Solar Lights for Military Facilities

The U.S. Department of Defense is making innovative strides toward sustainability and solar lights for military facilities with its Net Zero Initiative. Solar lighting shows considerable promise in supporting this effort by addressing both environmental concerns and modern military needs. Since solar power is independent of the grid, this form of energy is entirely secure and suitable for a wide range of military applications.

Solar-powered lighting can offer creative solutions to complex engineering, security, and cost-related challenges. In military utilization, the benefits of solar power are numerous and far-reaching. Just a few of the many unique advantages of solar lights for military use include:

Military Solar Lighting Cost

‌Cost: The military requires a standard that grid-tie options don’t always offer. Sometimes grid-tie options can get messy, complicated, time-consuming, and expensive. For military bases, buildings, and training grounds located some distance from the grid, infrastructure costs to deliver power can be staggering. In contrast, ongoing improvements to photovoltaic technology will continue to make solar power more efficient and affordable. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the cost of investing in solar installation projects has decreased by 70% in the last 10 years alone, even as demand for solar power continues to rise.

Solar Lighting in Military Structures and Facilities

‌Flexibility: Many training areas and armories are intentionally left separate from power grids. With solar power, it’s possible to deliver adequate lighting to even the most remote areas. Due to the wide range of applications for solar power, this technology serves as an invaluable resource for augmenting the energy needs of military spaces in isolated or difficult terrain. Solar power works completely independently from external sources of power, allowing for easier development of military spaces in otherwise inaccessible locations. This versatility helps to vastly increase the number of sites where military structures and facilities can operate effectively.

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Naval Weapons Air Station China Lake | Military Display Solar Lighting

Solar Lighting Security

‌Security: Solar power is also an ideal energy source for reliable security lighting. Commercial-grade solar-powered security lights can be paired with motion sensors to activate instantly at the first sign of any movement. In this way, solar lighting can support personnel responsible for patrolling a broad area by providing an early warning system in case of security breaches. With solar lighting, it’s easy to increase visibility in vulnerable areas without the need for extensive additions to existing grid-dependent utility systems.

Energy Independence

‌Energy Independence and Energy Security: Since solar power is off-grid and self-contained, the technology is invulnerable to outages or attacks on the grid. Energy security is vitally important for military spaces, especially those located in unpredictable or potentially hostile areas. Solar-powered systems ensure military facilities remain functional when other energy resources are unavailable. By having access to solar power, military zones can maintain energy independence for their lighting needs, which can be critical to maintaining operational readiness when unforeseen circumstances occur.

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​Silverlake Armory | Military Base Solar Lighting

Items to Consider Before Investing in Solar Power

Application: 

What do you need to illuminate? Parking area, street, pathway, or something else?

What type of light/system interests you? Decorative, or more utilitarian?

Why have you chosen to light the area in question at this point in time?

Are there any tree or structure shade obstructions that may impact solar exposure?

Project Scope and Specifications:

Approximate number of lights

Budget: General range

Timeline: When are you hoping to install, and when do you need the lights?

Specific lumen or foot-candle requirements, if any.

Preferred or specified pole height?

Are you interested in monitoring the lights?

Operating Profile: 

We configure many of our systems to run for five hours at full brightness at dusk, and then dim to 40% power for the remainder of the night. Does that work, or do you need full brightness from dusk to dawn?

Financing:

Are you interested in rebates?

Would you consider financing your purchase?

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Edwards Air Force Base | Pedestrian Pathway Lighting

‌Solar Applications for Military Facilities

‌There are a variety of practical uses for solar power in military capacities. Solar lighting works well to illuminate roadways surrounding military areas, enhancing safety for both pedestrians and vehicles. Solar power can also prove useful in improving perimeter lighting and security coverage. A solar-powered security light with a motion sensor and camera can identify the exact location of any activity, facilitating faster response by security patrols. Solar lighting works well for illuminating parking lots outside military facilities as well. Solar lights can lower the energy costs of maintaining consistent nighttime visibility, making them ideal for facilities that operate around the clock.