Philadelphia, PA: Solar Bollards for Campus Entryways

Philadelphia, PA: Solar Bollards for Campus Entryways

Modern Lighting, Safer Access, and Zero Energy Costs

A large corporate campus in Philadelphia wanted something simple. They needed their front entrance to feel safer at night and look a little more welcoming, without tearing up the landscaping or spending weeks on construction. What started as a basic lighting request eventually turned into a complete Philadelphia solar lighting project that saved time, avoided a lot of hassle, and made the space look cleaner and more modern.

Instead of bringing in electricians to run conduit across the entry lanes, the team looked for an option that could handle the job without any digging. That search is what brought them to Beyond Solar and their Titan Series solar bollard lights.

Explore systems: Titan Solar Bollard Lights | Solar Pathway Systems

 

 

Project Overview

  • Client: Confidential

  • Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Application: Entryways, pedestrian paths, vehicle approach lanes

  • Products Used: Titan Series corporate campus solar bollards

  • Installation Time: 2 days

  • Goal: Improve nighttime visibility, match the modern architecture, and keep long-term costs as low as possible

 

 

What Made This Project Challenging

The campus has a beautiful front area with landscaping, stone paths, and water features. It was not a place where the client wanted construction crews digging trenches. Beyond the appearance, the main concern was safety. After sunset, several areas became too dark for comfort and made the entryway feel uninviting.

The traditional approach would have required:

  • Cutting through landscaped walkways

  • Running underground conduit

  • Managing new electrical permits

  • Accepting higher power bills every month

The client already had strong sustainability goals, so they preferred something that avoided unnecessary construction and did not rely on the grid.

 

 

Why They Chose Solar Bollard Lighting

The Titan Series bollards solved everything at once. They looked clean, worked independently from the building’s power system, and produced the warm, comfortable lighting the campus wanted. The fixtures blended easily with the stone and glass architecture while giving the front entrance a polished, finished look.

What Was Installed

  • Thirty six satin black bollards

  • Set at a height of three feet

  • Placed fifteen feet apart for consistent spacing

  • Equipped with LiFePO4 batteries that carry three nights of backup energy

  • Built with warm 3000K lighting that feels welcoming at night

  • Made with a marine grade powder coated body, something that handles Philadelphia winters very well

The end result was a clean line of light that led visitors naturally from the driveway to the main entrance.

 

 

How The Installation Went

The process was simple. A quick survey identified where the bollards should go and made sure no underground utilities would be disturbed. Once that was done, the crew anchored each bollard on a concrete base. After placement, they checked the beam spread and made sure everything lined up properly.

Total time to finish everything was two days. No digging. No wiring. No disruption to daily activity on the campus.

 

 

What Changed After Installation

Safer Walkways

The biggest improvement was the visibility. Employees and visitors now walk through the area with confidence. The light is even and comfortable, without hotspots or glare.

A Cleaner Architectural Look

The bollards added a modern touch to the entryway. With the warm light and simple design, the front of the building feels more intentional, almost like a hotel entrance rather than a dim path.

No Ongoing Power Cost

Since the system runs on solar energy, the campus now pays nothing for nightly lighting.

Immediate Savings

Avoiding trenching and conduit work saved them more than twenty thousand dollars, which made solar the easiest financial decision.

Sustainability Benefits

The project supported their environmental goals and allowed them to make progress on their LEED standards without a complicated upgrade.

 

 

Feedback From The Team

‘The lights look amazing at night. The whole area feels safer and more put together. We saved a lot of money and avoided weeks of construction.’- Facilities Director

‘The warm light looks perfect with the stone and glass. It feels upscale without being too bright.’
- Architectural Consultant

‘It is nice when a project checks both the design box and the sustainability box at the same time.’- Sustainability Manager

 

 

What Other Properties Can Learn

This Philadelphia solar lighting project is a good reminder that solar lighting is not just for parks or walking trails. Corporate campuses, hotels, mixed use developments, schools, medical facilities, and community centers can benefit from the same approach. It installs quickly, looks clean, and avoids long term electrical costs.

Key points to keep in mind:

  • Projects often finish in under three days

  • Solar bollards support a consistent look across the property

  • Savings start immediately because you skip trenching

  • Solar systems work well in both warm and cold climates

If you want to start planning your own project, you can request a quote or find out where to buy the system.

 

 

People Also Ask

Are the lights bright enough for corporate entryways?
Yes. Commercial bollards typically offer 300 to 500 lumens with an even beam pattern.

How long do these systems last?
Most fixtures last ten to fifteen years, and the batteries usually last five to seven years.

Do they need wiring?
No. Everything is self contained.

Can they match the architecture?
Yes. Color finishes and color temperatures can be customized.

How long is the payback period?
Most projects see a return within three to five years, especially when trenching costs are avoided.

 

 

Explore the Beyond Solar Families

Beyond Solar offers several product families that work well together, each designed for different parts of a property.

Titan Solar Bollard Lights
These are the bollards used in the Philadelphia solar lighting project. Clean design, strong performance, and perfect for pathways and corporate entries.

Solar Pathway Systems
A great choice for long walkways or areas with steady foot traffic. They create smooth, comfortable lighting along pedestrian routes.

Plantation Post Tops
A decorative option often used in parking lots, courtyards, or public spaces. They add a classic look without needing wiring.

Capella Flood and Wall Packs
Used for larger surfaces like signs, building fronts, and parking areas where broad, strong illumination is needed.

Additional Questions

Do they handle winter well?
Yes. LiFePO4 batteries perform reliably even in freezing temperatures.

Are the bollards resistant to vandalism?
Yes. They are rated for impact and built with sealed construction.

Can motion sensors be added?
Yes. Motion based dimming and nighttime profiles are available.

Which color temperature is best?
Warm 3000K is common for entryways. Cooler 4000K is used when higher visibility is needed.

Do these systems need permits?
In most cases no, since there is no electrical work involved.

 

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