasing spaces. In this guide we explain how ground lights work, how they can be used, and the benefits they provide.

How does ground lighting work?

As the name suggests, ground lighting consists of lighting units in the ground. These units are either wired and powered by electricity, or are wireless.

Wired or connected ground lighting suits indoor and outdoor applications. Outdoor mains-powered ground lights can be disruptive to install as the floor may have to be uplifted and the electric components properly waterproofed.

Any outdoor ground lighting units should have an adequate IP rating, which describes the resistance level of electrical objects from ingress of water and dirt. The highest IP rating, IP68, ensures a watertight unit that can withstand the effects of outdoor applications, even submersion.

See more: IP68 certified – what does IP68 mean?

Wireless ground light units for outdoor use are usually either battery powered, or solar powered. Solar powered ground lights charge during light hours then use the generated energy to power through dark hours. A self-sustaining solar powered battery can last over 8 years with no maintenance, compared to a regular battery powered ground light unit that may require regular battery changes.

Solareye80 off-grid solar powered lighting units are the ideal ground lighting solution for a range of applications. The cost-effective, waterproof units last for hundreds of thousands of light hours to provide green, renewably produced light. Simply create a hole, place the unit in, then you’re set with maintenance free ground lighting for many years to come.

Ground lighting uses

Ground lighting can be used in a variety of outdoor spaces to illuminate pathways and create inviting areas. Wireless ground lighting units can be used on pathways, cycle paths, community spaces, car parks, canal paths, docks, campsites, campuses, private gardens, and more.

Here are some of the uses for ground lighting:

• Aesthetic – Ground lighting can create great mood or spot lighting for a modern aesthetic in private gardens or public areas.
• Guiding – Lining pathways with ground lighting can be an effective way of lighting the way, highlighting where a path is going and winding. This is especially useful for dark areas where people may not have been before such as holiday parks, caravan sites, campsites, or hotels.
• Safety – Well-lit outdoor areas feel safer at night so ground lighting can make pathways, cycle paths and other public areas feel more inviting to the public. Ground lighting is often used by local authorities to make areas in towns and cities safer for local residents.

For expert advice on ground light placement for any application, download our Solareye spacing guide.

Benefits of solar powered ground lighting

Aside from the multiple uses, ground lighting can have many benefits, especially wireless, self-sustaining solar powered units.

Flexible placement

Self-sustaining ground lighting units can be placed almost anywhere, on roads, paths, and a range of terrains. The simple installation and off-grid nature of solar powered ground lighting makes them a simple, convenient lighting solution in all private and public spaces.

Safety

Ground lighting can make areas safer by illuminating potential hazards such as walls, shrubs, or steps. Furthermore, studies have found that improved public lighting can reduce the instances of crime.

Cost savings

Using renewable energy to power ground lighting can create great cost savings compared to mains-connected lighting or alternative outdoor lighting. This is especially key for councils and local authorities lighting up larger public spaces within budget.

Automatic

Solar powered lighting units detect low light levels and turn themselves on, helping to conserve energy. By omitting manual activation, there is less chance lights are left on and energy is wasted.

Environmental benefit

As well as saving limited resources and reducing greenhouse gases emissions through using renewable energy, solar powered ground lighting has fewer detrimental impacts on local wildlife than traditional lighting methods. Light pollution from town and city lighting at night can negatively affect nocturnal animals. Alterations to ground lights, such as our innovative Bat Hat, can minimise the upward spillage of light and therefore reduce the harmful impact of lighting on animals.

LED ground lighting

LED – Light Emitting Diode – lights produce light up to 90% more efficiently than traditional incandescent light bulbs.

When purchasing ground lighting, these more durable, efficient, and therefore environmentally friendly light bulbs are the best choice. Due to the more efficient use of energy, LED lights can even result in cost savings and are thus a great cost-effective solution for ground lighting too.

Solar powered ground lighting with Solareye

Our popular Solareye80 lighting units are the go-to outdoor ground light solution for local authorities, councils, campsite owners, private homeowners, and many more. Built to last the years and provide illumination powered by renewable energy, our Solareye80 units are the ultimate off-grid, cost-effective, environmentally friendly ground lighting solution.

View our case studies to find out how Solareye80 has lit up spaces, provided guiding light, and made public places feel inviting and safe.

For the go-to ground lighting solution, get in touch with Solareye!

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