Page 120 - Lighting Magazine January 2019

solar lightiNg
to working with contractors and selling into light commercial markets. As a result, their showroom customers are requesting more commercial-grade solar products.
bUrgeoning style trends
Both manufacturers indicate that their nishes, colors, and styles are generally following conven- tional residential lighting style trend. Rubbed and brushed nishes, green glass, and stained glass are all popular choices.
While GS Designs’ lamp post and wall xture styles are expanding quickly – including barn lights, farmhouse, and Mission styles – the best- selling category among lighting showrooms is post lamps. To meet demand, GS Designs is develop- ing more style families that will appeal to an even greater cross-section of applications.
Classy Caps points to an increasing trend to- ward larger post cap light sizes for larger posts. For example, the once typical 4''x4'' size is mov- ing to 5''x5'' and 6''x6'' while fences and decks are moving to larger-size posts as well. The company’s best-seller is its post cap lights, with style o erings expanding from traditional to more transitional and modern styles. When it comes to commercial applications, Classy Caps nds its products are being speci ed for boat docks and marinas.
“We see customers choosing both traditional and modern styles in solar lighting,” Matheson remarks. “Their homes and locations really drive those decisions. Solar lighting can add a re- ally appealing lantern style to the front yard while maximizing energy, or it can highlight an outdoor wall xture with a modern touch. Solar lighting can also be compatible with non-solar lighting in that the styles and functionality pair well. As product choices evolve and expand, we expect the catego- ry to continue to grow. Solar lighting is especially ideal because it o ers an energy-e cient option that is also functional and stylish. As energy- e cient and clean energy products evolve, so does the demand.”
Lighting showrooms considering ways to grow sales in 2019 might want to take another look at the maturing solar lighting category. 
“We see customers choosing both traditional and modern styles in solar lighting.”
—Ryan Matheson, Lamps Plus Pros
David Shiller is a Technical Contributor to enLIGHTenment Magazine and President of Lighting Solution Development, a leading consulting rm to lighting manufacturers. David has two decades of technical marketing and business development experience in the advanced lighting industry. david@bravobusinessmedia.com
This Copper-plated Prestige solar post cap, from Classy Caps, is equipped with an auto-o switch and will t over a standard 6'' x 6'' wood post.
118 enLIGHTenment MagazIne | January 2019
www.enlightenmentmag.com