Green Frog Systems Named Finalsists at the Telstra 2019 Business Awards
Last night the Telstra SA Business Awards were held at Adelaide Oval, celebrating the success of 24 South Australian small and medium businesses as finalists in four categories – Emerging and Energised, Medium and Making Waves, Small and Succeeding and Social Change Maker.
Out of a record 21,000 nominations nationally, Green Frog Systems was selected as one of 24 finalists for the Telstra SA Business Awards in the Medium and Making Waves category. This is a testament to the hard work and determination of the team throughout the last 9 years, especially over the more recent years as the business continues to expand globally and helps more communities gain the benefits of sustainable technologies.
While we didn’t take out the big win, we see ourselves as winners and are beyond proud to be selected as a business that is ‘kicking goals in every area’ out of over 143,000 small to medium businesses in South Australia. The night was a perfect way to celebrate the business and not only how far it has come, but the opportunity for continued growth into the future.
It was extremely humbling to be surrounded by so many other fantastic businesses that are successfully growing and progressing in their journeys and congratulate all finalists and category winners.
Our team certainly put on their best evening wear and enjoyed the night, you can take a look at some photos below.
Whether you can retrofit solar lighting to one of your existing poles is determined by asking two questions:
Will the existing pole withstand the extra weight of the solar system?
Is the existing pole in a shadow-free area where direct sunlight is available?
Will the existing pole withstand the extra weight of the solar system?
Because of the additional weight and sail area (wind loading) when installing a solar lighting system, your pole will need to be manufactured and rated to withstand this. If your current pole is suitable for the increased weight and sail area, then yes you can consider retrofitting solar lighting to an existing pole. If the existing pole has not been built to withstand the extra weight, it will need to be replaced with a stronger pole.
Is the existing pole in a shadow-free area where direct sunlight is available?
As solar lighting relies on sunlight to operate, the solar panel will need to be installed in a shadow-free area under direct sunlight, where there are no trees obscuring the panel. If your existing pole is not located in such an area, then the solar lighting system will be inefficient or in some cases not operate. However, if the existing pole is in a shadow-free area with direct sunlight then yes you can consider retrofitting solar lighting to an existing pole.
So can I retrofit solar lighting to my existing pole?
If you answered yes to both questions, then it is possible for you to retrofit solar lighting to an existing pole. Green Frog Systems’ Kit Form Solar Street Lights : GFS-200-KT and GFS-400-KT are purpose built solutions designed to mount on an existing pole, replacing mains powered street lighting and offering an environmentally friendly, off-grid solution.
If you answered no to one of the above questions, then you will need to reconsider using your existing pole. Our (Everything you need to install except the concrete) GFS-200 & GFS-400Solar Street Lights offer the option to include poles that have been engineered and rated for the weight and sail area of the solar systems.
Is there someone who could help me determine if a solar lighting retrofit is suitable for my project?
You can contact our experienced lighting specialists who will assist you in finding the best solution for your project. If your existing pole is not feasible, our specialists can also help you to find an alternative solar lighting solution that is economical and efficient over the long term.
How does Solar Lighting Benefit Councils, Communities, Parks & Recreational Areas?
Renewable energy solutions such as solar lighting can create future-proof sustainable systems for your community, allowing councils to provide public lighting assets that; make their community feel safer, avoid the costs of trenching, underground cabling or an electrician, and can save both on long-term energy costs and protect our environment.
1. Positive Social Impact
Public lighting assets have a significant social impact on your community. The installation of more illumination increases the public’s feelings of safety and security, which in turn drives an increase in the use of public assets such as leisure areas, parks, gardens and pathways.
By ultimately extending the number of light hours in a day, members of the community can spend more time in your public spaces; creating opportunities for more outdoor activities such as fitness groups, after work visits to dog parks, or for those commuting via bike or foot during the night hours.
While grid-tied public lighting can have similar social benefits, solar lighting goes even further in meeting the needs of your community through its significant cost benefits and positive environmental impact.
2. Significant Cost Benefits
There are significant cost benefits gained when installing solar lighting systems, particularly in areas where the infrastructure costs of traditional lighting are more significant. By using solar lighting systems, you can now bring the benefits of lighting to your community where previously it was far too costly. Some economic benefits of solar lighting include:
No Trenching Costs – There are significant costs involved in trenching and wiring for traditional lighting systems, which can get even higher when you add in a remote location, landscape issues or the costs of disruption to public areas. Solar lighting systems remove all this worry, with the ability to be installed anywhere, anytime with no need for trenching.
No Energy Costs/Utility Fees – By implementing solar as a renewable energy, solar lighting creates a stand-alone, grid free system which removes the ongoing costs of grid energy. This is especially economical in today’s energy industry, with the cost of grid supplied power only increasing.
Easy to Install – Green Frog Systems solar lighting solutions were engineered to be easy to install, with systems being delivered to clients in an easy to assemble kit form along with plug and play wiring that can be installed without needing an electrician. By making the systems easier to install, there are significant cost savings in the number of works crew members required for installation.
3. Positive Environmental Impact
As a renewable energy, solar lighting uses the infinite power of the sun to create energy instead of fossil fuels – reducing your communities carbon footprint. It is important that both councils and their communities work towards a more sustainable, green and environmentally friendly future for the generations to come.
Without reliance on the grid, solar lighting systems can be put in place anywhere and any time that you need it. This means that you can install our solar lighting systems without disrupting the environment as you would with standard trenching for installation.
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The team at Green Frog Systems is thrilled to announce that we have been selected as a finalist in the 2019 Telstra Business Awards in the “Medium and Making Waves” category for South Australia.
Green Frog Systems is excited to announce the appointment of four new staff members due to an incredible period of growth across Australia, and with our continued expansion into overseas markets including the USA, UK and NZ.
We would like to give a huge welcome to our new team members:
Andrew Nicholls, who has joined our Engineering team to assist with the development of our product range. Andrew has decades of technical and operational management experience in the Solar PV and electrical-electronics industries, to bring along a pragmatic and informed perspective to his key role – to ensure the innovative engineering ideas and systems design to our expanding range of solar LED lighting projects worldwide. He also combines his vast technical background in this industry, as a highly respected and informative lecturer of electrical engineering subjects at TAFESA institutions in South Australia.
Steven Zang, who has also joined our Engineering team focusing on inventory control, document checking, product repairs and supplier management. Steven has moved to Australia, following his role as an Electrical Engineer for a multi-national company in Singapore where he was involved in electrical circuit design, project management and product testing. Steven enjoys being able to work within the Solar industry in a fast-paced environment where he can learn new skills and technologies. He is eager to learn more about living and working in Australia and getting familiar with the community.
Lauren Myers, who has joined our Marketing team to work on all things Digital. Following the completion of her Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing, Lauren gained experience in the field at a South Australian Non-Profit, assisting with the management of multiple brands and their digital presence, before spending six months traveling the world to broaden her understanding of people and culture. After an educational experience overseas, she is excited to build a well-rounded and meaningful career in the digital space. Lauren hopes in her role to focus on how we can better communicate with customers meaningfully while helping to educate the larger community about important issues such as renewable energy.
Chris Gricks, who has most recently joined our Sales team to identify opportunities and further stimulate growth in new and existing business throughout SA, WA, VIC and Tas. Previously Chris was working as a Territory Manager in the medical industry, selling capital and consumable products to hospitals and day surgeries. Other previous roles include selling to the Allied Health Professionals and working as a Biomedical Engineer. Chris is enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring together his experience in sales and development, along with his engineering background in his new role. He is very interested in the continually growing opportunities surrounding solar powered products – and of course working with a great team!
We welcome our new team members with open arms and are tremendously excited to continue growing our talented and diverse team.
We are proud to announce our new partnership with Carbon Neutral Adelaide. As a Partner, Green Frog Systems has been recognised for our commitment and contribution towards reducing emissions, helping to make the City of Adelaide the world’s first carbon neutral city.
The Carbon Neutral Adelaide Partner Program celebrates and empowers business and community organisations to rapidly reduce carbon emissions, while providing leadership and encouraging others to take action.
As the world’s first carbon neutral city, the City of Adelaide will be a showcase for embracing the economic, social and environmental opportunities of responding to climate change, including the uptake of renewable energy and clean, smart technologies such as the range of solar lighting that Green Frog Systems has to offer.
Carbon Neutral Adelaide will provide a platform to attract new investment to the City and the State and create opportunities for local business, innovation and new industries. Carbon Neutral Adelaide will strengthen Adelaide’s reputation as a smart, green, liveable and creative city.
Green Frog Systems will continue to be a leader in the solar lighting space, creating innovative products, educating consumers and government bodies, and ultimately introducing solar lighting throughout not only Adelaide but around the world.
To find out more information about the Carbon Neutral Adelaide Partner Program and how you can play your part visit www.carbonneutraladelaide.com.au
Well that’s a wrap for the 2019 National General Assembly in Canberra.
Last Sunday the team arrived at Canberra greeted by a very chilly 3° morning to set up the Green Frog stand for our second year at the conference.
There was a great response from the audience as our Managing Director David Wilson explained to the National General Assembly how to ‘Take Smart Cities Off the Grid’ and encouraged Councils to consider the benefits of solar power when investing in vital infrastructure such as public lighting.
The team were thrilled with the interest shown towards some of the upcoming technology and having the opportunity to chat with Mayors and Councillors from 534 Local Government Associations (LGA) across Australia about their expanding infrastructure needs as communities continue to grow.
It is critical that newly built infrastructure is future focused, which is why we continue to develop solar powered products that outperform traditional grid-reliant lighting.
We hope to see you again next year!
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Lighting increases safety at rest areas, not only aiding the personal safety and security of users but also by improving visibility from the road. Mains connected lighting can be costly to install and is dependent on access to services but in remote areas such a country and regional roads, solar lighting is generally more appropriate.
You can see the Green Frog System Road Safety Initiative HERE or by clicking on the image above.
Keith Gillard, General Manager of Green Frog Systems will be providing an insight into the many benefits and positive outcomes that rural and Regional Councils have experienced by investing in connected device technologies such ad Smart Lighting.
The discussion will be focused on the potential for communities to achieve the benefits of connected smart city technologies through solar powered lighting infrastructure.
Extending the ‘Smart Cities’ IoT agenda beyond the limitations of the energy supply grid offers substantial improvements to more isolated regions delivering great improvements to issues of public safety and property security.
Green Frog Systems have experience, being one of the earliest pioneers and adopters of smart city technology in Australia, deploying multiple Smart Lighting projects across metropolitan regions as well as some of the most remote communities in the country.
You can see more from us on Smart Street Lighting technology in this older post>>
