Solar powered yard lighting
The Best Outdoor Solar Lights of 2022
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
Photo: amazon.com
Outdoor solar lights simplify exterior illumination, providing beautiful, functional lighting without the need for wiring. These lights are available in a variety of forms to give your backyard or patio a cozy glow, light up gardens and walking paths, or improve home safety and security. They’re economical, too, since they harness power from the sun rather than ratchet up your electric bill.
The top outdoor solar light options are easy to install, provide reliable lighting, and suit your specific needs. Yet, with so many outdoor solar lighting options available, it can be tough to find what’s right for the setup of your property, not to mention your aesthetic sense. This guide will help you understand what to look for when shopping and offer insights into some of the best outdoor solar lights on the market today. Brilliant!
- BEST OVERALL: Brightech Ambience Pro Solar Hanging String Lights
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Aootek Solar Security Lights
- BEST PATH: Hampton Bay Black Integrated LED Landscape Path Light
- BEST STEP: JackyLED 3 LED Solar Step Lights
- BEST WELL: Bell + Howell Solar Disk Lights
- BEST WALL: Home Zone Security Solar Wall Lanterns
- BEST SPOTLIGHT: InnoGear Upgraded Solar Outdoor Spotlights
- BEST FLOOD: Sunforce 120 LED Triple Head Solar Motion Light
- BEST FAIRY LIGHTS: Amir Solar String Lights
- BEST FOR GARDENS: Beau Jardin 8-Pack, Color Changing Solar Lights
Photo: pinterest.com
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Outdoor Solar LightsOutdoor solar lights can be used for a variety of reasons, from creating a warm and cozy ambience to providing security lighting. When shopping for the best outdoor solar lights for your space, consider the lighting type, brightness and settings, charge time, runtime, and installation process.
TypeThere are various types of outdoor solar lights. In fact, there’s a solar version of almost every popular wired outdoor lighting type, including the following:
- String lights have a long cable with bulbs evenly spaced along the length. They typically shed a soft glow to create a cozy ambience rather than a strong, bright light for security or safety purposes. Variations include Christmas lights, bistro lights, and fairy lights.
- Path lights are used to illuminate walkways brightly, adding aesthetic appeal and improving safety. The best solar path lights are often mounted on stakes, which are inserted into the ground lining the path.
- Flood lights are a form of security lighting with a wide angle designed to flood an area with bright illumination. Flood lights often have motion sensors to activate only when needed.
- Spotlights are used to highlight a specific area, like a statue or garden fountain. These bright lights have a narrow beam and an adjustable lighting angle.
- Step lights for outdoor use illuminate stairs, such as those leading to a porch or deck. They make it safer to walk up and down stairs at night and add an attractive touch.
- Wall lights are installed on vertical surfaces to illuminate the surrounding area for decorative and functional purposes. They can be mounted on exterior walls, fences, and deck posts.
To choose the right brightness level for solar lights, consider intended use. For lighting a patio dining area, dimmer, softer lights are a more aesthetic pick. For security lighting, a brighter light is best to both startle and possibly identify any intruders.
Light brightness is measured in lumens. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. Most indoor night lights produce under 50 lumens, while flood lights often produce around 1,000 lumens. For decorative illumination (like for string lights and other ambient options), under 100 lumens ought to do the trick. Functional lighting for paths and stairs should be around 100 or 200 lumens. Look for a light that emits over 700 lumens for security lighting.
Color temperature and brightness sometimes go hand in hand. Warm outdoor solar lights have a yellow tone for setting a cozy ambience, so they often come as dimmer lights. Cool lights have a whiter or bluer hue that is suited for functional or security lightning, so cool lights are often brighter.
Some outdoor solar lights operate with a simple on-off mechanism, while others have adjustable settings and modes. Some commonly found settings include adjustable brightness, automatic on-off, ambient-light sensing, motion-sensing features, and light-show features (like flashing or twinkling settings).
Charging Time and RuntimeOutdoor solar lights harness energy throughout the day and usually take around 6 to 8 hours to charge. Once fully charged, they can run anywhere from 4 hours to more than 10 hours into the night.
Factors like the weather and solar panel placement can affect both charging time and battery life. When it comes to solar light performance, the sunnier, the better. If you plan on placing the solar lights in a shady area, consider a solar light with a separate solar panel, which allows the charging panel to be placed in an area that receives more direct sun a few feet away from the lights.
Some solar lights have an ambient light sensor to switch on automatically when the sun sets, while others have manual on-off switches. If battery life is a main priority, look for lights that can be manually controlled to save battery life. Another option is motion-sensing lights, which will only switch on when they sense activity nearby.
InstallationIn general, outdoor solar lights are designed with ease of installation in mind. They’re built for consumers who want simple lighting solutions that don’t require outdoor wiring.
The lighting type and intended location can give shoppers a better idea of the installation process. String lights and those with stakes are among the easiest to install; string lights can be draped wherever they’re needed, and staked lights just need a soft enough spot in the ground. Wall lights or deck lights often need to be mounted, but many come with hardware such as screws for this purpose.
When thinking about installation location, also consider how the lights will look during the day. If installing the lights in an open area, for instance, look for unobtrusive or attractive designs so the lights will look just as nice during the day as at night.
Our Top PicksOutdoor solar lights gather energy from the sun to provide lighting well into the night. The best outdoor solar lights described ahead are reliable, beautiful, and practical picks for lighting up your outdoor space.
Photo: amazon.com
SEE IT
Whether wrapped around a patio banister, draped over an outdoor seating area, or strung around the garden, Brightech Ambience Pro Solar Hanging String Lights are versatile, attractive, and durable. To capture a charming vintage aesthetic, these bistro-type string lights feature plastic Edison bulbs with exposed filaments that emit a warm white light. Although the bulbs look old-fashioned, they are actually modern shatterproof LED bulbs, offering a nostalgic glow while using very little energy.
Installing these lights is easy with the detached solar panel, which can be placed in a sunny area using the in-ground stake or convenient clip. The lights can be set to turn on automatically when the sun goes down, providing up to 6 hours of illumination. This strand is 48 feet long with 15 bulbs, but a shorter 27-foot strand with 12 bulbs is also available.
Product Specs
- Size: 48 feet long
- Runtime: Up to 6 hours
- Light color: Warm white
Pros
- Charming vintage look
- Shatterproof plastic bulbs
- Detached solar panel
Cons
- Some users may not like the wide spacing between bulbs
Get the Brightech outdoor solar lights at Amazon, Target, or Brightech.
Photo: amazon.com
SEE IT
With three useful modes and almost endless installation options, this four-pack of lights from Aootek offers excellent value for its affordable price. These wall-mounted LED lights include installation hardware and can be placed almost anywhere, including on walls, deck railings, fence posts, and steps. The motion-sensing lights have a wide 120-degree angle to provide practical or security lighting for up to 9 hours.
These versatile and budget-friendly lights have three modes: a motion-sensing mode (that switches the light on when nearby activity is detected), motion-sensing dim-to-bright mode (a dim light that brightens when motion continues), and a fixed always-on mode. There’s just one downside to these lights: Mode controls are located on the back of each unit, so it’s best to choose your preferred mode before installation.
Product Specs
- Size: 4.6 inches tall by 7 inches wide
- Runtime: Up to 9 hours
- Light color: Not specified
Pros
- Affordable
- Bright light
- Wide lighting angle
- 3 useful modes
Cons
- Control buttons are inaccessible when the light is mounted
Get the Aootek outdoor solar lights on Amazon.
Photo: homedepot.com
SEE IT
The best solar path lights should be as functional as they are attractive. The Hampton Bay Black Integrated LED Landscape Path Light fits both criteria. This pathway light set includes 10 easy-to-install path lights on stakes.
Made of weather- and rust-resistant aluminum with a plastic stake, these lights are built to last in outdoor conditions. Each light has a traditional design with a lantern-style shape. The crackle glass lens adds a bit of character and creates a pleasant pattern when lit. The housing has an elegant black finish.
Each LED light automatically switches on at dusk to light the path for up to 8 hours. These lights are on the dim side, producing just 10 lumens, but the soft and pleasant warm white glow is bright enough to light up the way.
Product Specs
- Size: 18.1 inches long by 4.92 inches wide
- Runtime: Up to 8 hours
- Light color: Warm white
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Easy to install
- Rust- and weather-resistant aluminum construction
Cons
- Plastic stake
- Not very bright
Get the Hampton Bay outdoor solar lights at The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
SEE IT
Step lights install onto the vertical part of steps to illuminate stairs, making them look lovely while also improving safety. With an auto-on feature and up to 10 hours of runtime, the JackyLED 3 LED Solar Step Lights are a stellar pick for outdoor stairs.
This set includes eight small step lights made of durable, weather-resistant stainless steel and plastic. While they’re made for installation on outdoor steps, like deck stairs, they can mount onto any surface with the included screws.
Designed for aesthetics as well as function, these budget-friendly lights have three downward-facing cool-white LED bulbs. These cast a dim but beautiful glow on stairs, deck railings, fence posts, and exterior walls.
Product Specs
- Size: 3 inches long by 3 inches wide by 1 inch deep
- Runtime: Up to 10 hours
- Light color: Cool white
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Includes mounting hardware
- Flexible placement options
Cons
- Lacks motion sensor
Get the JackyLED outdoor solar lights on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
SEE IT
These Bell + Howell Solar Disk Lights bring the lovely look of recessed lighting to pathways and gardens—and are easier than ever to install.
These solar-powered LED well lights are mounted in small plastic stakes. Just push the light into the ground or grass along pathways or garden borders, and they’ll provide beautiful and hassle-free in-ground lighting. Users can choose between manual or automatic on-off modes for up to 10 hours of illumination.
Each light is self-contained with a built-in solar panel, which means there is no wiring to contend with. Made from stainless steel and with a watertight seal, they’ll hold up to all the usual garden activities, including rainy weather, lawn watering, and mowing.
Product Specs
- Size: 4.5-inch diameter and 5-inch stake
- Runtime: Up to 10 hours
- Light color: Cool white
Pros
- Very easy to install
- No wiring at all
- Long runtime
Cons
- Won’t work well in shady areas
Get the Bell + Howell outdoor solar lights at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
SEE IT
With their old-fashioned design, the Home Zone Security Solar Wall Lanterns are a charming decorative lighting choice for exterior walls. Sold as a pair, they’re made of glass and stainless steel with a classic black finish. Their fairly large size makes a statement, ideal for flanking a doorway, lining an exterior wall, or lighting up fence posts.
Each lantern is equipped with a long-lasting LED bulb that casts a warm white light. Since the solar panel is mounted on top of each lantern, the unit can be placed together or separately. As a bonus, the lanterns are easily detachable from their mount, and with a top handle and flat-bottom surface, they can be hung elsewhere, placed on a table, or carried to lend illumination wherever the evening leads.
Product Specs
- Size: 6.7 inches tall by 6.25 inches wide
- Runtime: Not specified
- Light color: Warm white
Pros
- Charming lantern design
- Detachable from wall mount
- Versatile uses
Cons
- Not very bright
Get the Home Zone Security outdoor solar lights at Amazon or Home Zone Security.
Photo: amazon.com
SEE IT
A spotlight is the best choice for highlighting specific landscaping features. With an independently adjustable light and solar panel, the InnoGear Upgraded Solar Outdoor Spotlight is a practical solar-powered alternative to standard wired spotlights.
These spotlights feature a 180-degree solar panel adjustment range and 90-degree light adjustment range (up and down). This makes it possible to shine the spotlight where it’s needed while also ensuring that the solar panel gets adequate sun exposure.
To add user-friendliness, these spotlights have two modes: a low mode that provides lighting for up to 12 hours and a high mode that runs up to 6 hours. With an output of up to 600 lumens, these solar spotlights are a bright choice. Four spotlights are included in this set, but two- and six-light options are also available.
Product Specs
- Size: 10.24 inches tall by 3.35 inches wide by 12. 6 inches deep
- Runtime: Up to 12 hours
- Light color: Warm white
Pros
- Light and solar panel angle are independently adjustable
- Bright, warm white light
- 2 lighting modes
Cons
- Solar panel is not adjustable side to side
Get the InnoGear outdoor solar lights on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
SEE IT
Floodlights to improve security are typically a hassle to mount and wire. The Sunforce 120 LED Triple Head Solar Motion Light takes wiring out of the equation, yet these easy-to-install options are as bright as many wired counterparts. This motion-sensing floodlight features one large adjustable LED floodlight and a detached solar panel. This separated design allows the floodlight to be mounted where it’s needed, while the solar panel can be placed at a sunny spot nearby. (The light will still charge in indirect sunlight, though perhaps not as effectively. )
For maximum coverage, this floodlight features a triple-head design, with two side lamp heads that can turn upward, downward, and horizontally. When triggered by motion, this floodlight emits 1,000 lumens of light. Along with the lighting direction, users can also adjust this light’s detection distance (up to 30 feet) and light duration.
Product Specs
- Size: 12.9 inches long by 9 inches wide by 6.7 inches deep (light)
- Runtime: Not specified
- Light color: Bright white
Pros
- Adjustable side lamp heads
- Direct sunlight not required
- Adjustable detection distance and light duration
Cons
- Some users found motion-detection range unreliable
Get the Sunforce outdoor solar lights at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Bed Bath & Beyond.
Photo: amazon.com
SEE IT
Fairy lights are the most decorative lighting option on this lineup, providing ambient luminescence that’s more fanciful than functional. With 100 bright LED bulbs in a warm white color, the Amir Solar String Lights have the alluring fairy light look down pat.
This strand measures 33 feet long and has a flexible copper wire, so it’s perfect for lining banisters, stringing across bushes, or wrapping around tree trunks. Both the solar panel and fairy lights are water-resistant, which makes outdoor placement possible.
The fairy lights are powered by a detached solar panel on a stake for easy installation outdoors. Once charged, they’ll provide around 8 hours of light. Amir also manufactures these fairy light strands in various other colors and lengths.
Product Specs
- Size: 33 feet long
- Runtime: 8 hours
- Light color: Warm white
Pros
- Warm, luminescent lighting
- Water-resistant
- Flexible and easy to shape
Cons
- Can tangle easily
Get the Amir outdoor solar lights on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
SEE IT
With their tall height and easy-to-install stakes, path lights make an excellent garden addition, often used to light up favorite bushes and ornamentals. The Beau Jardin solar lights have a classic lantern design but feature a color-changing light to add extra flair to landscaping.
This set includes eight decorative lights, each with a diamond-shaped glass lens that throws a beautiful dimpled light pattern. The lights automatically switch on at dusk, and users can set each light to cycle between its seven colors (white, purple, red, green-yellow, orange, blue, and pink) or stay on one chosen color.
Each light is made of durable rust-resistant steel and has its own built-in solar panel, so they can be installed anywhere in the garden (as long as there’s enough sunlight). Once fully charged, each light will provide up to 12 hours of illumination.
Product Specs
- Size: 16.54 inches tall by 4. 72 inches wide
- Runtime: Up to 12 hours
- Light color: White, purple, red, green-yellow, orange, blue, or pink
Pros
- 7 color options
- Color-changing and fixed-color modes
- Beautiful light pattern
Cons
- Does not remember last-used color setting
Get the Beau Jardin outdoor solar lights on Amazon.
Our VerdictBrightech outdoor solar lights are the best option for most homes, as they’re beautiful, versatile, and shatterproof. For brighter, more functional illumination, consider the Aootek outdoor solar lights. This wall-mounted option can improve safety on steps and walking paths or function as security lighting with motion-detecting settings.
How We Chose the Best Outdoor Solar LightsWith a huge variety of options available, it can be difficult to choose the best outdoor solar lighting for your home. To start narrowing the field, we considered the most common uses for outdoor lighting. With the goal of appealing to a wide range of shoppers, we chose common lighting types to cover a range of needs, from setting a mood to boosting security.
Across each lighting type, we kept a few important points in mind: performance, ease of installation, and aesthetics. Through researching product specifications and shopper reviews, we chose solar lights that were straightforward to install, performed reliably, and looked great while doing so.
The products that made our list charge reliably, provide ample hours of runtime, and create steady lighting. While decor is a personal preference, we also made sure each light in the lineup has some intentional style. When needed, all of the solar lights chosen include installation hardware (such as stakes or mounting hardware).
The Advantages of Owning Outdoor Solar LightsOne of the biggest advantages of installing the best exterior solar lights is their ease of use. All outdoor solar lights need is a sunny spot to charge—no outdoor outlets, wiring, or extension cables required. Since the lights don’t need to plug into an outlet, placement is also more flexible. Outdoor solar lights can go just about anywhere as long as the solar panel receives enough sunshine.
Since solar lights are powered by the sun, these self-sufficient lights are eco-friendly and won’t add a single cent to your electric bill.
Once installed, outdoor solar lights are low maintenance. These lights often use long-lasting LED bulbs, and some may need a fresh battery every few years to maintain performance.
In sum, the main benefits of outdoor solar lights are:
- No outlet required
- Placement flexibility
- Eco-friendly
- No electricity usage
- Low maintenance
Outdoor solar lights boast several benefits over their wired counterparts. They’re easier to install, more eco-friendly, and won’t add to the electric bill. Set them in the best place to install solar lights in your outdoor space, and they should provide lighting well into the night. Still wondering if outdoor solar lights are right for your backyard, deck, or garden? Consider the answers to these frequently asked questions on choosing and using outdoor solar lights.
Q. Do outdoor solar lights really work?Yes! High-quality outdoor solar lights can work just as well as their wired alternatives. Their only downside is that their performance can be affected by the amount of sunlight they receive.
Q. Do solar lights last all night?It depends on the light. Battery life and runtime depend on the quality of the solar panel and battery, weather, and solar panel placement. Some outdoor solar lights have a maximum runtime of over 10 hours, which means they will last through the night.
Q. What should I look for when buying solar lights?When shopping for outdoor solar lights, consider your intended location, preferred light type, ease of installation, light brightness and warmth, and any helpful settings. When in doubt, look for highly rated solar lights from reputable lighting brands.
Q. Are solar lights eco-friendly?Yes, solar lights gather power from the sun, so they’re an eco-friendly (and economical) choice.
Q. Do outdoor solar lights need direct sunlight?Direct sunlight is best. Most solar lights will need several hours of direct sunlight to charge their batteries fully. Some outdoor solar lights can still charge in areas with indirect sunlight, but their performance and runtime will be diminished.
Solar Powered Landscape Lights Pros And Cons – Forbes Home
When you think about harnessing the power of solar energy for your home, the cost point of solar panels may be intimidating. But, what about a low-cost way to use solar power? With solar powered landscape lights, it’s possible to illuminate your outdoor space without connection to a power source—other than the sun.
Both easy to use and eco-friendly, solar landscape lighting can be a great way to add lighting to your home’s exterior. Still, be sure to consider the possible disadvantages of solar landscape lighting to determine if it’s the right choice.
Advertisement
THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.
Power Your Home With Solar
SunPower has a network of trusted installers for your solar system, solar panels and electricity needs. Find a solar panel installer today!
Explore Options
How Can Landscapes Use Solar Power?
Picture how solar panels operate on the roof of a home: By capturing energy from the sun’s rays and converting it into electricity, solar panels can help keep the lights on inside the house—along with the other electrical needs. Solar powered landscape lights work much in the same way, only on a smaller scale.
Solar landscape lighting is available in numerous forms, from small walkway lights and floodlights to strands of bulbs and more. What they share in common is that all solar landscape lights use a small solar panel, which is often on the top of the lighting feature. Unlike grid-based electricity, solar power comes from a renewable resource. Shifting toward this is positive even if it’s on the small scale of landscape lighting.
Landscape lighting can help improve your home’s security, illuminate pathways, brighten outdoor living spaces and complement the overall landscaping. Solar powered landscape lights can do all of that with the added benefit of reducing utility costs and not relying on an electrical connection.
That makes adding solar landscape lighting a very simple DIY project for any homeowner. However, that doesn’t mean solar landscape lighting is the right choice for every space.
Pros of Solar Powered Landscape Lights
No Electrical Connection Needed
Because solar landscape lights are powered by the sun, you do not need additional wiring or an electrical connection. Not only is this convenient when it comes to installation, but it also makes landscape lighting possible in far corners of the yard where electrical wiring isn’t readily available. This also means you don’t have to worry about accidentally severing the power source to your landscape lighting when you dig into the ground.
Easy to Install
If you want to install solar landscape lights, there’s no need to call an electrician. Rather, the installation process should be as simple as assembling the light and then putting it in place, such as by staking it into the ground or hanging it. Because it takes a while for the solar charge to build, you won’t be able to test the light right away. But, depending on the unit and the amount of sun that day, wait a few hours and you should be able to appreciate the new lighting effects.
Long-Term Savings Potential
Unlike with wired landscape lighting, solar powered landscape lighting won’t affect your monthly utility bill. Those savings may seem minimal, but add up over time: For example, it could cost about $60 per year to power a 100-watt street light. If you use a solar version, that is an extra $60 you get to keep every year.
And, considering that solar landscape lighting can last for three to four years before you need to change batteries and even longer before you need to replace the LED bulbs, there is plenty of time to recoup the initial investment in solar powered landscape lights. Better yet, the cost of solar landscape lights continues to become more affordable as the technology advances.
Cons of Solar Powered Landscape Lights
They Need Sunlight to Operate
The biggest catch with solar lighting is that the units depend on sunlight to work. Because the solar panels are generally built into the lights themselves, that means you will only be able to rely on consistent lighting when the lights are placed in areas where they receive good sunlight—which means dark corners, covered patios and more may not be good candidates for solar lighting.
Inconsistent Lighting
As most of us know, sunlight also isn’t consistent from day to day. That means you may not get a good enough charge on a stormy day or on a day with shorter daylight hours; once the light is out, you’ll need to wait until it charges up again the next day.
The illumination from solar powered lights generally isn’t as strong as wired lights. If you are depending on the landscape lighting or security or safety purposes, you may want a more consistently reliable option, such as an electrical LED light.
Require Maintenance
To keep your solar powered landscape lights operating, the solar panel needs to be clear from debris, including leaves, snow and dirt. Although the lights themselves are quite long-lasting, that means you will need to check up on them regularly if you want to keep them in working condition.
Bottom Line
You can consider solar powered landscape lighting on a case-by case-basis. These convenient, ready-to-use lights may work great in the part of your yard that gets consistent lighting. Then, you can stick with traditional lights in another part of the space that needs strong, consistent lighting.
Advertisement
THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.
Compare Quotes From Top-rated Solar Panel Installers
Free, No-commitment Estimates
Find a Solar Panel Installer
Your Home. Your Decisions. Our Support.
Get expert advice on your home, design tips, how much to pay for pros and hiring experts, delivered to you daily.
{{ newsletterState.emailErrorMsg }}
Thanks & Welcome to the Forbes Home Improvement Community!
{{ newsletterState. emailErrorMsg }}
I agree to receive the Forbes Home newsletter via e-mail. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information and details on how to opt out.
Solar-powered street lighting: device, idea photo
To ensure sufficient visibility in the open part of the adjacent territory of enterprises, private houses and summer cottages, outdoor lighting is installed. Despite the widespread implementation of measures aimed at reducing costs to ensure visibility in open areas, electricity costs still amount to significant amounts. Therefore, an actual way to reduce the consumption of electrical energy is solar-powered street lighting. Such installations are increasingly replacing classic models, as they have a number of advantages in operation.
Pros and cons
The advantages of solar-powered street lighting include:
- Full autonomy - each street lamp does not depend on the health of the electrical network, or on the condition of other lighting elements installed on the site;
- Mobility - solar-powered lighting fixtures do not need to be permanently placed, due to the absence of power wires, they can be moved from one place to another at the request of the owner.
- Easy to install - all installation and configuration work can be done by yourself without the involvement of specialists.
- The compact dimensions of allow you to quickly move them to the desired point, do not require the involvement of special equipment for transportation and delivery.
- Adjustable parameters - provide the ability to set the time and parameters for switching on and off street lamps in automatic mode without human intervention.
- High degree of electrical safety - due to the absence of power wires and electrical connections, the risk of injury to people by electric current is eliminated.
Also, all solar-powered devices are presented in a wide range, which allows them to be used as decorative elements for arranging the design of the site.
Disadvantages of solar-powered outdoor lighting include:
- Dependence of autonomous lighting on external factors - in cloudy weather and during precipitation, the intensity of battery charging is significantly reduced, due to which performance drops.
- The operating time of depends on the capacity of the battery, which decreases over time.
- Operational instability - the brightness of electric lamps varies from the start of lighting devices to the moment they are turned off as the source of electricity is discharged.
- High and low temperatures batteries are malfunctioning.
- Due to its portability, some solar-powered street lighting fixtures can be easily removed by intruders .
- Requires constant maintenance - If the solar panels become clogged or if a significant layer of precipitation falls, the performance is reduced, which is why the surface must be periodically cleaned.
Various measures have already been developed and are being implemented to eliminate the shortcomings of lighting devices: connecting powerful batteries, combining all solar-powered devices into a single system, using dedicated solar power plants for power, and others. But such actions, in turn, significantly reduce mobility and make adjustments to their work.
Solar-powered luminaire
Structurally, street lighting devices consist of the following elements:
- Case - can have a different shape, size and installation method, equipped with a bracket for hanging or a support structure for installation in the ground;
- Lighting source - due to low consumption and unpretentiousness in work, LED lamps are most often installed;
- Plafond - includes a diffuser for directing the light flux and an outer cover to prevent the impact of atmospheric factors on the LED lamp itself;
- Rechargeable battery - designed to store electrical energy from sunlight for subsequent consumption for lighting in the dark;
- Solar module - used to convert solar energy into electrical energy for the purpose of its further transmission to the consumer;
- Light sensor - reacts to the change of time of day and turns on or off the power of the LED lights.
If you do not need constant illumination of the area, there are solar-powered devices with a built-in or working in combination with a motion sensor. Such models will turn on the lights only when there is movement in a certain area, and after a set time, they will turn off the light.
Fig. 1: motion sensor lightPrinciple of operation
Any street lighting device works according to the following principle: The sun's rays, falling on the photocells, generate the production of electrical energy, which through the VD diode enters the battery terminal and the emitter of the transistor, as shown in the figure below.
Fig. Figure 2:Solar Street Lighting Schematic Diagram During daylight hours, the ambient light sensor acts as a current-limiting resistor blocking the power supply circuit of the LED panel under the influence of natural light. With the onset of darkness, the photocell stops generating electricity, but due to the VD diode, the electricity accumulated in the battery capacity is not wasted on reverse discharge.
The light sensor stops blocking the LED power circuit, the transistor opens and the current flows through the battery-emitter and collector circuit of the transistor-LED panel. With the onset of dawn, the power circuit is turned off and the charging circuit is turned on in the reverse order.
This is the simplest scheme of work, in practice there are street lighting devices with more complex automation and operation logic, as well as devices with an inverter for converting direct voltage into alternating voltage.
Solar luminaire selection
Due to the huge variety of solar luminaires on the market, it's easy to get lost when choosing the right model for you. Therefore, we will consider the most relevant selection criteria that you should pay attention to so that the purchased equipment meets your expectations.
Power
Determines the intensity of illumination of the territory and space, but taking into account the design features of the source. As already mentioned, LED lamps are the most efficient due to the ideal ratio of the generated luminous flux to the power consumed. Therefore, pay attention not only to power, but also to the level of illumination, since weak models are designed to illuminate paths, and the most powerful ones are for general illumination of adjacent territories and suburban areas. If you are going to use incandescent or fluorescent lamps, you should consider the ratio of power and luminous flux between them.
Table: Correspondence of power in W for different types of lamps
LED | Fluorescent | Incandescent |
1 | 3 | 15 |
3 | 7 | 35 |
5 | 11 | 50 |
7 | 15 | 70 |
9 | 19 | 90 |
12 | 25 | 120 |
15 | 31 | 150 |
18 | 36 | 180 |
Protection class
This parameter determines the resistance of the lighting device to external factors. In the passport data, it is referred to as the abbreviation IP with two digits, the first of which indicates the degree of protection from small dust particles and debris, and the second indicates the tightness of the lamp and resistance to moisture penetration. The best option are street lighting devices with a protection class of IP44 and above. It is better to select a specific parameter in accordance with the climatic features of the area in which the solar-powered lantern will be installed.
Body material
The body can be made of metal, wood, polymer and glass. Depending on the model, there are both products from one material, and combined. When choosing a specific solar-powered lighting device, it is better to proceed from the practicality of the model - the body material for street or garden lamps must be durable and resistant to mechanical stress. If these are decorative models, the location of which significantly limits access to them, you can install lamps with a glass shade.
Type and method of installation
According to the type and method of installation, street lighting fixtures are divided into the following categories:
- Ground - used to illuminate paths, decorative lighting, landmarks. A feature of such models is a submersible bayonet, which is buried in the ground, allowing you to fix the device. They differ in the length of the legs and the height of the ceiling. Rice. 3: ground light
- Wall lamp - used for both decorative lighting and for lighting the adjoining area. The complexity of the installation lies in the correct choice of position in relation to the cardinal points, so that the solar battery stays in the light for as long as possible. Rice. 4: wall light
- Suspended - can be located on any structural elements, even with a rigid fixation (beams, brackets, etc.), even with a flexible one (cables, braces, etc.). Rice. 5: pendant lamp
- Built-in - form a single structure with any building or design elements (steps, poles, garden paths, etc. ) Rice. 6: recessed luminaire
TOP -10 best lamps on photocells
- URANUS - equipped with an adjustable bracket, control panel;
- Beetle - medium power model with a high degree of protection;
- Garden ball - soil model;
- Eglo 48496 SOLAR - low power lighting fixture with stainless steel housing;
- Eglo 98187 PALIZZI - model with remote solar battery;
- Lutec Diso 6906702335 - with motion sensor and original design;
- Lutec Bread 61000 - with motion sensor;
- Globo 33371 SOLAR, Globo 33014 SOLAR, Eglo 47856 - bright representatives decorated as fairy-tale characters.
Places of use
Depending on the location and tasks performed, street lighting devices are divided into the following categories:
- park lights - provide light to large areas, have a high leg with a stand at the bottom.
- street lamps - designed for street lighting, suspended or mounted on poles and supports, structural elements of buildings, etc.
- for lighting arbors, terraces, porches and other semi-open buildings located on the street.
- Garden Path Lights - Not only do they serve as sidewalk markers, they also provide enough visibility to guide you in the dark.
- decorative - designed to decorate house and garden areas.
Idea photo
Among the existing models of solar-powered lighting devices, many of them are widely used to decorate the individual design of the territory and create an atmosphere of comfort on the site. Here we will look at some of the most interesting ideas for installing street lights.
Fig. 7: photo idea for highlighting a flower bed 8: Courtyard lightingFig. 9: Illumination of the walkway with built-in lampsFig. 10: Pavement lightingFig. 11: Parking decorationFig. 12: Garden lightingFig. 13. Sidewalk lightingSOLAR WATER HEATERS FROM A MANUFACTURER IN UZBEKISTAN
How solar-powered street lamps work
Recently, more and more people have to think about saving energy. Prices for electricity and gas are constantly growing, you have to think about using free energy sources. Owners of private houses and summer cottages will benefit from solar-powered street lighting.
The lighting of the yard, garden, adjacent territory requires a lot of money, but not only the installation of lamps is required.
· Solar-powered luminaires are usually autonomous, they do not need to be connected anywhere. They are installed / hung in the right places, the installation is completed, they are ready for work.
They turn on / off themselves, from built-in sensors. Ease of installation and safety are two big pluses
· Requires minimal maintenance - it is necessary to periodically wipe the photocells and the lamp shade from dust and dirt.
Have a long service life of 10 years or more (with proper quality).
Do not harm the environment and are absolutely safe, as they operate from low voltage, which is not dangerous for humans.
If solar-powered street lighting is made in the country, its conservation for the winter and installation takes very little time. You just need to collect the lamps before leaving and arrange them upon arrival.
Solar lamp arrangement
Solar street lamps may have different shape, appearance, installation method, but they all consist of a certain set of elements:
Solar panel or battery. A device that converts solar energy into electrical energy. It can be located on different parts of the lamp, but turned upwards - in order to better capture the sun's rays.
Battery. It accumulates electrical energy during daylight hours. Solar lamp assembly
Lighting unit. This is usually a housing, an LED lamp and a ceiling.
Controller that turns on/off the power supply to the lighting unit.
Installation/hanging bracket.
As you understand, the principle of operation is as follows: during daylight hours, the sun's rays are captured by the solar panel, where they are converted into electrical energy and transferred to the battery. At dusk (illumination 20 Lx), the controller turns on the power supply, the LED lamp lights up. In the morning at dawn (at illumination of 10 Lx), the lighting is turned off.
A selection of solar-powered street lighting fixtures
There are LED street lights with a very wide range of prices in the distribution network. Sometimes there are models that look almost the same, but are very different in price. How to understand this and how to choose lighting devices for solar-powered street lighting? It's simple - you need to look at the technical specifications. It is in them that the difference lies.
Power
when the lighting device must be taken into account how much light can give the lamp. The number of fixtures and the distance at which they must be installed from each other depends on this. The technical specifications usually indicate the power in watts, and in the case of LED lamps, it says little.
To understand the level of illumination, it can be compared with an analogue of a conventional incandescent lamp - their power is more or less clear to us, and you can also convert this indicator to Lums (Lm) - units of measurement of illumination. So you can realistically assess how effective this particular lamp will be.
Table of correspondence between the power of LED lamps and illumination
etc.
The principle of operation of a solar-powered lantern
Space technologies are increasingly being introduced into the life of a simple man in the street. If the first solar panels and batteries were very bulky, then modern devices have greatly decreased in size.
This has made it possible to create a mass of inexpensive lanterns, powered by the stored charge of the solar battery, which can be easily installed directly in the house or around residential buildings.
Also a big breakthrough was the emergence of very economical LED lamps, which are not inferior in brightness to conventional devices, but consume many times less electricity.