June 17, 2009

Solar Lights: A Splendid Upgrade That Is ReallyAffordable.

by Phineas Duru

It was not so long ago that solar lights seemed like a great idea, but in real life they just couldn't deliver on their promise. With an extremely short battery life and producing only a minimal amount of light, solar lights seemed less than prepared for prime time.

However, the solar lights now available are an entirely different thing in comparison to what was out there just a year or two back.

Today's solar lights are brighter, last longer and better built than older models. They also cost less to purchase.

Think of it as the difference between the original Star Trek of the 1960s and the Next Generation series of the 1990s. The first series incorporated some technologies which seemed futuristic at the time but had become commonplace by the 90s.

You could also compare solar lighting to cell phone technology in a very short period of time cell phones have transformed from large, awkward handsets to tiny little devices you can clip to your ear. The size required for the battery alone has shrunk considerably.

The technology for batteries has improved greatly and what used to require thick batteries can easily be done with ultra thin ones. They also are able to deliver more power for a longer period of time, letting very small devices be capable of doing more than just being a phone.

The technologies used in solar lights are no exception to this rapid evolution. New models of solar lights give off bright light for several nights after charging in the sub for just a day.

Lights have gone through technological advances as well. Instead of incandescent bulbs, solar lights now use highly efficient LED (light emitting diode) bulbs.

By connecting several LEDs together in the same reflector, a solar light can now provide almost as much light as a 220 volt incandescent bulb, with several advantages:

1. 10,000 hours of useful life

2. The bulbs are completely maintenance free

3. 9% higher efficiency than solar lights using incandescent bulbs while using a mere 3 watts of power.

4. LEDs are completely safe for use outdoors because they are totally sealed units

With the new technology offered by the LEDs, the new battery capabilities and the new photovoltaic technology of the solar panels, you can easily convert sunlight into free solar power.

Solar lights are a cost-saving lighting solution that can be used in any sort of lighting design desired.

One of the best perks to solar lighting is it doesn't need to be wired into your electrical box. They are able to be put anywhere in your yard to give light to your deck, your paths, water features or specimen plantings as long as the solar panel can get sun to stay charged.

Since they use solar energy, solar lights are free to use and will not strain your electrical wiring. Holiday displays using solar lights are free, festive and environmentally sound.

With solar powered fairy lights, you can add twinkle to your holiday decorations outdoors or use them for a magical effect in the summer while you have family barbecues.

Solar lights are also a great way to light your tool shed or garage; they are a reliable backup system which is always there for you in the event of a power outage.

Solar lights give you the freedom of easily installing lights wherever you want that will cost you nothing for the power it is all free from the sun!

Not only will this feel good in your wallet, but it can also help save our planet's resources today and for years to come.

Solar powered lighting is easy enough for anyone to install. These lights can be installed anywhere you like and moved any time you want to make a change in your outdoor lighting.

Solar powered security lights can give you peace of mind without hitting your pocketbook. Thieves prefer the cover of darkness in which to approach a house and break in. Solar security lights and lights in your garden will make that impossible. The lights stay on all night long and can't be turned off by cutting the electrical wires. Even when you are away from home, your solar lighting is on the job, protecting your property.

If you want to sell your home, solar lights can add extra curb appeal to your property. Potential buyers often come by and look at homes at night as well as in the daytime. If they see one home which is darkened and another well lit with these free to use, eco friendly outdoor lighting systems, they will probably prefer the second option.

Solar lights use advanced technologies to provide homes with clean, free outdoor lighting that is a reliably solid investment.

About the Author:

Tags: , , , , , ,

Permalink • Print

Track this entry

RSS BlogPulse

RSS Technorati Cosmos

Related Entries