Ecological lighting from Dutch soil sets new standard
For a lighting manufacturer, it may seem like a contradiction to want to preserve darkness. But for Bernard Wesseling, owner of SolarWoodle, that is precisely the point. Reducing light pollution is central to this. While our densely populated country lights up like a Christmas tree at night, SolarWoodle strives for lighting with minimal impact on the natural environment. “It might sound a little strange for a lighting expert to say that the lights should be turned off, but that’s exactly the message we’re conveying.”
Dutch soil
SolarWoodle’s eco-friendly lighting is based on three pillars: people, nature, and technology. A key focus for the company is reducing light pollution. With the exception of the solar panel, all components of the lighting system are developed locally. For example, all the technology is made in the Netherlands, which explains the high quality. “It may be a bit more expensive, but that also means a lamp lasts longer. So, at the end of the day, it works out cheaper.” The “nature” pillar is reflected, among other things, in the certified wood used to make the lighting fixtures. This wood comes from local suppliers. Every component of the lighting is easy to replace and, if necessary, repair yourself. Finally, the “people” aspect represents the strong personal relationships with customers, suppliers, and employees—relationships in which the company invests heavily. “Ultimately, it’s the relationship that lasts the longest,” says Bernard, “not the price. When you buy our products, you get our team included.”
To make the lamps circular, SolarWoodle has launched a “second chance” line, in which refurbished products are resold. “The great thing is that we hardly ever have returns because our products are so well designed. But when that does happen, we always see if we can donate them to foundations or charities.” Recently, the company began carrying out part of its production in its own factory, so that every step contributes to reducing light pollution wherever possible. “This also opens the door for customers such as landscapers and hotel owners to come and see our products. They are more than welcome to visit our factory.”
Light pollution
Another aspect related to the “nature” pillar is the issue of light pollution. In the SolarWoodle design, lighting is used as effectively as possible, so that reducing light pollution remains a central focus in order to minimize harm to nature. Much of the lighting not only illuminates streets or paths but also unnecessarily lights up the surrounding natural environment. SolarWoodle’s lighting is designed so that light shines only where it is intended. “But by using different colors and light intensities, we can also limit the impact on flora and fauna as much as possible. This allows us to offer customized lighting solutions for every environment.”
SolarWoodle recently expanded its product line to include sensors that allow lighting to respond to movement. “This means that, in accordance with regulations, lighting in nature reserves can be turned off after midnight unless someone passes by.” This directly reduces light pollution and also minimizes energy consumption.
“Our starting point is always: what is the minimum amount of light needed to get the job done? So, as a lighting manufacturer, I’m actually bringing darkness. Through our work to reduce light pollution, we want to contribute to a more sustainable nighttime environment. The great thing is that, as a result, it’s no longer a given that everything has to be 100 percent lit.”
NL Greenlabel sustainability passport
Thanks to these developments, SolarWoodle has earned the highest rating in NL Greenlabel’s sustainability passport: NL Product Label score A. This passport evaluates products based on various aspects of ecological and sustainable value. “One of the major advantages of our lighting is that it requires no infrastructure,” says Bernard. Because it is a standalone product, installation requires only a hole in the ground, which means minimal disruption to the surrounding area. “You don’t have to dig up the ground to lay cables to install the lighting.” The packaging is also sustainable; the lights are packed in cardboard, resulting in almost no residual waste.
With this solar lighting and its high-quality guarantee, SolarWoodle seems to have set a new standard. “We’re the only company in the world that can guarantee our lights will stay on for at least 10 hours a day—even between Christmas and New Year’s Eve—regardless of the weather,” says Bernard. “The only time we can’t guarantee that is when it’s snowing.” He sees a bright future for standalone solar-powered lighting: “We’re facing all kinds of electricity problems, and although lighting accounts for only a small portion of energy consumption, every bit of savings counts. We’re also continuing to reduce light pollution —there’s still a lot of work to be done with outdoor lighting!”
