Light The Night With The Best Solar Lighting
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Everbeam P2 Solar Torch Light -
Mr. Light Solar Lighting -
Marlrin Upgraded Solar Torch Lights -
Westinghouse Solar LED Landscape Pathlight -
Plow & Hearth Solar Garden Path Lights -
Metro Fulfillment House SL2193 Fulfillment House Solar Power LED Path Lights Multi Color Solar Powered LED Lights -
Buyer's Guide
For outdoor pathway or walkway lighting needs, solar lights may be the perfect solution. You never have to plug them in and they can be placed virtually anywhere. Depending on your needs, they can be practical, whimsical or both. But remember, the solar panels that charge the inner battery should be placed in direct sunlight for maximum light performance. If you don't let the sun work for you, a solar light will not function properly no matter how highly rated it is.
The picks chosen because they give off the most light and last the longest on a charge as well as the ease of use, design and practicality and the fun factor. We've compiled the best solar lighting in 2022.
Metro Fulfillment House SL2193 Fulfillment House Solar Power LED Path Lights Multi Color Solar Powered LED Lights
What are the best solar lightings of 2022?
Everbeam P2 Solar Torch Light - Best Solar Lighting Overall
This torch light will be all the rage at your next outdoor gathering. The LED bulbs flicker realistically like fire. The torch is lightweight, so you can move it around your yard. It's also waterproof, so you don't have to worry about leaving it out in a storm. It's relatively short, about 10 inches, so you may want to opt for a multi-pack when it's time to buy.
Mr. Light Solar Lighting - Runner Up
This is everything anyone could want in a solar powered path light. It is bright, it lasts up to eight hours on a full charge, and best of all, it is fun! That's what the Mr. Light 44334 Single Solar Fiber Optic Garden Stake with Color Changing LED is meant to be. It may not be the most practical path light for your needs, but everyone will love following it down a sidewalk to your door or a pathway into your back yard. Plus, they'll have fun watching it change colors right before their eyes. If you are looking for the most unique path light available, this is the choice for you.
Marlrin Upgraded Solar Torch Lights - Honorable Mention
For pathway or party lighting, the Moonrays Solar Powered Tiki Torch Path Light does the trick. It comes with a flickering amber LED bulb that stands on top of a nearly 60-inch long stake for a realistic lighting accent that is second to none. It looks like a tiki torch, but it will throw enough light to illuminate the area around any path or walkway in the darkness. It is capable of staying lit for up to 10 hours on a full charge, which makes it extremely practical, the stakes are easy to push into the ground, and the unique design will be talked about by all of your friends.
Westinghouse Solar LED Landscape Pathlight - Also Consider
For classic path lights that work as good as they look, the best pick is the Westinghouse 351104-08R Clifton Solar Pathlight, Black Finish, 4-Piece Set. They have up to a 6-hour lighting time, if charged in full sunlight, the high-output LED bulb lights up a large space, and the lens is actually made of glass and not plastic. It's a 4-pack, the light stakes push easily into the ground and it is one of the better priced deals on the list. For classic pathway or sidewalk lighting, you can't do better.
Plow & Hearth Solar Garden Path Lights - Consider
If you value elegance and style above all else, in a light that performs as good as it looks, then the Steel and Glass Encased Solar LED Path Lights is the one for you. Although it is one of the more expensive lights on this list, it is also made of steel and glass, not plastic. The durability of these lights are top notch, and the high output LED bulb will easily illuminate any path or walk in the darkness. The bulbs will even remain lit for up to 9 hours on a full charge, and the stakes just push into the ground where you want them. You could easily make a case that these are the best path lights on the list, but their price is a bit on the higher end.
Metro Fulfillment House SL2193 Fulfillment House Solar Power LED Path Lights Multi Color Solar Powered LED Lights - Consider
If you want the most bang for the buck, get the Metro Fulfillment House SL2193 Solar Power LED Path Lights. You'll get 10 multicolor path lights at a price that is far and away less expensive, per light, than any others listed here, and the enjoyment factor while watching these lights change color is priceless. Although the body is durable, the stakes are not as sturdy as some, so they need caution when pushing them into the ground. The lights will stay lit up to eight hours on a full charge, the design is a lot of fun and so many lights all in one box makes this a very practical set that will light up any walk or path.
Buyer's Guide
Solar lighting is a modern innovation that offers the best of both worlds. From harnessing the suns’ renewable and unlimited energy to lighting up your homes or streets, solar lighting has a bright future. Pun intended. Here is a detailed guide to help you learn more about solar lighting and what things to keep in mind when buying it.
How does Solar Lighting work
The science geeks can skip this one. For all the others, solar lighting works just like normal lighting does, the only difference is that the energy source is the sun. The core of solar lighting, the solar cell uses the photovoltaic effect to convert light energy into electrical energy. The crystalline silicon layers and chemicals in the solar panel have layers of positively charged spaces and electrons which are pushed around as they get energized by the suns’ energy. The energy then flows into the battery as an electric current and is stored. Some solar lights have photoreceptors that can detect when it’s dark and the lights are turned on automatically.
Components of a typical solar light
A typical working solar lighting system has the following components:
Solar Pane
lA solar panel is a collection of solar cells which convert solar energy to electrical energy.
There are three main types of solar panels:
1. Polycrystalline silicon solar cells: Suitable for regions with consistent levels of sunlight. It has a cheaper price point and has a simple mechanism.
2. Monocrystalline silicon solar cells: Suitable for regions with an inconsistent weather profile and rainy days because they produce a relatively stable output.
3. Amorphous Silicon solar cells
Tips and tricks for choosing and maintaining your solar panel:
1. There are two packaging processes namely lamination and epoxy. The lamination process comes with a 25-year working guarantee, superior service life, and process than the epoxy process.
2. Installation angles are imperative to the efficiency of solar panels. A horizontally installed panel reduces the output by 15% to 20%. The inclination angle of installation depends on the latitude. 300 degrees is typical for low latitude regions while 450-500 degrees is typical for higher latitudes.
3. Make sure nothing is blocking sunlight from the panel or part of the panel. Leaves and snow are common in fall and winters so be cautious then. This is because the blocked solar cell will be damaged when exposed to sunlight and may also damage the entire panel
Solar Charge controllerTo extend your battery life, a good charging and discharging controller is essential. This will prevent your battery from overcharging, provide temperature compensation in some cases as well as street light control. If you live in a region with drastic temperature changes, buy a controller with a temperature compensation feature.
Solar BatteryChoosing the right battery is crucial to the overall solar lighting system. Too small of a battery won’t cater to your requirements and too big of a battery will be left with insufficient energy which will decrease its life, apart from your investment being waste.
How to choose the best solar battery:
. Lithium batteries are your best bet. With a life expectancy of 5 to 10 years, they are reliable, easy to install, and have a small footprint.
. The trick to getting your battery capacity right is to know that the solar cell power has to be four times higher than the load power, which means the solar cell voltage must be 20% to 30% higher for perfect charging of the battery.
LED Light Source
LED lights convert light energy into DC which is why they operate on lower voltages. The DC power and voltage must be compatible for optimum results. LED lights have a longer lifespan of 1000000 hours and are highly efficient.
Benefits of using solar lighting
1. Renewable: using a renewable energy source like sunlight decreases the carbon footprint and will help preserve exhaustible resources.
2. Mobile: Solar lighting is cordless and therefore can be installed anywhere.
3. Affordable: Solar lighting is a one-time investment. It will last for years and will make a significant difference in your electricity bill and prove to be cost-effective in the long run.
4. Low maintenance: there is no strict maintenance regimen required for solar lighting. Cleaning throughout the year, keeping your panels clean, and getting them checked by a technician twice a year is enough to maintain the system.
5. Versatile: There is a vast variety of styles and designs with multiple functionalities available to suit your purposes
6. Unlimited energy
Types of solar lights
Solar String Lights
These lights can completely transform your backyard for a party or dinner because of their whimsical appearance. Even though these lights do not provide enough light, they work great for decorations. These lights can easily be moved from one place to other.
Solar Flood Lights
Floodlights basically ‘flood’ or illuminate a large area with light. They are perfect for garages and backyards.
Solar Street Lights
Because these lights are not connected to the utility grid, they are cheaper and wireless. With very bright bulbs, they efficiently light up roads, streets, and neighborhoods.
Solar Traffic Lights
These lights are energy-efficient and do not have to be replaced often. They provide the best solution in cases of natural disasters when electricity is not available.
There are innumerable other types of solar lighting available with different styles, designs, and functionalities.
Features to look out for in solar lighting
Purpose
Analyze your needs carefully before deciding on which type of solar lighting to go for. Most solar lights differ in illumination, lux, and design. Here are few key pointers to consider:
. 50 lumens is bright enough for walkways and backyard decorations.
. 75 lumens offers moderate brightness perfect for any purpose that doesn’t require too much or too little light.
. 100 lumens is very bright, suitable for garages, construction sites, street lights, etc.
Battery
There are four main types of batteries:
. Lead Acid: high power, large capacity of 4000mAh to 6000mAh
. Lithium-Ion: Long-lasting, higher capacity of 2000mAh to 6000mAh
. NiMH:2000 mAh capacity
. NiCad: 600mAh capacity
Recharge time and Run time
Charging time is greatly dependent on the location and climate therefore, select the model accordingly. Choose an efficient charging panel if it rains a lot where you live. On average, it takes 6-7 hours for the batteries to charge completely with a run time of 10-12 hours.
Material
lThe entire solar lighting system is installed in open-air and is therefore exposed to all environmental changed like extreme weather conditions. Materials like ABSplastic, aluminum, and stainless steel are great for a durable system. The system must also be waterproof or the lights IP 55 certified as they are made to withstand harsh conditions.
Refer to the information above to know about the right controller, solar panel, and light bulb you should go for.
FAQ's
Q: Does solar lighting work in the shade?
Yes, but is not as effective.
Q: Can I charge my solar lights without the sun?
Yes, put your light in front of any light source. However, the process will be tedious and not as efficient.
Q: Why have my solar lights stopped working?
When your lights stop working out of the blue, 8 out of 10 times the problem is with the battery. Check that first, if not, check your panels.
