Solar-powered lamps for garden and plot illumination
Solar-powered lamps for autonomous illumination of the garden and plot
One of the most successful innovative technologies in the field of lighting is the method of using solar-powered lamps. These lights have gained popularity due to such characteristics as economy. After all, they do not waste electricity, but use the energy of sunlight to work at night. In addition, such lamps do not have a negative impact on nature. This publication is dedicated to these products.
Solar-powered lamps are easy to install on their own and can be placed anywhere
Solar-powered lamps: scope of application
Solar-powered street lighting is very popular among owners of private houses, dachas, as well as specialists in the field of landscape design. These lamps do not need to be connected to the electrical network. They are easily installed in the suburban area in any suitable order along the paths. You can also use flashlights for additional decoration of some elements of the garden: highlighting a pond or flower beds.
Street lamps will create additional comfort in the evening garden
Due to the frequent use in landscape design, such lanterns are often called garden lanterns. These lamps are an advantageous decoration of a suburban area due to their unique design, which gives comfort and coziness to the atmosphere of a garden or courtyard. In addition, the use of lighting allows you to walk in the garden at night and enjoy the beauty of plants at dusk.
Flashlights for a solar–powered cottage are a good find, because it is convenient, inexpensive and does not require additional preparation of the site. But at this point, the use of solar-powered lighting devices is not limited to private possessions. They perfectly fit into the landscape design of city parks and squares, and are also used for decorative illumination of buildings, fountains and sculptural compositions, used to illuminate streets and dark alleys.
Street lights with a motion sensor are very popular. They allow you to save money and guarantee safety in the dark.
LED lamps allow you to significantly save on electricity
The device and the principle of operation of solar-powered lanterns
It is possible to place a piece of the sun in a corner of the garden using an autonomous solar-powered lamp. The fixtures are organized quite simply and consist of the following details:
- LED lamp – emits a cold or yellow glow, and it can also be a certain colored light or a gradual change of colors;
- solar panel – performs the conversion of solar energy into electric current;
- accumulator battery – accumulates energy during the day and gives it away at night;
- charge controller;
- photocell – automatically turns on the light with the onset of evening and turns off at dawn;
- housing and mounting parts.
In addition to these elements, the lamps can be equipped with motion and light level sensors. Some models are constructed using sound effects. Such a lamp is usually made of anticorrosive materials. This ensures resistance to atmospheric precipitation. The ceiling of the product itself is made of three types of glass: tempered, structured and smooth.
Thanks to photocells and an improved electrical circuit, the lamps can work even in cold and cloudy weather
Tempered glass has the best characteristics, but this affects the cost of the product. It is also dustproof and waterproof. The level of protection is recorded on the profile or lamp box and is indicated by IP and numbers.
The lamp operates on solar batteries from a nickel-cadmium battery, whose power is 700 mA / hour. Throughout the daylight hours, the device converts solar energy into electrical energy and charges the battery. And with the onset of dusk, a photocell is triggered, which includes a diffused glow. And at dawn, if the minimum battery charge controller has not worked earlier, the photocell turns off the lamp.
Most often, the light source in such lamps are LEDs or LED, it is on their number that the brightness of the lighting depends. The average power of the product is 0.06 watts, and the service life is 100 thousand hours.
An example of lighting a section of a house with solar-powered lamps
Solar-powered lanterns for cottages, regardless of the manufacturer, have a small battery capacity, which is able to ensure the operation of the lamp when fully charged for 8-10 hours. And in the autumn period, when the sunny day decreases, the battery charge is not enough until dawn. But there are models that are equipped with functions that allow you to increase the uptime of the product, for example, motion sensors.
Useful advice! It is also necessary to take into account such parameters as the height and installation method of the lamp. Since the choice of products is huge, everyone will be able to choose the best option.
Solar-powered garden lights: advantages and disadvantages
Before you buy solar-powered garden lamps, you need to study all the nuances. Many buyers who have installed such products are satisfied with the purchase, but negative reviews also happen.
Bright LEDs do not consume electricity for excess thermal radiation like conventional incandescent lamps
To implement any ideas related to the design of the garden, it is necessary to choose the best option of a lantern for the cottage. This is possible due to the advantages of these products:
Using solar lamps, you can inexpensively illuminate the entire garden without overpaying for electricity. In addition, there is no need to connect the device to the power grid, which means there will be no spending on wiring. The cost of the most common models is very democratic. This allows you to install any number of lamps in every corner of the garden. The installation of the device is so simple that even a child could cope with it. And a long service life, when all the operating recommendations are met, guarantees a payback of the purchase.
If you need a lamp that will really illuminate the area, and not just mark it, then you need to choose with a high luminance
The disadvantage of these devices is that they cannot be repaired after a breakdown. Also, in cloudy weather, the battery is not infected by 100%, and in the cold season, the battery may fail.
Classification of solar-powered street lamps
Solar panel lanterns can be used to illuminate any corner of the garden and yard in a variety of styles. Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of products that are able to satisfy the needs of all potential buyers. These are both ordinary simple models and unusual sculptural compositions on legs.
From the whole variety of solar panel lamps , they can be classified depending on their functional purpose as follows:
- bollards are strict lanterns in the form of columns designed to lighten paths and lawns;
Reliable fastening will prevent the theft of the lamp
- wall or hanging lamps that are mounted on poles, fences or walls of any building;
- built-in lamps used for the decoration of stairs and paved areas;
- floating lighting fixtures for pond, fountain or pool;
- underwater flashlights for reservoirs;
- lamps for the decoration of flower beds made of transparent material, which ensures their invisibility in the daytime;
- decorative lanterns, made in the form of animals or fairy-tale characters.
This classification of lighting fixtures for the garden helps to navigate the variety of models and makes it easier to make a choice. But this division is conditional, since a solar-powered garden lantern of the same modification can be used for different purposes.
When the temperature decreases, LED lamps shine brighter than incandescent lamps, which work less efficiently in cold conditions
Also, street lamps can be divided into the following types:
- lawn;
- parks;
- wall mounted.
The most common are wall lights. They are used as garden lighting, and are also used in parks and squares. At the same time, such a lantern can be placed in any place where the rays of the sun fall. Such lighting devices are capable of emitting light for 10 hours.
The park lighting models are made of stainless steel. The service life of such lamps is characterized by durability. In addition, such a solar-powered lamp can work perfectly even in gloomy weather for several days in a row.
When choosing lamps with photocells, it is important to take into account the scope of their application
Lawn lights are small in size. In these products, LEDs are used as a light element. The shape of the products can be any, they always look original and fashionable. Lawn lamps are used as a decoration for objects:
- tracks;
- lawns;
- attic;
- trees and bushes.
Related article:
Solar panels for home: the cost of the kit and the feasibility of installation
The technical requirements. Features of selection and installation. Overview of manufacturers.
You can use such lanterns to highlight billboards or as a garden garland.
What to buy solar-powered lanterns: nuances of choice
Before buying a solar-powered lamp, it is necessary first of all to pay attention to such characteristics:
- battery quality;
The advantages of using solar energy in lamps are its purity, the absence of electricity costs and low maintenance costs
- the material from which the case is made;
- the degree of protection of the lampshade of the product;
- the number of LED lamps.
Plastic is mainly used for the production of lamps. Shaped elements, the frame bases of ordinary lanterns for the garden are cast from this material. But at this time, products that are completely made of steel are gaining more and more popularity. At the same time, most of these lanterns are large in size.
The brightness of the lighting depends on the number of diode lamps. The battery capacity determines the duration of the flashlight. And the reliability of a photocell depends on the type of silicon: the most reliable is monocrystalline, but it is also the most expensive.
The motion sensor will be useful for temporary lighting of the site if someone passes by
To illuminate the paths, it is better to choose solar–powered outdoor garden lamps with a leg height of up to 1 m, for a gazebo and barbecue – up to 1.5 m. The installation of such products is very simple: the pointed part of the leg is driven into the ground. But there are options for lanterns that simply fit on the ground or in the water. However, such lamps are used as additional lighting. They look especially impressive with solar-powered streetlights.
To date, the commodity market provides a wide selection of solar-powered garden lamps of various shapes. At the same time, the price of lanterns remains affordable. In most cases, the owners of country and private houses select inexpensive and ordinary lamps. This is due to the desire of the owners not to arouse the interest of thieves. Since most of the lights do not require stationary installation, therefore, leaving the cottage, these products can be removed indoors.
The low cost of solar-powered lanterns does not affect the decorative design of the garden plot in any way. The simplest lawn street lamps on solar panels can be bought for 100-200 rubles., but you do not need to demand from them a long service and bright lighting. The price of budget, but more durable lighting devices is in the range from 500 to 2000 rubles.
The light sensor reacts to the level of illumination, turning on the lamp exactly when it is necessary
Useful advice! Solar batteries are sensitive to temperature changes and frosts, so it is better to clean the product indoors in winter. This will help to increase the life of the solar-powered flashlight.
Overview of the best solar-powered lamps
A good lantern on solar panels will not be able to buy for a low price. If it is necessary not only to decorate the territory, but also to illuminate it, then it is necessary to take into account the quality of the product.
Such lamps have proven themselves well:
LEDs are durable and will not fail during the entire life of the lamp
This is not a complete range of high-quality solar-powered lanterns, there are other models worthy of attention.
Useful advice! The MJJC-SLYF170 wall-mounted lighting fixture can be attached at any height. But it is most effective to use it at low placement. By installing several such models at the bottom of the stairs, you can improve the appearance of the structure, as well as protect yourself and your family from injury.
Solar lanterns for cottages on solar batteries: the arrangement of the site
Recently, it has become fashionable to design a garden plot, for many summer residents it has become a hobby. As a result, it is increasingly possible to find neat lawns with flower beds, unusually lit areas, recreation areas near houses. Therefore, solar-powered lanterns for cottages are especially in demand.
Their popularity is explained by the fact that these devices do not need to be connected to the power grid, but work thanks to a special battery that is charged throughout the day from solar energy. And in the dark, the lantern emits a soft pleasant illumination.
Such lamps should illuminate the borders of paths, paths, driveways and other small areas near the house
Lamps for cottages on solar panels are able to solve several problems at the same time:
- save electrical energy;
- perform lighting of the territory at night.
Solar-powered flashlights will help to decorate the lawn neatly. This is very convenient and beautiful; because when there is a need to cut the lawn grass, they can be removed without any problems. Also, solar-powered LED lights are suitable for the decoration of bushes, trees, garden paths, and with the help of solar-powered street garlands, you can decorate gazebos.
Useful advice! If you need to place the lights in the shade of trees or under the roof of a building, experts recommend installing additional separate panels in an open area. This will require financial costs, but will allow you to deliver light to the darkest corners of the site.
Using a warm glow will prolong the “mileage” without recharging, since it consumes less electricity compared to cold
Solar-powered outdoor garden lamp: operating conditions
Making out a plot of a country house or cottage, each owner wants to keep his territory beautiful and well-groomed for a long time. In order for the street lights for the cottage to last for several seasons, it is necessary to adhere to the operating rules.
Lawn lamps are unstable to mechanical damage, so they must be installed carefully, without dropping or hammering into the ground. And for the unhindered penetration of the sun’s rays onto the surface of the solar panel, it must be constantly wiped with a damp cloth. Do not use lanterns near the reservoir that are not designed for this. Only a special lamp has excellent tightness for contact with water.
Most solar panel lamps are sensitive to temperature changes and do not tolerate frost. Therefore, products with the onset of frost must be hidden in a heated room and turn off the lantern. At the same time, the battery must be removed. Also, over time, there will be a need to replace the battery. It is sold both as a set and separately.
Solar-powered lamps will be indispensable in the absence of an electrical network
How to make solar-powered street lights with your own hands
Buying a solar–powered lamp for a cottage is not cheap if the lamp is of good quality. But such a product can be made with your own hands, saving your money. To do this, you need to follow some rules.
It is easy to make a product from any improvised means. Old cans, flower pots, plastic bottles, vases can be useful for this. These things can be painted in an original way or decorated with beads, sequins.
Consider an example of creating a garden lamp made of organic glass. This material is perfect as a base, because it has characteristics such as strength and brightness. This will make it possible to scatter the rays of light. You can cut out the parts of the desired shape using a conventional hacksaw and connect them with silicone glue.
The relatively small luminous flux of accentuated lamps is designed to “mark the place”, and not to illuminate an object or path
If we are going to create a lantern from an old tin can, then we need to trim one side for this. Using a hammer and an ordinary nail, we make holes along the entire surface of the jar. As a decoration, the slots can be made with nails, different in diameter, or use different patterns. And then, according to the scheme of the solar-powered lantern, the entire structure is mounted.
Useful advice! During the creation of a solar-powered lighting device, it is necessary to clearly follow the scheme and recheck everything several times so that the device works.
We place homemade lanterns along garden paths, alleys or along the perimeter of playgrounds, terraces and flower beds. The rays of the sun, which will make their way through the holes in the product, will create an unusual light effect.
Solar-powered street lights: the optimal solution for lighting
If the country house is used for rest and reception of guests at night, then additional lighting will be needed for this. Solar–powered street lamps for cottages are the optimal solution. After all, garden lanterns have many advantages, the main ones are economy, practicality and durability. The principle of operation of these products is simple: during the day the battery is charged from the energy of the sun, and at night it emits light due to this battery.
Low power consumption increases the duration of the accent lamp, which distinguishes it from the rest
If you decide to buy solar-powered garden lights, then first of all you need to pay attention to the characteristics of the battery, the material from which the housing is made, the degree of protection of the lampshade.
The shape of garden lanterns can be very diverse. This allows you to create a unique design of the garden and the adjacent territory.
