All About Solar Lighting

A solar lighting based on the photovoltaic system is to transform solar energy into electricity. It is one of the most economical and environmentally friendly lighting solutions. Its luminaires are powered by photovoltaic panels that capture this energy and then convert it into electricity. Most of these devices are used for outdoor lighting and garden landscaping. They are offered in several models to suit all needs.

Solar lighting, installation, operation and maintenance

It is by capturing solar energy using photovoltaic panels that the luminaires are supplied with electricity. The energy accumulated during the day is diffused and stored in batteries that will activate at night to generate light. This process is still functional even if the sun's rays are weak, but the restored light will not be at its optimum.  Therefore, it is obvious that the intensity of the lighting depends on the amount of light accumulated during the day.

An installation of the simplest

The installation of solar lighting depends on the models, but the rule to follow is to always put them in place in a sunny place. Generally speaking, these devices already include a battery and a sensor. Their installation does not require much know-how or special connections. Beacons are for example simply stuck in the ground, solar pavers recessed along paths or at the edge of swimming pools, spots mounted on the walls. It is also possible that LEDs are installed in series and here the voltages of the photovoltaic panels are added to each other to charge the batteries that will power these lamps.

A basic interview

As solar lighting is mainly installed outside, it is essential that the lamps are waterproof and weatherproof. Cleaning must also be systematic to maintain their performance. In addition, the battery is often the element that deteriorates the fastest. It is therefore essential to regularly check if its power is always optimal.

The different types of solar lighting

Many solar lighting models are currently on the market, and each response to a specific use:

The solar street lamp: ideal for lighting a terrace to diffuse a circular mood light.

Solar spots: practical to create a more developed and personalized ambient lighting, and they can be installed at the foot of a tree or in massifs.

Markers: which are perfect for illuminating an alley.

Solar garden lights: These fall into two broad categories, including self-igniting models that activate after dark, and motion-activated lights, which light up when someone passes by.

Solar wall lights: which are to fix on a wall to light an entrance or a garage.

Solar decorative lamps: which are offered in various forms and designs such as lanterns, flowerpots or cubes.

Advantages and disadvantages

The success of solar lighting is growing with the public because of its benefits. Manufacturers on their side continue to offer ever more innovative and interesting models. Here are its main advantages:

Solar lighting is easy to use and perfectly autonomous. It also takes advantage of LED technology which is well known for its lighting quality and low consumption. Finally, the batteries are more and more power to ensure the autonomy of several hours.

It is an easy-to-install system that requires no electrical connection.

It is also an ecological lighting system that exploits the inexhaustible and natural energy of the sun.

Solar lighting lamps are made to withstand outdoor conditions and do not require too much maintenance.

Despite its advantages, solar lighting also has some disadvantages:

The intensity of the light depends exclusively on the intensity of the sunlight. If it is low during the day, the light will be restored as well. It can even be zero in winter.

Replacing a solar battery can be a significant investment. Sometimes the reference sought may not be available on the market, so the whole lamp must be changed.

The price of solar lighting

The price of solar lighting varies according to brands,  the manufacturer, the model and also the quality. The prices mentioned below are only approximate values that represent the average costs proposed on the market.

Solar garden spot: between 10 € and 40 €

Bollard between 10 € and 30 €

Solar garden lamp post: between 30 € and 90 €

Solar wall light between 30 € and 70 €

Solar lamp with motion detector: between 20 € and 50 €