LED Solar Lights
The abundant and free resource known as the sun
can power all of your lighting needs! LED Solar lights can be
incorporated into nearly any kind of lighting you can imagine.
Traditional incandescent light bulbs have been replaced with CFL
bulbs because they save energy and last longer. Due to LED's
(Light Emitting Diode) low power usage and long lifespan, they too
have become popular for applications inside and out. Those
same properties make LED's perfect for solar lights.
Solar powered lights are highly practical for
areas where a normal power outlet is not accessible. They can
be used in any number of ways including illuminating highway signs,
billboards, garden accent lighting, etc.
A LED solar light is usually comprised of the
following components:
-
A solar cell or panel which can be integrated
into the light in some fashion or can be a separate entity
attached by a cable or cord. The latter is useful when the
light will be positioned in a location that does not receive
regular sunlight.
-
A rechargeable battery is required to store
the sun energy during the day so that it can be used at night.
-
LED bulbs and reflector. Due to the
relatively small amount of lumens (measure of light) produced by
LED's, units usually contain several bulbs and are backed by a
reflective surface to increase output.
-
Some type of housing for the circuitry and
other components. Whether it is a highly decorative garden
light or a purely functional shed light, the housing needs to be
durable and water tight.
LED solar lights are not created equal!
Often times you'll come across very inexpensive kits at the big box
stores. In this situation, like most, you'll get what you pay
for. These cheap lights are typically made out of flimsy
plastic, inferior circuits and are hastily constructed. The
lack of quality in the internal wiring and solar panel will not
allow for optimal charging or lighting. The plastic covering
the solar cell will yellow & crack. (unlike glass) The plastic
reflective surface behind the bulb won't put out as much light as
metal would. A quality solar light will have a housing made of
aluminum rather than plastic. The batteries included are also
poorly made, wont hold as much charge or for as long as a more
costly kit. Now, if you are comparing apples to apples, by all
means purchase the cheapest one. However, remember the
reasoning behind the widely varying prices.
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