Illuminate Your Marina: A Guide to Using Commercial Grade Solar Lighting Bollards on Jetties and Pontoons
Commercial-grade solar lighting bollards are an excellent addition to jetties and pontoons, providing robust, efficient, and sustainable lighting solutions for marinas.
Unlike residential bollards, these are designed to withstand harsh marine environments and high usage demands.
This guide will cover all aspects of using commercial-grade solar lighting bollards on jetties and pontoons, ensuring you make informed decisions for your marina.
Benefits of Commercial Grade Solar Lighting Bollards for Jetties and Pontoons
Commercial-grade solar lighting bollards offer superior durability, efficiency, and performance compared to their residential counterparts. They are built to handle heavy traffic, harsh weather conditions, and provide consistent lighting, enhancing both safety and aesthetics of marinas.
Installation of Commercial Grade Solar Lighting Bollards on Jetties
Installing commercial-grade solar lighting bollards is a simple and straightforward process. Any experienced DIY person will be capable of installing the solar bollards successfully.
However, it's important to complete a proper shading assessment. A thorough shading assessment will help you choose the position for your solar lighting bollards for optimal performance. Your solar bollard lighting provider will be able to help you with this. In Australia, commercial grade solar lighting bollard distributors provide shading assessments for each and every bollard to ensure the power setting matches the amount of direct sunlight.
Steps for Installation:
- Site Assessment: Evaluate the jetty for optimal sunlight exposure and traffic flow
- Positioning: Strategically mark installation spots to ensure even lighting and minimal obstruction
- Mounting: Use heavy-duty fixtures to secure the bollards, considering tidal impacts and high traffic
Maintenance of Commercial Grade Solar Lighting Bollards on Jetties
Maintaining commercial-grade solar lighting bollards is minimal work.
Graffiti and paint is easily cleaned from the solar bollard head and aluminium post. The dome shape deters birds from landing and minimises debris build up.
Using a soft cloth once a year to wipe the bollard heads is all that is needed to remove salt, dirt and debris and keep them looking great all year round.
Durability of Commercial Grade Solar Lighting Bollards in Marine Environments
Commercial-grade solar lighting bollards are engineered for maximum durability, using high-quality materials and construction techniques to withstand the challenging marine environment.
Key Durability Features:
- Marine-Grade Materials: Use of corrosion-resistant metals like stainless steel or powder-coated aluminium
- Robust Construction: Built to withstand impacts, heavy usage, and tidal movements
- Weatherproofing: Equipped with UV-resistant and waterproof coatings
Factors Affecting Solar Lighting Bollard Efficiency on Jetties
Efficiency of commercial-grade solar lighting bollards can be influenced by multiple factors including placement, environmental conditions, and quality of the solar bollards.
Efficiency Influencers:
- Sunlight Exposure: Ensure bollards are placed in areas with maximum sunlight
- Shading: Avoid areas shaded by trees or structures
- Solar Bollard Quality: Ensure bollards are made from the highest grade polycarbonate available. This is critical for solar bollard lights, as the UV (ultraviolet light) will make low to mid-range grade UV stabilized polycarbonates brittle and cause them to lose their transparent properties in as soon as three years. If the polycarbonate loses its transparency, the solar panel will not be charged efficiently, and the light will not be diffused effectively, causing the product to fail.
Materials Used in Commercial Grade Solar Lighting Bollards for Jetties
The materials used in commercial-grade solar lighting bollards are critical for their longevity and performance in harsh environments.
Common Materials:
- Stainless Steel: Provides excellent corrosion resistance and strength
- Powder-Coated Aluminium: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and durable
- Polycarbonate: Used for light covers, offering impact resistance and UV protection
Choosing Solar Lighting Bollard Designs for Jetties
Selecting the appropriate design for commercial-grade solar lighting bollards is vital to ensure they meet functional and aesthetic requirements.
Buy Australian made
Choose Australin made commercial solar bollards, built to last in the extreme Australian weather. Look for a solid design life (e.g. 10+ years) and a good warranty (don’t settle for less than a 10-year warranty). Vandal resistance should be essential too.
Ensure they are rated IP68 Submersible
IP68 Submersible refers to a device or product that has been tested and certified to meet the IP68 standard for water and dust resistance.
The "IP" stands for "Ingress Protection," and the numbers following it indicate the level of protection provided. The first digit "6" means the device is completely dust-tight, offering full protection against dust ingress. The second digit "8" signifies that the device can be submerged in water beyond 1 meter depth, typically up to a specified depth and duration set by the manufacturer. This makes IP68-rated devices highly resistant to dust and water, suitable for use in harsh or underwater environments.
Design Considerations:
- Height and Coverage: Select heights that provide adequate illumination without causing glare
- Light Intensity: Choose models that offer sufficient brightness for safety and visibility
- Aesthetic Appeal: Ensure designs complement the marina’s overall look and feel
Weather Resistance of Commercial Grade Solar Lighting Bollards on Jetties
Weather resistance is a paramount feature for commercial-grade solar lighting bollards. They must endure saltwater exposure, high winds, and fluctuating temperatures.
Weather-Resistant Features:
- Sealed Units: Protects internal components from moisture
- UV-Resistant Coatings: Prevents degradation from sun exposure
- Heavy-Duty Construction: Withstands severe weather conditions
Maximizing ROI for Commercial Grade Solar Lighting Bollards on Jetties
To maximize the return on investment (ROI) for commercial-grade solar lighting bollards, focus on quality and reliability.
- Invest in Quality: Purchase high-grade bollards designed for commercial use
- Invest in Reliability: Purchase commercial-grade solar lighting bollards that are able to provide reliable all-night light with a minimum of four full nights battery back-up. Ensure your provider is reputable and doesn't provide you with bollards where the light is run too bright for the solar panel and battery size, and will ultimately fail in poor weather and shorten the battery life.
- Energy Savings: Leverage solar power to significantly reduce electricity expenses
Solar Lighting Bollards and Marine Ecosystem Sustainability
Commercial-grade solar lighting bollards support marine ecosystem sustainability by reducing energy consumption and light pollution, which can adversely affect marine life.
Sustainability Benefits:
- Renewable Energy Use: Utilises solar power, lowering the carbon footprint
- Minimal Light Pollution: Designed to minimise impact on marine wildlife
- Eco-Friendly Construction: Often made from recyclable and non-toxic materials
Enhancing Jetty Security with Commercial Grade Solar Lighting Bollards
A well-lit jetty is essential for marina security. Commercial-grade solar lighting bollards provide reliable and consistent lighting, enhancing visibility and deterring criminal activities.
Security Enhancements:
- Consistent Illumination: Ensures the jetty is well-lit throughout the night
- Deterrence: Bright, reliable lighting can discourage vandalism and theft
- Enhanced Surveillance: Improves visibility for security cameras and personnel
Safety Regulations Compliance of Commercial Grade Solar Lighting Bollards on Jetties
Compliance with safety regulations is critical for installing commercial-grade solar lighting bollards. Ensure they meet local and international standards for marine installations.
Compliance Tips:
- Adherence to Standards: Follow local marine safety and installation guidelines
- Certification: Use bollards that are certified to meet Australian and New Zealand lighting and safety standards
Commercial Grade Solar Lighting Bollards on Jetties and Pontoons, FAQs
How long do commercial-grade solar lighting bollards last in marine environments?
Commercial-grade solar lighting bollards can last between 5-10 years, depending on their quality and maintenance.
Can commercial-grade solar lighting bollards work during cloudy days?
Yes, they are designed to store energy on sunny days to function during cloudy periods.
Are commercial-grade solar lighting bollards expensive to maintain?
No, they require minimal maintenance - an annual wipe with a soft cloth and battery replacement when the battery reaches end of life.
Do commercial-grade solar lighting bollards impact marine wildlife?
Properly designed solar lighting bollards minimise light pollution, reducing impact on marine life.
What factors affect the placement of commercial-grade solar lighting bollards?
Key factors include sunlight exposure, traffic flow, and avoiding shaded areas.
How can I maximise the efficiency of my commercial-grade solar lighting bollards?
Ask your provider to complete a thorough shading assessment, install bollards in the optimum position and invest in high-quality solar bollards to enhance efficiency.
Commercial-grade solar lighting bollards are a valuable investment for jetties and pontoons, providing durable, efficient, and eco-friendly lighting solutions.
By understanding the factors influencing performance and the installation process you can ensure your marina remains well-lit, safe and secure.
References
Read more:
- How Do I Determine the Right Wattage for my Solar Bollard Lights?
- Choosing the Right Solar Bollard Light for Commercial Projects
- Installing the SBL solar bollard lights – very quick and easy.
- Solar bollard lighting shade assessment: upfront planning = successful and reliable solar lighting.
- Solar Lighting Bollards – Your Common Questions Answered