Understanding LED Technology as Used in Solar Lighting

LED is an abbreviation for Light Emitting Diode. The LED lights that illuminate the fixture are numerous tiny light bulbs installed in rows and that are attached to an electrical circuit. The light that is produced by these minute bulbs is the product of electrons moving through a semi-conductor, drawing its energy from the sunlight, which in turn eliminates the need for a filament, as halogen bulbs require. This results in a long lasting, maintenance free and resourceful way to light an outdoor area. The eco friendly factor in using LED advances in lighting is the incredible efficiency these fixtures produce as compared to previous traditions in solar lighting.  LED solar lights utilize less than 0.1 watts of energy to function and will last up to 100,000 hours, which is a lot compared to an incandescent bulbs life expectancy of only 1 to 3,000 hours, and do so while emitting hardly any heat.

The Benefits of Utilizing LED Solar Powered LED Lights

The advantages of LED solar lighting are many, but one of the most obvious and attractive benefits is cost savings.  LED lights are extremely efficient and after the initial purchase, will cost nothing to operate. Because of such advances in technology, the initial purchase price of most solar power LED lights are feasible and an economical upfront expenditure for most homeowners or business operators. LED is the green, eco friendly option for those that wish to use renewable resources and hope to eliminate emitting harmful fumes and gases into the atmosphere. Above all, utilizing LED solar lighting is convenient and reliable. A solitary, small panel can create enough charge for several path lights, which can optionally come on automatically at nightfall. The issue of wiring is not a factor, meaning solar powered LED lighting can be used practically anywhere you need to create illumination.  Most solar lights are DIY savvy, meaning there will be no cost for installation, making them an even more viable and affordable option for those looking to create lighting in a space.

The Advances in Modern LED Solar Lighting

The recent advances in modern solar lighting have dramatically increased the brightness of LED lighting, which will now compare easily to incandescent fixtures, as before, LEDs were efficient, but simply not bright enough for the preferences of many home or business owners. In addition, the once, what if the sun doesn’t shine today fear is no more, as advances have improved so that even on the cloudiest of days, LED solar power lights will still emit light at sundown. Once a major downfall for LED solar lighting, modern technology has increased the vividness displayed by the fixtures, as now, manufactures increase the amount of bulbs in the fixtures, therefore increasing the light output and satisfying those once weary of the dimness of LEDs.  Another advancement includes the coloring that LED solar lighting gives off, which are measured by a Kelvin (K) rating, meaning many who once were not fanatical about the bluish, artificial tone the LEDs produced can now get the same, warm coloring that halogen bulbs create. The higher the Kelvin rating means the more bluish, and often undesirable the tones will be. As a measurable reference, 3000(K) is the halogen coloring many are used to being exposed to, such as inside a home.

Undoubtedly, the use of solar powered lighting is increasing due to the many advantages offered. Moreover, the utilization of solar powered LED lights is ever increasing as the many technological advancements make them more desirable now than ever before.

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What are Your Options?

There are so many solar powered flood lights on the market that one will not have any problem finding a set of lights that is both suitable and affordable. These lights are best purchased on the internet, as online retail sites usually have a better selection of solar lights and better prices than a regular retailer. Maxsa, Designers Edge, Cooper Lighting and Heath Zenith are some of the best known brand names to choose from.

Solar Flood Light 108 LEDs

Besides regular solar floodlights, there are also solar powered motion activated flood lights. Lights that are motion activated are ideal for a homeowner who does not want a bright light shining in his or her yard all night. These lights will warn a person if an intruder is in the yard. They are also ideal for use near the driveway, as they will light up the driveway as the car drives in and then automatically turn themselves off after one has entered the house. The only downside to solar powered motion activated lights is that an outdoor pet will also set them off.

Solar powered decorative lights are good for a homeowner who is looking for lights that are both bright and decorative. Some of these lights are shaped as rocks and look quite nice on the driveway. Other decorative solar flood lights resemble small spotlights.

Tips on Choosing the Right Solar Lights for Your Yard

A person who wants to purchase solar lights for the yard should consider all the options. While solar flood lights are a good option, especially if the safety of the home is an issue, they are not always the best choice. One may want to consider investing in outdoor solar wall lights; these are installed on the outside wall of the house and provide a good amount of lighting. Many outdoor solar wall lights are also made with a built in motion detector.

Those who do not need a lot of light in their yard may want to use solar path lights or even a solar statue in the yard. Solar path lights come in many sizes and they can be purchased individually or in sets of two, four, half a dozen or more. Such lights may be elegant and ornate in style or simple and modern.

A solar statue may also provide enough light for a small yard. These can be found available for sale online and are made in the shape of an angel, animal, flower or some other attractive form. However, they are usually more expensive than the other forms of solar lighting mentioned above.

Solar flood lights are often the best option for a yard that needs good lighting. These lights come in various styles, shapes and sizes and can be easily purchased over the internet. However, solar powered flood lights are not the only way to illuminate a yard at night. One should look at a number of solar lights for sale online and see which lights provide the right amount of lighting for the yard, garden, pool area or outdoor porch.

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So, without further ado, here is a guest post from Sun Run, complete with infographic:

Solar panel technology has changed little since it’s inception in 1894. Certain refinements have increased output and produced higher efficiencies, while the technology surrounded battery technology has improved our ability to store the energy collected.

The technology for solar has made it a reasonable alternative to other forms of power, in terms of investment, for some time now. There have even been federal incentive programs since the 1950′s in attempt to encourage Americans to create their own power and soften the impact on the grid.

What has really changed is the cost per watt in comparison to the cost of competitive renewable and non-renewable energies.

This is true with every technology. The more we make, the cheaper it gets. The cheaper it gets, the more likely it’s going to be used by the largest number of people. More importantly, the cheaper it gets, the more available it is to the average entrepreneur to enter the market.

From our humble beginnings of discovery in 1839, to the now burgeoning market for inexpensive, easily available solar, we’ve come along way to parity.

And now, with so many solar companies offering lease programs, the cost of installing solar on your home or business has dropped so significantly, it can often be purchased with little or no money down. Now that is incentive.

Infographic by SunRun – Home Solar Leasing Made Easy

Thanks, guys, for the awesome contribution!

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Set the Stage for Summer

There is nothing as calming, after a long hot day, than sitting by water that is dancing with soft glowing light. Many families spend hours each evening relaxing, enjoying, and swimming together by the glow in the water. Children, young and old, love the magical feel of a backyard lagoon that is alight. Shimmering waters are sure to be the silent source of many happy memories for families and friends.

Get Creative with your Lighting

Available in many shapes, sizes, colors and designs, these floating luminaries can be as simple as a white dome, or as fun as colored butterflies and dragonflies. Let your creative side loose by mixing and matching a handful. Sit back and watch the water come alive. Allow the different colors to mix and mingle as they gently float across the water. Begin a race by placing the lights of choice at the shallow end of the pool and then jumping into the deep end. Honestly, whether you are sipping a cocktail poolside or doing a cannon ball to soak the crowd, your sun powered lighting will add that extra touch to make the moment even more special.

You Get Your Money’s Worth

Solar lights deliver a big financial reward as they decorate your pool and yard. The first benefit is that they simply do not cost that much. What little you do pay for the solar lights is quickly recovered, as the energy they use is free. Charged during the day by the energy of our sun, once you make your initial purchase, you never have to pay for these lights again.

No Thought Energy

Solar lights are one of life’s simplest pleasures. Once you toss them in the pool, you honestly do not need to think about them again. They spend their day’s becoming fully charged, and then at dusk begin to glow. There are no electrical cords to panic about around the water and no batteries to remember to change. They simply take care of themselves.

No Matter What Color Solar Lights you Choose, They Will Always be “Green”

Earth friendliness is the latest buzz in the media and among marketing strategists today. Everyone is trying to capitalize on the hearts of the consumer who cares about the planet and its resources. Honestly, we all need to care. Our children’s children will be thankful we looked for new and improved ways to do the things we do each day. From recycling, public transportation, and alternative energy sources like wind and solar power, everything we do makes a “now and then” impact on our planet and our future. Solar Lights are a small way to make a big difference. Consider the benefit of not having used batteries to dispose of anymore. That alone makes a huge long-term impact. These atmosphere setting little lights do so much more than illuminate water, they help keep our planet healthy.

Solar Pool Lights are a Must Have

Take the time to choose the variety and colors of solar pool lights that fit your family, life, and style. Set them adrift in the water and turn on your favorite music. Bring out your refreshments, sit back, and enjoy the evening. The simple, affordable, and efficient solar pool lights are sure to make this time with family and friends a time to remember.

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3. 5 Uses for Solar Energy

The likes of wind turbine power, hydro power, bio-fuel and a vast range of other possible energy sources have been in development for quite some time, however are not in common use. Energy produced from the likes of the Snowy Hydro scheme, or the massive wind turbine farms in Goulburn or Blayney play a small part in energy generation. However, for the most part many of us still rely on coal produced electricity to turn on our lights, heat our homes or cook our food.

One energy source that is growing in use is solar panels, and you would be surprised at just how many areas of our everyday lives it can already be applied to — or is already in use.

1. Small items and gadgets
Think about it. How many times have you picked up a dual powered calculator? Ironically used a solar powered torch? Taken a solar shower camping? Solar power is all around us, and has been used for decades to power some of the small gadgets we use every day. Items like calculators use dual energy — solar and battery — so you can conserve the energy in the small battery for when it’s really needed, and for the most part, use solar energy to operate the device.

Traditionally camping is an activity that is undertaken off the grid away from energy sources and from other people. For years avid campers have relied on solar power and heat from fire to power conveniences they would otherwise leave at home. Everything from radios to showers, generators and fridges can rely on solar energy to make your camping experience more enjoyable. Think about it — you’ve probably relied on solar energy much more than you realize.

2. The pool
The backyard pool, and even the local community pool have been long-time users of solar energy. Retaining some warmth in water temperature can mean the difference between a three month swimming season in some areas, and a six month one. Cheaper options for using the sun without any high-tech tools simply involve a blanket over the pool in the evenings to reduce heat loss through the night. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see solar panels near the pool that actively produce energy to actually warm the pool, as opposed to just retaining the sun’s natural heating of the water.

3. The car
It might be an odd thought, cars operating on the energy of the sun, but it has been a popular idea for years, and one that manufacturers are working on. While it is not common to see a solar car driving around, small solar functions are becoming more and more common, such as solar panels on the roof that are designed to produce energy that will cool down the car before you get in it. Imagine — using the sun to cool down your hot car!

4. Water
Solar heated water is increasingly common, especially in rural areas and in the likes of Canada. This form of heating not only reduces energy bills, but provides a constant service that is environmentally friendly.

5. The home
A more common idea, is the use of solar panels for your home, in place of, or to compliment electricity. The Australian government saw the value in this alternative and encouraged it through subsidies in installation costs, and despite a change in policy, the use of solar power is becoming an increasingly attractive option for households struggling with growing energy bills.

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Solar power is a broad spectrum energy solution for practically any domestic environment. It’s a built in cost saver, providing an endless source of energy. You can drastically reduce your power bills quickly and efficiently while doing your bit to save the environment.

Home power supplies only require so much energy. Solar power can generate just about all the power required for the average home. As a matter of fact, the economics of solar power have been improving exponentially as solar technology develops. Modern solar panels are far more efficient than they were 30 years ago, with greatly increased cost savings.

Domestic power systems can actually make money, as well as saving it. One of the reasons that “selling power back to the grid” has become a virtually standard phrase related to solar energy is that solar energy systems are extremely efficient. It is quite common to run a modern home, even a “smart home” with many electronic systems and still have spare energy to sell to the grid.

Selecting your solar power system

When selecting your solar power system there are a few basic issues:

• Budget – How much do you want to spend? Standard solar installations are clearly priced and there are often good deals available. It’s advisable to shop around to check out your pricing options.

• What you need – Have a look at your power bill, and check out your energy usage. It’s a good idea to base your power requirements on a figure somewhat above your peak energy usage. This allows you to calculate the solar power system you need allows for extra demand, bearing in mind that you can sell any excess back to the grid.

• Remote or off-grid power requirements – Do you have outside structures which require their own power supply? Solar power is ideal for these situations, providing a reliable, low maintenance power supply option even for remote rural buildings and business operations which may be expensive to connect to the power grid.

• Swimming pools – Heated swimming pools are wonderful things, but they can also put quite a strain on the domestic power system. It is now considered best practice in the swimming pool industry to use solar electricity as a good, cheap, cost-effective power system.

Shopping for solar power systems

By far the best approach to shopping for solar power systems is to shop around online first. The big advantage in this approach is that you can also check out the new systems coming onto the market, including new technological options and a range of new solar products. It’s worthwhile to get directly in touch with the solar power suppliers, and have a “meeting of the minds” about your specific requirements. You’ll find that the solar suppliers will be able to give you some very good options and also clear up any questions you may have about your solar needs.

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Patio lighting

Everybody has their own tastes regarding external lighting, and a large area like a patio really does involve making a few decisions about how you want the area to be lit. Most people don’t like really garish lights, and let’s face it, nobody likes the power bills much, either.

Good lighting also involves design, and as most people know only too well, working with wiring for external areas is very much an acquired taste. Few homeowners are overjoyed with the idea of putting live electrical fittings in areas where they might get wet or need servicing.

There’s a further complication in the fact that external lighting can be quite difficult to install in some places. Installation can involve quite literally taking apart parts of the house, which is both expensive and in some cases more trouble than it’s worth. There’s only so much the average human being is prepared to do to install a light globe.

Solar patio lights

Solar patio lights have turned out to be the ideal solution to all these issues. They’re cheap, efficient and they don’t need wiring. Typical solar lights provide subdued lighting around the external areas of the house, and the more powerful solar mag and spot lights can do the job where stronger lighting is required.

Solar lights are also a lot easier to work with in areas with complex designs. If you have a patio which includes a pergola, you may want a range of lighting effects to highlight the various external features. This is a lifestyle choice, and fortunately for consumers there’s a gigantic range of choices available in types and sizes of solar lights.

There’s no need to worry about style issues, either. Ever since solar light designers found out that you can put a solar light in practically any form of cover, everything from solar  garden gnomes to solar light fish have been coming on the market regularly.

There’s a further advantage in solar lights which rarely gets a mention. Solar lights are very easy to manage, and because they’re not actually fittings it’s very easy to get repair work done if necessary. Most of the smaller lights can simply be replaced, without fuss. The bigger lights are all portable and in most cases all that ever needs to happen is to simply change a globe and perhaps the odd wiring replacement once in a blue moon.

Solar patio lights are so popular and so useful that they’re actively replacing many of the old external lighting systems. They’re certainly far more cost-effective, and generally pay for themselves in power savings within the first year. If you’re looking for great lighting for your patio, start with solar lights.

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3. 5 Reasons to Use Solar Rock Lights in Your Home Garden

1. Affordable, yet durable materials

The primary materials used in creating garden lights, such as these synthetic rocks, are hard polyethylene plastic and treated polyresin. Although both of these materials are inherently tough, they are coated with additional toughening substances to ensure resistance to scratching, breakage, and weather. Additionally, the light bulb used is inserted into the rock while the solar panel is attached on top of the rock, making them both immune to loosening or damage.

2. Easy to transport and install

If you need to transport several solar rock lights at a time, a large plastic bag is all you will need. As you go from location to location in your lawn, simply dropping them into place is all that is required. You can return to them later to make the appropriate angle adjustments, and if you need to tilt some of them, you can use stones or loose soil to raise the side which needs to be elevated. Because of the ease of installing these types of garden lights, you can rearrange them as often as you like.

3. A wide range of designs and colors

Solar rock lights are made to resemble different types of rocks. As such, there are a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors to choose from. If you want a rock that appears to be covered by moss, select a green one. If you want a rock that isn’t as noticeable, and can blend into a colored background, there are red, brown, and black rocks available. If you want to take the opposite approach and put the lights on display, polyresin rocks with animal or floral patterns painted on them might be appropriate.

4. Resistant to harsh weather conditions

As with most types of outdoor solar lighting, all the materials used for creating solar rock lights have been treated for protection against harsh conditions of weather. Once in their places, you won’t need to be concerned that extremes of heat and cold will warp or break the material, as they are made to withstand both heat and cold equally well. Further, forms of precipitation, such as rain, snow, or sleet are no match for these hard-wearing decorative rocks.

5. An ideal night light

As opposed to harsher lighting used for construction purposes, such as spotlights, solar rock lights give your yard a comfortable, yet practical level of illumination; perfect for children to play, or night time dinners to be had. What’s more, this form of lighting is uni-directional, meaning it will only light the portion of your yard directly in front of the bulb, so as not to disturb the neighbors. Lastly, solar rock lights serve safety purposes as well, helping to prevent trips and falls, as well as deterring pesky night time bandits, such as burglars and vandals.

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As you likely know, in recent years the importance of lessening our dependence on oil and other non-sustainable energy sources has become increasingly clear. And now with this very deep and stubborn recession that we are experiencing, most of us need to save money on energy costs more than ever before. One good, simple way to do this is to use solar lights. These are lights powered by solar energy. The lights store energy from sunlight during the day, and then come on at night. One of the most popular uses for these lights is to illuminate garden walkways. Another popular use is for outdoor Christmas displays. For example, many people use solar powered fairy lights. These are individual bulbs strung together on a string, and resemble the traditional electric lights you would use on a Christmas tree. The number of bulbs on a string varies from less than fifty to two hundred or more.

You may think that outdoor solar lights are not a viable option if you live in a place where there is not constant sun, but this is not the case. Because these lights do not require as much energy as most devices that use electricity, they do not require exposure to many hours of direct sunlight. As with other simple devices that don’t require much power, such as solar powered watches and calculators, the light from an overcast sky is sufficient.

Solar lights are also not as expensive as you might think. For example, a set of ten lights used to line a garden walkway costs around $25. A string of 150 solar powered fairy lights costs around $80. While that latter price is somewhat higher than you are used to paying for traditional electric lights for your Christmas tree, you must keep in mind that in the long run you are saving money, since you don’t add to your electricity bill when you use them. The bulbs last for as many as a hundred thousand hours of illumination before needing to be replaced.

Solar lights are not directly powered by the sun. They are LED bulbs that are powered by rechargeable batteries. The batteries are within a solar control box. This box is what needs to be placed where it will receive as much light as possible, so the sunlight can recharge the batteries. The lights are connected to the box by a cable. One advantage of this indirect use of the sun’s energy is that you can use the lights in dark places indoors that never get much light. However, you would need to run a cable outside, so solar lights are mainly used outdoors.

The best way to get a good deal on solar powered fairy lights and other types of solar lights is to do some patient searching on the internet. Use a search engine such as Google or Bing, and use a variety of search terms. To find stores that specialize in solar products, use a phrase like “solar store”. If you want to find a brick and mortar store where you could see the lights in person before you purchase, add your city or region to the search phrase. However, the best prices almost always are found in Internet-only stores that ship the product to you.

When you do your searching, focus first on finding the lights that you like best. There is a large variety of shapes, colors, and sizes to choose from. Look at at least ten different models before making any decisions, and be sure to look for customer reviews of the specific lights you are considering. Then do a search for the particular makes and models you like the best, and add words like “price” or “lowest” to your search phrase to find the best price.

Using solar powered fairy lights is a great, economical way to start “going green”. Buy some today; you’ll be glad you did.

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So without further ado the official Solar Lights FAQ:

Q – Are solar lights any good?

A – I have seen this question everywhere, and the answer is yes and no.  A few years ago, when the solar garden lights revolution was just beginning, they were expensive and poorly made.  As with any product, they have developed, and most are of good quality.  Also, as with any other type of product, there are still companies that put out poor quality lights, but finding lights that have a lot of really good customer reviews is easier now, so staying away from poor quality products is much easier.

Q – Are solar lights more expensive to purchase than low voltage lighting?

A – That used to be the case, but not any more.  You already know that they are cheaper to run, because they don’t use up electricity, but they are actually cheaper to buy now too.  An easy example would be to take a set of low voltage lights and solar lights from the same manufacturer and compare them head to head.

Here is a Moonrays 95534 10-Fixture Low-Voltage Plastic Lighting Kit.  It comes with 10 lights and the chord and plug for about $40 from amazon.com.

Now compare that to this Moonrays 91225 Verona Style Solar Powered Plastic Path Light 10 Pack.  Also a pack of 10.  Yes, the style is a little different, but of pretty much the same quality, and it is more than $10 less expensive.

If you are looking for something of a little more quality and of a little nicer style, check out these Outdoor Solar Landscape Path Lights Stainless Steel Pack of 12.  For only $44, you get 12 lights (2 more than the other 2) and they are stainless.  Very stylish.  So, you see? Solar lights are actually LESS expensive than low voltage landscape lights – especially if you consider install cost.

Q – What kind of maintenance should I be expected to perform on them?

A – Not much, actually.  Most types of outdoor solar lights are built so that you do not need to do anything more than wipe off the panels every once in a while.  If they use LED bulbs (as most do), the bulbs will typically last for 10,000 to 50,000 hours – depending on the model.  As for the batteries, they will also usually last for the lifetime of the fixture.  If your batteries  do happen to die, they are usually pretty easy to replace.

Q – How long should the lights stay lit at night?

A – This also depends on the model.  As a rule of thumb – the brighter the lights, the less time it will stay lit.  Let’s take an example from each extreme of the spectrum.  Solar security lights are very bright, but are only meant to stay lit for a couple of minutes at a time, when they detect motion in the area.  On the other hand, solar accent lights have a faint glow and can easily last all night on even a 75% or so charge.  On average, your typical garden path light should last for about 10 hours or so, on a full charge.

Q – Are solar lights as bright as conventional lighting?

A – Typically, no, they are not.  Using the logic from the above question, they can be as bright, but they will not stay lit as long.  The exception to this rule is when you have lights that have a separate panel and power storage device.  If you can convert enough sunlight into energy, and have a place to store that energy, you can (in theory) light a path to the moon.

Q – How do I know how bright the lights are going to be?

A – The easiest way that I have found to make sure you get the right “brightness” out of your lights is to go to a hardware store and check out the flashlight isle.  Compare the lumens of different LED flashlights.  Now compare that info to the lumen ratings of different light fixtures and picking out the right lights for your landscape should be easy.

Q – Why are my solar lights flickering?

A – This is something that happens from time to time (thankfully not too often).  Usually, when this happens, it is due to either a wiring short, or the lighting sensor getting unreliable information. There are a few things that you should check.

The first thing to try is cleaning your panels. Often, the sensor that decides whether it is day or night is built into the solar panel.  If the panel is dirty the lights might be trying to decide whether it is day or night.

Another possibility is that some moisture got its way into the fixture and is playing havoc with the wiring.  Bring the light inside, disassemble the fixture, remove the batteries, and try to air it out.  Look for any loose wires while you are at it.

If neither of these works, you may need to replace the fixture.

Q – How do I decide whether or not solar lights are for me?

A – The biggest consideration is the amount of sunlight you regularly get.  If you live in a relatively sunny area, and are looking for an eco-friendly way to light up your property, solar lights are your best bet.  At any rate, you will want to check out all of the questions above, and other articles on this site as well.  Pay special attention to the “Recommended Reading” section on the right sidebar.

If there are other questions that I did not cover here, please ask them in a comment, or by using the contact form.

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