How do solar lights work?
During the day, the solar panel converts sunlight into electricity and recharges the battery. At night, the light turns on automatically with the electricity stored during that day. The number of hours the light stays depends on your geographical location, weather conditions and seasonal lighting availability. Therefore, it's okay to assume that solar lights best work during summer and not as much during winter or rainy seasons. Another important factor is the location of the solar panel that captures the sunlight. The least obstruction or the least shade to avail of maximum exposure to sun helps the solar unit to function at best. For example, the lawn or a driveway without surrounding trees, the top of the roof are ideal locations for solar lights.
What is the best location for solar lights?
Choose an outdoor location with full, direct sunlight where solar lights can receive at least 8 hours of sunlight each day. Shadowed locations will not allow the battery to charge fully and will reduce the hours of nighttime lighting. The selected location should not be near night time light sources such as porch lights or streetlights as these may cause solar lights to turn off automatically. Solar Lights are ideal for night lighting of garden, lawn, patio, walks, or wherever accent lighting is needed.
When do you apply the on or off switch positions for Solar Lights?
Do not put the switch to the "off" position until the solar light is allowed to charge in full sunlight for 8 hours with the switch "on". This allows the rechargeable battery to reach maximum capacity. If the light does not turn on after 8 hours of charging, make sure the slide switch is in the "on" position. Check the battery to ensure that they are making securely contact with the terminal. Be sure that the light is in a bright sunny location and not in a shady area. Solar lights must be ON at all times to function during the day (capturing sunlight) and during dark to light up. The only time any solar unit is turned off is when it is being stored away (i.e. solar Christmas lights). Whenever possible, it is also best to remove the rechargeable solar batteries to ensure that the life of the battery is not consumed.
When is the rechargeable battery replaced?
If the light stops working after it has been used for a long time (about over 18 months), maybe the battery is beyond its lifespan. The batteries are designed to withstand a minimum of 1000 deep discharges which is at least 1000 nights of light. Rechargeable solar batteries for smaller solar units with smaller bulbs tend to last longer compared to bigger solar units with bigger, brighter bulbs. Bigger and brighter bulbs are more efficient. Therefore, if you are able to enjoy the solar unit for at least a year before replacing the batteries, the solar unit has served its purpose and more when upon replacing with a fully charged, new battery it continues to function day in and day out just like the first time.
When is the LED lamp or bulb replaced?
The lifetime of the LED lamp or bulb is over 100,000 hours. It's likely that you may never need to change it.
Are solar lights as bright as regular lights?
No. The lights are softer, more subtle accent lighting that makes the outdoor surroundings look stunning in the dark. However, as productions of solar lights continue due to increased demand and popularity, like science, they come out better and better as improved. Examples are the PL2200 and the C5117 the light up so good especially during the summer months that it can't be told if they are solar powered or electric powered. The only disadvantage of the PL2200 is that the frame's head, post and base are made of solid, heavy metal. The PL2200's sturdiness is well appreciated but first ask for shipping costs before placing an order. The C5117 is solid rock. It's elegance and sturdiness is well appreciated but due to its weight, ask for cost of shipping before placing an order. Both units are highly recommended for its performance, elegance and super brightness.
What are the advantages of solar lights that make them unique compared to regular lights?
Solar lights require no wiring and are very easy to install. No electric bills to pay because its power source is free, the sun. It is, therefore, energy saving as it is environmentally friendly. Imagine during a power outage in a neighborhood and only properties with solar lights remain lit because they don't rely on electricity to function. Even better to realize when on vacation away from home for a longer period of time, no need to reset the timers for electric lights because the solar units work round the clock (generate sun energy during the day and turn on automatically at dark).
What sort of maintenance is required for solar lights?
Other than replacing its battery once between 1 to 2 years, the panel surface may need occasional cleaning to remove dust and dirt.
Can I use my solar lights indoors?
Yes. Put the solar lights outside during the day and take back indoors for illuminating. A fully charged solar light will work anywhere that is dark.
Will I still be able to use solar lights in winter?
Yes but not as powerful as when it generates strong sunlight during summer months. Keep snow and debris cleaned off the solar panel so the battery can recharge. If it's going to snow, turn the switch to the OFF position. After the snow melts, charge the light for 8 hours in full, direct sunlight, for the battery to charge to full capacity. Then place the switch to ON position. However, solar technology keeping improving during the years, it is really amazing how solar powered Christmas lights, for instance, function during the winter holidays. A good solar unit should be able to function all year round.
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