Why Specification Matters in Solar Bollards
Outdoor public spaces—from parks to campuses to pedestrian pathways—demand more from lighting than ever before. Infrastructure must be low-maintenance, energy-efficient, and compliant with a growing list of environmental and safety standards.
Solar bollards offer a powerful solution: off-grid, trench-free lighting that blends form with function. But not all systems perform equally—and improper specification can lead to early failure, poor performance, or costly redesigns.
This guide is built for engineers, architects, city managers, and tribal infrastructure planners who need to make smart, informed decisions when specifying bollard lighting. From climate zones to compliance ratings, we’ll cover the critical elements that shape long-term success.
Table of Contents
Key Technical Specifications to Consider
Once the use case is defined, the next step is to ensure the selected bollard meets performance, durability, and autonomy requirements. Fonroche’s NOWATT bollards are designed for infrastructure-grade applications—here’s what to prioritize when specifying:
Durability Ratings
- IK10: Highest impact resistance for protection against vandalism and accidental damage
- IP67: Fully sealed against dust and water intrusion—critical for coastal, wetland, or high-maintenance environments
Battery Chemistry
- NiMH batteries perform better than LiFePO₄ in extreme temperatures, with no risk of thermal runaway
- 98% recyclable, with no shipping or hazardous handling restrictions
- Up to 10-year lifespan depending on profile
Solar Module Performance
- Protected by ETFE coatings for better UV resistance, non-yellowing transparency, and anti-soiling
- Designed to operate in shaded, variable-light conditions
Lighting Profiles
Choose from:
- Dusk-to-dawn operation
- Adaptive dimming (based on time or usage)
- PIR-activated (motion-based lighting)
- RGB color control (for design or zoning)
Mounting Options
- In-ground or surface-mount options to suit urban hardscape, trail edges, or park lawns
- Available in bollard and ground-stud form factors
Controls and Interactivity
Today’s solar bollards can do far more than simply turn on at dusk. For parks, campuses, and pedestrian environments, interactivity and control are key to both energy efficiency and user experience.
Control Options to Specify
- PIR Motion Sensors
Activate light only when presence is detected, conserving stored energy and reducing light pollution. Ideal for low-traffic paths or wildlife-sensitive areas. - Bluetooth Connectivity
Enables mobile or tablet-based control of brightness, scheduling, and even RGB color settings—without opening the fixture or installing wired infrastructure. - Pre-Programmed Profiles
Choose from preset dimming curves or seasonal adjustments to match local usage patterns and maximize autonomy.
RGB Capabilities
- Customize lighting colors for:
- Wayfinding and zoning (e.g., blue for ADA paths)
- Cultural or seasonal themes
- Public art and placemaking efforts
Code, Compliance, and Sustainability
Specifiers are increasingly responsible not just for performance—but for ensuring lighting systems align with regulatory, environmental, and operational standards. Fonroche’s NOWATT solar bollards are designed to meet or exceed common requirements for public infrastructure.
Dark-Sky & ULR Compliance
- NOWATT systems are engineered with zero uplight (ULR 0) optics
- Minimize light spill and preserve nightscapes, especially in residential or ecologically sensitive zones
Pathway & ADA Lighting Standards
- Bollard height and beam spread options designed to meet IES RP-8 recommendations for pedestrian lighting
- Supports uniformity, contrast ratio, and glare reduction for safe, inclusive design
Sustainability Attributes
- >90% system recyclability
- 98% recyclable NiMH batteries, with no lithium shipping restrictions
- ETFE-coated PV surfaces resist UV degradation for longer life and fewer replacements
Project-Level Certifications
Qualifies for:
- LEED points under energy and site credits
- Resilience planning grants and infrastructure modernization programs
Installation, Maintenance, and Total Cost of Ownership
One of the greatest advantages of specifying solar bollards is their ability to streamline deployment and reduce long-term operational costs. With Fonroche’s NOWATT line, those savings are built into every phase of the project.
No Trenching or Wiring
- Fully off-grid design eliminates the need for conduit, junction boxes, or grid access
- Reduces permitting complexity and speeds up timelines—ideal for fast-moving municipal, campus, or tribal projects
Minimal Maintenance Requirements
- Sealed design protects all components from dust, water, and tampering
- Battery diagnostics available via Fonroche Connect (optional)
- No relamping, rewiring, or panel cleaning in most environments
Lower Total Cost of Ownership
- No electric bills, utility metering, or trench repair
- Up to 10-year autonomy with NiMH batteries—backed by long-term warranty options
- Avoids costly grid extensions in remote or phased developments
Specifying with Confidence
Specifying solar bollards for public spaces isn’t just a lighting decision—it’s an investment in safety, sustainability, and long-term performance. By aligning system specs with site needs and regulatory requirements, specifiers can deliver infrastructure that performs reliably, looks exceptional, and requires minimal upkeep.
Fonroche’s NOWATT solar bollards are engineered for exactly these environments. Whether you’re lighting a university quad, a tribal trail, or a downtown park, you’ll get:
- Proven off-grid performance, year-round
- Customizable lighting profiles and controls
- Dark-sky compliant, code-ready designs
- And a streamlined install with zero trenching
Let’s Connect
Reach out to a Fonroche Team Member to jumpstart your next solar project.