Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Lights
How do solar lights store energy and how do they work?
Solar lighting is the safest and easiest kind of outdoor lighting to install. Each light fixture contains a scientifically designed solar collector panel that converts sunlight into electrical energy. This energy is stored in highly efficient rechargeable batteries, which are used to light the fixture at night.
What is the difference between solar lights and incandescent or fluorescent lights?
Solar lights are equipped with light emitting diodes (LED's). An LED is a semiconductor device that emits visible light when conducting current. Solar lamps give off a different type of light than incandescent and fluorescent lights. A common mistake is to compare wattage between LED units and their incandescent and fluorescent cousins - wattage is a function of power consumption, not brightness.
The proper measuring stick for outdoor lighting comparisons is lumens or candle feet, which measures the brightness of the light. A typical LED will give off the equivalent of a 2-watt bulb. LED units are more intense and have a different angle of dispersion, while incandescent light just glows all around.
Another advantage of using solar lights is that LED bulbs will never burn out during the lifetime of the product. Low voltage incandescent and fluorescent systems need bulb replacements often and add cost and inconvenience to the product.
How long do solar lights stay on?
The length of time that the lights stay on is dependent on the amount of sunlight received during the day. Most solar lights stay lit for up to 10 or more hours with fully charged batteries.
What advantages do solar lights offer?
Solar lights require no wiring and are very easy to install. They run on the sun's energy and cost nothing to operate. They are environmentally friendly and help us conserve our fast-depleting regular energy resources.
Are solar lights as bright as regular lights?
Solar lights are usually not as bright as other forms of outdoor landscape lighting. Instead of harsh, glaring light, you'll have the benefit of softer, more subtle accent lighting that makes your outdoors look stunning in the dark.
What sort of maintenance will I need to be concerned with?
There is virtually no maintenance required except for occasional cleaning of the panel surface to keep it free of dust and dirt, regular battery checks, and replacing the batteries when required.
How often do the batteries need replacing?
The batteries are designed to withstand a minimum of 1000 deep discharges, which is at least 1000 nights of light. They are readily available and easy to replace, rechargeable batteries.
How often will I need to replace the L.E.D. in my solar fixture?
The LED's themselves are not replaceable. Their life expectancy typically exceeds 25 years, based on running 10 hours every night. LED bulbs will never burn out during the lifetime of the product.
Overview
Solar lights are like mini-satellites. They generate and store their own power during the day and then release it at night. This is just like a satellite that stores solar energy while it is on the sunny side of the planet and then uses that energy when it's on the dark side. Light sensors turn the lights on at disk and off at dawn.
Solar lighting can create a focused ambient to your garden, patio or garden. They can be used to beautify your yard and give it a warm, cozy feeling. Theyprovide lighting effects for pathways, ponds, gardens and patios. Solar Lights create areas of interest all year long.
Solar lights are easily installed and do not require any external wiring. All you do is fit the components together, press the spike into the ground or screw onto a wall mounting or place in a strategic place to give the affect you desire.
Solar lights charge during the day to generate a reserve life of 8 hours to light your home's outdoor area. These lights are constructed of various different materials and add a touch of class while providing cost efficient safety and accenting to the home.
Solar lighting will create a focused ambient to your garden, patio or garden.. Decorative Solar Lights can be used to beautify your yard and give it a warm, cozy feeling. Solar Lights provide lighting effects for pathways, ponds, gardens and patios. Solar Lights create areas of interest all year long.
Solar lights can be used to illuminating gardens, decks and walkways at night and can create a whole new look and feel around your home. People choose outdoor lighting for a variety of reasons:
Accent trees, shrubs, plant beds or architectural features turns them into focal points.
Line walkways, pool or patios
Use as driveway markers
Light up areas for security purposes.
They are a great way to add lighting without the expense of wiring.
