StarLight by AGS Stainless

“Let the Sun Light Up Your Night”

Outdoor Lighting for Commercial Properties

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Outdoor lighting is an essential and positive addition for any type of property. Exterior lighting is a smart investment for private homes but it’s even more important for business and commercial properties.
Finding the proper outdoor lighting can enhance your property, extend periods of visibility and reduce the risk of liability. Being seen is a vital part of any industrial property’s success, not just during the day, but also well into the night. And the right exterior lighting can make all the difference in the world.

Primary Benefits to Outdoor Lighting

  • Safety: Outdoor lighting illuminates dark areas of your property including walkways, stairs, paths, patios and everything in between where a person could easily trip or fall in the dark and cause injury. Strategic lighting of such problem areas can help avoid unfortunate accidents, mishaps and liabilities.
  • Security: Another added benefit to having outdoor lighting is security. A property with well-placed outdoor lighting will deter crime that often thrives in the cover of darkness. Lighting the most vulnerable areas of the property will keep your business, employees and your customers safer while creating a more secure environment.
  • Aesthetics: Exterior lighting enhances any business and serves as a free billboard by drawing attention to your building dwelling. It can showcase several different focal points such as architectural elements on the building, highlight landscaping and also makes the property look more inviting. A well thought out lighting plan can transform a dark commercial property into a bold, illuminated and cohesive showplace. In addition to your business being seen, outdoor lighting creates a positive impression by boosting curb appeal. Brand exposure and visibility are crucial components to the success of any business. Commercial properties with a well-done landscape lighting design are often considered to be more appealing and can therefore attract more business than unlit properties. First impressions are everything in business, and you want to make the best possible impression – even at night!

    • Solar is a Fast Growing Trend

    One trend that has been growing tremendously in the lighting industry is solar power. The growth of the solar lighting market has been largely dominated by the off-grid community but within the last decade, many businesses and commercial properties have taken notice and started to take advantage of the many benefits that solar power technology has to offer. Solar power has become an increasingly popular choice for those looking for a practical, cost efficient way to meet the ever-growing demand for cleaner and more sustainable energy. Additionally, outdoor solar lights are often easy to install and requires very little maintenance or up-keep.

    Today, there are a number of choices available when it comes to solar lighting and fixtures. Whether you want to light your commercial property’s walkway, poolside, landscape, or even an outdoor eating area, solar lighting comes in many different styles that can complement any decor. That is one of the many reasons why it’s easy to love AGSs newest product line, the ever so versatile Starlight Solar-Powered LED Accent Light.

    Starlight was crafted, engineered and produced while keeping in mind durability and performance. Originally created to be the first solar light specifically built for cable railing systems, the architectural inspired design has proven to be a successful outdoor lighting accessory to those that don’t even have cable railing. The Starlight Classic provides solar powered light in a clean, sophisticated design comprised of three light channels and an open bottom for a beautiful down-lighting affect. The warm and inviting glow of Starlight is sure to complement any business exterior.

    Starlight Features for Commercial Use

  • Off Grid: Starlight features a one-piece 316 marine grade stainless steel housing that holds a water resistant, wireless, LED lighting assembly. So it’s ideal for illuminating areas where awkward trenching and heavy electrical wiring or electricity altogether may create complications. Starlights eliminate the need for electrical and are ideal for swimming pools, boat docks, ponds and other outdoor water landscapes as well as trail heads, parks and conservation areas.
  • DIY Installation: Because there is no need for burdensome electrical wiring, transformers or even knowledge of electrical know-how, installation of Starlight is easy and effortless. Included with each package of Starlight are both wood and metal mounting screws meaning that Starlights can be mounted to almost any surface, making them the perfect lighting option for both new and existing outdoor spaces. The display possibilities for Starlight are nearly endless.
  • Features: Each Starlight comes a automatic on/off LED (light-emitting diode) light that includes one AAA NiMH rechargeable battery that provides up to ten hours of illumination on a full charge. LED technology is a fresh, contemporary and energy efficient alternative to the conventional incandescent or fluorescent light. LED offers a multitude of advantages that include higher brightness intensity, better color rendition and a longer life span over its traditional counterpart. Furthermore, LED lights emit zero UV emissions, contains no toxic materials, is 100% recyclable and is durable to withstand even the roughest outdoor conditions. With its design flexibility and ecologically-friendly footprint, it’s easy to see why LED is rapidly becoming one of the most power-saving and smart solutions for illumination in the commercial lighting industry.
  • Design: Architecturally designed, the Starlight is a stylish yet timeless accent light. Created to suit a wide-array of commercial applications with a design that seamlessly blends form with function.

    • Starlight Designer Series

    The Starlight Classic was recently joined by the new Starlight Designer Series. The Designer Series combines the same strength and durability of a stainless steel housing with intricate, laser-cut patterns offering businesses and commercial properties unique exterior lighting accents that are built to last a lifetime. The collection of new designs range in styling from craftsman to modern, with available in-stock finishes in brushed stainless steel and stainless steel powder-coated black. Custom colors are available on request. With so many options, there’s something for every business need.

    Soaking up the Sun at Solar Power International – September 12-15th, 2016

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    Solar power has been increasingly popular as both individuals and businesses realize the awesome potential of the sun. Our Solar Powered LED Accent Light – StarLights – exhibit a perfect application to use this natural resource in a manner that is both efficient and effective. StarLight’s durable A316 marine grade stainless steel exterior house an energy efficient solar charging LED light module producing 5 to 6 lumens of light for up to ten hours, to light up the night. They can be positioned along front walkway pillars to create a welcoming visual affect; the possible uses for Starlight’s are nearly endless!

    ags-green-solar-power

    WHERE:

    Las Vegas Convention Center – North Hall & Westgate Hotel Las Vegas, NV

    WHEN:

    September 12-15, 2016

    About Solar Power International:

    Solar Power International (SPI) is the largest solar trade show in North America. SPI focuses on creating an environment that fosters the exchange of ideas, knowledge and expertise for furthering solar energy development in the United States. SPI is powered by SEPA and SEIA, and unlike other solar industry events, all proceeds support the expansion of the U.S. solar energy market through SEIA’s® and SEPA’s® year-round research and education activities, as well as SEIA’s® advocacy efforts. Visit solarpowerinternational.com for more information.

    2016 Events include:

    • Opening session with industry visionary David Crane: The former CEO of NRG and now Senior Operating Executive at Pegasus Capital Advisors, will share his views on the present status and future of the industry in conversation with Steve Malnight, Senior Vice President at Pacific Gas & Electric Company. Also on the agenda, a second conversation with Nat Kreamer, President and CEO of Spruce, and Jeffrey Ball, scholar-in-residence at Stanford University’s Steyer-Taylor Center for Energy Policy and Finance.
    • Net metering in Nevada and across the nation: Two back-to-back workshops at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Sept. 13 will explore the net metering debates in Nevada and New York, and how they fit into larger discussions of rate reform and the role of utilities in a smart, distributed grid.
    • Solar plus storage and beyond: More than 600 companies and other exhibitors will be on the tradeshow floor this year, including two storage pavilions, a smart home pavilion — featuring a net-zero Arc House — and a working microgrid that will power SPI’s outdoor demonstration area.
    • The state of the U.S. solar industry: A press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 14, led by SEIA, will provide journalists with an update on the state of the American solar industry including brand new deployment numbers, state rankings and policy updates. Meanwhile, SEPA’s Solar Power Player Awards, on Tuesday, Sept. 13, will put the spotlight on some of the most innovative projects and programs utilities and their tech partners have developed to get ever more solar on the grid.
    • The international solar market: SPI has become part of the U.S. Commerce Department’s International Buyers Program, signifying the importance of the solar industry for international trade. About 500 delegates representing more than 25 countries — from the Bahamas and Bangladesh to Uzbekistan and Zambia — will be at the event, looking for new technologies, project partners and investment opportunities.

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    Going Green

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    WHAT IS GOING GREEN?


    What is “going green”? Chances are you’ve probably heard this popular phrase quite a lot in the recent years. Everywhere you go people are talking about going green and how it impacts the planet. But what does it mean? Is it more than recycle, reduce, and reuse? Is going green the same as eco-friendly? Is it interchangeable with being sustainable? In essence, the green movement or “going green”, simply means to seek knowledge and embrace practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles, which can help protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations.

    BENEFITS OF GOING GREEN


    So why go green? The truth is that everything single thing we do every day has an impact on the planet — good or bad. The returns on investing in sustainable practices can sometimes be hard to see and may not seem to have much effect short term. However, we believe every small step taken can have a big impact in the years to come and the positive benefits of green decision making are really there. In the long term, being ever mindful of the impact choices made “today” may have on “tomorrow”, the benefits of going green can only increase. Here’s a list of just a few reasons to adopt sustainable practices and a green outlook:

    • Environmental Impact Going green has several positive side effects for the environment that contribute to cleaner water and air, protecting natural ecosystems and reducing carbon footprints.
    • Energy Efficiency Doing more with less; this is the key principle of energy efficiency. Benefits include but are not limited to lower energy costs, reduced greenhouse gas by-products, less energy waste and the conservation of our natural resources.
    • Health and Wellness Living green not only positively impacts the planet but also positively impacts you and your family’s welfare. By reducing pollution and carbon footprints left behind and increasing our support for local farms and renewable energy sources, we can look forward to better quality air and water, a cleaner environment and access to more fresh foods free of pesticides and toxins.

    DOING OUR PART


    In an effort to become more environmentally conscious, we at AGS Stainless Inc. decided to start small. Actions that include recycling and reusing materials wherever possible, utilizing digital tools and resources to reduce our paper consumption and encouraging our employees to carpool are simple steps we have taken as a company to start making a positive change within our office. We are constantly looking for ways to continually reduce our environmental impact and these small steps are just the beginning. We are really excited about the practices we’ve implemented, and serves to further emphasize how we feel about the products and materials which are the heart and essence of AGS – stainless steel. Our Clearview® line of stainless steel railing systems have long been well-revered throughout the industry. Clearview® is the ‘clear’ choice for those wanting a railing system that is strong and durable but also adds beauty to their project.

    WHY STAINLESS STEEL?


    No material can match the safety, durability, sustainability and beauty of stainless steel. As more and more move toward a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyles, increased awareness is also placed on choosing materials that mirror those same attributes. Stainless steel has been gaining compelling recognition due to its outstanding environmental properties.

    • Recycle, Reduce and Reuse Through an efficient closed loop system, stainless steel can be recycled and reused indefinitely, without the loss of quality or strength. The process for recycling stainless steel is identical to producing it new. Additionally, stainless steel is composed of many raw elements, such as iron, nickel, chromium and molybdenum, which are highly valuable, in demand and in some cases, very scarce in supply. The recovery and reuse of these materials could not be more important. The popularity and ease of recycling stainless ensures that at the end of its life cycle, nothing is wasted or left to pollute landfills. The recycling and reuse of stainless steel has become essential within the industry, offering a replenishable source of secondary raw materials fundamental to the conservation of Earth’s limited natural resources.
    • Strong and durable Stainless steel is renowned for it’s strength, durability and it’s resistance to corrosion, making it an ideal choice for many applications. Due to it’s high chromium content, a naturally forming “passive” film is formed when the surface is exposed to oxygen. This very thin layer of chromium oxide acts as a protective layer that resists oxidation and heat, giving the stainless steel it’s non-corrosive, rust-resistant and non-porous qualities. With proper attention and routine cleaning, this layer can provide protection for countless years.
    • Long life cycle Stainless steel is virtually indestructible, with inherent long-life properties that do not diminish over time or repeated use. It has a superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to other materials. As long as the appropriate stainless steel grade is chosen to meet the conditions of a particular application, the stainless steel design can typically last the lifetime of the project, however, when it comes time one might want to dispose of it, 100% the stainless can be recycled. In fact, it is estimated that the amount of recycled content in any stainless steel object is approximately 75-85%. As the demand for stainless steel grows, so does the availability of material to be reused. Items produced today, that won’t necessarily be recycled for a couple more decades, promise a wealth of recyclable material once the end of their useful life cycles have been reached.
    • Value Stainless steel may require a higher initial investment but the value, durability and longevity of the steel is sure to increase the return on that investment, it’s easy to see the significant cost savings achieved in the long run. Considering total life cycle cost, stainless steel often comes out in the lead maintaining its place as a smart, sustainable and cost effective choice.

    STAINLESS ISN’T OUR ONLY SHINING STAR


    AGS Stainless, Inc. recently debuted a new line of stainless steel products – Starlight solar-powered outdoor LED accent lights. We are excited to add solar StarLights to our existing product lines. StarLights explore the innovative potential of harnessing sustainable energy, reinforcing our belief in the importance of environmentally friendly design and business practices. A growing number of people, AGS included, are discovering the benefits of switching to solar. Solar power generation has emerged as one of the most rapidly growing renewable sources of energy. By harnessing the power of the sun, solar energy is one of the most abundant and sustainable forms of energy available. It would be foolish to overlook the potential uses of this life-sustaining resource.

    • Financial Benefits Solar units can drastically reduce your electricity bill in many ways. Firstly, by generating your own electricity from the solar panels, you reduce the electricity you need to buy from your power provider. Another benefit is that the solar power generation increases both the energy rating and value of your house. In some locations, often times a power company will buy any excess “green” electricity your system produces.
    • Low maintenance Solar panels require minimal maintenance – designed for their working environment, there’s no need for excessive washing or dusting. It is important to place panels where they will remain clear of shade and debris and to periodically check your system to make sure it is performing as it should.
    • No emissions Unlike conventional power, solar energy is a non-polluting, clean, reliable and renewable source of energy. Burning fossil fuels creates unwanted by-products that can create air and water pollution and release huge amounts of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. When in use, solar panels produce power without waste or emissions, and do so through a natural process called photovoltaics.
    • Renewable resource Renewable energy is energy generated from natural resources—such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat—which are renewable, naturally replenished and will never run out.
    • Versatility Solar energy cells can be used to produce the power for small items such as a watch but can also be used to produce enough power to run an entire city. With that kind of versatility, it is a great energy source.
    • Ease of use With its little maintenance and versatility, it’s evident just how solar power generation is easy to use.

    SMALL STEPS, BIG CHANGE


    Going green is all about taking steps to become more environmentally aware and showing a commitment to reducing the impact we have. There are a surprising amount of people, businesses and communities that would like to do more to conserve and protect our natural resources, but don’t know where to begin. While it’s easy to get overwhelmed, it’s also simple to begin making a positive impact. You don’t have to jump in by changing everything, start small to make the changes more sustainable and a part of your normal life. Being green in small ways is easier than you think, here is a short list of our favorites that are attainable and can be implemented effortlessly. All it takes is a lot of little changes to make a big difference.

    • Recycle
    • Turn down or up your thermostat accordingly
    • B.Y.O.B (Bring your own bag)
    • Clean green
    • Look for ENERGYSTAR label
    • Buy Local
    • Compost
    • Go paperless (paperless billing/read newspapers online)
    • Change up your commute
    • Skip bottled water

    AGS Stainless Unveils Starlight Designer Series

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    This week at America’s Largest Design Event, AGS Stainless will add the Designer Series – a new group of decorative design patterns – to its ever-popular line of solar-powered LED accent lights. Originally introduced in 2014, Starlight’s are quietly revolutionizing the outdoor lighting industry!

    Easy-To-Install

    One of the features that’s made Starlight’s so popular is ease of installation. Because Starlight’s do not require any wiring, transformers or electrical know-how, they can be installed quickly – and by just about anyone. Starlight’s are a great alternative to the energy-consuming, low-voltage accent lights so prevalent in the outdoor lighting industry today.

    The new Designer Series Starlight combines the ruggedness of a stainless steel housing with intricate, laser-etched patterns offering the design community unique exterior lighting accessories that are built to last a lifetime! The collection of new designs range in styling from craftsman to modern, with available in-stock finishes in brushed stainless steel and stainless steel powder-coated black. Custom colors are available on request.

    Perfect for Both Commercial and Residential Uses

    Created as a lighting accessory for a wide-array of residential and commercial applications, Starlight’s can be mounted to almost any surface, making them the perfect lighting option for both new and existing outdoor spaces.Starlight’s can be mounted to existing deck posts to create a more inviting space, improve safety by illuminating pathways and exterior stairs, brighten driveways and waterfront docks or they can be positioned along front walkway pillars to create a welcoming visual affect; the possible uses for Starlight’s are nearly endless!

    Heavy Duty Construction

    Continuing AGS Stainless’ long history of inventive products, Starlight is made up of 316 marine-grade stainless steel for durability and ease of maintenance. It also features an open bottom for a beautiful down-lighting effect. Starlight comes with a rechargeable AAA NiMh battery that replenishes itself during daylight hours via the 1-1/2” x 3” angled solar panel.

    Starlight produces 5 to 6 lumens of light for up to ten hours. “Starlight is designed to enhance any call-out area – outdoor living spaces, interior stairways, second-story railings – you name it,” explains Kevin T. Harris, Director of Sales & Marketing at AGS Stainless. “It is so simple yet elegant it quite literally lights up any space needing a bit of light.”

    “Everyone who sees them comments on how attractively these lights are designed” adds Harris. “And then when they find out they’re solar-powered they get really excited. Many of our builder customers incorporate numerous Starlight’s into their projects as they add that extra little touch that helps distinguish their projects.” _ _