Sutherland Community Health Centre

Solar Highmast Lighting Solution in Sutherland

We are proud to have supplied the solar highmast lighting solution at the Sutherland Community Health Centre in the Northern Cape province, complying with regulations as defined in the Government Gazette regarding lighting within the Sutherland Central Astronomy Advantage Area. 

The Sutherland Community Health Centre required an area lighting solution to enhance safety for both staff and patients visiting the clinic. Solar lighting was selected to avoid adding strain to the existing electrical infrastructure, and it also proved to be the most cost-effective option over time compared to a grid-connected installation. Additionally, a solar-powered lighting system aligns with sustainability goals, reducing carbon emissions and advancing green technology initiatives.

We were the sole provider able to fulfil the unique requirements of the Sutherland Central Astronomy Advantage Area lighting standards. The South-African designed and manufactured SOLARFLOOD solar highmast lighting solution with Amber LED’s, raked at 0° and dimmed to 30% to comply with regulations, was supplied.


Watch our solar highmast lighting installation in action:

Address

Map
Theron St
Sutherland
South Africa

Partner(s)

Department of Roads and Public Works Northern Cape
Department of Health Northern Cape
MVD Kalahari Consulting Civil and Structural Engineers Kimberley

Application(s)

Large areas
Off-grid areas

Sutherland Central Astronomy Advantage Area

The Sutherland Central Astronomy Advantage Area (AAA) is a designated region in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, established to protect the quality of the night sky for astronomical observations. This area surrounds the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), one of the largest optical telescopes in the southern hemisphere.

The Sutherland Central AAA spans an annulus with an inner radius of 3 kilometres and an outer radius of 75 kilometres, centred on the SALT dome. The primary goal of this designation is to minimize light pollution and other environmental factors that could interfere with astronomical research and observations.

The below requirements for an outdoor lighting installation need to be met:

  • LED’s must be narrow-band amber (NBA) 
    • A narrow-band amber LED is a type of light-emitting diode (LED) with a peak wavelength between 585 and 595 nm and a full width at 50% radiant power no greater than 15 nm. This type of LED is often used in applications where minimizing light pollution and reducing the impact on wildlife is important.
    • Phosphor-converted amber (PCA) LED means a light emitting diode (LED) in which the LED blue light is converted to the yellow (amber) light, thereby having the highest efficiency at low wavelengths (around 600 nm).
  • Full light cut-off: 
    • Must be shielded in order that the illumination angle from the 0-degree raked fitting must not exceed the 10-degree angle from the horizontal plane. 
    • Fully shielded lighting - means a light fixture constructed and mounted in such a manner that all light emitted by the fixture, either directly from the lamp or a diffusing element, or indirectly by reflection or refraction from any part of the fixture, is projected below the horizontal.
  • DIMM profile of 30%:
    • The lighting solution must be set so that the total light output throughout the night should only be 30%, no more and no less.

We were able to meet the above lighting requirements with the SOLARFLOOD.


More about the SOLARFLOOD

Our solar lighting highmast solution for outdoor open area and rural applications provides a high performing, robust option for off-grid solar lighting requirements.

The SOLARFLOOD provides a reliable lighting solution with a high Ingress Protection level (IP 66) that withstands high ambient temperatures. The SOLARFLOOD is a sustainable off-grid performer with a superior lumen/watt ratio. The high-performing optics allow for mounting of up to 20m, providing high-quality light where it is needed.

The photovoltaic energy conversion is optimized by highly efficient Monocrystalline solar module technology. This, in conjunction with our Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charging system and our lithium energy storage technology, provides a state-of-the-art quality system, offering the required system autonomy and providing a long-lasting solution to operate in harsh environmental conditions.

Further advantages include:

  • Designed and manufactured in South Africa
  • Specifically engineered for various geographical locations in Africa
  • It has sufficient autonomy to cater for up to two continuous overcast or rainy days, to continue its reliable night operation at an average 11-hour period
  • Long life lithium (LifePO4) energy storage technology, offering up to 8 years battery lifetime
  • Designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 144km/h and highly corrosion resistant
  • Using latest photometric light distributions and highest efficient LED technology to provide maximum light levels and spacing between masts
  • Warranty up to 5 years (Terms and conditions apply)
     


Locally manufactured

We develop and manufacture a wide range of energy-efficient LED lighting products in South Africa, designed and suitable for local conditions.

We are very proud to be associated with the Department of Roads and Public Works Northern Cape, the Department of Health Northern Cape and MVD Kalahari Consulting Civil and Structural Engineers Kimberley in providing a successful LED solar lighting solution for this project.