5 Eco-Smart Advantages of Solar Lighting
Solar lighting offers numerous benefits over traditional lighting, making it an attractive solution for socially conscious buyers.
Here are the top five benefits of switching to solar lights.
1. Improved Energy Efficiency
Solar lights are directly powered by sunlight, reducing reliance on traditional electricity sources. Low-voltage LED lights, commonly used in solar lighting, are easy to power with solar energy, increasing energy conservation efforts.
2. Reduced Environmental Impact
Even the most energy-efficient lighting will have a significant carbon footprint, especially if those lights run on traditional coal-powered electricity generators. Solar lights cut down on our collective carbon footprints by decreasing fossil fuel dependency.
3. Increased Cost Savings
Solar energy is free, and there are no electricity bills. Although the initial investment can be high, solar lights can save money over time with no electricity costs and minimal maintenance.
4. Easy Installation
As solar lights don’t rely on traditional electricity grids, they are much easier to install, especially in remote or off-grid areas where electrical access is limited.
5. Low Maintenance
Most solar lights require very little maintenance. Occasionally, users must clean the solar panel surface with water to ensure optimal performance.
Top 10 Solar Lighting Manufacturers for a Smaller Carbon Footprint
We have done the hard legwork for you and identified the top solar lighting manufacturers in the world based on product quality, diversity, and reliability.
Please note that the order of these companies doesn’t indicate a rank.
Table 1 – List of the top Solar light manufacturers in the world
Company Name | Year Founded | Headquarters | Key Products | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|
Volt Lighting | 2008 | Florida, USA |
| http://voltlighting.com |
RC Lighting | 2013 | Guangzhou, China |
| http://rclite.com |
Cooper Lighting | 1833 | Georgia, USA |
| http://cooperlighting.com |
Schréder | 1907 | Brussels, Belgium |
| http://schreder.com |
Sunna Design | 2011 | Blanquefort, France |
| http://sunna-design.com |
LUXMAN | 2010 | Shenzhen, China |
| http://luxmanlight.com |
Gemma | 2003 | Hampshire, UK |
| http://gemmalighting.com |
TellCoSOL | 2008 | Ticino, Switzerland |
| http://tellco-europe.com |
Photinus | 2013 | Vorarlberg, Austria |
| http://photinus-lighting.at |
LED Living | 1992 | Pennsylvania, US |
| http://ledlivingtechnology.com |
1. Volt Lighting
Volt Lighting is one of the largest manufacturers of landscape lighting equipment in the United States. The company is a pioneer in the lighting industry and is currently focused on developing innovative solar LED lighting solutions.
Speaking of LEDs (light-emitting diodes), Volt uses high-quality LED chips from Cree LED in all its fixtures. Cree LEDs are reliable and long-lasting, making them ideal for all-day outdoor lighting.
Volt started as a small operation in Lutz, Florida, in 2008. Now, 16 years later, the company has cornered the LED landscape lighting market. Today, the company sells a wide range of lighting systems, starting at $50 for affordable units and going up to $500 for premium units.
Recently, Volt Lighting has heavily invested in solar lighting systems. The company has a wide selection of solar garden lights with integrated solar panels and a sturdy brass construction.
Every Volt-produced solar lighting system has a high IP certification. In fact, most of the company’s LED lighting systems have a water and dustproof IP68 rating.
Solar LED lighting solutions aren’t the only selling point for Volt Lighting. The company has five huge distribution centers spread across America. These centers ensure quick shipping times for 80% of the country. Volt claims it can get its lighting products in the hands of customers in 1-2 days.
Company Advantages
- Incredibly Fast Delivery
- Wide Range of Solar LED Solutions
- Built-in Water & Dust Resistance
Key Products & Services
- 12v & 120v Landscape Lighting Kits
- RGBW Color LED Lights
- Transformers & Accessories
- Solar LED Lighting Solutions
- Watertight Lighting Fixtures
2. RC Lighting
RC Lighting is an architectural LED solutions provider focused on developing high-quality lighting products and delivering them with exceptional customer service. Established in 2013, the company quickly gained popularity because of its customizable lighting systems, which were driven by its passionate staff.
Unlike legacy companies that started their business with traditional lighting solutions such as incandescent and halogen bulbs, RC Lighting started as an LED-first company and has stuck to this business model.
It may seem like a small detail, but companies focusing exclusively on LED lighting solutions generally deliver higher-quality products. From its very start, RC Lighting has been focused on researching new ways to implement LED lighting into modern architecture.
That drive for innovation, combined with smart manufacturing techniques and high-quality raw materials, resulted in some of the best lighting solutions on the market.
RC Lighting is proud of its rigorous testing protocols, which examine light fixtures for temperature resistance, pressure tolerance, aging, and more.
Compared to some international manufacturers that have been around for over fifty years, RC Lighting is a relatively new company. However, it makes up for any shortcomings with its excellent quality control, product reliability, and customization options.
RC Lighting is committed to customer satisfaction and willing to go the extra mile to ensure customers get the perfect product per their requirements. This commitment to customization and personalization is reflected in its various services.
The company is situated in Guangzhou, China, the manufacturing hub of Asia. Due to its unique location, RC Lighting has easy access to reliable components and a global shipping network. So, it should come as no surprise that RC Lighting can offer both volume production and quick delivery times.
While we are on the topic of manufacturing, RC Lighting is one of the few companies that offers in-depth OEM and ODM services.
Company Advantages
- Fast Delivery
- Low Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ)
- OEM & ODM Services
- Exceptional Customer Service
Key Products & Services
- Architectural Floodlighting
- Wall Lights
- LED Fountain Lights
- In-Ground Lights
- Solar Bollard Lighting
- Emergency Lights
3. Cooper Lighting
Cooper Lighting is a major electronics manufacturer specializing in safe, sustainable lighting products. Originally part of Cooper Industries, founded in 1833 as a farm equipment maker, the company evolved through steam and gas engines before diversifying into multiple industrial sectors.
The lighting division quickly gained prominence across the United States, though it remained less profitable than Cooper’s other ventures. Following Eaton’s acquisition of Cooper Industries in 2012, the lighting business was sold to Signify N.V. to streamline operations.
Now operating independently under Signify, Cooper Lighting focuses exclusively on innovative lighting solutions, building on its legacy while embracing modern sustainable practices.
The company continues to serve commercial and industrial markets with energy-efficient LED technologies.
Company Advantages
- Experienced in LED Manufacturing
- Convenient Global Shipping
- Diverse Product Catalog
Key Products & Services
- Architectural LED Lighting
- Landscape and Bollard Lighting
- Exit and Emergency Lights
- Solar LED Lighting
- Smart Lighting Solutions
4. Schréder
Schréder is a Belgian lighting specialist with a century-long history. Founded during the Industrial Revolution by Jules Schréder, the company initially produced electrical boxes and panel boards before manufacturing its first light fixture in 1951.
A major breakthrough came in 1970 with the launch of the water-resistant Z-series streetlights, of which over two million units were sold. This success propelled Schréder’s expansion across Europe and into markets like the UK, South Africa, and Asia.
In 2007, the company installed its first LED street lighting system in Croatia—a forward-looking move at a time when LED technology was still unproven. The project’s success led Schréder to fully transition to LED-based solutions.
Today, Schréder is increasingly focused on solar lighting technology, recognizing its natural fit for street lighting due to modest energy needs and ample installation space for solar panels.
The company continues to develop sustainable lighting systems, building on its legacy of innovation and quality in outdoor illumination.
Company Advantages
- Customization and Retrofitting Services
- Excellent After-Sales Service
- Customer Support in 60 Countries
Key Products & Services
- Street Pole Lighting
- Solar Street Lights
- Exit and Emergency Lighting
- Retrofit Kits
- Smart Lighting Controls
5. Sunna Design
Sunna Design is a France-based solar street lighting manufacturer. The company is an innovator and industry leader in solar lighting systems. From its humble beginnings in 2011, the company has slowly grown to be a force for positive change in suitable lighting adoption.
Sunna Design stands out as one of the few companies globally actively reducing carbon emissions at the municipal level. The company promotes solar street lighting to help communities adopt greener technologies while easing pressure on local power grids.
A key milestone came in 2016 when Sunna reached an annual production capacity of 100,000 street lights, now supplied to over 60 countries worldwide. This scale solidifies its position as a leading 21st-century lighting manufacturer.
The 2020 acquisition of SOL Inc., a North American solar LED specialist, combined expertise and resources to accelerate Sunna’s global expansion into new markets.
By the end of 2024, Sunna will complete its landmark project installing 100,000 solar street lights in Cameroon – the largest solar lighting initiative ever undertaken in Africa.
Company Advantages
- Larger Manufacturing Capabilities
- Expertise in Solar Lighting Systems
- Long Lasting LED Fixtures
Key Products & Services
- Waterproof Solar Street Light
- High Power Street Solar Lights
- Smart Lighting Control Solutions
6. LUXMAN
LUXMAN is a green energy solutions company based in mainland China. It was established in 2010 to research new and innovative solar lighting solutions.
The company boasts an impressive five concurrent production lines that manufacture upwards of 20,000 fixtures each month. Very few lighting manufacturers in the world can meet such high production volumes.
LUXMAN’s fast manufacturing also results in short delivery times. After production, it only takes 2-3 days for the products to arrive in your country. Three days is insanely quick for international shipping.
LUXMAN has focused on customer care and after-sales service to compensate for its relatively weak product line. The company has established itself as a no-nonsense, high-volume production business that prioritizes customer experience above all else.
So far, that strategy has proven fruitful for the Chinese company. LUXMAN has quickly outpaced other solar lighting companies and is only going to get bigger.
Company Advantages
- High Production Capacity
- Excellent Turn Around Times
- After Sales Services
Key Products & Services
- Solar Powered Street Lights
- Hybrid Street Light Fixtures
- Solar Street Lighting with Attached Security Cameras
- Solar Powered Traffic Lights
- Standalone Solar Panels
7. Gemma Lighting
Gemma Lighting is a UK-based LED manufacturing company that specializes in solar street lighting. The company was established in 2003 and has been focused on environmentally friendly lighting solutions ever since.
The United Kingdom is a densely populated region with nearly 70 million individuals. Gemma Lighting realized early on that the existing UK electrical infrastructure would not keep up with the increasing power demands of the population.
The hospitality and residential lighting market was already saturated with legacy manufacturers. So, the company started on its quest to develop innovative and suitable lighting solutions.
Gemma Lighting quickly identified street lighting as a potential target for LED conversion and solar power installation. The urban areas of the United Kingdom are home to over 10 million street lamps. Switching these older incandescent bulb street lights will reduce energy consumption by nearly 90%.
Quality control is another key factor in Gemma Lighting’s continual growth. The company has always emphasized quality control and is constantly improving its testing methodologies to deliver the highest-quality lighting products.
Company Advantages
- High-Quality LED Lighting Systems
- Expertise in Solar Power
- Decent Product Variety
Key Products & Services
- LED Street Light Fixtures
- Solar Street Light Fixtures
- Bollard Lighting
- Industrial Lighting
- Street Lighting Accessories
8. TellCo Solutions
TellCo is a Swiss renewable energy systems provider established in 2008. It has become one of the biggest solar LED lighting companies in Europe.
The company’s claim to fame is its Off-Grid lighting solutions. TellCo advocates for complete independence from traditional electricity grids through renewable solar power.
TellCo leverages its extensive experience in manufacturing high-quality LED lighting products, combining them with solar technology to create reliable, all-in-one lighting systems.
This commitment to quality has fueled rapid international expansion. TellCo now operates regional offices across three continents, with presence in Switzerland, Bulgaria, Brazil, Spain, the UK, the Netherlands, Nigeria, and Serbia.
Company Advantages
- Solar Manufacturing Expertise
- Reliable LED Lighting Fixtures
- Regional Availability
Key Products & Services
- Home Solar Solutions
- Solar Lighting Systems
- LED Lighting Solutions
- LVC Power Cables
9. Photinus
Photinus is a small Austrian company dedicated to manufacturing renewable and sustainable outdoor lighting. It is one of a handful of companies exclusively manufacturing LED fixtures with integrated solar panels.
It operates more like a social enterprise that sells renewable energy solutions to remote areas without electricity to increase access to quality lighting and enrich lives. Photinus sees solar light as an unbiased resource that will lead to new regional maintenance and monitoring jobs.
The biggest difference between Photinus and other traditional, on-grid street light manufacturers is the ecological harmony. It doesn’t compete with traditional street lighting. Instead, it is looking for areas where street lighting is not a viable solution and covering that market.
Company Advantages
- Committed to a Social Cause
- Reliable Solar Street Light Fixtures
- Off-Grid Lighting Solutions
Key Products & Services
- Solar Powered Bollard Lights
- Solar Street Light Fixtures
- Solar Outdoor LED Signs
- Solar Powered Bus Stop Lighting
- Solar Parking Lot Lighting
10. LED Living
LED Living is a sustainable lighting manufacturer located in Pennsylvania, USA. The company has a strong American-first identity and promotes local job creation by keeping the manufacturing process local.
With over thirty years of manufacturing experience, the company has firmly established itself as a reliable brand that produces the highest quality LED lighting. Pennsylvania has several historic buildings, some of which date back to the early 1900s.
These older buildings are ideal for LED retrofitting. In fact, retrofitting is the most popular type of LED conversion in the area. LED Living understands its local market very well and designs products that are in the best interest of the consumers.
That care-to-customer experience is evident in all LED Living products. A big advantage for industrial customers is the company’s custom lighting services. The company offers complete custom lighting solutions that are carefully molded to buyer requirements.
Company Advantages
- Quality LED Lighting
- Energy Efficient Designs
- Custom Lighting Solutions
Key Products & Services
- Linear LED Retrofit Kits
- High Bay Luminaires
- Vapor Tight Outdoor Lighting
- Solar Lighting
- Wall Washers
Comparing Features of the Top Solar Lighting Manufacturers
A quick look at the top solar lighting companies reveals some interesting insights. The biggest one is the product category. Solar lights are best suited to outdoor applications such as street and local area lighting.
Any sort of indoor lighting gets covered by dedicated solar panel companies as part of a renewable home transformation.
Table 2 – Comparing features of the top solar lighting manufacturers
Company Name | Key Product | Unique Feature/Service | Disadvantage Against Competitors |
---|---|---|---|
Volt Lighting | Landscape Lighting Kits | High IP-Rating | Lacking EU Presence |
RC Lighting | Architectural Lighting | OEM & ODM Services | No Smart Lighting Controls |
Cooper Lighting | Landscape and Bollard | Light Control System | Cluttered Catalog |
Schréder | Street Pole Lighting | Fixture Variety | No Direct Customer Sale |
Sunna Design | Solar Street | Large Manufacturing Facilities | Lacks Product Diversity |
LUXMAN | Solar Street | Excellent After Sales Services | Lacks Product Diversity |
Gemma | LED Street Lighting | Solar System Expertise | LImited to the UK |
TellCoSOL | Solar Power Solutions | Regional Availability | Lacks Product Diversity |
Photinus | Solar Outdoor Lighting | Solar System Expertise | No Direct Customer Sale |
LED Living | LED Retrofit Kits | Custom Lighting Solutions | LImited to the US |
Applications of Solar Lighting
Solar lighting solutions can be deployed in several situations. However, the technology is limited to outdoor use.
Here are some common applications of solar lighting in urban areas.
Garden Lighting
Solar-powered spike lights are a popular garden lighting solution. These low-cost, low-energy units are easy to install and automatically turn on at night.
Street Lighting
Streetlights are the biggest application for solar lighting. Several countries have already started incorporating solar streetlights into their infrastructure plans.
Area Lighting
Area lighting is a broad term used for outdoor light coverage in urban areas such as parks, parking lots, and town squares.
Bus Stop Lighting
Bus stop stands, especially those located in remote regions, benefit from reliable and renewable solar lighting systems.
Security Lighting
Outdoor security lighting can be very expensive, especially for larger areas. Stand-alone solar lights are easy to install and don’t require existing electrical infrastructure.
5 Tips to Ensure You Get the Best Solar Lighting Solution
1. Assess Your Lighting Needs
Determine the purpose of your solar lights. This will help you identify your required brightness and color temperature requirements.
2. Evaluate Solar Panel Quality
Solar lights have built-in small solar panels. These panels are the heart of your lighting project, ensuring you get the best quality and reliable panels. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient and have a longer lifespan than polycrystalline panels.
3. Consider Battery Capacity
A good solar light should have a reliable and long-lasting battery. Look for lighting solutions with lithium-ion batteries. Brighter LED lights will require larger capacity batteries to ensure all-day continuous operation.
4. Check for Durability and Weather Resistance
Outdoor solar lights must be made from durable materials with a good IP (Ingress Protection) rating. Look for light fixtures that have an IP65 or higher rating.
5. Read Reviews and Compare Brands
Customer reviews are essential for identifying good brands. Indicators of a reliable brand include comprehensive features, longer warranties, competitive pricing, and reliable after-sales service.
Conclusion
Solar lighting represents the future of sustainable illumination, yet adoption remains gradual due to upfront costs and existing electrical infrastructure. While retrofitting traditional fixtures is simpler, solar lighting offers long-term energy independence, reduced operational expenses, and environmental benefits.
As an emerging leader in this field, RC Lighting provides cutting-edge solar solutions designed for reliability and ease of integration. Embrace innovation and the sustainability of solar lighting today.
Experience the Best Sustainable Lighting Solutions from RC Lighting!
RC Lighting is a pioneer in LED lighting technology. Our years of experience have enabled us to manufacture reliable, long-lasting solar lights. We understand the importance of sustainable lighting and are committed to delivering the best quality products imaginable.
We also prioritize customer experience above all else. RC Lighting products are customizable, so buyers get the perfect lighting solution for their business. For more discerning customers, we recommend checking out our OEM services.
Contact us now! Embrace sustainable LED products.