Pros and Cons of Solar Lights
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Whether you seek to lower energy bills or reduce your carbon footprint, there isn't a bad reason to consider solar outdoor lights.
But which are the best outdoor solar lights for your residential or commercial property?
There are a lot of factors that can influence the answer to this question. But we believe to make an informed purchase decision, it helps to first understand the advantages and disadvantages of solar lights. Armed with this knowledge, you'll be that much better equipped to find the right solution for you.
Advantages of LED Solar Lighting
- They're Easy and Economical to Install
Since solar lights get their energy from the sun, they don't need to connect to your property's electrical system.
In other words, since solar outdoor lights are self-contained systems that require no outside power source (except for the sun, of course), there's no hassle of running wires or the expense of hiring an electrician.
Simply mount your lights on a post, or bolt them to your deck, or stick them in the ground and go.
- You Can Put Them Anywhere (Almost)
Another upside of wireless operation is that you're not restricted to spots within reach of a power source.
Middle of the yard? Sure! End of the driveway? No problem. On the roof of your shed? Go for it.
The only places you can't install the lights are shady areas lacking sufficient sunlight to charge the fixture's battery (more on that later) - They Use Clean, Renewable Energy
You wouldn't be reading this article if you didn't already understand the two primary benefits of solar lights, lower energy costs and reduced carbon footprint.
Which one is more important to you? It doesn't matter! When you utilize solar lights to supplement or replace standard lighting, you accomplish both.
But how much do you save exactly?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average cost of a Kilowatt Hour (kWh) is about 17 cents.
So, let's say you have a 60-watt fixture on your garage that runs 12 hours every night.
0.06 (60 watts / ) kilowatts x 12 hours x 17 cents = approximately 12.24 cents per day x 365 days = $44.68 per year.
Factor in additional fixtures and replacement of bulbs and the costs start to really add up.
- They're Convenient
During the day, typical solar light fixtures capture and store the sun's energy. When the sun sets, many will automatically turn on and provide illumination through the night. Then at sunrise, the process starts all over again.
If your goal is to enhance safety along a walkway or discourage would-be thieves, the convenient automation of solar lights can be an especially attractive feature.
Instead of having to set timers or needing to remember to turn on and off the lights each night, solar lights perform this task automatically. And if you leave home for a trip, you can rest a bit easier knowing that your property will stay lit up at night.
- They're Durable and Low Maintenance
For starters, most solar lights feature long-lasting LED bulbs that deliver between 50,000 and 100,000 hours of reliable use. Solar panels, meanwhile, can often last more than 25 years. Add in sturdy, weather-resistant housings and the aforementioned easy installation, and you have a truly trouble-free fixture.
Typically, the most attention a solar light will need is the occasional cleaning to ensure the solar panel doesn't accumulate dust or debris that will block out sunlight.
Disadvantages of Solar Lighting
- They're Weather Dependent
If it's usually sunny blues skies where you live, solar lights are without question a fantastic choice for many applications.
But if where you live is typically cloudy and rainy, they will not be able to perform to their maximum potential.
This will, in turn, increase your dependence on traditional lighting and reduce the energy-saving benefits of solar.
- You Can't Put Them Anywhere You Like
As mentioned earlier in this article, solar lights require access to direct sunlight to function properly.
So, if you want to light up the perimeter of a shady, tree-lined patio, they may not be the best choice.
- 3. They Have a Higher Initial Cost
A traditional light fixture primarily consists of a housing, a bulb, and a switch.
A solar fixture also requires a solar panel and a battery to capture and store solar energy. These extra components will increase the overall cost of the fixture.
As outlined earlier in the article, these additional costs will recoup themselves in the form of lower energy bills and bulb replacement expenses. So, in the long run, solar will be the better value.
Despite this, the higher 'up-front' price of a solar fixture can be a deterrent for some consumers.
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Outdoor solar lights are easy to install and virtually maintenance free. Best of all, using them won't increase your electric bill. Popular home uses for outdoor solar lighting include pathway light sets, wall-mounted lamps, freestanding lamp posts, and security lights.
Outdoor solar lighting systems use solar cells, which convert sunlight into electricity. The electricity is stored in batteries for use at night. Manufacturers most commonly use nickel cadmium, sealed lead acid, and lead acid batteries.
For more information, please visit Solar Lighting Kit.
Outdoor solar lighting systems work well in most areas of the United States. However, it is important to consider geographic and site-specific variables when choosing a product. A solar lighting system will work well only as long as the solar cells receive the manufacturer's recommended hours of sunlight.
The "nightly run time" listings on most outdoor solar lighting systems are based on specific sunlight conditions. Outdoor solar lights located in places that receive less sunlight than the solar cells need will operate for fewer hours per night than expected. Nightly run times may also vary depending on how clear the sky is on any given day. Operating times in the winter months may vary as much as 30%'50% unless the solar lighting system has been sized specifically for winter operation. If the solar cells are shaded by landscape features (such as trees and buildings), battery charging and performance will also be affected. Watch for bird droppings, too. Insufficient battery charging will not only affect performance, it also may reduce the life of the battery.
Some solar lighting systems are self-contained units: You only need to place the lights in a sunny location. Others have the lights separate from a solar cell panel, in which case only the panel needs to be placed in a sunny location. Units vary in size from small, glowing pathway markers to pole-mounted patio and high-beam security lights.
Before you buy an outdoor solar lighting system, check with the manufacturer to see if replacement bulbs or batteries are available. Some units do not provide replacement options.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website China solar power generator.