Sustainability is on the minds of many homeowners and renters. This is why solar products like solar outdoor lights have become so popular. Solar lights display your commitment to green energy and provide you with energy-efficient lighting at night.
And they come in a range of styles. But how do you choose the right solar lights for your home? To learn more, keep reading to find out the most important factors to consider when it comes to solar outdoor lighting.
What Are Solar Lights?
Solar outdoor lights use solar energy to power their LED bulbs. They are available in a variety of shapes and styles. They are also becoming popular due to their energy efficiency and environmental benefits.
Solar lights can provide landscape illumination, decorative effects, and even security lighting. They are easy to install as they come with all the mounting hardware provided by the manufacturer. Solar lights require no electricity, energy bills, or wiring.
How Does Outdoor Solar Lighting Work?
Outdoor solar lights are an eco-friendly and cost-effective option for providing light outdoors. They utilize solar energy captured by solar panels during the day and store it in batteries. At night, the lights tap into this stored energy to generate light.
This makes them reliable and cost-effective for lighting up outside spaces, such as gardens and front porches. Installing outdoor solar lights is quite simple. The lights come with all the necessary mounting brackets and hardware you need.
Also, these lights don’t require hard wiring, making them a breeze to set up. Solar lights are reliable, safe, long-lasting, and require minimal maintenance.
What Are the Parts of a Solar Energy System?
There are several parts of a solar energy system. Let’s have a look at some of these parts below.
Solar Panels
Solar outdoor lights draw energy from the sun to light up the night. They use solar panels, which capture the sun’s rays and convert them into electric currents. To select the right solar lights for your outdoor space, consider the size and design of the solar lights and the number of solar panels they use.
To get the most out of the solar lights, ensure that the solar panels are clean and pointing directly toward the sun. When installing solar lights, be sure to place them in an easily accessible area that receives direct sunlight for most of the day.
Inverter
Solar outdoor lights use the sun’s energy to work, and Inverters convert the Direct Current generated by the solar panels into Alternating Current, which is what your home runs on. Inverters also regulate the voltage to supply just the right amount of power to the outdoor lights as needed. They have built-in intelligence that allows them to control the output automatically.
Racking
Solar outdoor lights have become popular for illuminating pathways, corners, and walkways around homes and buildings. Racking is an important installation technique for ensuring that the solar units are properly mounted onto a suitable surface, such as a pole or wall. Racking is typically made of aluminum or galvanized steel, making it durable and corrosion-resistant.
Racking installation should be in a south-facing orientation, where the solar cells can access maximum sunlight. When installing, use non-corrosive mounting hardware, such as stainless steel bolts and match-compatible nuts.
Batteries
One of the key components of the lights is the battery which can be recharged using the energy from the sun. Batteries for solar outdoor lights come in two common sizes, NiMH and NiCd. NiMH batteries are rechargeable, have a higher capacity, and are typically not as expensive.
NiCd batteries are also rechargeable but may need to be replaced more frequently. They also have a lower capacity and may require more maintenance, but are usually cheaper.
Charge Controller
A charge controller is one of the primary components when it comes to installing and properly functioning solar outdoor lights. The charge controller is important for regulating the power flow from the solar panel array to the battery storage system and preventing the reverse flow of power from the system to the solar panel array.
Charge controllers also provide power optimization, enabling the system to use sunlight more efficiently, which can extend the life of the outdoor lights. When installing outdoor solar lights, it is important to ensure that the charge controller is of good quality and compatible with the other components in the system to prevent malfunctioning components and ensure a safe and efficient power system.
What Are the Benefits of Outdoor Solar Lighting?
Outdoor solar lighting can provide a wide range of benefits and be a great way to light up your home or business. With solar lighting, you don’t have to worry about an electric bill, and you don’t have to worry about running wires to your home. Solar lights are also incredibly easy to install and can be moved around as needed.
The lights are also maintenance-free and can last for years. Also, solar lights can be powered to turn on automatically when the sun goes down, and they provide a beautiful ambient light that can create a calming atmosphere around your home or business.
They are also great for creating a more secure environment since the light deters potential burglars. If you’re up for installing solar outdoor lights to your home, be sure to check out Blue Raven Solar today!
Learn More About Solar Outdoor Lights
By using solar outdoor lights, you can save energy, and money and reduce your environmental impact. An array of solar lights are available to suit your needs, from elegant path lights to strong security floodlights.
With a little research and a creative eye, you can find the perfect outdoor solar light for your home. Begin your outdoor solar lighting journey today!
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