Landscape & Urban Design Issue 48 2021 | Página 78

LIGHTING

2021 : SOLAR LIGHTING SUPPLIER SHINING BRIGHT IN THE U . K .

Two years ago , Northamptonshire outdoor lighting specialists Lumena , set out to provide products that previously seemed non-workable in the UK lighting market ; reliable residential commercial Solar lights that function well in U . K weather all year round .
Lumena ’ s ongoing focus has always been innovation , quality , and sustainable product design . Qualities currently revolutionising the concept of solar lighting in a world where renewable energy and environmental awareness are increasingly important .
Zero Emissions , Zero Running costs , Low Installation Cost were benefits simply too important for Lumena to ignore . The problem with applying these benefits to the range was that low power , short lasting , dull and cheap plastic models of the past had given people in the UK a negative view of solar lights . Although people were attracted by the idea that effective outdoor lighting didn ’ t have to be mains powered ( 240v ), the world-renowned dull English weather simply increased the doubt in solar ! Nevertheless , the challenge to improve and supply superior solar lights had begun …
So how has Solar lighting been improved within the Pro Solar range ?
Four main aspects had to be tried and tested , to be able to offer Solar lights with a 5 year guarantee .
1 ) Brightness As mentioned , older solar lights were hugely disappointing where light output was concerned . Lumena ’ s years of experience with LED lamps across other ranges made sure of impressive brightness and high Lumens output . After all , these lights are meant to illuminate mainly to give safe access , especially where mains cabling can ’ t reach . Most lights in the range are at minimum 100 lumens per watt which is considered a decent brightness for LED across the board . The solar floodlights , ‘ Lumelux ’ are equally as bright as some mains floodlights and Sol-Icon solar bollard boasts a massive 2000 lumens . Products use high quality , very long life LEDs such as Epistar in warm or daylight white .
2 ) Build quality & design If all tech . components are built to last , then the main product body has to be durable and sustainable . That ’ s why the solar path lights are die cast aluminium and have been impact tested to obtain high IK ratings . The Litecharga and vandal resistant Guarda ( pictured ) have the highest rating of IK10 with tough polycarbonate diffusers too . Eccentrica and Halopost bollards have a smart contemporary look and provide glare free elegant light . The ‘ Hi-Way ’ PIR wall light is versatile enough to be mounted on the wall , or fix to a taller post for amazing LED illumination of approx . 1500 lumens . Many designs have many different installation options – another benefit of solar lights .
3 ) Batteries and panels One way to spot solar lights suitable for professional use is if they incorporate high capacity Life PO4 lithium or li-ion batteries and use efficient , modern polycrystalline or monocrystalline solar panels so that optimum charge levels are retained for longer . Charge is preserved very effectively even in lower light levels , therefore illuminating the light for longer .
4 ) Charging capacity and functions for the UK all year round This was the most important factor . There would ’ ve been no point in getting the other aspects right and then the lights constantly failing in lower light levels during darker months . All Lumena solar path lights have special time controllers to match the UK climate .
When darkness falls , path lights illuminate at full brightness , and then follow a gradual dimming sequence until they reach 30 % brightness after 5 hours . From then on it will remain at 30 % until dawn or until charge is used up . Even in the dullest of weather , our solar lights will still illuminate , although they may not last the entire night cycle on very long , dark days . PIR motion sensor solar lights all have charge saving functions where , for example , a low level light illuminates constantly at dusk then a brighter light appears when the sensor is triggered .
Lumena are so confident in the lights ’ performance , they offer a substantial 5 year guarantee . The Pro Solar lights have been very well received and are functioning well in commercial locations even during the Winter months . They are developing the brand more in 2021 with the ViaMax range with lights designed for larger spaces such as street walkways , hotels , parks and larger business premises .
See the full range now at : www . lumenalights . com
78 www . landud . co . uk Follow us @ ludmagazine