In the typical golf facility, solar lighting takes up a minor percentage of the overall illumination system. But you could increase the use of photovoltaic modules all throughout the golf course. And the driving range as well. Instead of relegating solar flood lights to illuminate the putting green, you can plan a better use on the golf range.
Here is what you need to know about solar lighting solutions. Starting with the reasons that make them worth the installation. I am going to cover the feasibility issue and how to select the best solar golf course lights as well.
Are LED solar golf driving range lighting any good?
The latest LED solar golf driving range lights come with four major benefits. To be honest, many fear that this tech is still under development, so they shun the idea. But in reality, the current photovoltaic modules in use are already efficient. It is more a matter of fine-tuning the components to meet each customer’s needs. So, while there could be new models coming up, it would be unreasonable to avoid the advantages of today’s models.
1. Reduce electricity cost
The first benefit that should come to mind is the obvious reduction of the electricity bill. Just imagine the savings coming from the illumination of single golf hitting net next to the putting green. The photovoltaic panel gathers solar energy. As a result, the heat turns into electricity for later use. When the battery lights up the LED flood light after sunset, it does not cost you money. The cheapest independent light sources can be placed anywhere you need a minimum brightness. So, every solar model fulfills a different purpose.
2. Hassle-free installation
If you want to move a solar LED light from a tee box to the driving range, you can do it. And do it immediately. Most models come with hassle-free installation and hooks or gaskets for quick setup. The portable lighting means no underground wiring. In other words, no need to call an electrician just to move one lighting body. You simply take a ladder, if necessary, and a screwdriver to take it off and install it elsewhere.
3. Low maintenance cost
A standard lighting system requires regular maintenance. Especially when the lamps die. Well, solar LED flood lights have a longer life span. In detail, LED light sources last for >150,000 hours, and the fixture is built to last. The combination of the superior LED life span and the maintenance-free casings make solar LED lights convenient. Even in the unlikely event that one fixture needs maintenance, it is quickly replaceable. Plus, it will not impact the overall lighting system.
4. Automatic turn on/off
Earlier, I made an example about a LED solar fitting lighting up after sunset to illuminate a golf cage and putting green. Well, that is an automatic on/off function (also known as Dusk to Dawn feature) in action. Thanks to this feature, you do not have to worry about turning the lights on or off at the right time. In short, light sensors on the casing switch the lights on and off automatically. So, there is no need to schedule or adjust lighting profiles or illumination duration.
What is the wattage of solar golf course lighting?
As you can imagine, many solar light models are available on the market. Usually, most solar flood lights go from 50 to 500 watts. But, you can even use 1000 watts if you get a powerful solar battery.
The watt per lumen ratio of LED lights makes the lamp efficient. But when you consider the power consumption, you also need to think about the purpose. In other words, the watt hour rating only helps you to calculate the overall wattage. First, you need to consider the lumen output necessary. Then, the power consumption issue can be dealt with swiftly.
How many solar driving range lights are needed in a golf facility?
Here is a simple example involving an unlimited amount of solar-powered lights. Let us assume each solar light has 500 watts. How many of them are necessary for lighting a golf facility? Well, a 500 watts LED light can illuminate around 200 sq. meter golf area. So, the number of solar lights needed depends on the three following aspects of the golf facility itself.
1. Size of golf facility
Managing an 18-hole golf course lighting is different than setting up a 9-hole. The same goes for mini-golf facilities. Maybe, several golf clubs and private citizens use the same driving range. In this case, its design would impose continuous working hours and several putting greens. Moreover, the size of the golf range may limit the places where you can install the photovoltaic modules. If you want to replace old fittings, you might need a new lighting layout for golf course.
2. The shape of the golf range
If the golf course architect designed an artistic fairway, the shape might be different than most courses. Every time you must adapt to a challenging shape, you need more light fixtures. In short, if the shape of the golf course is too complex, the number of light increases. This is true for a driving range as well. If you have chosen a picturesque spot for your driving range, chances are that you might need more solar lights.
3. Installation height
Technically speaking, light loss is a determining factor that influences how many lights you need. In detail, the taller the light pole is, the higher the light loss. So, you need more solar LED lights to reach optimal lighting distribution.
The distance from the ground also impacts the choice of fitting. On balance, the shorter the light pole, the smaller the light beam coverage. So, in reality, you would opt for less power consuming units.
Is it feasible to install solar lights in a golf course and driving range?
Yes, absolutely. Feasibility is not a problem, but you might want to consider two critical points. Which are:
- Solar lighting is more suitable for a small golf course. Mostly because the energy conversion efficiency of solar energy and battery technology is still not very advanced nowadays. Although it is still convenient, cost-efficiency suggests being cautious.
- If you really need to adopt solar lights in the 18-hole golf course, experts like us would come up with a tailored-made solution. For example, we may use 30% solar lights and 70% conventional LED lights. This approach can let you save some electricity costs while giving you a stable light source.
How to select the best solar golf course lights?
1. LED luminous efficacy
The most crucial specs in the product data-sheet are the lumen and watt outputs. For starters, divide the total lumen output by the wattage of the solar LED lamp to find out the lumen per watt ratio. The best solar golf course lights have a lumen per watt ratio >150 lm/W. Below this threshold, the light will not be bright enough. And brightness is the main goal behind getting a light source in the first place.
2. Charging time
The battery is another central component of solar LED lights. In brief, the photovoltaic module converts daylight into electricity. But the electricity needs to go into a battery for later use. So, the battery quality and capability indicate both the running and charging time. Most batteries recharge in six to ten hours. But you need to consider the efficiency of the photovoltaic panel(s) and the weather. In fact, clouds will make the battery recharge slowly.
3. Using time
If you plan to host nighttime events, then you want to look further into the running time spec. Each battery will last a varying number of hours. Batteries consist of a set of elementary cells. These cells are electrically connected to each other in series or in parallel to achieve the desired value of voltage (Volt) and current (Ampere). The solar LED golf course lights come with an in-built battery for the provided LED lamp. Still, you need to calculate how long do you need lighting for in the evening.
4. Weight
Even though the solar lights are easy to install and move, you still need to physically handle each unit. So, remember to consider the weight factor. Installing several solar flood lights above the hitting areas of a driving range may represent a safety hazard. Especially for the golfer swinging beneath them. On the other hand, when you put them on a light pole and do not consider their weight, you might end up underestimating the total amount.
5. Dusk to dawn function
If you plan to let players practice until late in the evening, you might want to make sure the solar lights have a Dusk to Dawn function. This feature requires the use of specific light sensors that sample the external luminosity. Most importantly, remember to contact the seller if you have any doubt about the product because it is not a standard feature of every model. These models could also let you modify the settings remotely via an app, so choose the best for your needs.
6. Waterproof
As you know, playing golf in the rain is challenging but not impossible. Sadly, the wet weather is not the only problem at hand when it comes to lighting. In fact, a cloudy sky could make it difficult to even see the simple design of the golf ball at your feet. So, the reliability of solar light sources is of uttermost importance. In short, the flood lights must be waterproof. This means that you need at least an IP66 model. IP66 means that the fixture is dust- and water-resistant. In detail, it could stand a direct water jet from a nozzle for three minutes.
7. Lightning protection
Without adequate protection, lightning bolts can cause several damages. Even an indirect lightning strike can have a disruptive effect on expensive electronic devices in your golf facility. Proper overvoltage protection must be installed to avoid this issue. Above all, it will help to prevent the premature breakdown of sensitive electronic equipment. Or the shortening of their useful life span. Lighting protection is more than an accessory. Rather, it is an investment in the overall lighting system.
Conclusion
Using solar golf course and driving range lighting is a brilliant idea. Not only is it feasible, but it will also reduce your energy and maintenance costs. At the same time, you can repurpose these lights in several places of your golf facility. The photovoltaic panel recharges the battery even when you move the fixture from the driving range to the putting green. That is, as long as daylight is hitting the panel directly. You can count on experts like us for any advice regarding the use of solar LED lights anywhere in the golf range. So, if you need more help, just ask away for more info.
