About Outdoor Solar Lighting
Outdoor solar lighting uses the same technology to generate power as solar roof panels. It does this by using photovoltaic (PV) cells, which collect solar energy and transform it to electricity. These PV cells use semiconductors to absorb sunlight, which reacts with silicon and other elements to produce electricity. This electricity travels through wires that provide power to the battery, which then provides power to the light fixture. While this is an oversimplification of the process, it should give you general sense of how solar lights work. Solar cells are only able to make electricity when exposed to direct sunlight; this is why solar lighting must have a battery in order to provide illumination at night.
A solar light fixture needs to be in an area that receives full, direct sunshine during most of the daylight hours in order for the batteries to fully recharge. If the solar panel receives only partial sunlight, because it’s in a shaded area or because you live somewhere with cloudy weather, the batteries will run out of power more quickly and your fixture may not be able to provide illumination throughout the night. Because of this, most outdoor solar lighting fixtures use a backup power system of rechargeable batteries. Accent lighting and fixtures that use little electricity typically use small AA Ni-Cad or NiMh batteries. But, more powerful solar lighting fixtures, like outdoor floodlights, usually rely on a backup sealed lead-acid battery.
Solar lights have built-in photo sensors that measure light levels, much in the way that a camera knows when to use the flash. These sensors monitor light levels and automatically turn the fixture on at sundown and off at sunrise. For the sensors to work properly, it’s important to make sure there are no artificial light sources nearby, such as street lamps or flood lights. Otherwise, these may give a false reading and prevent the light from coming on.
LED bulbs are typically used for outdoor solar lighting fixtures. These use less energy than incandescent bulbs, and last far longer with a lifespan of up to 20 years. Until recent advances in technology, solar lighting was generally not as powerful as lights powered by direct current electricity. But modern super bright LEDs can now provide as much light as halogen bulbs.
Happy Gardening!Andrea Kalli
Security lighting must provide stronger illumination than solar lighting that is designed primarily for outdoor decoration. Security lights must also be more powerful, durable, and reliable than simple solar accent lighting. Here are some things to think about before you buy a solar security light.
When deciding where to place solar security lights for maximum security, you may not have many options. If the area where you most need the nighttime illumination doesn’t receive much direct sunlight during the day, it may be difficult for the solar panel component to fully recharge. For example, you may need to attach a security light to a north wall with an overhanging roof where the fixture would receive no exposure to sunlight. To avoid this problem, make sure you purchase a fixture with a… Continue reading the rest of this article...
Most people think of security features like flood lights, security lamps, and motion detectors when it comes to lighting for safety. While many people know that good outdoor lighting can be an effective way to deter crime, criminal activity isn’t the only danger that exists in dark outdoor areas. Dark stairways and edges can be even more dangerous than a prowler.
Solar lighting can provide a solution to the hazards of poor outdoor lighting. It can be used to light up steps or ramp edges that can’t easily be seen in the dark, or on walkways that cover uneven ground. For some, the cost of installing electrical wiring along a winding walkway may be prohibitive. Solar path lighting is an inexpensive alternative. Other options include solar step lights or solar lighting… Continue reading the rest of this article...
Outdoor solar post lights add a bit of classical elegance to almost any landscape design. While hanging string lights and flood lights are quite common, a home with post lights illuminating the front entryway makes a statement that distinguishes itself from the crowd.
Solar post lights come in a variety of unique and elegant designs. If your home is a traditional architectural style like Victorian, Colonial, or Craftsman, there are many beautiful traditional fixtures to choose from. On the other hand, if you prefer something sleek and modern, you can also find contemporary post lights to suit your tastes.
Early on, solar lighting did not provide as much illumination as electric lighting. Since that time, solar panel and LED technology has advanced a great deal, and modern outdoor solar lighting is just… Continue reading the rest of this article...
