All solar integrated lights have limitations and significant advantages that may be very different than grid-tie lighting solutions. Some key points to know when you are considering solar lights are:
- Increased efficiency equates to reduced system size or increased light output
- Light and light uniformity depends upon head height and spacing
- Retrofits are best suited for grid-tie/solar integrated solutions
- Optimum performance requires southern exposure and minimal shading
- Off electrical-grid solar lights that are within 75 feet of electrical power have a questionable ROI
- Batteries are the weak point of an off-grid system
- Solid engineering is required to ensure the system is balanced and to preserve battery integrity for the maximum amount of time
There are different motivations for wanting solar powered lights and there are many different parameters to look at when assessing solar powered lights. Typical considerations include:
- Carbon emission reduction mandates
- Financial ROI
- Available grants and rebates
- Cost of ownership
- Cost of supplying power
- Product cost and installation
- Electricity costs
- Maintenance costs
- Reliability
- Lighting performance, short and long term
- Physical size and cosmetic appeal
- Predictability and stability of the product
