Light Pollution & Colour Temperature

Reducing light pollution is crucial for protecting wildlife, preserving natural ecosystems, and maintaining our ability to stargaze. Always try to use the minimal light output required for your application, rather than unnecessarily excessive outputs. Excessive artificial light disrupts the behavior of nocturnal animals, including bats, which rely on darkness for feeding and navigation. Our “bat-friendly” lights are specifically designed to minimise light spill and reduce disturbances to bat habitats. By using these lights, we can provide safer environments for wildlife while ensuring outdoor spaces remain well-lit and functional.

Warmer colour temperatures have a less disruptive impact on wildlife and help reduce star-warping. For instance, bats are less affected by red-toned lights, which produce orange or yellow hues, compared to cooler, daylight white or blue lights higher in the spectrum. Blue light, being the most harmful for light pollution, should be minimised. The best solution is to use colour temperatures of 3000K or lower, with 2700K often referred to as “bat-friendly” lighting.  

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.

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.

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.

Surface mounted bollards can be securely fixed to the ground using J-bolts. These would be attached to the surface mount with the bolts sunk into a wet concrete base, rather than the tube buried in the ground. This installation method provides a strong, stable foundation while allowing for easy removal or replacement if needed. These bollards are ideal for permanent installations in areas where digging or extensive groundwork is not an option, offering both durability and flexibility.

Surface mount bollards with in-ground spikes are designed to be anchored to soft ground with a spike that drives into the ground beneath the bollard. This method offers strong stability while being easier to install than traditional root mounts, as it requires no concrete or extensive digging. They are great choice for private locations where a secure yet removable bollard is needed, providing a durable solution with quick and easy installation.

Root mount bollards are buried directly into the ground and set into wet concrete up to 400mm, providing a stable and permanent solution for protecting property or guiding traffic. They are ideal for areas where long term durability is needed, as they offer strong resistance to impact and are less likely to shift over time. Their secure installation makes them a great choice for high traffic or high risk environments. Our professional root mount system results in the tubular body being extended by 300-400mm and supplied with an anchor bar.

IK Ratings

The IK Rating measures a product’s resistance to mechanical impacts. It ranges from IK01 to IK10, with IK10 offering the highest level of protection. IK01 means minimal impact protection, while IK10 indicates a product is highly resistant to damage. Higher IK ratings mean the product can withstand more severe impacts without breaking. When selecting outdoor lighting, consider the environment. If the area is prone to vandalism or accidental damage, a higher IK rating is recommended to ensure the fixture lasts longer.