Lighting & Electrical

RENEWABLE AND REWARDING

Northamptonshire lighting specialists Lumena, have specialised in commercial, LED bollard lighting for over 10 years to great success. In 2019, they revaluated their approach to sustainability, and launched a new solar lighting and solar bollard range for professional use in UK weather: the ‘Pro Solar’ Range; quickly followed by the ViaMAX Solar Street Light Range. The performance and feedback so far is incredible…

The current goal is to encourage and increase the use of solar technology in both domestic and commercial installations. Now, more than ever, demand for solar lighting is skyrocketing. Preconceptions that solar lighting is still not adequate for the UK climate are diminishing, with lighting designers, contractors and end users all switching to a new calibre of solar light. It’s clear a ‘paradigm shift’ is happening.

HOW HAS SOLAR LIGHTING BEEN IMPROVED AT LUMENA?

Four main aspects had to be tried and tested, to be able to offer Solar lights with a 5 year guarantee

BRIGHTNESS

Years of experience with LED lamps across other ranges made sure of impressive brightness and high Lumens output. Most lights in the range are at minimum 100 lumens per watt which is considered a decent brightness across the board. The newer ViaMAX range of solar street lights boasts up to 4800lms! BUILD QUALITY & DESIGN

If all tech. components are built to last, then the main product body has to be durable and sustainable. That’s why the solar bollards are die cast aluminium and impact tested to obtain high IK ratings, with up to IK10 on components in the Litecharga and vandal-resistant Guarda. Many designs have versatile installation options – another benefit of solar lights.

BATTERIES AND PANELS

Solar lights suitable for professional use should incorporate high-capacity LifePO4 lithium or li-ion batteries, and use efficient, modern polycrystalline or monocrystalline solar panels so that optimum charge levels are retained for longer. Charge is preserved very effectively even in lower light levels, therefore illuminating the light for longer.

CHARGING CAPACITY AND FUNCTIONS FOR THE UK ALL YEAR ROUND

All Lumena solar lights have special time controllers to match the UK climate. When darkness falls, Pro Solar and ViaMAX lights illuminate at full brightness, and then follow a gradual dimming sequence throughout dark hours. PIR & microwave motion sensor solar lights all have charge saving functions where, for example, a low level light illuminates constantly at dusk then a brighter light appears when the sensor is triggered.