Buying Guide for Outdoor Solar Lights

Outdoor solar lights are an energy-efficient and eco-friendly way to illuminate an outdoor space. They've become a popular choice for outdoor lighting in recent years as business owners, contractors and homeowners try to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint. However, with so many possibilities on the market, choosing the best solar outdoor lights for your needs can take considerable time and effort. This high-level guide will explain what solar outdoor lights are, which types of solar-powered LED lighting fixtures are available to you and how to choose solar-powered outdoor lights for your property.

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By Warehouse Lighting

Table of contents

What Are Solar Outdoor Lights?

Like other types of solar-powered devices, solar outdoor lights harness energy provided by the sun and store it in cells. When night time comes, solar-powered outdoor lights use stored energy to light up your property.

How Do Outdoor Solar Lights Work?

Solar lights work by turning the sun's light into electricity that's collected and stored in a battery until darkness comes. With the help of a photosensor, outdoor solar lights can detect the change in light and activate the LED lamp. When the sun comes up again, the circuit shuts the light off and the process begins all over again.

Benefits of LED Solar-Powered Outdoor Lights

When low-emitting diode (LED) lights team up with solar power, the result is a perfect partnering of energy efficiency and earth-friendly features. Below is a rundown of the features and benefits of using LED solar-powered outdoor lights:

• Easy on the Budget: Power from the sun is free, making solar power the most cost-effective option. LEDs distribute light efficiently with a minimal amount of power. Using solar energy and LEDs together can save you a bundle.
• Easy to Install: Outdoor solar lights don't require external wiring or a power source, so it's easy to install them wherever it's convenient for you. This is especially helpful to homeowners and DIYers who may not have expertise in wiring outdoor fixtures.
• Eco-Friendly: Solar power is a clean and renewable energy source. It doesn't produce greenhouse gas emissions or other pollutants, making solar-powered outdoor lights an ideal planet-friendly choice.
• Low Maintenance: The absence of an external power source or wiring means if you choose outdoor solar LED lights, you won't need to worry about servicing them for quite some time.
• Versatile: Fixtures for outdoor solar light bulbs and lamps come in various styles and types, so you're sure to find the lighting that meets your needs and preferences.
• Weather-Resistant: Solar outdoor lights are designed to hold up in rain, snow, wind and other hazardous conditions.
• Safety-Conscious: LED outdoor solar lights are bright enough to light the way for pedestrians while discouraging vandals and other intruders.

How to Choose Outdoor Solar Lights

Learning how to choose outdoor solar lights is easy, provided you know where you're installing them and how they're being used. Several types of outdoor solar-powered lights will do a superior job lighting up your spaces, large and small. It's important to consider factors such as the amount of sunlight the fixture will receive, the size of the area that needs to be illuminated, and the desired light quality and coverage when choosing an outdoor solar light fixture.

What are the Different Types of Outdoor Solar Lights?

There are several types of outdoor solar lights available in the market, each designed for a specific purpose. These fixtures utilize solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, which is stored in rechargeable batteries and used to power the LED lights at night. Depending on the type of solar light fixture, they can offer different levels of brightness and coverage, making them suitable for the exterior of your home or business, garage entrance, shed, greenhouse, storage unit or any exterior wall.

Some of the most common types of outdoor solar lights include:

• Area Lighting: Parking lots, arenas and other large spaces use area lighting. Solar outdoor lights are ideally suited for area lighting because once you've installed solar lighting fixtures, little maintenance is required to keep them going.
• Wall Lights: For the safety and security of pedestrians, mount solar outdoor lights on the exterior of your building. Wall lights are also an essential component for securing your facility. As we all know, intruders are discouraged by brightly lit areas.
• Floodlights: Show off landscaping, sculptures and other landmarks using solar-powered outdoor lights. Whether you have a large office campus or you're illuminating your backyard, solar lighting is a terrific solution.
• Spotlight: Want to light your business' signage? An outdoor solar spotlight is the way to go.
• Path Lighting: Whether you need post-top lights or some other form of path lighting, LED solar outdoor lights ensure you can see your way clear to navigate the darkness.
• Old-Style Fixtures: Enjoy old-style charm that uses modern technology. Lantern and lamp post fixtures use LED solar light bulbs for outside applications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Solar Lights

We've tackled some of the frequently asked questions about outdoor solar lights. If you have something else that you'd like to know about, please let our lighting experts know.

Do Solar Lights Need Direct Sunlight?

While solar panels work best in the presence of direct sunlight, they'll still work on cloudy days and even in partial shade. That's because the photons used to generate electricity exist in both direct and indirect sunlight, enabling solar outdoor lights to operate even when direct sunlight isn't present.

Do Solar Lights Need Batteries?

Yes, solar lights do need batteries to operate – they gather energy from the sun and store it on batteries, then draw power from the batteries to provide illumination at night. Eventually, you'll need to replace the battery to ensure your light continues to shine.

How Long Do Outdoor Solar Lights Last?

To determine how long outdoor solar lights last, we first need to establish that two major components of your outdoor solar lights will need to be changed periodically – the LED lamp and the battery. Batteries in solar outdoor lights will last anywhere from 2-5 years. The LED lamp is designed to last 10 years or more.

Let the Sun Light the Way With Outdoor Solar Lights From Warehouse-Lighting.com

What are the best outdoor solar lights? You'll find them right here at Warehouse-Lighting.com. Once you know the many benefits of outdoor solar lights, we're confident you'll want to use them to illuminate your property. From patios to parking lots, we have all the lighting solutions you require. We'll meet your specs, come in on time and nail your budget. Our experienced team of lighting experts will work with you on a plan. Get in touch, and let's start lighting your outdoor space!

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Uses for a Portable Solar Generator

You can use a solar generator in many different contexts, such as:

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• Camping: Whether on the campgrounds or outside an RV, you can use a portable camping solar generator to power an electric grill and other cooking equipment, a mini refrigerator, a portable air conditioner and other electronics.
• Emergency Power Outages: In case your home loses electricity, you can connect a select number of devices to a portable generator so you can continue to use electronics and receive lighting.
• Backyard Parties: Use a solar generator to liven up outdoor areas for social gatherings. A generator can give power to a stereo system and a TV or movie projector for fun nighttime viewing under the skies.
• Worksites: When working at a job site without electricity, you can use a portable generator to power tools, lights and more.

Solar Generators Versus Fuel-Powered Generators

Like a traditional portable generator or inverter generator, a solar generator can power string lights and charge mobile devices when you’re camping off the grid. It can also power corded tools at a project site where electrical outlets are out of reach. You can also use a solar generator as a backup to operate key items around your home in the event of a power outage. However, solar generators work differently from gas, diesel or propane-powered models. Rather than actually creating electricity, they collect the sun’s energy through solar panels, convert the solar energy to electricity and store it in a battery. The battery then acts as a power supply when needed. This functionality leads to some of the key benefits of solar-powered generators.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Generators?

Solar generators have both advantages and disadvantages that we list, so you can determine if a solar generator is right for you.

Advantages of Solar Generators

• They operate without requiring fuel, meaning once you’ve purchased the generator, it can provide free energy.
• There’s no need to add or dispose of oil, which means less mess.
• They operate without emissions, which is better for the environment.
• They don’t produce carbon monoxide, and they can typically be used indoors, offering more flexibility.
• They create very little noise, which can be more pleasant for both you and your neighbors if you're using a solar house generator.
• They need only minimal maintenance, so there’s less effort and a lower cost of ownership over time.
• Because they’re lighter than traditional generators, they’re easier to transport to a job site or campsite.

Disadvantages of Solar Generators

• A portable solar power generator doesn’t offer the output of most fuel-powered generators, so it may not be able to power as many devices simultaneously.
• It also may not be able to provide power to appliances or devices that draw a lot of electricity.
• These generators also take time to charge, requiring several hours of sunlight to reach full capacity.
• Since solar generators rely on the sun, you'll get the best charge quality during sunny days.

Choosing the Right Solar Generator Size

As with any generator, you need to make sure the portable solar generator system you purchase will give you the power you need. There are several measurements that'll help. Researching with these in mind will help you choose the right generator for your needs.

Caution

Follow the generator manufacturer’s instructions for use and safety.

Running Watts

The running watts — or rated-watts measurement — indicate the electricity the generator can produce continuously. Tally up the wattage requirements of the devices you want the generator to power. You can often find the requirements of an electrical device on the device itself. Make sure the running wattage of the generator is greater than this total.

Watt Hours

The watt-hours (Wh) — or capacity — of the generator help make sure it can power devices for the length of time you need. The measurement tells you how much continuous power the generator can provide for 60 minutes with a full battery charge. It also helps you estimate how much power the generator can deliver before needing to be recharged. For example, in the right conditions, a 600-Wh generator could power a 50-watt light for around 12 hours or two 100-watt devices for around three hours before the battery is exhausted. Keep in mind, these calculations are just estimates, and you may not be able to use the full capacity. For example, the temperature can affect the capacity of the battery. Multiply the total wattage of the devices you need to power by the time you need to run them. You’ll need a generator that offers a watt-hours capacity greater than the result.

Peak Power

The peak power output — or starting watts measurement — of a generator indicates the power the generator can briefly provide before settling into the running output. This measurement will be higher than the running watts. This momentary surge of extra power is needed to start an electric motor on devices like a mini refrigerator or a fan. If you’ll be powering a device that has a motor, determine its starting wattage and make sure the peak power output of the generator can accommodate it.

Recharge Time

Recharge time gives you an idea of how long it takes to return an exhausted solar generator battery to a full charge. The manufacturer’s documentation should indicate an estimate of charging time based on the charging speed of the generator and the specific power input from solar panels. Keep in mind it’s likely based on the maximum input of solar power, which you can’t always expect. Cloudy weather will impact charging, and you’ll need direct sunlight for best results, so a generator that charges ten hours with a 200-watt solar panel may require a few days to charge fully. Factor this in with the capacity and power needs. For example, if you’re going to be relying on the solar generator to supply power for lights, a portable TV and mobile devices for several days, make sure the capacity and charge rate will give you the power you need during that time. While many models can supply power while charging, this will increase charging time and you might be using power faster than the battery can recharge, making it a good idea to have a spare battery or even a second generator.

Good to Know

Temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit may reduce battery capacity, and you may not be able to charge the battery in these conditions. Check the generator's manual for tips on using the generator in subfreezing temperatures.

Other Considerations

In addition to properly sizing your generator, there are some other factors to consider.

Inverter Type

Solar generators use devices known as inverters to transform the direct current (DC) power delivered from solar panels to alternating current (AC) power so you can power or charge your devices. A modified sine inverter is an economical option that works with many types of devices. However, others may not operate as well with this type of inverter or may not function at all. A modified sine wave may cause a hum in audio equipment and may reduce the life of other devices, so make sure anything you connect is suited for it. A pure sine inverter is more expensive but will be a better option for some home devices and sensitive electronics.

Battery Type

Solar generators use either lead-acid or lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries to store energy. Generators with lead batteries will typically be less expensive than those with lithium-ion batteries, but lithium-ion batteries will likely last longer. Lithium-ion batteries also tend to be lighter, which is something to consider if portability is a top consideration.

Portable Solar Generator Features

There are various features that can make a generator easier to operate and more convenient to use.

• Home and Vehicle Charging Inputs: Many generators allow you to charge not only with solar power but also include charging cables and inputs to allow you to charge via a power outlet in your home or an accessory charger in a vehicle.
• Wind Turbine Charging Inputs: Some generators allow charging by wind power and may include a wind turbine, but you’ll need to supply a pole or tower to mount the turbine. Before relying on wind power to charge the generator, research the requirements and make sure you live in an area with winds that can create the necessary power.
  
• Included Solar Panels: Not all solar generators include solar panels. Solar generator kits that include them are a convenient option, and you can be assured the panels will work with the generator. On the other hand, buying solar panels separately may let you select the panel type and power output that'll best fit your needs.
  
• Solar Panel Input Types: Higher and lower wattage solar panel inputs make it simpler to find solar panels that’ll recharge the generator and give you a couple of power input options. Note that even if the generator has multiple inputs, it may only accept power from one source at a time. Plugging in panels to all the inputs may not speed up charging.
• Output Types: Make sure the outputs on the generator match your current needs and think about future needs as well. In addition to standard AC 110-volt receptacles that you’d see in a home, look for USB-A and USB-C outputs that can charge a range of mobile devices. Also, pay attention to the number of outputs — more will make the generator more useful.
  
• Expandable Storage Capacity: Some generators allow you to connect an additional battery, and some kits include a second battery. More storage batteries can provide longer runtimes. Look for add-on batteries that’ll allow you to connect additional batteries for even more capacity.
• Included Power Transfer Kit: A power transfer kit allows an electrician to connect the generator to your home's electrical system. With this connection, you’ll be able to keep the devices you want to power connected to the home receptacles rather than having to plug them into the generator.
• Display Panel: A display panel makes it easy to check the status of the generator. Different generators provide different levels of information, such as battery-charge level, charging source indicators, output-use indicators and warning messages.

Solar Panels

If you’re purchasing portable solar panels for a generator, make sure they’re compatible. Not all solar panels work with all generators. Even if your generator package includes a solar panel, it’s helpful to know what to look for when shopping for a kit or in case you ever want to upgrade the system.

• The generator documentation should provide information on the type of solar panels you need, including the connection type and the maximum voltage and wattage that’ll work with the generator. Using the wrong type of solar panel can damage a generator.
• Most solar panels for generators are either polycrystalline or monocrystalline. Polycrystalline solar cells have a bluish appearance. They’re a more economical option. Monocrystalline solar cells have a black appearance. They’re more expensive but also more efficient.
  
• With the right connectors (often included in generator kits with multiple panels), you can connect some types of panels together to deliver more solar energy to the generator. This is also known as connecting in parallel or daisy-chaining. Check the solar panel and generator documentation for instructions and make sure the power output from the panels isn’t too high for the input capacity of the generator.
• Not all solar panels are weatherproof. Whether you're using panels included with the generator or separate panels, make sure you know what level of moisture they’ll tolerate.
  

Solar Generator Maintenance

Solar generators don’t have a lot of maintenance requirements. You’ll need to keep the generator clean, store it properly and take care of the battery. The manual should outline the steps, such as leaving it connected to a power source when not in use or charging the battery fully before storage and topping off the charge every few months.

Is a Solar Generator Strong Enough to Power a Refrigerator or A/C?

A solar generator can power large amenities such as an air conditioner or a refrigerator. Small A/C units use around 1,000 watts, whereas refrigerators use around 300 to 800. Check the starting watts and peak power limits of the generator to be sure it will accommodate your particular device. How long the generator can power these amenities depends on the generator's load capacity. Get a generator with a high amount of wattage to power an air conditioner for around a few hours. Try not to add more devices to the load, however, as that will deplete the generator's power faster.

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