Featured Deals:
The Uses of Solar Powered Lights
You may be wondering how solar-powered lights work. Solar lights are used after the sun has gone down. So how can they operate?
First of all, understand that lighting devices which relies on solar power generally use a backup battery to operate. Solar cells are used to charge the battery during the day, and the battery powers the light during the night. The solar cells might be attached to the device itself, or might be located nearby.
This type of lighting is often used in remote locations, where conventional power sources are unavailable, and lights can not be connected to the power grid. They are also used for outdoor lighting, or as landscape lights around the home or garden.
Components of Solar Powered Lights
There are four basic components of a solar powered light. Many solar lighting systems are sold with these components already integrated, but it is good to know what they are:
- The solar cells
- The lamp
- A charge controller
- The batteries
When purchasing solar lights, the majority of the cost involved will be for the solar cells. These are the most expensive parts of the device or system. Be sure your system is installed within some type of weatherproof housing, so that the solar cells and electrical connections will withstand the elements. Ensure that the electrical parts are protected from moisture at all times.
The charge controller is like the ?brain? of a solar-powered light. It protects the batteries from overcharging, and maximizes the electrical output of your solar cell array. It also controls the duration that the light can operate. Without a charge controller, your setup will not function properly.
Uses of Solar Lights
Most solar powered lights are used to illuminate outdoor gardens and walkways. The lights are generally cordless, and you can move them around easily without the need to dig ditches and run the wires underground.
One disadvantage solar lighting has, in comparison to conventional lighting, is that its stored solar power diminishes over time. That means the light may be strong during the first few hours of operation, but will then gradually grow dim as the night goes on. This might not be seen as a disadvantage by some, because most outdoor activities occur during the early evening hours. Different solar lighting systems also have different capacities, and some last longer than others.
Keep in mind that solar-powered lights depend on sunshine to operate, and their performance can thus be influenced by weather conditions. If the weather is cloudy or rainy, then there will be less battery power than there would be on a sunny day. There are also different levels of quality, where solar lights are concerned ? the cheaper ones tend to be less efficient and do not last as long.
Hopefully in the near future, improvements in solar technology can make solar lighting less expensive, and more efficient, even during bad weather.
About the Author
Anna is a writer and a webmaster who educates others on the uses of clean energy. To learn more about solar power, please visit Home Solar Power. Article Source: Solar Powered Lights
Here are some great places to shop for all things Solar Powered Lamp at the best prices:
 |
Maverick GL-03 Cordless LED Grill Light List Price: Sale Price: $22.99 You save: $32.00 (58%)  |
 |
Solar Cordless LED Grill Light List Price: Sale Price: $29.99 You save: $40.00 (57%) |
 |
Mr Beams MB360 Wireless LED Spotlight with Motion Sensor and Photocell - Weatherproof - Battery Operated - 140 Lumens List Price: Sale Price: $19.99 You save: $5.00 (20%) |
 |
Rite Lite LPL1040BX Wireless 40 LED Umbrella Light List Price: Sale Price: $15.00 You save: $29.99 (67%) |
 |
Moonrays 91515 Turtles on a Log Solar-Powered Outdoor LED Light List Price: Sale Price: $11.51 You save: $7.39 (39%) |
 |
Moonrays 97143 AA NiMh Pre-charged 1500mAh Rechargeable Batteries for Solar Lights, 4-Pack List Price: Sale Price: $11.76 You save: $8.23 (41%) |
 |
Westek SLC6CFL 100W Programmable Screw-In Light Control, White List Price: Sale Price: $5.30 You save: $12.69 (71%) |
 |
Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 for Mac - Silver (920-003472) List Price: Sale Price: $55.95 You save: $4.04 (7%) |
 |
Dell 14.1" LCD Screen Inverter For Latitude D620 D630 D420 D640, Inspiron 1300 B120 B130 630M 640M, XPS M140
Sale Price: $0.50 |
 |
Maxsa 6 LED Solar Powered Floodlight, Model# 40330 List Price: Sale Price: $45.01 You save: $5.21 (10%) |
