In this month’s Face to Face we hear from Kathryn Adams, Commercial Director at Prolectric, about solar based products and future direction of the industry.

• Can you tell us a bit about Prolectric and the products and services the company offers?

As the first to specialise in off-grid, renewable lighting and power, we’ve made it our mission to build the world’s cleanest, most advanced, sustainable products. We’ve been powering the UK’s off-grid energy needs with smart, clean, renewable technology for almost a decade.

We introduced the first all in one solar street lighting to the UK in 2011, as a like-for-like alternative to traditional mains powered lights. With no need for trenching or cabling and with no ongoing costs, they are a perfect replacement for streetlights that have come to the end of their life or for new developments. The lights have been widely adopted by house builders, facilities managers for large commercial estates and local councils, for use in car parks, large campus, residential housing developments, parks and pedestrian walkways.

Our solar hybrid generators and solar lighting towers are like-for-like alternatives to diesel. They have been engineered using the latest autonomous software to ensure they work perfectly in the UK, whatever the weather and season.

Engineered in Britain to the highest standards, our products provide unparalleled performance, which reduces or eliminates carbon, fuel and noise – all the while saving costs and meeting carbon saving goals. Since launching our first solar lighting tower in 2016, we have saved customers 27million kgs of CO2 and reduced diesel usage by more than 10.2million litres, which represents a customer saving of more than £10million.

We lead the way in this sector – not least because we pioneered it – but because we’re the only ones to have mastered the art of engineering the only solar, battery and hybrid systems in the UK to truly work autonomously, all-year round.  

• What advantages does solar/hybrid powered equipment boast over traditional systems?

When it comes to permanent lighting, solar streetlights and bollards are simple, quick and economical to install. With no labour required to dig trenches or install trunking for cables, labour costs and carbon footprints are significantly reduced. Installation time is minimal compared to conventional mains power alternatives.

As an unlimited resource, combined with its versatility, minimal noise and low maintenance, solar and solar hybrid powered equipment offer a highly efficient alternative to diesel, without making any compromises to onsite power needs. The self-generating strengths and properties of solar mean it can be used safely and effectively anywhere, and in all weather conditions.

Modern solar panels are designed with self-cleaning technology. Battery maintenance is also minimal, with many solar systems featuring smart battery management systems that require little to no manual intervention. Routine checks and occasional cleaning are usually sufficient to keep a solar system running smoothly year-round.

Temporary power provides a perfect solution for urban areas, as it operates silently and has zero risk of spillages. Including the initial investment, our customer is cost neutral after only 2 and half years on average – and makes an average total saving of £18k year on year after that.

• Do solar based products require optimal weather conditions to operate effectively?

Short answer is no, absolutely not. One of the most common myths is that solar power only works in the summer when the sun is shining and becomes inefficient during winter. Contrary to this belief, solar panels are designed to work effectively even in colder climates – and often are more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity when operating at cooler temperatures.

While shorter daylight hours might slightly affect the overall energy generation, advancements in solar technology, such as improved panel efficiency and energy storage systems, have minimised this impact. Prolectric’s solar technology has been engineered to work in the harshest of UK winters, where cloudy days make up 43% of the year. They’ve been tested and proven to work in Scotland.

Even on overcast days solar panels can still capture diffuse sunlight by efficiently converting it into usable energy, allowing customers to effectively harness solar power in low-light conditions. To date, we have provided over 8,000 solar streetlights across the UK, brightening up car parks, walkways and streets, round the clock, 365 days a year.

Solar lighting has come a long way from its early days and today offers a reliable and eco-friendly solution, without compromising on brightness, on a wide range of applications from commercial, industrial and infrastructure to social housing developments. We have spent years creating smart solar tower lights that can self-regulate to ensure they work throughout the night. Using GPS, we are able to capture 10 years of solar radiance, in one location, including the specific dawn and dusk times. This intelligence is evaluated alongside the current state of battery reserves, to provide autonomous lighting – the built-in capability to manage optimum levels of luminosity throughout the night as needed.

• How do you see the industry evolving over the next few years?

The drive for sustainable products will only continue to increase over the next few years as we head closer to our 2030 and 2050 decarbonisation targets. With increased pressure on the UK grid, permanent solar lighting will become a more desirable method to alleviate some of the demand. This, combined with the continued rising cost of fossil fuel energy, means we are very confident that off-grid solar lighting will result in much more widespread use.

We also predict a critical sea change when it comes to diesel reduction. There are currently an estimated 300,000 items of Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) used by the UK construction sector, largely powered by diesel, and therefore generating significant carbon emissions. Work is underway across the UK construction sector to eliminate diesel from construction sites with a number of large infrastructure projects and main contractors setting commitments to reduce and eliminate the use of diesel from construction. However, this is an area which requires a huge amount of mindset and behaviour change.

• What are the greatest challenges in convincing industry to switch to battery and solar based solutions?

There have been slower adoption rates across industry for many factors, but a lot of this is concerned with a huge lack of accurate information. We are making it our mission to right this. Challenging the norm is never easy. There are many misconceptions when it comes to solar and alternative power use, so we have to work hard at myth busting.

Cost is often highlighted as a barrier to change, and whilst the initial outlay of the unit is often higher than traditional options, the lifetime costs are significantly cheaper and the dividends are quickly clear to see. On average customers who purchase our Prolight Solar Lighting tower are cost neutral before the end of the 2^nd year and save £3,000 a year per unit thereafter, as well as the savings on your ProPower I mentioned previously. Solar works all year round, in all weather conditions, even in the harshest of Scottish winters – we have the data to prove it.

• What will Prolectric be focusing on over the next 12 months?

Continuing to be at the forefront of the industry, driving positive change, we see it as our duty to educate the market. We will continue to collaborate with organisations who want to make a positive change to their business and the environment, working closely with wholesalers, national house builders, across the public sector and on largescale infrastructure projects. Helping businesses to move away from using polluting fossil fuels to achieve their carbon-saving goals and sustainability commitments, as well as saving money, remains our primary goal.

To find out more about Prolectric, click here

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The Axiom industrial control gear range currently includes 415v 4 pole rotary isolators from 25 to 125 Amp in either ABS polycarbonate moulded or sheet steel units, as well as 32 and 63 Amp die cast aluminium options.

Enclosures for this existing range are IP65 rated, designed with two knockouts on either side and come with a padlock facility.

The new additions of 1500V 4 Pole DC Rotary Isolators include 16, 25 and 32 Amp versions. Again in PC moulded units, these Isolators have lockable pads and door interlock systems, where the unit cover only opens in the off position. IP66 rated and with TUV and UL approvals, these DC Isolators are compact, reliable and easy to install, with excellent switching and high short circuit capacity.

Suitable for photovoltaic solar panels, inverters and DC solar pumps, these new units are a significant addition to the Axiom rotary isolator range.

For more information, click here

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With its latest lighting catalogue now out in circulation and new products making their way into the market, Katie Plumstead, Group Marketing Manager, Scolmore Group, puts the spotlight on some of the Ovia commercial floodlights that are proving popular with contractors.

Ovia’s extensive floodlighting collection provides contractors, designers and specifiers with a range of powerful and energy efficient floodlights that are suitable for a wide variety of projects and environmental conditions. Included in the comprehensive lineup are IK10-rated outdoor wall packs, asymmetric floodlights with photocell, robust metal floodlights, IP66 street lighting and solar powered LED floodlights.

Leading the pack

The Inceptor Murus is an LED Wall Pack with CTA switch and a robust IK10 rated housing that makes it ideal in outdoor settings. This IP66 rated fitting is designed to be fast and simple to install and is available in 15W and 25W options and in a choice of standard, photocell and emergency versions. The photocell version can assist with energy saving by allowing the light to turn on and off at set lux levels. Inceptor Murus will turn on when the lux level is below 10-30 lux.

Installation of the Murus is quick and easy, thanks to the Push Fit/Piano Key Terminal Block and the floodlight can be Besa box or trunking mounted. All models include a CTA Switch allowing the product to change colour temperature between Warm White 3000K, Cool White 4000K and Daylight 6000K. It is available in anthracite grey or light grey and comes with a five-year warranty.

TM66

Like many of the Inceptor luminaires, the Murus has been tested and has met the requirements of the TM66 Assured Product Verification Scheme. The TM66 scheme is an innovative initiative developed and fulfilled by the Lighting Industry Association (LIA) and endorsed by CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) and its aim is to advance circular economy practices within the lighting industry. Ovia is working towards making sure all its Inceptor luminaires meet the requirements of the scheme. TM66 testing involves the gathering of thorough evidence to support the specifications of our product range. We use the LIA to verify our TM66 results to ensure we have a consistent and accurate rating.

Edge to edge lighting

Launched just last month is the Sentro – a range of IP65-rated Frameless LED Floodlights designed to thrive in the most demanding environments. With its frameless design allowing edge to edge lighting, the Sentro offers a stylish and contemporary lighting choice.

An ideal solution for lighting large outdoor areas, these versatile luminaires are supplied in a black finish as standard and they are available in a variety of wattages – 10W, 20W, 30W and 50W – in standard or PIR variants. A choice of warm white or cool white colour temperature options is also available with all wattages.

Sentro is the first frameless IP65 rated floodlight that offers a PIR version. The PIR version has a 120-degree PIR detection angle and an 8m detection range and features an override function. The luminaires are supplied pre-fitted with one metre of cable and come with an adjustable and angled bracket for installer convenience.

Solar solutions

As businesses and homeowners continue to deal with the dual challenge of high energy prices and environment pressures, Ovia last year developed a range of solar power lighting solutions, adding a new solar powered LED security floodlight and two solar powered LED street lights to its range. The Zontor solar powered LED streetlight is a powerful 40W or 15W solar panel with advanced LED technology, resulting in an outstanding lumen output (4800 lumen on the 40W model and 1600 lumen for the 14W model.)  It features a slim and modern, patent design and the light can be adjusted. The Zonne solar LED security floodlight has a radiant 8W output, casting a crisp 4000k temperature glow at an impressive 950 lumens. IP65 rated, the Zonne is equipped with an adaptable solar panel that can be easily adjusted.  As a very handy, additional feature, the Zonne fitting can be disconnected and used as a torch.

Finding the right path

Pathfinder is Ovia’s extensive range of powerful and robust, metal LED floodlights that provide a modern solution for retrofits and new installations alike. The range comprises standard floodlights as well as versions with Photocell and PIR sensors. In total the Pathfinder range offers 40 floodlight options from 10W – 300W, with fittings up to 50W available in both black and white finishes and in Warm White and Cool White colour temperature options.

This modern range has high quality LEDs installed, offering 30,000 hours’ (L70) lifetime and 100,000 switching cycles. The design incorporates a prismatic diffuser which produces a more even spread of light. All standard Pathfinder floodlights are IP65 rated, while those with sensors are IP44 rated. The more industrial 100W to 300W range are also IK07 rated. The standard range can be used with remote sensors, PIRs (indoor and outdoor) or Microwave sensors (indoor only) as well as with smart control systems.

Ovia Issue 5 Lighting Catalogue

Ovia’s latest catalogue, issue 5, showcases the company’s comprehensive lighting collection, including the floodlighting range. It can be downloaded from the Ovia website – www.oviauk.com – and from the Scolmore Group app. To get hold of a hard copy, speak to your local area sales manager, or pick one up at one of the trade shows taking place around the country.

For more information, click here

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As the drive towards improving sustainability and energy efficiencies continues across the built environment, Mike Collins, Managing Director at Ovia, looks at the role that solar powered street lighting has to play in providing solutions.

According to global market research company Market Research Future (MRFR), the global Solar Street Lighting Market size was valued at USD 1.38 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow to USD3.96 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14% during the forecast period (2022-2030).

Reducing environmental pollution and the sustainability of solar radiant energy are key drivers enhancing the market growth. Along with the fall in the price of solar lighting solutions, the rise in smart cities across the globe is another major driver of the growth of the solar street lighting market.

In Europe solar street lighting market accounts for one of the largest market shares due to advanced technology and efficient distribution network, reducing environmental pollution, and the low cost of maintenance during its operation. The German solar street lighting market held the largest share, with the UK solar street lighting market being the fastest growing market in the European region.

Complete independence

Solar is widely considered to be the most effective form of renewable energy, and the technology is advancing every day. Solar street lights provide complete independence from the power grid and, due to low maintenance and minimal operator costs, solar lighting has emerged as a popular and reliable source to power street lights.

In comparison to traditional street lighting, solar street lights operate independently, powered by renewable solar energy. These street lights depend on photovoltaic cells, which are responsible for absorbing solar energy during the daytime and charging a rechargeable battery. These cells convert solar energy into usable electrical energy that can power the lamps during the night.

There are many benefits to solar street lighting with the main advantages being their energy efficiency and the ability to provide significant cost savings over time. Conventional street lights are dependent on electricity from the grid, which is often generated from non-renewable sources and can therefore contribute to air pollution. Other benefits include no cabling or excavation, resulting in easy installation and no risk from power outages. Although the initial investment in solar lighting may initially be slightly higher, there are long-term advantages.  They require minimal ongoing operating costs, thanks to independence from the electrical grid, and require little or no maintenance.

Ovia solar solutions

As business and home owners continue to deal with the dual challenge of high energy prices and environment pressures, Ovia has been working on developing a new range of solar power lighting solutions and we have just added our first solar products to our ever expanding portfolio.

Harnessing the power of the sun is a new solar powered LED security floodlight and two new solar powered LED street lights, which have been designed to bring together cutting edge technology and elegant design and blends functionality with environmental responsibility.

The Zontor solar powered LED streetlight is a powerful 40W or 15W solar panel with advanced LED technology, resulting in an outstanding lumen output (4800 lumen on the 40W model and 1600 lumen for the 14W model). It casts a crisp 4000k colour temperature glow and the light can be adjusted 20 ͦ up and 10 ͦ down for solar charging. Designed to thrive in the most demanding of environments, its IP65 rating ensures unwavering performance. The Zontor features a slim and modern, patent design and the light can be adjusted.

Forming part of Ovia’s floodlighting range Zonne is the name given to a new solar LED security floodlight which has a radiant 8W output, casting a crisp 4000k temperature glow at an impressive 950 lumens. The fitting is IP65 rated and it has a charge time of 5-6 hours to fully charge and has two working modes – Mode A: 3-5 Nights and Mode B: 2-3 Nights. It is designed to be installed at a height of 4m and comes with 3m of connection cable.

The Zonne is equipped with an adaptable solar panel that can be easily adjusted. As a very handy, additional feature, the Zonne fitting can be disconnected and used as a torch.

Solar LED street lights work in all areas, making them ideal for environments with limited access to power. In addition, the portable and environmentally friendly nature of a solar LED street light can make them an excellent replacement for ordinary street lights and a good option for areas with no access or limited access to an electrical grid.

For more information, click here

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Achieving the UK government’s target of 70GW of Solar Power by 2035 raises some significant challenges.

One of these is the availability of electricians qualified to install and commission Solar Photo Voltaic (PV) and other low carbon technologies. According to new research commissioned by The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership, the country fortunately needs just 500 more qualified electricians each year to realise its Solar aspirations.

The research, carried out by Pye Tait, shows that for many electrical firms installing Solar PV is not their sole occupation. A fully qualified electrician can upskill to install Solar PV, Energy Storage Systems and other net zero technologies in just a few days. Electrical apprenticeships in England already incorporate training in low carbon and smart technologies, including Solar PV. What’s more, employing qualified electricians provides business agility, as they can integrate a range of different technologies to work efficiently together, all at the same time.

The new data shows that while employers involved in Solar PV currently identify challenges in recruiting and training more electricians, 500 more each year is entirely achievable. With improvements in the skills system and greater collaboration between industry and education, there is a clear path to removing existing obstacles.

The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), has recently launched the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter. The Charter calls for closer ties between industry, governments and education, to grow the competent electrical workforce to support the net zero transition. The trade body highlights the importance of electricians to the energy transition. It sees the short-term fix of ‘bootcamp style’ courses for new entrants as a cul-de-sac for learners and industry, as well as a waste of public resources.

Andrew Eldred, ECA’s Director of Workforce and Public Affairs, said: “Electrical courses of all kinds are in huge demand, so it’s clear there is no shortage of people wanting to join the industry. The main problem is completing learners’ training to the right, industry-recognised standards. To increase the size of the qualified electrical workforce, we must fix the broken skills pipeline. The Recharging Electrical Skills Charter offers an achievable policy programme to mend the broken pipeline. This will boost the numbers of qualified electricians needed to achieve the UK’s net zero targets.”

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