When it was operational,the lighthouse actually carried four beacons. The solar panels were installed in the 90es to supply electricity for overnight guests ( right now you can't stay there), they replace a davit which carried a lifeboat. In an age where the beacon was working on kerosene ( and being the mainland 30 miles away) it was an important safety measure. Along that it was used to attend to emergencies at sea since it was the outpost with telegraphy furthest from shore