Rachel Preen, Managing Director at Prolectric, dispels a few common misconceptions and illuminates the truth behind year-round solar power and lighting.
More and more qualified electricians are now taking advantage of the growing market for renewable energy, which is increasing rapidly year-on-year.
The opportunity to be part of a highly profitable industry appeals to many as the UK transitions towards Net Zero, with both private and public sectors looking to embrace alternative power and energy solutions. As renewable energy actively permeates into all aspects of our lives, whether you’re working in domestic, commercial or industrial settings, it will soon become difficult to ignore.
Naturally, residential buildings are prime sites for solar panels, with PV installers in high demand. Some larger-scale electrical subcontracting businesses are increasingly working in renewable energy infrastructure systems, maintaining and installing solar and hybrid generators for example, or working with large machinery and three-phase systems, as well as being involved in temporary and permanent lighting installation schemes.
In this climate of growth and diversification, as with all new and emerging technologies, it is crucial for clear and factual information to be made available to everyone working in and across the industry. Whatever your area of specialism or involvement with solar to-date, a range of misconceptions continue to cast a shadow over the effectiveness, especially during the colder months:
Solar works 365 days a year
One of the most common myths surrounding solar power is that it becomes less efficient during winter. Contrary to this belief, solar panels are designed to work efficiently, even in colder climates. Solar panels are often more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity when operating at cooler temperatures. While shorter daylight hours might slightly affect the overall energy generation, advancements in solar technology, such as improved panel efficiency and energy storage systems, have minimised this impact.
Solar panels can also generate energy, even in less sunny locations. While regions with more sunlight may generate more electricity, Prolectric’s solar technology has been engineered to work in the harshest of UK winters, where cloudy days make up 43% of the year. Even on overcast days solar panels can still capture diffuse sunlight and convert it into usable energy. Additionally, modern solar panels are designed to work efficiently in low-light conditions, allowing you to harness solar power, even when the sky is overcast. Prolectric has provided over 8,000 solar streetlights across the UK, brightening up car parks, walkways and streets.
Dusk until dawn
Solar lighting has come a long way from its early days. Thanks to technological advancements, solar-powered lighting systems are now equipped with high-efficiency LED lights and sensors that provide bright and effective lighting. The energy generated from the sun during the day is stored in batteries, allowing them to shine throughout the night. Prolectric’s specially developed smart light controller and PIR sensor work to ensure the solar LED light lasts from dusk until dawn, even on the darkest days. Solar lights offer a reliable and eco-friendly solution without compromising on brightness.
Low maintenance
Solar street lights and bollards are simple, quick and economical to install. With no need to dig trenches or install trunking for cables, installation time is minimal compared to conventional mains power alternatives. They’re also low maintenance, with no need for PAT testing, and a long operating life.
Solar systems are often perceived as high-maintenance due to concerns about cleaning panels and maintaining batteries. However, modern solar panels are designed with self-cleaning technology. Battery maintenance is also minimal, with many solar systems featuring smart battery management systems that require little to no manual intervention. Routine checks and occasional cleaning are usually sufficient to keep a solar system running smoothly year-round.
Prolectric’s offering
When it comes to solar lighting, we’re very proud of our heritage. We’ve been championing quieter, safer and more environmentally friendly work sites over the past 13 years and were the first brand to introduce all-in-one solar street lighting to the UK in 2011. Prolectric’s solar technology provides a practical way for businesses to achieve their carbon-reduction commitments, enabling them to move away from fossil-fuelled or mains powered systems. Our solar lighting and hybrid generators provide high-performance temporary and permanent site lighting and power – with minimal environmental impact and low running costs. In particular, our lighting systems produce no carbon, no noise, need little maintenance, and require no fuel.
Get more details about the Prolectric solar lighting range here
