Queensland-based manufacturer Solar Bollard Lighting (SBL) has won the Best Small Business Award at Lighting Council Australia’s 2026 Lighting Industry Excellence Awards, recognising its work in solar lighting design, manufacturing and product development.
Based in the City of Moreton Bay, SBL designs and manufactures commercial-grade solar lighting products installed in more than 40 countries. Founded in 2003, the company develops lighting solutions for challenging environments, including areas exposed to flooding and vandalism, as well as locations where grid-connected infrastructure is impractical.
SBL invests approximately 11 per cent of its annual revenue in research, engineering and product development, supporting the development of products designed to meet customer requirements and environmental considerations.
“We are a small business making a difference globally, and we’re proud to see our installations helping communities around the world,” said SBL founder Mike Arieni.
The company works with Australian electronics designers, engineers, manufacturing partners and circular economy organisations to support local manufacturing capabilities and international distribution.
Arieni said the company focuses on continually improving its products through customer feedback, with sustainability considerations incorporated into design, product lifespan and end-of-life material recovery.
The company’s SBL2 Series is backed by a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty covering the battery and genuine SBL pole, according to the company.
As an accredited member of Lighting Council Australia, SBL also contributes to the Commercial Solar Lighting Technical Specification, advocating for stronger industry standards, transparent product specifications and sustainable procurement practices.
Lighting Council Australia CEO Malcolm Richards said the award recognised the company’s contribution to the industry.
“SBL demonstrates how a small Queensland manufacturer can make a global contribution through innovation, collaboration and industry leadership,” Richards said.
“Their investment in research, commitment to sustainability and willingness to share expertise help raise expectations of what commercial solar lighting can deliver and lift industry standards.”
The award follows SBL’s 2024 Sustainability Award from Lighting Council Australia.
The company said its international installations reflect its focus on Australian-made products, quality and customer-driven product development.
