Below you’ll find answers to common questions about solar lighting, from how it works to where it works best to what expect from our systems and projects. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, our team is always happy to help. Drop us a line here.
During the day, photovoltaic (PV) panels collect energy from the sun and store it in rechargeable batteries. When night falls, a controller kicks in and manages when the light turns on, how bright it gets, and how much energy is pulled from the battery. At dawn, the light switches off and the charge cycle repeats.
Solar lighting sidesteps many of the hassles and costs that come with wired systems: trenching, utility coordination, layout constraints, and ongoing energy bills. It installs quickly, eliminates the risk of copper wire theft, and keeps working through grid outages. Plus, it runs on renewable energy, so there are no carbon emissions and no utility bills.
>>Even more reasons to choose solar lighting
In many cases, yes. Traditional wired lighting requires trenching, wiring, and grid connections—costs that add up fast. Solar systems skip all that. They install faster, cost less to deploy, and run for free once they’re up. That makes them especially cost-effective for pathways, parking lots, and remote areas where extending the grid would be expensive, time-consuming, or just plain impractical.
>>See how the cost of solar lighting really stacks up against the grid
It sure does—when it’s properly designed and sized for local conditions. We like to say our systems are engineered for the worst-case scenario: the shortest, darkest day of the year (Dec. 21 in the Northern Hemisphere). We account for reduced sunlight, temperature impacts on batteries, and cloud coverage to ensure every system delivers year-round performance, whether it’s in California, New York, or Canada.
>>Check out one of our most-read articles: Do solar lights charge on cloudy days?
Many wired lights can be upgraded to solar. The process typically involves removing the grid connection and swapping in a solar-specific fixture. In many cases, you can reuse the existing pole and foundation, saving time, materials, and installation costs. Sol offers retrofit options that make the switch straightforward, so you can extend the life of your infrastructure while gaining the benefits of energy independence.
They can be just as bright, when they’re properly sized. Dimness and premature shutoff are real issues with poorly designed solar systems, but they’re entirely avoidable. We size our systems with enough energy capture (panels) and storage (batteries) to maintain your operating profile. We also partner with Acuity, America’s leading fixture manufacturer, so you can use the same high-quality LED fixtures used for grid-powered projects.
>>More on our partnership with Acuity
Our systems are designed to handle it. Solar panels still collect energy on cloudy days (sunlight permeates clouds, just at reduced levels). We also engineer every system to run for several days with zero solar input, though the exact autonomy depends on the configuration. In general, bigger systems with more batteries = more days of autonomy.
>>Learn how we size our systems for ultimate reliability
High-quality solar lighting systems can last 10+ years in the field. LED fixtures typically run for 100,000+ hours and solar panels degrade very slowly over time. Batteries are the component you’ll likely replace first—usually after 7-10 years depending on usage and conditions. Keep the solar panel clean and clear of foliage, swap out the battery when needed, and your system will keep performing year after year.
Yes to both. Our systems let you customize brightness levels, runtime schedules, and some come with optional motion detection. These features are key to making solar work for a wider range of locations and applications. You can dial down output during low-traffic hours to conserve energy, ramp up brightness when needed, or extend autonomy in challenging climates.
>>Choosing the right operating profile for your project
It mostly depends on where you are and what your lighting needs are. If you’re in a place with abundant sun, you can use a smaller system (smaller panels, fewer batteries). Less sun? You’ll need a bigger panel and more batteries to collect and store enough energy. You can also adjust your operating profile—running the lights at a lower output or for fewer hours—to make a smaller system work. And if you’re not sure, we can always help you find the right fit.
>>Talk to one of our solar lighting experts
Start with the basics: Can the system actually do what you need it to do? Be realistic. Not every solar light can handle every application. Consider your location (how much sun you get year-round) and your lighting requirements (brightness, runtime, whether motion detection is acceptable). From there, we can help you find a system that checks all the boxes without overbuilding or underdelivering.
>>How we engineer our systems for ultimate reliability
The biggest difference is size and configurability. Our compact all-in-one systems work best in sunny areas—they’re affordable, easy to install, and get the job done. Our configurable systems, like the UP and EverGen, offer more flexibility: different solar panel sizes, battery capacities, and a wide range of fixture options. What you need depends on your location, lighting requirements, and budget—reach out and we’ll help you find the right fit.
Installation methods vary by product, but most systems use either direct burial or concrete footings with anchor bolts. The process is straightforward: dig a hole, set the pole, secure it, and program the system using a smartphone app. Depending on the size, you may need a bucket truck to handle larger poles and fixtures. But there’s no trenching, wiring, or utility coordination, putting solar way ahead of grid lighting in both simplicity and speed.
It depends on the system. A compact all-in-one unit (like our iSSL Series) can be up and running in about an hour. A bigger, more complex system (like the EverGen) might take a couple hours. Either way, it’s significantly faster than grid-tied lighting because you’re only digging one hole per pole—not long trenches that might run into gas lines, fiber optic cables, or whatever else is down there.
Absolutely. Whether you need a full photometric plan, guidance on IES lighting standards, or help optimizing your layout for performance and cost, we’ve got you covered. Send us your site details and we’ll work with you to get it right.
Very rarely. Solar lighting is virtually maintenance-free since the systems are autonomous and don’t have the wiring, transformers, or grid connections that commonly cause issues with conventional lighting systems. Depending on conditions at your location, you may need to wipe debris off the solar panel or trim back foliage that’s blocking sunlight, but that’s about it. Keep the panel clear, and the system takes care of itself.
You’ll notice the lights dimming earlier in the night or shutting off before they’re scheduled to. If performance drops noticeably and nothing is obviously impeding the system (a tree casting shade on the panel; a hurricane knocking it sideways), it’s likely time for a new battery. Our team can help you diagnose the issue and get a replacement sorted quickly.
Give us a call at (772) 286-9462 and we’ll help troubleshoot. We’ll walk you through some diagnostics to figure out what’s going on—whether it’s a settings issue, a component that needs replacing, or something else. Either way, we’ll get you sorted.
We provide a 10-year warranty on the solar engine: the panel, battery, controller, and housing. The lighting fixture is covered separately by the manufacturer. If something goes wrong, we’ve got you covered.
>>Why our 10-year warranty makes all the difference
DarkSky compliance applies to the fixture, not the solar components. Our configurable systems—the UP and EverGen ranges—are compatible with a wide range of DarkSky Approved fixtures. You can browse all compliant options here, or reach out and we’ll help you find the right fit for your project.
>>Learn more about light pollution and DarkSky standards
Some do. BABA requirements apply to certain federally funded infrastructure projects and mandate that products be manufactured in the U.S. with domestically sourced materials. We’re actively expanding our domestic production to meet these standards across our full product line. If your project has BABA requirements, reach out and we’ll help you identify which products qualify.
>>Learn more about BABA (and BAA)
Yes. The main federal incentive is the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which offers significant savings on solar installations. However, it’s being phased out—projects must begin construction by July 4, 2026 or be completed by December 31, 2027 to qualify. Beyond the ITC, there may be state and local programs available depending on where you’re located. We can help point you in the right direction based on your project.
>>Read our latest update on the ITC
Product specs are available on each product page. Installation guides have their own dedicated page, and IES files are available by request—say the word and we’ll send them over.
For technical support or troubleshooting, call us at (772) 286-9462. For quotes, project planning, or general inquiries, reach us at 1-800-959-1329 or through our contact form. Someone will get back to you within one business day.
