A Guide to Solar Lighting

Providing subtle ambient outdoor light fittings with solar powered lights is becoming ever more popular because of their low cost and zero running costs.

Installing solar powered lighting is much cheaper than equivalent traditional mains lighting. Because solar doesn’t require a 240 volt supply, it is much more flexible.

Performance and reliability in solar lighting have improved hugely in the last few years.

The use of LED bulbs in solar units has improved the quality of the light emitted considerably. To perform efficiently, solar light used to need hours of direct sunlight. The latest solar technology is more efficient at harvesting energy. In the coming months and years we can expect solar technology to continue to develop fast.

You have several style options for garden solar lighting. Lantern style wall lighting. Lantern post and hanging lighting. Varied size fairy light designs including; 200, 300 and 400 bulb string lights. Deck lighting for recessed mounting. Security Lighting with motion sensors. Solar lights either contain an integrated solar panel or have a remote wired solar panel. It will depend on where you intend to position the solar lights as to which design is the best design for you.

Smaller panels tend to be used in integrated solar lighting, which then require more light for a longer period in order to work efficiently.

Lights with external panels are not limited by lamp size, so have larger panels, which can additionally be placed to catch maximum sunlight. Operational performance of solar lighting can easily be improved by replacing factory fitted rechargeable batteries with high quality ones which will hold a charge for longer. Your solar lights will work better and for longer with high quality batteries fitted.

Solar Lights and Performance

For good light performance, the ideal location of your solar lights is vital. Direct sunlight is the best light energy your lights can have, so make sure you position them where they will be able to harness all the direct sunlight possible. Solar lights charge much slower in the shade, so position your lights in bright areas for best results.

Shadows & shade will reduce the ability of your lights to charge effectively, so position them carefully. As solar technology and battery evolve, we can expect to continue to see the performance of solar lighting improve further. Solar lighting product sales increase every year and are set to continue to climb for years to come.

Solar energy is good for the planet as it helps to preserve the planets precious fuel reserves while also reducing your energy bills.