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We are proud to announce the launch of our exciting new Solar HonestyTM initiative. An initiative designed to educate specifiers on the broader considerations surrounding solar lighting solutions, empowering informed decisions that align with environmental and budgetary goals.
While solar lighting offers a ‘greener’ alternative to fossil fuels, we recognise its implementation is only successful in specific scenarios. Tim Baker, 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 those considering solar to ask questions and challenge simplistic narratives.
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.
Our commitment
We have been at the forefront of solar-powered street lighting installations in the UK for the past 6 years, delivering clean and energy-efficient solutions to local authorities, housing developers, and facilities managers. By leveraging the latest innovative solar technology, we have not only saved on installation costs but have also significantly reduced carbon emissions and promoted sustainable practices.
Our commitment to ‘Solar Honesty’ extends beyond rhetoric. 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 strap-cashed 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, as responsible manufacturer it is our duty to help specifiers on their journey to solar, even if that stops after the initial inquiry.”
Battery Type
We use LiFePO4 batteries, known for their longevity, they typically offer a lifespan of between seven and ten years, providing substantial improvements over traditional lead-acid batteries. This extended lifespan not only improves the cost-effectiveness of solar schemes but also significantly reduces their environmental footprint by lowering the frequency of battery replacements. LiFePO4 batteries also excel in efficiency, scoring 98% meaning that most of the stored energy is usable.
Photovoltaic Panel Type
Not all Photovoltaic panels (the bits that harness the power of the sun) are equal. We use Mono-crystalline, rather than Polycrystalline. The purer nature of the silicone in mono-crystalline results in improved heat management and low-light conditions which equals higher efficiency.
Recyclability
However, the journey to true sustainability continues after installation. Through recyclability by design, we demonstrate our dedication to responsible waste management, actively encouraging the recycling of solar panels and batteries used in our projects. Find out more about our planned panel recycling and battery take-back scheme here.
Its important specifiers know what they are buying, and they should be able to discuss all of these topics with their chosen manufacturer to ensure their solar investment lives up to the claims. So, let’s embrace transparency, challenge assumptions, and work together towards a greener future.
Our story
The idea for Acrospire was formed in 2012 when founder Tim envisioned a different kind of lighting manufacturer: one that would not only deliver outstanding customer experiences but also prioritise fair treatment for its employees.
We’ve come a long way
Motivated by the belief the industry wanted and needed better, Tim shared his plan to establish his own venture with Hatty, who simply couldn't let him do it alone.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Protecting local jobs and ensuring the best quality possible.
Working from a rented office by day and assembling lanterns in a garage at night, Tim and Hatty set to work.
11 Years later
Acrospire now inhabits a 14000² ft manufacturing facility in Basingstoke, Hampshire. We’re a proud partner of the Made in Britain scheme, ISO9001 certified and a member of all relevant lighting industry trade bodies.
Along with great relationships with our customers and a great team! We've attracted some of the most experienced members of the lighting industry, all by following one golden rule.
A simple ethos
That runs through all that we do. Customers who have made the switch to Acrospire have found working with us to be a breath of fresh air.
If you’re a professional in the lighting industry, you’re probably familiar with warranties that range from 3 to 10 years, with extensions available on special request or at additional cost. At Acrospire, where we’re proud to be different, we offer a market-leading simple 12-year warranty, as standard.
We focus on our customers not our competition. We manufacture our products in the UK: with the exception of our solar products, our supply chain is within a 60-mile radius of our factory in Basingstoke: to maintain greater control over quality. We al
Speed of response is crucial when it comes to resolving warranty issues. If we’ve made a mistake, we own it, get to the root cause, and fix it as quickly as possible. We believe in timely communication with our customers and making the resolution pro
Test and Test Again
We believe in independent testing and certification. Our new product development is in line with ISO 9001. Many of our products hold ENEC Certification. To meet the requirements of ENEC we also send random product samples for third party safety testi
Our product design is another key factor in our ability to offer a 12-year warranty. We value engineer rather than cost cut, never compromising on quality. We stick to our processes and engage with our supply chain to ensure that every product meets