Can we Use Solar Lights in Soccer Field or Football Stadium?

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Everyone has a mental image of a well-lit soccer stadium in his or her mind. But most people would assume the electricity comes from the national grid. Well, high powered solar LED sports lighting solutions are a real thing. Turns out, sunlight proves to be an ideal source to light a soccer field. At the same time, it keeps power bills low. Many LED football field lights started as an elegant alternative to bring light in the practice pitch. Today, they are increasingly becoming a wide-spread phenomenon. So, here is what you need to know about solar powered stadium lights.

Starting from what solar stadium lights are, we will briefly see how they work. Then, we will specify how you can actually use them in a real stadium. A whole section shows the main benefits of using solar LED flood lights. Of course, many questions might still remain. So, we are going to answer the most frequently asked questions as well.

What is solar stadium lighting? How does it work?

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Solar stadium lighting is a solar powered solution. It uses LED lights and a battery for soccer practices. In detail, a solar LED light consists of a lighting fixture, light pole, solar panels, and a trailer, or base.

Professional models include:

  • a generator (for mobile light tower)
  • special optic lenses with anti-glare
  • anti-flickering solutions
  • remote controlling
  • high-quality LED chips

By design, a stadium architecture needs a functional lighting system. Spectators from all over the world gather in large numbers. So, the light becomes essential for safety reasons. Think in terms of big crowds, high powered spotlights, and international events. All that requires a huge amount of electricity to run smoothly.

From an energy point of view, LED floodlights came to the rescue. They provided a more economical choice. But then, this tech improved. Cutting-edge solar LED football lights combine two key things. That is, the need for high output LEDs and a hybrid power system.

Basically, the LED diodes in the lighting fixture work the same. Sunlight provides everything else. Solar panels collect energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. The electricity is stored in a battery for later use. For example, to illuminate the practice pitch. Or to light the soccer field and the stands during a tournament.

Can we use high-powered solar lighting in a soccer field and football stadium?

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The answer is a resounding yes. Today, we surely can use high-powered solar lighting in any pitch!

Amateur soccer clubs can lower electricity costs just by implementing this tech. During the warmer seasons, football matches start at different times of the day. Most of the time, only a small portion of activities lasts till dusk. More precisely, only special events take place at night. So, solar powered stadium lights are very convenient.

Today’s batteries are reliable. In winter, the hybrid power system allows you to further save on the electricity bills. As you know, natural light goes out earlier during the coldest seasons. But, you still have an average of six hours of high powered lighting every day. In short, the solar panels have plenty of time to recharge the battery between soccer practices.

Then again, many solar-powered models are equipped with a practical light sensor. Basically, it allows the automatic switching on and off of the lights at sunrise and sunset. So, you do not need many hours of training. Moreover, you do not need to hire experts to keep an eye on the field while you are away. You can easily set up everything to work just as you desire. Of course, in this way, consumption is further optimized.

Advantages of using solar LED flood lights for stadium

1. Saving soccer field lighting running cost

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The chief, obvious benefit concerns cutting the electricity costs. As a renewable energy source, sunlight is infinite. That fact alone makes it a valuable investment for any football association.

Take any world-renowned stadium you like. So that you know, that arena is an energy hog. On average, a premier league stadium consumes more than 25,000 kWh during a match.

FIFA World Cup stadiums must comply with many requirements concerning proper lighting. For example, lighting and power supply must take into consideration not only the spectators and players but also the broadcasters. A detailed document lists all the facility requirements. Within it, view angles, shadows, and lighting design are explained.

For football stadium owners, this means higher electricity bills. Solar LED sports lights can help to somewhat reduce the bills. In essence, cutting costs is the main reason why solar panels exist in the first place.

2. Saving stadium lighting installation cost

For one thing, the installation of solar football lights is practical. In turn, this means less wiring is required because solar lights can work on their own.

The light sensor provides automation without the need for supervision. That is, it is a useful device for floodlights outside the visible parts of the stadium. In other words, you can count on them to turn on and off while you focus on the action on the soccer field. Mostly, this tech is useful for the illumination of the entrance and the parking lot.

The cost of an implant varies based on many factors. Indicatively, the price of field lights depends on the actual power of the solar panels. Including VAT, for each kW installed. As the installed power increases, the cost tends to decrease slightly. The design and installation process may also come with promotions or national incentives.

On the market, you can find many brands, large and small solutions. The most critical detail to check is the long-standing presence on the market. Plus, the existence of an emergency repair service. In case of necessity, ensuring timely assistance is critical.

3. The longer life span of LED

High-quality LED stadium lights have a long life span (>150,000 hours). To begin with, not all LEDs are the same. This tech is improving more and more every day. Today, LED sports lights withstand temperatures much higher than in the past. Technically, the heatsinks got better and smaller.

On the pitch, the lighting system only works for limited periods. In addition to the LED diodes, an LED lamp also consists of:

  • the power supply
  • control electronics
  • the heat transfer elements, which keep the LEDs at a low temperature
  • the optical lens
  • the protection elements
  • the aesthetic looks

Each component influence the overall quality of the LED light. So, better quality materials provide a longer life span as well. In brief, stadium LED lights come with the best from two worlds. That is, power electronics and renewable energy-related fields. The result is a cost-effective product that provides an efficient, innovative lighting solution.

4. Dusk to dawn function

Many football venues are located near parking lots and urban areas. Sometimes, the soccer field is only part of a larger facility. So, the dusk to dawn function can also be useful to leave the light on.

Some reasons why you could benefit from the dusk to dawn function include:

  • security reasons
  • illuminating emergency exits
  • automation, no need to program the flood lights in advance
  • offering a public service for self-promotion or just out of sheer enjoyment

This feature leaves you complete control over other functions as well. Depending on the type of sensor, you might be able to select some options. For example:

  • Passive infrared sensors detect occupancy within an open space based on variations in the emission in the infrared spectrum. In other words, they see objects within the sensor’s field of view. So, you can set some minimum values for them to turn on the LED lights.
  • Ultrasonic sensors emit inaudible beeps. They evaluate changes in reflected sound. Great for urban areas and providing light during daytime in weakly lit areas.
  • Acoustic wave sensors evaluate the occupation of an environment by detecting the sound waves emitted by any sources. They work together with other closed systems for complex setups.

5. With remote or lighting control system like DMX/DALI

Usually, high powered LED football lights come with remote control. An app wirelessly connects your iPhone or smartphone to your LED lights. So, you can adjust brightness, color temperature, and other effects with just a light tap on the screen.

On the app, you can also see how much battery charge is left. You can turn on and off one or more flood lights at once. Or you can monitor other metrics for careful planning in view of what comes next.

Other lighting control systems include:

  • DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) is a standard system for automated lighting. This useful tech manages the soccer field lighting by switching on and off of various light points. Great for anyone who has no particular scenographic needs. That is, it cannot handle dynamic lighting effects.
  • DMX (Digital Multiplex). With this tech, more sophisticated than DALI, it is possible to obtain fantastic light effects. In short, you find DMX in any stadium that hosts concerts and shows.

6. Less disruption during matches

Every football coach knows how annoying it is when the power shuts down. The referee has no choice but to interrupt the game. Of course, everyone complains. By all accounts, waiting for repairs feels like a total waste of time.

Luckily, thanks to the hybrid system, you do not have to fear any disruption. Solar LED lights work by recharging a battery. But you can still use the national power grid. In any case, you can count on the batteries for security reasons upon necessity.

Solar LED lights require little maintenance. Over time, you will only have to check they are in perfect condition once in a while. Just to be sure and maintain the lighting system in peak performance.

Solar soccer stadium lighting Q&A

1. How long do solar stadium lights last?

You can expect solar stadium lights to last anywhere from 4 to 10 years. Generally speaking, the quality of the batteries is what brings this estimate down. The lighting system in itself can last decades. But the batteries still have some limits. That is, the continuous recharging wears them down over time.

At this moment in time, how long you use the lights to illuminate the practice pitch or soccer field also matters. If you use them frequently, the batteries will need to recharge sooner, contributing to the wear and tear.

Last but not least, how you watch over the solar panels can also affect the overall life span of the lighting system. Solar stadium lights indeed need little maintenance, yet cleanliness is still of the uttermost importance. So, keep them clean and make sure that no pigeons or other birds sit on them.

2. How long does it take to charge the solar LED stadium lights?

Most models need between 4 and 10 hours of direct sunlight. In detail, the lighting system design hugely affects this range. In other words, accurately placing the solar panels makes all the difference. Then, environmental factors and the weather influence how long it actually takes. For example, in summer, the same recharge takes half the time. That is mostly due to the different wheater conditions.

3. Do solar soccer field lights charge on a cloudy day?

Of course, the solar field lights generate more electricity on clear days with direct sunshine. On a cloudy day, solar cell efficiency is not as good.

On average, the photovoltaic panels produce only 10-25% of their nominal capacity. The exact amount varies depending on the density of the clouds. Also, the type of solar panel matters. In fact, some types of panels are better at receiving diffused light.

4. What is the brightest solar stadium flood light?

The latest solar stadium flood lights can consume up to 1500 watt, providing 250,000 lumens.

Related soccer field lighting knowledge: How many lumens to light a soccer stadium?

More and more brands are bringing LED football lights to the next level. Considering the wattage, 1500 watt, with 250,000 lumens equals to 166 lumens per watt. Almost as bright as sunlight.

Of course, a LED light so powerful needs a high mast. It brings a smile to any football association and player in the pitch. Certainly, you can be sure that this tech comes with:

  • dimmable options
  • certifications
  • superior life span
  • customization options for the perfect beam angle

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