Solar Lights

How do solar lights work?

Solar lights are becoming very versatile. Usually when one thinks of solar lighting the little standard garden solar lights come to mind.

But larger solar lights with separate solar panels and powerful LED lights are now available for many applications from security lighting to camping lights that light up automatically when required.
The most basic solar light unit is composed of a small solar panel that charges up a battery. The battery powers an LED light. The light is activated by a photocell that switches the LED on at dusk, off at dawn. All solar powered lights operate in a similar manner.
Small solar lights are used as decorative lights to highlight a garden feature at night. There is a great variety of decorative solar lighting available, the most popular types are mounted on metal spikes and can be stuck into lawns and garden areas for feature lighting others can be fixed as wall lights or hanging lights.
Larger solar lights are used for lighting pathways, driveways and steps at night to improve safety and security around the home.
These have larger solar panels, bigger batteries and bigger LEDs to provide a brighter light. The typical solar light is encased in weatherproof plastic or stainless steel.