The idea of power supply from solar storage cells has long been mastered by manufacturers in different segments. The concept of full home maintenance with free electricity is not yet widespread, however, individual consumer modules with low energy requirements may well interact with an alternative power source. The simplest forms of implementation of such systems are demonstrated by solar-powered lamps intended for domestic use.
Advantages of solar powered lamps
Like most consumers of solar energy, such devices require minimal maintenance costs. Of course, maintenance, installation and repair will require standard investments by the standards of home lighting, but the cost of electricity is minimized. Another advantage is complete independence from the central power supply network. Depending on the power of the battery, solar-powered lamps can work even in cloudy weather for several days and even months without third-party power sources. Getting rid of the need to connect to an outlet also causes anotherplus - in the form of an increase in the level of electrical and fire safety. The rest of the lamps of this type are not much different from the usual devices. They get the same cases with original design solutions, automated control systems and elements of additional functionality.
Design and principle of operation
For a deeper understanding of the advantages, features, as well as certain disadvantages of such lighting technology, it is worthwhile to understand in more detail its principle of operation and technical device. So, the lamp is installed in the lamp, from which communications are connected to the battery. It can be a lantern, a spotlight, a spotlight, a pendant element or a solar-powered home table lamp - the main thing is the internal device. Such lamps are based only on LED LED elements, which are based on a semiconductor board with crystals. In the process of consuming the received solar energy, the diodes emit light, which can be corrected at the outlet by diffusers, reflectors and other optical elements. As for the batteries themselves, they are provided with panels on photosensitive elements - photosensors that respond to rays. The energy accumulated during daylight hours in low-power models is given off in the evening and at night.
Varieties of devices
Basically, solar lamps are divided into home and garden lamps. In this segment ita fundamental classification that largely determines the differences in the operational characteristics of devices. Initially, the concept of lighting technology powered by solar energy focused specifically on street models. This is due to the fact that the lamp could be provided with a battery and light-sensitive photo panels in a single structural form factor without unnecessary communications. In fact, it turned out to be an energetically self-sufficient device. Later, solar-powered LED lamps appeared, the photosensitive elements for which are most often located on the roof. That is, it becomes necessary to lay a channel for transmitting energy to the converter, and then to the battery pack and to the direct consumer in the form of a lamp.
Design features of garden lamps
On the one hand, solar street lamps simplify the technological organization of operation, and on the other hand, they require a high degree of protection from external influences. The main material for garden devices of this type is durable plastic. It is light, practical in care and allows you to implement any design solutions. Metal does not go out of use either. Typically, aluminum and steel alloys with protective coatings against corrosive processes are used for housings. Also, a solar-powered lamp-lantern is often provided with glass shades. Again, for decorative purposes, drawings, patterns and mosaics can be depicted on diffuse surfaces, allowing you to experiment with the play of light. Like traditional garden lamps, solar models are providedprotection against external influences with a class of at least IP44. It is waterproof, shockproof and dustproof.
Producers
Complex solutions for such lighting engineering are offered by few manufacturers. One of the most popular in the household segment is FERON. In its line you can find original models for the garden with scatterings of small lamps powered by a solar battery. Both in terms of reliability with a high protection class and in terms of light emission characteristics, these products are considered one of the best in this category. Camelion also produces similar solar-powered lamps, relying on garden models with an original design. In the domestic segment of manufacturers, such developments are carried out by the companies ERA, COSMOS and Wonderful Garden.
Selection Tips
Both the electrical characteristics and the stylistic features of the lamps should be taken into account. As for the first, the main performance indicator will be the operating time on a full battery charge. Usually it is 40-50 hours, but there may be other indicators. In many ways, this value will depend on the number of consumer lamps. Typically, in garden composite lamps, sets of lamps can be changed, thereby adjusting the load on the battery. If you choose a solar-powered lamp for a summer residence, then it is advisable to give preference to low-power and practical models. They last longer on a single charge, but still provideoptimized dispersion with minimization of energy costs. In terms of design qualities, the choice should be made taking into account the place of application - of course, it is desirable to organically fit lighting equipment both in style and in functional impact.
Installation Methods
There are two approaches to installing such lamps. The first involves hanging, and the second - installation directly into the ground. When hanging, find a solid structure or a vertical surface on which the complete mounting hardware can be securely installed. This mounting option is suitable for facade lanterns, garlands, overhead models with a flat sidewall, as well as luminaires with chains and eyelets, designed just for decorative hanging. Solar-powered lamps are installed in the ground, which are initially equipped with an appropriate rod. The simplest devices of this type are simply stuck into the soil of the selected area. Such models are known in the market as landscape and lawn. The design of the luminaire is characterized by a flat and wide base, which allows you to securely fix the body in the ground without additional devices.
Recommendations for landscape lighting design
To organize a modern, stylistically original and functional garden lighting with solar panels, it is not necessary to invite a designer. Following some tips, you can solve this problem yourself. howAs a basic solution, it is recommended to use the arrangement of ground lamps along the perimeter of the lawn and garden paths. For lawn areas and flower beds, this will be a decorative framing with light, and for paths it will be a very practical option for illuminating the area. In functional areas, it is advisable to place street lamps on suspended solar panels. These can be gazebos, summer kitchens, areas with pools and ponds. Do not forget about decorative architectural structures. For them, manufacturers specifically provide compact and spot lighting systems that also run on solar energy.
Conclusion
From the point of view of decorative qualities and performance, the transition to lighting equipment powered by solar panels is not always justified. Indeed, in terms of these qualities, traditional devices lose a little, and sometimes they have advantages over alternative energy counterparts. Nevertheless, solar-powered lighting lamps are beneficial in terms of energy efficiency and safety level. So far, the introduction of such devices in a single order may indeed seem inconvenient and troublesome. But on the other hand, such equipment can be seen as the first step towards the idea of a house that will be completely provided by solar energy with all its advantages.
