Battery Retention & Charging

Battery retention in solar products is crucial for ensuring reliable performance over time. High-quality batteries, such as LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) and Lithium-ion, maintain their charge capacity for longer, even with repeated charging cycles. While Ni-MH batteries are suitable for certain applications, they generally do not match the longevity and efficiency of LiFePO4 or Lithium-ion in solar setups. This is often reflected in the price. Proper battery management, like avoiding overcharging, deep discharging, or storing for long periods, will extend battery life. In addition, high-quality solar panels, such as monocrystalline or polycrystalline, perform well in the UK. The larger the panel surface area, the faster the battery will charge. Lumena have incorporated UK-specific dimming sequences into many solar bollard designs to reduce light output throughout the night when less light is required. As a result, this helps to retain battery charge for longer, as do motion sensors. Regular maintenance and choosing products with quality solar technology are key to maximising retention and longevity.

Remote Controls

Remotes are beneficial for solar lights for several reasons:

1. Customisable Settings: With a remote, users can adjust settings such as brightness, lighting modes, or activation times to suit specific needs. This includes dimming the lights, timers or turning them off manually.
2. Energy Efficiency: By adjusting settings via remote control, battery usage is reduced, thus retaining charge for longer. Dimming, time control and manual override all help to extend the life of the rechargeable battery.
3. Enhanced Control: For installations with multiple solar luminaires, a remote allows users to adjust settings for each individual unit based on install location and requirements, rather than all functioning in exactly the same way.

Overall, remotes add practicality, energy savings, and ease of operation to solar lighting systems.

Automation – Light & Motion Sensors

Light sensors are devices that detect and respond to changes in light levels in their environment. These sensors are useful in automating various systems, helping to optimise energy use and improve safety. Dusk-to-dawn sensors, for example, automatically turn lights on at sunset and off at sunrise, ensuring lights are only used when necessary. Motion sensors detect movement, triggering lights to turn on when activity is detected, providing convenience and enhancing security. Both types of sensors are commonly used in outdoor lighting systems to save energy and increase efficiency.

TIMERS – Time controls are useful for automating the operation of luminaires, ensuring they run only when needed, which boosts energy efficiency. They also offer convenience by removing the need for manual intervention, while enhancing security by simulating activity, deterring potential intruders. Overall, they help optimise energy use and preserve equipment.

PHOTOCELL / DUSK TO DAWN – A PC (Photo Control) or Dusk-to-Dawn sensor automatically turns lights on at dusk and off at dawn, using natural light levels to detect the time of day. This sensor is ideal for outdoor lighting, as it ensures lights are only activated when needed, improving energy efficiency and convenience. Dusk-to-Dawn solar light often incorporate dimming sequences to help prolong battery life and reduce light output at times of reduced footfall.

PHOTO-RECEPTOR – A photo-receptor in lighting is a more general term for any light-sensitive element that detects light levels and converts them into an electrical signal. It can be used in various lighting control systems, particularly in solar lighting.

PIR MOTION SENSOR – A PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor detects motion by sensing changes in infrared radiation, typically emitted by human bodies or animals. It is a cost-effective and energy-efficient way to automatically activate lighting when motion is detected, ensuring lights are only on when needed. PIR sensors help save energy, reduce unnecessary lighting, and improve security by providing illumination when movement is sensed in a given area.

MICROWAVE MOTION SENSOR – A microwave sensor uses high-frequency electromagnetic waves to detect motion, even through walls or obstructions, by measuring changes in the reflected waves caused by movement. It is highly sensitive and can detect smaller movements, making it ideal for areas where precise motion detection is needed. Microwave sensors are great for enhancing security and energy efficiency, as they activate lights or alarms only when movement is detected, reducing energy waste.