How to Choose Solar Lights That Won't Waste Your Money
If you’ve had burglaries in your area, ensuring your garden is well-lit all night long will ease your fears. Solar lights can light up your garden and other areas in your home without increasing your energy bill.
What Are Solar Lights for Gardens?
A solar light is a photovoltaic device that converts the sun’s light into electricity stored in a battery. The light’s photo sensor controls when they are on and off by sensing visible light. It lights up in the dark by completing the circuit between the light bulb and the battery. When it senses sunlight, it breaks that connection and starts storing.
What to Consider When Choosing Best Outdoor Solar Lights
Don’t grab the first one that catches your eye. Save time and money by considering these things when shopping for solar lights for your garden:
The Environment
The life expectancy of the light will depend on the exposure it gets. It may break down if exposed to the elements for too long. But this usually happens to low-quality lights. Splurge a bit on sound-quality solar lights designed to withstand rain, hail, snow, etc.
The Battery
Your solar lights should work throughout the night without getting dim. This is where the batteries come in. These turn electrical energy into chemical energy. Lead acid batteries, for example, work when lead reacts with sulphuric acid, and the nickel-cadmium battery works similarly. Each option has a different charge time, lifespan, and energy storage capacities.
Required Brightness
Brightness or lumens is a more helpful measurement when determining which solar lights are best for your needs. Depending on your needs, these may vary. For example, solar streetlights can start from 1100 lumens and go as high as 2400 lumens. However, a solar light with 50 and 70 lumens should be sufficient for a small garden.
Accessories and Features
You can get manual or automatic solar lights per your needs and budget. Some of these also change colour and intensity.
Solar lights are a great way to reduce your environmental impact and energy bill simultaneously. It can also increase your security after dark. Use the tips mentioned in this guide to make an informed decision.
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