cloudy, I’m not sure where that applies to the topic at hand. Maybe I’m not seeing your connection.
The technology of solar-powered lights and of LED fixtures is changing very rapidly. The outdoor fixture available now may be light years ahead of that piddly unreliable one from last year. Don’t discount the solar outdoor arena lights; at least try one out before you make a decision on how to power the whole arena.
Perhaps you could install a solar fixture as a yard light for a few months or mount one on one of the arena light poles and see what you think? Also, Sears really stands behind its products. If you buy them from that store and they don’t last as long as they should, Sears will replace the defective ones with new fixtures. Or ask for a similar warranty from the store you use.
OP, I understand Cloudy’s reference to Security Light, as we looked into it as well.
the company will come out and for a low, low fee, will put in a utility pole with a (usually sodium?) light on it, with a light sensor. So you pay a very small amount every month for a “security light” where ever you want it (along the edge of your ring), that goes on when it’s dark, and turns off when it’s light.
We asked if we could request two security lights, because one wouldn’t have been enough to light the whole ring. But even then, the light just wasn’t bright enough, it’s a very orange color, and again, is on all night, and it was important to us to have something we could turn off.
Several folks I know use these “security” lights to light a barnyard or a pasture, but I want something brighter to ride in.
Also, the company decides the most direct path to run the wires out to the security light, so you might end up with poles in the middle of your lawn or pasture, things we wanted to avoid. It was worth paying to have separate power run down to our ring area.
[QUOTE=Velvet;8853557]
cloudy, I’m not sure where that applies to the topic at hand. Maybe I’m not seeing your connection.[/QUOTE]
I’m guessing she means something along these lines: https://pemc.coop/membership/apply-for-new-service/outdoor-lighting/
We have a flood light on the power pole by our house that we pay a monthly fee for that lights up half the yard. Wish it was a little closer to our ring!
I have large LED’s in our arena lights (this is at home), the cost really isn’t a big deal due to the actual time used - 1 hour, possibly a bit more. And…they really are only used in the fall or early spring.
All of the poles, etc. cost seems extravagant. Although it would be nice to have things ‘off the grid’.
Has anyone considered using a generator to power arena lights? LEDs use less E than other types.
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[QUOTE=Cindy Galloway;8853690]
I have large LED’s in our arena lights (this is at home), the cost really isn’t a big deal due to the actual time used - 1 hour, possibly a bit more. And…they really are only used in the fall or early spring.
All of the poles, etc. cost seems extravagant. Although it would be nice to have things ‘off the grid’.[/QUOTE]
The costs that have been quoted, your costs, or costs in general? Asking for clarification and because I hope to be installing lights in 10 years or less. This gives technology time to improve too, especially since I’ll be using them more since I spend half my life working night shift 
On the other hand, Tiki torches could be very festive!
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[QUOTE=TheJenners;8855712]
The costs that have been quoted, your costs, or costs in general? Asking for clarification and because I hope to be installing lights in 10 years or less. This gives technology time to improve too, especially since I’ll be using them more since I spend half my life working night shift :)[/QUOTE]
I only see about a $15.00 per month difference between months of using the arena lights for about an hour 4 times a week - possibly 5. Ours are mounted on trees so no poles are necessary, the distance from tree to arena at the closest point is about 15 feet.
It really works out well - very bright and more than effective.
*Edited - 15.00 vs. 25.00 .
[QUOTE=gnu;8854448]
Has anyone considered using a generator to power arena lights? LEDs use less E than other types.[/QUOTE]
No. That would be expensive to buy, expensive to run, noisy, polluting and require carting fuel regularly. It’s not a good solution for things in a permanent location.
Its funny because there are lights we use on our 4WD’s that are led for a few hundred that will light up a entire field…
[QUOTE=OTTB_;8858577]
Its funny because there are lights we use on our 4WD’s that are led for a few hundred that will light up a entire field…[/QUOTE]
Right, but they are also 100+ watts. Nobody is saying LED is necessarily a bad choice. It’s trying to run them off solar that’s going to be problem.
Hi
I want to know led lights are waterproof or not???
Foot candle (fc) is what you are looking for. We just installed our arena lights for our 100’x200’ arena (dressage arena with strip outside the rail.) One light fixture of 106,000 lumens at each of the 10 poles, so ten lights at 30’ above the ground, tilted at 60 degree. This will give us 10~16 fc of lights anywhere in the arena, with light input somewhere between tennis court and parking lots. It is sufficient for riding, not enough for viewing. The lights used at competitions are close to 30fc or above.
Oh and no, mine isn’t LED, or Solar. Can’t afford those.
It depends on the fixture, not the lightbulb, and what you mean by waterproof. Outdoor fixtures are rainproof; pool-rated fixtures are waterproof.
what is the conversion rate of the solar hours arena lights? i am afraid of the power panel does not convert enough energy.
Reported.
I just installed a solar light with 12,000 lumens I paid $140 for it on Amazon and paid $50 for a 20’ flag pole. My ring is 150 x 200 I have one at each end and its enough to ride in and see where you are going I’m happy enough with the results that I’m putting one on each side when done I will have invested $760 total. When spring comes we will take down the lights and store until winter. The lights are programed to come on at dusk and go off at 8 p.m. so I do not have to do anything with them just ride! Here is the link. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QJ3P6QN/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_4?smid=A3GP3KKILUBYIY&psc=1
Thanks for the link!
i rode by the light of the full moon last night. I’d have preferred an LED light!
As an aside - we just got our gas bill and it showed last years comparison - Brand new house compared to our old house -
we saved 69% on a house not so much smaller than the old one. New house is all LED. We were very picky with the insulation.
