This document explains the operation of solar lighting an demonstrates a variety of solar lighting application.

1. SOLAR ELECTRICS SOLAR POWER AND LIGHTING TECHNOLOGIES
4060 Trapp Road, Fairfax, VA 22032
www.SolarElectricsVA.com
solarelectrics@msn.com
(703) 425-9712
AN INTRODUCTION TO SOLAR LIGHTING
HOW DO SOLAR LIGHTS WORK?
Solar lights use safe, low-voltage electricity, the same as in your car.
In a typical solar lighting system, the low voltage power produced by a solar panel is stored in a maintenance-free battery, for
use at night. The battery is sized to provide reliable and consistent operation during cloudy weather conditions.
A sophisticated electronic circuit protects the battery from overcharge or undercharge and also switches the lights ON and OFF
automatically. As an option, the low voltage electricity can be converted to 120 Volt AC (regular electric power) to operate
gate openers, fountain pumps, irrigation controllers, Etc.
The solar panel is installed in a convenient sunny location, hundreds of feet away if needed.
WHERE TO USE SOLAR LIGHTING
 SIGN/MONUMENT LIGHTING  PIER LIGHTS  SLIDE AND BARRIER
 TOWNHOUSE PARKING LOT LIGHTS  SECURITY LIGHTS GATES
 LANDSCAPE LIGHTING  MAIL BOX CLUSTER LIGHTING  POWER FOR FOUNTAIN
 FLAG POLE LIGHTING  BUS SHELTER LIGHTING AND WATER FALL PUMPS
 GAZEBO AND PATHWAY LIGHTS  YARD AND DRIVEWAY LIGHTING  POWER FOR IRRIGATION
CONTROL SYSTEMS
THE BENEFITS
 THE COST OF TRENCHING, RUNNING POWER  SAFETY: SAFE, 12 VOLT, LOW VOLTAGE POWER.
LINES AND INSTALLING A METER IS ELIMINATED. LIGHTS STAY ON DURING A POWER OUTAGE.
 LOW MAINTENANCE AND ZERO UTILITY FEES  UNDISTURBED LANDSCAPING.
 NO NEED TO SET-UP AND ADMINISTER UTILITY  POLLUTION FREE.
ACCOUNTS.  ONE SOURCE FOR POWER AND LIGHTING.
 NO NEED FOR ELECTRICAL PERMITS.  21 ST CENTURY LIGHTING TECHNOLOGIES.
 BRIGHT WHITE LIGHT FOR BETTER NIGHT VISION.  RECOGNITION FOR INNOVATIVE DESIGN.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW LONG DOES THE LIGHT OPERATE EACH NIGHT? WHAT IS THE REQUIRED MAINTENANCE?
Operating time is determined by the user’s needs: Solar lighting systems require little maintenance:
From motion activated security lights to all night operation.
The typical installation uses timer-controlled lights that are 1. Fluorescent lamps have a 12,000-hour life, typically
set to switch ON at dusk and OFF after 8-10 hours. 4-5 years. Replacement lamps are readily available.
LED lamps have a life of 10+ years
WHAT HAPPENS DURING CLOUDY WEATHER? 2. The maintenance-free battery needs replacement at
the end of its life. Expected battery life is 4-5 years.
The battery is designed to store sufficient power for 4-6 Replacements are readily available.
nights of operation, longer if needed. 3. The solar module is truly maintenance free.

2. SOLAR LIGHTING INSTALLATION EXAMPLES
THE ILLUSTRATION BELOW SHOWS A NUMBER OF SOLAR LIGHTING APPLI CATIONS AT “SUN ESTATES” WITH
REAL WORLD INSTALLATION EXAMPLES ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES
EXAMPLES INCLUDE:
Click a link below to go directly to a “Real World” installation by solar Electrics
1. Trails
2. Parking lots / Security lighting
3. Community mail box clusters
4. Flag pole lighting
5. Public art
6. Gazebos
7. Landscape Lighting
8. Pathways and Trees
9. Signs
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3. TRAIL LIGHTING SYSTEM
MOTION ACTIVATED TRAIL LIGHTS
The HOA requested a design to light up the many steps along the 350’ long “Hill”
trail that connects two sections of the community.
The result: Lights that are activated by three motion sensors placed at access
points to the trail. EACH SET OF STEPS IS LIT INDIVIDUALLY, TO REDUCE
LIGHT POLLUTION.
The solar panel (20”x57”) is located about 20’ from the trail.
COMMUNITY TRAIL AND GAZEBO LIGHTS
A central solar power supply powers this
community lighting system. It is wired just
like a conventional lighting system.
The solar power supply takes the place of the
utility transformer connection.
Back to illustration
PARKING LOT/SECURITY LIGHTING
Installed in 1999, this lighting
system utilizes one pole for the
solar panel and lights. Each of
the two lights is equivalent to a
200-watt floodlight. The lights
operate dusk to dawn during the
summer. Today’s efficient solar panels are 30% smaller. An additional security light was installed in
2010 and it operates Dusk to Dawn year round
MAILBOX CLUSTER LIGHTING
Three miniature (thumb
size) LED spotlights
illuminate this mail box
cluster.
Solar panel on roof, lights installed in ceiling
Solar Electrics www.SolarElectricsVA.com solarelectrics@msn.com (703) 425-9712

4. FLAG POLE AND SIGN LIGHTING PUBLIC ART
One solar panel powers CO2LED installation
the flag pole light and Arlington County, Virginia
the sign light
GAZEBO LIGHTING
Interior and exterior gazebo lighting
Back to illustration
LANDSCAPE LIGHTING
Column lighting
Path and tree lighting
Available in 24” to 48” height
SIGN LIGHTING