Walk This Way: Path Embedded Solar LED Lighting
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 10.25.07
Couple of years ago we ran a post on a German supplier of Solarbricks, solar powered imbedded path lighting. One commenter wondering if such things were available Stateside. A while back a Japanese/American firm, Solar Cynergy, did get in touch to alert us to their product of very similar nature.
The Solar LED Series can be used for the residential purposes indicated in our first post, but Solar Cynergy also indicate that they’ve a line that is specifically suited to what they call 'city and transportation' applications, like carparks, pedestrian walkways, etc.
Two to eight light emitting diodes (LEDs) encased in polycarbonate resin are combined with a small photovolatic cell to power the lights for up to about 15 hours after an 8 hour charge in sunlight. Energy is stored via capacitor technology, negating the need for batteries. Available with a 10 year warranty the lights are said to last for more than 25 years, even if it rains, or folk drive on top of them. ::Solar Cynergy via tip from John H.
brilliant idea! LEDs are really great sources of light!
Most of the solar lights I've seen are not very bright and to tell you the truth hardly even worth what little time it takes in install them. Although it might be different with LED lights. it would be nice if this were the case. I would much rather line my pathways with easy to install solar. Maybe someday they will create some that work better in the shade.
Solar+capacitors+LED=great lighting.
Still, I'm waiting for when solar powered lighting gets affordable so I can install it in remote parts of my house.
I think that's meant to read 'embedded path lights'. And of course, @Lucynda Riley, *all* the solar garden lights on the market now are already LED-based. The only novelty in this design (other than the flush mounting) is the use of a capacitor as opposed to a battery, which is a good idea. All the cheap plastic ones on the market now use NiCad rechargeables, which don't do well when exposed to extremes of temperature.
Great idea. Looks great as well.
I agree, most of these lights are not very bright (from an illumination point of view, great in philosophy!)... but here's a thought... what if you could also embedded motion detectors into the bricks that look around the perimeter, say 1-2 paces away, so as you walk, your way is illuminated and once you are past they go out (or become very dim) In this way you can see your path and then get more light as you move in that direction. That would conserve the energy, and just be a really great effect!
It would be nice to finally see these utilized on roadways.
Should be pretty bright I would say. I believe that a LED runs off of 1.5 volts. Not bad. I'd love to see this type of technology integrated into the U.S. road system. Could provide a better system for those who have trouble driving at night. =)
I hope thye work better than all of the current solar lights I currently own. They are often visually appealing but don't ever really last. They come on two early and died before they are needed. However, I do love them.
http://www.rerenewables.com
There are some cool products that provide night lighting along paths. These light up as you approach and go out afterwards.
GLOWSTONE MOTION SENSORS
www.OnlineGadgetStore.com
reminds me of a company called carmanah that is based out of vistoria they doa similar thing for runways, no wires needed.
Good Afternoon everyone and than you for taking the time to review our solar LED line. You've all made some valid points and we sincerely appreciate the feedback. We're definitely trying to educate consumers that solar + lighting doesn't have to carry the traditional stigma. They can be functional, efficient and appealing as well!
While we truly believe in what we've done, you're all absolutely right in that there are always ways to improve our line.
If any of you have additional thoughts or more specific questions, feel free to email me John Huang at john@solarcynergy.com. I would love to hear from you.
Thanks again
John
Solar Cynergy