Marshall Space Flight Center

Throughout the 1900s the use of the sun as a source of energy evolved considerably. By the early 21st century, as NASA continued exploring the intricacies of space-based solar power, engineers at the earth-based NASA flight center contracted Selux Corporation to manufacture 65 solar light fixtures.

Cedreck Davis, Energy Program Manager at NASA’s flight center in Alabama, said that his objective in using solar lighting was to lower overall energy usage and be efficient. “We are not producing greenhouse gases, and we have determined that we save approximately 100 W per fixture by using SonneLITER versus conventional fixtures,” said Davis. “We are very pleased. SonneLITER does exactly what we were looking for—it meets our criteria.”

SonneLITER is the first strictly solar powered fixture that can operate 35W T6 metal halide lamp (as well as 18W to 32W CFL). This offers incredibly precise, quality light output for a photovoltaic system. It is supplied with up to two solar panels as well as integrated sealed-gel batteries in a sharp UV resistant recycled ABS housing. “Smart Controller” technology precisely regulates energy flow between solar panels, batteries and lamping—making possible varied preconfigured lighting solutions available for almost all locations. “We put time and money into developing this environmentally friendly, as well as easy-to-install solar lighting,” said Veit Mueller, President of Selux Corporation.

Selux is pleased to add that SonneLITER was selected to be included as a breakthrough product with the Solar/T6 capability in the IESNA (Illuminating Engineering Society of North America) 2005 Progress Report.