A Guide to Buying Solar Lighting
Solar powered lighting is more cost effective than ever and is a free way to provide subtle ambient lighting in the garden.
Solar powered lighting is much faster and simpler to install than mains powered lighting. Solar lighting is ideal for inaccessible and remote locations that don’t have a convenient 240 volt supply.
The advances in technological development have dramatically improved solar lighting products during the past few years.
Illumination has been increased while simultaneously reducing power consumption through the use of LED bulbs. In order to be able to charge fully, solar lighting used to need lots of direct sunlight. Recent solar technology harvest energy much more efficiently. This technology is set to continue improving and becoming even more efficient in the next few years.
Several different types of solar lighting are available. Lanterns with wall mounting. Hanging or post mount lanterns. Fairy light strings in different designs. Deck lighting which is mounted flush with the timber surface. Security Lighting with motion sensors. Solar panels for lights are either built into the light unit itself, or housed in a wired, remote panel. Different applications will suit the two different designs as each has its own pros and cons.
Integrated light units often have smaller solar panels and so require more light in order to function well.
External panels, correctly positioned will charge lights faster and more reliably as they can be placed in the ideal location for maximum sunlight. Replacing factory fitted rechargeable batteries with high quality batteries will improve your solar lights’ performance. Original batteries from the Far East are often unreliable and so replacing them makes sense.
Solar Lighting Performance
Where you site your solar lights will determine how well they can work. The more direct sunlight your solar lights receive, the better they will work for you. The brighter the conditions, the better your lights will be able to perform for you.
Shadows cast over your solar lights will reduce their ability to charge, so position them with thought. Solar lighting performance is governed mostly by solar panel technology and battery technology. As these two areas develop, solar lighting will develop too. The annual sales of solar lighting products are growing every year.
Solar energy is free energy and not only reduces energy bills, but is less harmful for the planet and its finite resources.