Acrospire has announced the launch of ‘Solar Honesty’, an initiative that aims to educate specifiers on the broader considerations surrounding solar lighting solutions by empowering informed decisions that align with environmental and budgetary goals.
While solar lighting offers a ‘greener’ alternative to fossil fuels, Acrospire recognises its implementation is only successful in specific scenarios. Tim Barker, Managing Director of Acrospire, emphasises the importance of approaching solar lighting with a critical perspective.
”With this initiative, we want to educate, not put off specifiers,” he explains. “We encourage them to ask questions and challenge simplistic narratives surrounding solar lighting.
”Achieving true sustainability in solar lighting requires ‘solar honesty’, or a critical perspective that considers the lighting solution’s entire lifecycle.”
Specifiers must consider the four core pillars of ‘Solar Honesty’: Battery Type, Photovoltaic Panel Type, Recyclability and Lighting Performance Requirements (levels and hours of operation) to understand the differences between solar and mains. This is where the manufacturers’ approach comes into play.
Tim explains, “We work with each client on a project-by-project basis and advise when or even if solar is suitable for their project. Solar will never make sense if a cash-strapp local authority has already invested in mains-powered luminaires and the supporting infrastructure. The upfront investment costs for solar are always going to be higher, and as a responsible manufacturer it is our duty to help specifiers on their journey to solar, even if that stops after the initial inquiry.”
Acrospire says its commitment to ‘Solar Honesty’ extends beyond rhetoric. The company says it has been at the forefront of solar-powered street lighting installations in the UK for the last six years, delivering clean and energy-efficient solutions to local authorities, housing developers and facilities managers.
However, the journey to true sustainability continues after installation. Acrospire says it is dedicated to responsible waste management, actively encouraging the recycling of solar batteries and panels used in its projects. It aims to minimise environmental impact through partnerships with specialised recycling facilities while recovering valuable resources. Plans are underway to introduce a return-to-base recycling service, mirroring the success of its battery take-back scheme.
It’s important that specifiers know what they are buying, and they should be able to discuss all these topics with their chosen manufacturer to ensure their solar investment lives up to the claims.
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