The introduction of electricity and artificial light in the 19th century and the restructuring of work times have progressively detached us from the solar 24-hour cycles of light and dark. The consequence has been disruption of the circadian and sleep systems. Much has been written about the effects of this disruption, and in general terms the effects are clear: the circadian rhythm disruption results in performance deficits that include increased errors, poor vigilance, poor memory, reduced mental and physical reaction times and reduced motivation.
On the other hand, daylighting has been touted for its many aesthetic and health benefits by designers and researchers alike. Scientists at the Lighting Research Center (LRC, USA), for example, have reported that daylit environments increase occupant productivity and comfort, and provide the mental and visual stimulation necessary to regulate human circadian rhythms.
Along with healthier and happier workers, substantial financial and human-performance benefits have been associated with increased daylight. In 2003’s “The Benefits of Daylight Through Windows,” LRC researchers discussed evidence that commercial real estate with no windows leases for about 20% less—or $2 to $4 per square foot less—than spaces daylit.
Also, utilizing natural light can lead to substantial energy and CO2 savings. Artificial lighting makes up 14% of electrical consumption in the European Union and 19% worldwide. Space conditioning (lighting and temperature control) is the largest single user of electricity in houses, office blocks, schools and healthcare buildings. For the average office building energy costs can exceed €30,000 per year.
Not surprisingly, solar lighting is a fast growing sector of the general lighting market. The market includes multiple solutions ranging from the traditional skylight to more complex two-axis tracking systems. However, Solight has identified a significant need for cost-effective and plug-and-play systems able to deliver daylight all year long, also in cloudy and hazy conditions.
With SOLIS, Solight is at a mature stage of development and the SME Instrument project is now focusing on the following close to market activities:
1) Finalise engineering and optimization of all system components
2) Demonstrate SOLIS effectiveness and economic benefits through multisite pilot studies in Israel and EU
3) Set-up and operate the industrialised assembly line
4) Disseminate and exploit the results of the pilot studies
These objectives perfectly fit Solight’s overall plan to reach the market since the SOLIS system needs to be qualified according to the novel, upcoming, EU standard for daylighting. The qualification requires data collection for performance verification that only a full scale, international, demonstration can provide.
