Most solar lamps tend to be suitable for being outdoors all year long. And due to the newest technology they really are. However, the truth is that they are not indifferent to low temperatures and quickly falling dusk. Both factors affect the fact that the battery shortens its lifespan.
In autumn and winter when the day is short, the lamp will not be able to fully charge, which unfortunately has its consequences.
Therefore, the safest and simplest solution is to dismantle solar lamps and bring them home during the periods of low temperatures. And in early spring, put them back in the ground and enjoy their light.
If, on the other hand, we decide to leave them to adverse weather conditions, we must ensure that snow does not stay cover them. This will prevent any battery charging.
Similarly, if we do not intend to use the wall lamps, standing lamps, spotlights, etc. during the winter, it is best to protect them in the form of a dry place.
However, the situation is different in places where it doesn´t snow. In this case, there are absolutely no negative correlations for lightening the garden with solar lights lamps throughout the year.
Are you still wondering if solar lamps are the right investment for your home?
We think that after reading this article, you will not need additional in to make purchases.
Table of Contents
How Do Solar Lights Work?
They shine 365 days a year, completely for free and they do not require access to the power grid. Modern, external solar lamps effectively light driveways to the house, paths and façades even when the sun does not come out from behind the clouds at all.
They light the whole space around the house in the middle of the night without connecting to the network – sounds like a dream? It’s time to do it. Wait…
What about winter? Can solar lights stay out in winter? Will they still work? Thanks to modern solutions that are already available on the market, the convenience of solar lights can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of the season.
It’s clear even on a very cloudy day.
How is it possible – after all, the sun’s rays (especially in winter) have difficulties with breaking through a thick layer of clouds? Experts admit that some time ago this was a barrier in the case of old type solar lamps. In the recent years, top manufacturers have applied a revolutionary solution.
Some time ago, the majority of solar lights used polycrystalline panels, which allowed charging the batteries only on sunny days.
Modern solutions have a major advantage over such devices: the panel used is monocrystalline, which ensures charging on both sunny and cloudy days.
What’s more, even if it happens that there is very little sunlight, the new solar lamps can work anyway. They were equipped with a specific “emergency system”. – Each of them has a USB port, through which we can recharge the battery and avoid the situation when the light completely ceases to shine, and around the house will set in darkness.
In the case of “sun-powered” lamps, we use a few other, life-facilitating technologies. Solar lamps are equipped with highly efficient LED diodes, precise motion sensors, modern lithium-iron phosphate batteries and proprietary software designed to efficiently control the whole device.
An application of solar lamps
A lamp with a solar panel is a perfect solution whenever you cannot set up a standard electrical installation. Solar lamps are invariably associated with tiny, decorative lamps that are placed in gardens, on terraces or balconies in order to create a more romantic mood.
Intense, diverse colors of LEDs and the amazing shapes of the lamps alone cause that the gardens and terraces turn into real dreamy wonderland. They turn on themselves after dusk and gently glow the whole night. They do not only illuminate, but charm. They do not need any electrical installations and are easy to use.
However, not everyone knows that solar lamps do not have to fulfill only a decorative function. They can be the main source of lighting for our homes or courtyards. And here is a surprise – we are not only talking about creating a mood, but about providing real lighting for the driveway, yard, and garage.
That´s why we came with some of the 13 myths about solar lights to unravel some of the misconceptions around this topic.
How does a solar lamp work?
The principle of operation of solar lamps is very simple. During the day, the solar panel is exposed to sunlight. The photovoltaic cell is heated by solar rays. And in this connection the whole mystery is hidden. The cell is used for direct conversion of solar energy to electricity.
In short – this small rectangle converts energy from the sun into electricity. The energy is then stored in batteries that are mounted in the lamp. After it gets dark, the lamp will turn on using the energy stored in the batteries instead of electricity from the network. Quite simple and economical!
What batteries for solar lights?
This is a frequently asked question. Solar lamps have different types of batteries.
Mostly offered are lead-gel or nickel-metal-hydride (more often designated as NiMH) – the latter is our usual “finger” type of battery. It is always worth paying attention to their capacity.
The bigger – the better. It is true that they will be charging for a longer time, but come on, they charge themselves for free! Instead, they store more energy and allow the lamp to shine longer!
For small garden lights, solar house numbers just 1000mAH, for larger lamps -1800mAH is really good capacity. Sellers of solar lamps often state that the lamps shine a certain number of hours – it is always worth asking if it is time when the battery is fully charged. It is also worth checking if the batteries can be removed from the lamp.
Check out our article around using regular batteries in solar lights.
Take care of solar lamps
Garden lighting, which reaches most people whose plot is located away from the place of residence are solar lamps. They are relatively cheap and trouble-free to use.
Just knock them into the ground and wait for the sun’s rays to charge the battery, which after dark will give you bright, delicate light. This type of lighting is an alternative to lamps powered by electricity, and their appearance on the market was especially leveraged by those whose garden does not have access to this electricity.
However, if we do not properly take care of solar lamps, we will not enjoy them for a long time.
Solar lamps are especially vulnerable to damages during the winter, so their appropriate care and precaution is particularly important during winter
