Q- Do we ship orders outside the continental US?  
A-  No,  not at this time.

 

Q- What is solar lighting and how does it work?  
A- Solar lighting is created by turning sunlight into energy. Energy is created as sunlight strikes a solar collector (semiconductors made up of silicon crystal) and turns energy into an electrical current. The current then sends this energy to a power supply (rechargeable batteries) which in turn energizes a lamp source (LED). Note: Solar lighting will not work with artificial (interior) light.  

Q-What are the main components of a solar lighting fixture?  
A- A solar fixture is made up of the following five main components: (1) a solar collector, (2) a control pc board (circuit board), (3) a power supply (batteries), (4) a light source (LED) (5) and a photo resistor (photo cell switching device).  

Q-What is LED?  
A- LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. Unlike conventional lamps, LEDs do not have filaments but work off of a simple electrical current. LEDs have different properties than conventional lamps (see below). 

Q-How are LEDs measured?  
A- Since LEDs do not operate on the same principles of a filament based lamp, LEDs are measured millicandles (mcd) rather than watts, milli-amps (Ma) rather than amps and beam spreads are measured in viewing angles rather than flood or spot categories.  

Q-Why use LED lamps?  
A- LED lamps are one of the most efficient forms of light emission. They do not get hot, there is no filament to burn out, the life expectancy is 20x greater than conventional lamps and the current draw is so low that a small solar charge can efficiently activate the LED lamp. 

Q-Why is solar lighting part of our future?  
A- Most consumers want simplicity and convenience. For the most part, they don't want costly and complicated installations. Also, there is a worldwide demand for continuous (renewable) energy such as solar, wind and water as non-renewable energy such as coal, oil and gas become more costly, scarce and damaging to our environment.  

Q- What is the difference between 12v and solar lighting?  
A- 12v (low voltage) lighting is more efficient than conventional 120v +power but low voltage requires direct electricity and is totally dependent on household current. Solar energy, on the other hand is totally self-sufficient and is not dependent on municipal energy and does not require a transformer or cable to operate.  

Q- What type of light does solar lighting provide?  
A- Generally speaking, there are three types of light- general, ambient and task light. Solar lighting (which is LED based) can be used as a task light (without a diffuser or as an ambient light (without a diffuser). At this time, LEDs are not considered general light sources. Currently, solar lighting cannot compete with conventional energy guzzling products but solar lighting has advanced to levels now considered acceptable for many accent and way-finding applications. Many designers and landscape architects prefer subtle light to overwhelming hot spots. Our primary lamp is white super lux LED . Solar lighting can be ideal for safety, security, beauty and entertainment- the four ingredients required of outdoor lighting.  

Q- Can solar lighting replace conventional fixtures?  
A- Practically speaking, not at this time. However, just like other forms of light (fluorescent, HID, mercury vapor), most outdoor lighting designers will mix various lighting elements depending on specific requirements (i.e. effect, budget, access to power, flexibility, etc.). Solar lighting can provide alternatives and solutions to lighting problems that previously did not exist.

Q- What happens on cloudy days, inclement weather or in geographically and seasonally challenged areas?  
A- Solar lighting is dependent directly on UV (ultra violet) rays. UV rays exist in cloudy weather as well as in sunny conditions. However, the solar collector and battery capacity will absorb and perform best when exposed to direct sunlight. The simple answer is that light output (intensity) can be affected but unless there is no sunlight at all, the solar charge will be active. 

Q- How many solar collectors can run one fixture?  
A- Theoretically speaking, a large solar collector (panel) can operate several fixtures at a time. However, consumers have shown that the preference is one collector per fixture.  

Q- How can I get the most amount of light output?  
A- For optimum results follow these general guidelines- (1) Place fixture or collector in direct sunlight and away from shadows (2) keep dirt and debris off of the collector (3) replace the batteries every year or as needed (4) place fixtures away from other light sources which could interfere with the photo cell or overwhelm the light source (5) keep in touch with our factory as solar cells and lamp sources will continue to improve.  

Q-Why do you need batteries for solar lighting?  
A- Solar fixtures are basically a battery-based product. The batteries act as the power supply and energy storage for the LED lamp. Similar to other battery based products, the greater the battery storage the more effective the output.  

Q- Why use rechargeable batteries?  
A- In practical terms rechargeable batteries in solar fixtures are ideal since they can be charged over and over again, as they draw energy from the photo-voltaic process (sunlight converting to electricity). There is no need for a separate battery charger.  

Q- Do solar products carry a UL rating?  
A- Yes. All products that have an electrical charge must have a safety listing.  

Q-What maintenance issues are there to consider with solar?  
A- For best results, it is recommended to clean the solar collector when dirty, replace the batteries every year or when needed, check the LED lamp for wear and tear and keep the battery compartment away from water puddles, excessively wet locations and do not allow the fixture to lay on the ground for any period of time. Note: The batteries will most likely need to be changed more frequently in warmer climates as the output and discharge time will be greater than in darker climates where the batteries may not be as active.  

Q- How does a solar light turn on and off?  
A- Each solar fixture is equipped with a photo sensor for automatic operation. In addition, many products also have an on/off switch for those periods of time when light is not required. 

Q- How long does it take to charge up the batteries?  
A- Typically, the batteries will charge within 4-5 hours of direct sunlight.  

Q- What do I need to consider when placing solar lights in the outdoor area?  
A- (1) Place the fixture or collector in direct sunlight (2) Place fixtures away from over hanging trees and away from structures that cast shadows (3) Charge battery for 24 to 48 hours for best results (4) Place fixture away from water and/or sprinkles as much as possible. Simply put, solar lights are site sensitive.  

Q- Is the technology available to make a solar light even brighter than ever?  
A- Yes. Producing a high-powered solar light is simple - however not practical or cost effective. The battery would have to be quite large, heavy and too costly for general acceptance. We are certain that this will change with continued demand.