Solar lights has a specific task to complete. The task of solar lights are to provide illumination for areas using the energy collect from the sun. The brightness of solar lights must be selected correct; if the brightness of the solar lights is too low, the lights will not provide enough light for the area to be seen good, but if the brightness is too high for the area, the lights will drain the battery too quick.
The brightness of solar lights is measured in lumens, but the actual brightness of solar lights in use may differ from the lumen measurement listed in the product box. A reference chart can be used to compare solar lights of different brands, brightness setting and battery types. The brightness of solar lights should be matched to the purpose of the lights.
How to Choose and Install Solar Lights
Pathway lights is used to mark the edges of walkways and steps but should be set to a brightness that does not illuminate the entire garden. Security lights are used to make an individual visible from a distance so they should be brighter then pathway lights. Motion sensor security lights increase in brightness when the motion sensor detect movement in the area which increases the visibility of an individual when they are in the monitored area.
The chemistry of the battery for solar lights affect how long the lights will work after the sun sets. Nickel metal hydride batteries are low cost but lose there ability to hold a charge in cold temperatures. Lithium ion batteries hold more charge than nickel metal hydride batteries so they last longer but is heavier.
Lithium iron phosphate batteries are the most durable for use in cold climates; they hold their charge even in cold temperatures and endure a high number of charge cycle. The climate in which the lights will be used should determine the battery chemistry. The amount of sunlight that falls on the solar panel determine how long the lights will remain on.
Solar panel light systems require sunlight to charge the battery and the amount of sunlight that falls on the panel vary with the time of the year and the region in which the lights are to be used. If they are to be used in an area with fewer number of sunny days per year, solar panels will store less energy to allow the lights to function. Therefore, solar lights should be purchased with consideration of the month with the least amount of sunlight because the lights should function throughout the winter months as well.
The modes in which solar lights are to operate will impact the way in which they utilize the energy in their battery. Motion activated modes allow solar lights to be off most of the night but turn on when motion is spotted which conserve battery life. Dusk to dawn modes will remain on all of the night which requires a larger battery and solar panel to provide the light throughout the night.
You can purchase solar lights with one or the other mode or a combination mode according to the desired function of the lights. The installation of the solar lights will impact there efficiency. Solar lights that is installed in shaded areas will charge their batteries more slow which will result in them providing less light into the area throughout the night.
The solar panel should be tilted toward the sun and be clear of leaves or snow cover which will permit it to collect the maximum amount of sunlight. The height that the lights are installed can also impact the function of the lights; motion sensor lights that are too high will not be able to detect movement but lights that are too low will create glare for those walking in the area. Each of these factor should be considered in the purchase and installation of the solar lights to ensure they function as they should.