Abstract: A lighting system distinguishes between light from natural and manmade sources to prevent the system's light source from being inadvertently deactivated due to light received from manmade light sources. A sensor converts received light into electrical energy. The system light source and/or some other external light source can emit light with a modulation. The system includes a modulation detector that can detect the modulation in the electrical energy received from the sensor. A system controller selectively adjusts the flow of electrical energy to the system light source responsive to the electrical signals from the sensor. The controller adjusts the flow of electrical energy in response to the non-modulated component of the electrical signals from the sensor. The controller does not adjust the flow of electrical energy in response to the modulated component of the electrical signals from the sensor.

Abstract: A self-contained solar powered light having a battery system where the battery container is mounted between two cantilevered arms on an upright vertical support. The light element is mounted at the distal end of one of the cantilevered arms. The photovoltaic panels are mounted on the upper cantilevered arm and point upward toward the sun. A computer is operably connected between the battery and the photovoltaic panels and the light element to determine when the light element should be actuated and deactuated based upon amperage produced by the photovoltaic panels. The vertical support has a U-shaped cross member which can engage poles with circular cross section or poles with external side flats. Threaded fasteners fix the vertical support onto the pole member.