The Influence of Solar Lights on Ecosystems and the Environment

Solar lights are fantastic additions to any garden, pathway, or outdoor space. However, it's crucial to consider their potential impact on the local ecosystem. Many insect species are affected by artificial light sources, and wildlife can also be disrupted by them.

The effect solar lights have on insects can ripple outward, influencing their predators as well. Artificial lights tend to disrupt natural behaviors, affecting both insects and the creatures that depend on them. Some solar lights are designed to mitigate these impacts, limiting interference with wildlife and reducing environmental harm.

Why Are Insects Drawn to Light?

To understand how solar lights affect insects, let's explore how light generally influences them and why they're often attracted to artificial light sources. If you've spent time outdoors on a summer evening, you've likely noticed insects circling around lights. Moths, for instance, seem particularly drawn to and even mesmerized by light, sometimes crashing into them. While scientists haven't pinpointed the exact reason behind this behavior, several theories attempt to explain it.

One popular theory is that insects use the moon for navigation. Since the moon is distant, insects can move freely, keeping it in a constant relative position, similar to how sailors relied on stars to guide their ships. If an insect mistakes an artificial light source for the moon, it becomes confused because the light's relative position changes as it moves around it.

Another critical factor is wavelength. Insects can only perceive certain wavelengths, which tend to be shorter, like ultraviolet light or cooler colors like moonlight. This means warmer-colored lights (correlated color temperatures below 3300K) have a lesser impact on insects.

Warmth and Its Effect on Insects

While some bugs are attracted to light, others are drawn to warmth. This happens because not all insects generate enough warmth through movement, so they seek external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Certain insects, like mosquitoes, also use heat as an indicator when hunting for prey.

Which Insects Are Most Affected by Solar Lights?

As mentioned earlier, mosquitoes can be influenced by outdoor lights, but other insects are also affected. Here's a list of insects commonly impacted:

• Moths
• Flies
• Bees/Wasps
• Mosquitoes
• Butterflies
• Beetles
• Glowworms

For more details on how these insects are affected, check out this Royal Horticultural Society blog post.

Which Animals and Wildlife Are Also Impacted by Solar Lights?

Animals, birds, and amphibians generally avoid solar lighting, as it can significantly disrupt various aspects of their lives, including breeding and feeding patterns. Nocturnal animals are particularly vulnerable, as excess light can disturb their natural routines. Some animals, however, benefit from artificial lighting for hunting purposes. Hedgehogs and bats, for instance, are negatively affected, as excessive light can interfere with their hibernation cycles.

Other animals impacted by outdoor solar lighting include:

• Birds, especially owls
• Frogs
• Foxes

Larger animals like deer are typically unaffected by solar lights.

Find out how you can make your outdoor lighting more bat-friendly here.

How to Ensure Your Solar Lights Don't Harm Wildlife

To minimize the negative impact of solar lights on bugs and wildlife, follow these guidelines for responsible use:

• Consult with local wildlife organizations to position lighting away from areas frequented by wildlife.
• Add a hood or cowl to reduce upward light spillage.
• Choose warmer-colored lights.
• Consider how much light you truly need and where it’s necessary.
• Utilize motion sensors and timers.
  • VLR, or Variable Lighting Regimes, enables lights to dim or turn off at specific times (such as when bats are known to leave their roosts). Motion sensors can also help limit light usage to only when needed.

With thoughtful planning and respect for the local environment, businesses and organizations can significantly reduce the ecological impact of solar lighting.

You can also purchase dark-sky-friendly solar lights like our Solareye80 Bat Hat, which is specifically designed to reduce upward light spillage by 98%. Visit our website to see a video comparison between the Solareye80 and the Solareye80 Bat Hat.

Environmentally Friendly Solar Lighting with Solareye

At Solareye, we're committed to helping businesses and local authorities create safe, inviting, and enjoyable outdoor spaces. We also recognize the importance of minimizing the adverse effects of artificial lighting on ecosystems and the environment.

That’s why our products are designed not only to illuminate pathways but also to reduce light spillage. We even developed a product specifically to protect insects and wildlife.

The Solareye Bat Hat reduces upward light spillage by 98% while maintaining the same profile and nighttime visibility for cyclists and pedestrians as the original Solareye80 ground light. By cutting down on upward light spillage, light trespass is minimized, and the harmful effects of light pollution on bats and other nocturnal animals are reduced.

We also offer a warm white color option (2700K) in accordance with upcoming guidance from the Institution of Lighting Professionals in collaboration with The Bat Conservation Trust. Guidance Note GN 08 23 recommends local authorities specify lighting with a maximum of 2,700K for bat-sensitive projects.

Contact a member of our team today to learn more about our eco-friendly solar lighting solutions.