Solarpost solar powered lighting bollards installed at Portavadie Marina, Argyll, Scotland

Long Scottish winters not a problem for solar lighting

Solarposts have been installed at Portavadie Marina on Loch Fyne in Argyll in Scotland.

The location is challenging and a solarpost was initially trialled for a year. After a full year at Portavadie, the solarpost had performed extremely well in the extreme conditions providing a bright, reliable light. The project then went ahead to install solarposts along the walkways next to the water.

At a latitude of 56° north, the winter days are short on Loch Fyne but the solarposts’ solar cells are engineered to capture maximum solar energy. In addition, the solarposts two levels of illumination, a lower level which is automatically increased when someone approaching is detected, ensures that energy is used as efficiently as possible. It also minimises light pollution, an important consideration for both people and local wildlife in such as beautiful and rural situation.

The proximity of water means that lighting in marinas is always potentially difficult but the use of solar powered lighting has meant no cabling which not only makes installation easier and more economical, it is also much safer. The solarposts’ IP66 water ingress rating ensures that any waves crashing into the posts during storms will not cause any damage.

The marina development at Portavadie is stunning and the contemporary styling and high quality build mean that the solarpost lighting bollards fit into the marina complex beautifully.