Solar lighting - any trade experience ?

[chatsworth]

We are now ready to start planning solar lighting the Garden of Memories project at the Archangel Michael Hospice.
Because we believe we have managed to creat a large area of beauty and serenity we want to have it lit in an evening to enhance it's main features for the enjoyment of both patients and visitors.
We have a local company who is going to help us achieve our aim but because we want the best we are reaching out to anyone with experience in this technology who can advise us.
Regards
Geoff Eccleston
Project Coordinator

[PaphosAL]

I guess the first thing to consider are the luminaires themselves, Geoff. 12Vdc IP65 weather-proof adjustable units, where the LED bulbs are cold blue or warm white, to suit your taste. Warm white might be best in this scenario...

Then there's the wiring from the power source to each lamp. This would be cheap and simple outdoor 2 core 0.75mm2 cable. But best fixed at high level around the building in order to stop the mice chewing through it.

As to your solar power source, we'd best leave that to your expert sparks company to advise on.

Cheers- AL

[Jimgward]

I have found solar lights unable to withstand the fierce sun of cyprus..... Maybe because I brought various from the UK.... or maybe more recent ones have better small panels....

[vic 1]

most solar lights are made in china and do not really last in the Cyprus sun

as to where you buy uk or those in Cyprus they all come from the same place

Vic

[cyprusmax47]

Providing the solar panel is all day in the sun, than these type of solar street lighting can take the Cyprus hot conditions...

https://www.streetlights-solar.com

There is a shop coming up from the harbour towards the old Police station (nearly on the top of the road) left hand side, they have similar ones.
(But they are all quite expensive) I would go for LED outdoor lights without PV panels.

Max

[PaphosAL]

Just a thought, Geoff, but you might want to think about how you want to control the on/off switching of your proposed garden lights. Obviously, you want some automation involved, rather than turning them on and off manually each day..

A master IP65 weatherproof Dusk to Dawn sensor (serving all lamps) could be a good idea, IF you don't mind the lights being on all night. If you'd prefer them to switch off late at night, then this would be possible with a second device added into the master circuit immediately after the Dusk/Dawn sensor, and again IP65 weatherproof. A simple Timer Override that kills the 12V power at a time to suit the residents. ie: 2200, 2300, 0000, 0100.

One control I would strongly advise AGAINST is a regular Timer on/off switch. You'll be forever adjusting the on/off times on this throughout the year, as the days get longer then shorter!

Regards- AL

[chatsworth]

Thanks folks for your input, very useful.
We are going with Soroko Trading. Christos from the company paid a visit to the garden today and seems to know his stuff and how to produce what we want. I will ensure he is made aware of your comments.