eSolarLighting Blog

How do solar lights store energy and how do they work?

Solar lighting is the safest and easiest kind of outdoor lighting to install. Each light fixture contains a scientifically designed solar collector panel that converts sunlight into electrical energy. This energy is stored in highly efficient rechargeable batteries, used to light the fixture at night.

What is the difference between solar lights and incandescent or fluorescent lights?
Solar lights are equipped with LED’s. An LED is a semiconductor device that emits visible light when conducting current. Therefore, solar lamps give off a different type of light than incandescent and fluorescent lights. A common mistake is to compare wattage between LED units and their incandescent andfluorescent cousins – wattage is a function of power consumption, not brightness.

The proper measuring stick for outdoor lighting comparisons is lumens or candle feet, which measures the brightness of the light. A typical LED will give off the equivalent of a 2 watt bulb. However, LED unit is more intense and has a different angle of dispersion, while incandescent light just glows all around.

Another advantage of buying solar lights is that LED bulbs will never burn out during the lifetime of the product. Low voltage incandescent and fluorescent systems need bulb replacements often and add cost and inconvenience to the product.

How long do solar lights stay on?
The length of time that the lights stay on is dependent on the amount of sunlight received during the day. Most solar lights stay lit for up to 10 or more hours with fully charged batteries.

What advantages do solar lights offer?
Solar lights require no wiring and are very easy to install. And because they run on the sun’s energy, they cost nothing to operate. That means they also are environmentally friendly, and helps us conserve our fast-depleting regular energy resources.

Are solar lights as bright as regular lights?
Solar lights are usually not as bright as other forms of outdoor landscape lighting. Thus, instead of harsh, glaring light, you’ll have the benefit of softer, more subtle accent lighting that makes your outdoors look stunning in the dark.

What sort of maintenance will I need to be concerned with?
There is virtually no maintenance required except for occasional cleaning of the panel surface to keep it free of dust and dirt, regular battery checks, and replacing the batteries when required.

How often do the batteries need replacing?
The batteries are designed to withstand a minimum of 1000 deep discharges which is at least 1000 nights of light. They are readily available and easy to replace, rechargeable batteries.

How often will I need to replace the L.E.D. in my solar fixture?
The LED’s themselves are not replaceable. However, their life expectancy typically exceeds 25 years, based on running 10 hours every night. Thus, LED bulbs will never burn out during the lifetime of the product.