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Facts on Solar Powered Lights
from: Forsgrens
Solar power lights are perfect for applications that have no regular power source and that need accent lighting. Advances in the lights’ solar cells and batteries have allowed more solar energy to be converted to electricity and stored in batteries at night. During the long summer days, especially during the start of summer, solar powered batteries stay brightly lit during the entire night.
Solar powered lights shine brightest during its first few hours of operation then gradually fluctuate during night. These lights won’t work well when it is cloudy, rainy, or during winter. At least 8 hours of sunlight and fully charged batteries will make solar powered lights powerful enough.
Most solar powered lighting kits are not as bright as low voltage, electric powered lights. But new models can adequately highlight plants, mark a path, or provide simple security. Solar powered lights need no wires. Just put them on the ground, and move them anytime you wish. Solar powered lights also use renewable energy and are non–pollutants. Solar powered lights have built–in light sensors that automatically turn off during the day and turn on at night.
In the past, solar cells were (and many still are) very weak and could not hold a consistent charge for more than a few hours. Now, solar lighting designers and engineers have been able to use advanced light emitting diode lamps that draw minimal current yet provide intense light output. LED lamps are so efficient that one lamp can last for several years before being replaced.
NiCAD (Nickel Cadmium) or NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargeable batteries are used to power solar batteries. These batteries can last for one year under normal conditions.
Types of Solar Lights
1) Garden Lights
Solar powered garden lights emit a light that is luminous enough to accent plants. The designs of these lights are also good enough to complement the plant designs. These can be wonderful garden decorations. Some lights have been designed to look like mushrooms, dwarves, birds, flowers, and other natural elements of the garden. Other lights are designed to be nice complements to a garden. Most garden lights are low lights that are usually on the ground.
2) Outdoor Lights
This is the simplest and safest way to light landscape environments. Compared to conventional 12V and 120V outdoor lights, solar powered outdoor lights have great electric consumption cost savings! Solar cells collect light during the day and recharge its lithium batteries. With light sensors, these lights automatically turn on at dusk. Normal operating time is 8–10 hours when fully charged. Lights automatically recharge during the next day. Types of outdoor lights may include hanging lights, wall mounted lamps, or even low post lamps.
3) Landscape Lights
These lights use a small, photovoltaic (PV) cell to charge a battery that is integrated into the lighting fixture itself. After being charged by the sun all day, the battery provides power to the lamp to illuminate the landscapes during nightfall. These lights often provide the most powerful illumination of the three types.
Landscape lights come in various styles. Some have decorative designs that are made of die case metal for durability and styling detail. Some may even resemble lamppost lighting fixtures that make some large landscapes look great!
Always consider the surrounding geography of your home before planning where to put your landscape lights. The most critical is the placement of the PV panel since any interference to the cell will affect the performance of the landscape lights. Make sure that the PV panel will be placed in a spot where virtually nothing will cover it so it can absorb the maximum amount of sunlight. If your area is full of trees and surrounding buildings, solar powered landscape lights may not be for you.
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