Case Study: Living Lights - commercial solar lighting upgrade

Client Overview

Living Lights, a business based in the UK, initially operated with a single externally lit sign along a main road. During a comprehensive building renovation project, the need to illuminate additional signage and parking spaces became a priority. However, the high cost of extending mains power around the site made traditional lighting solutions impractical.

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Project Scope

We were tasked with designing and implementing a solar-powered lighting solution to illuminate Living Lights’ external signage, pathways, entrances, and car parking areas. The project aimed to significantly reduce both installation and running costs while enhancing the business’s sustainability profile.

The Solution

Comprehensive Solar Lighting Installation

A range of our innovative solar-powered products was deployed to meet Living Lights’ needs:

  • Sign Lighting: Solar-powered lights for clear visibility of external signage.
  • Pathway and Entrance Illumination: Ensured safe navigation for staff and visitors.
  • Car Park Lighting: Improved safety and usability of parking spaces.
  • Security Lighting: Enhanced site security without reliance on mains power.

This tailored approach provided a sustainable and cost-effective solution while maintaining high lighting standards.

Key Features of the Solution

Cost Efficiency

  • Reduced Installation Costs: Avoided the expense of running mains power and associated infrastructure.
  • Lower Running Costs: Ongoing savings on energy costs, with a payback period of just 2.5 years.

Sustainability and Performance

  • Carbon Impact Reduction: Supported Living Lights’ goals of becoming a sustainable business.
  • Reliable Winter Performance: Monitoring in December 2021 revealed 80%+ charge retention, even during dark and rainy weather.

Advanced Technology

  • Improved Efficiency: Utilised the latest LED chips (190 lumens per watt) and high-performance monocrystalline solar panels.
  • Dependable Battery Technology: Leveraged advancements inspired by electric vehicle batteries for superior energy storage and reliability.

Results

Immediate and Long-Term Impact

  • The solar lighting system was completed in July 2021, delivering immediate improvements in visibility, security, and aesthetic appeal.
  • Monitoring confirmed the system’s reliability throughout winter, even in challenging conditions.

Financial Benefits

  • A 50% reduction in total project costs compared to mains-powered alternatives.
  • Annual savings estimated at over £1,500, ensuring the project pays for itself within 2.5 years.

Environmental Impact

  • Positioned Living Lights as a sustainable business, enhancing its marketability.
  • Significantly reduced carbon emissions through the use of renewable energy.
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Conclusion

The solar-powered lighting installation at Living Lights illustrates how innovative solutions can overcome cost and sustainability challenges. By integrating advanced technology and leveraging solar energy, we delivered a project that reduced costs, improved performance, and supported environmental goals. This success underscores the potential of solar lighting for businesses, councils, housebuilders, and homeowners.

If you’re considering ways to enhance your lighting setup while cutting costs and carbon emissions, contact us today for a tailored consultation. Our team of specialists is ready to help you find the perfect solution for your needs.