Solar lamps for the garden entered the market in a rather controversial atmosphere. Renewable energy sources were not yet so well known, let alone disseminated. Therefore, it is not surprising that they raised doubts among customers about their functionality. Few people believed that power could be really obtained from the sun. Today, knowledge about such technology is common, and the use of this type of devices can be observed both in the private and public sectors. How do garden solar panels work and what are their advantages and disadvantages? We check.
Solar lamps for the garden: how do they work?
Solar lighting has ceased to shock. You can meet him more and more often. People are happy to use them in their gardens and allotments. How do such devices work? It would be easiest to say that they use the sun's rays. However, it will not be exhaustive information.
Solar lamps are equipped with the so-called a photovoltaic panel in which the cell is located. Its task is to focus the photons contained in the rays of the sun, and then induce a potential difference in them In this way, electricity is obtained.The generated current is stored in the batteries. When dusk approaches, the lamp turns on by itself, drawing on the power reserves previously stored in the batteries.
The device therefore works without the need to connect it to the network. This means that you can use the light without connecting wires. Solar lighting works automatically. During the day, the batteries charge automatically thanks to the exposure of the panel to the sun, and when dusk comes, the lamp also lights up by itself, without having to manually turn it on
Solar lamps for the garden: advantages
Solar garden lamps are devices that bring many benefits. They concern both the person who uses them and the natural environment. Although many people are still not aware of it,photovoltaics is a fully ecological technology, which involves the production of so-called clean energy, without emitting any fumes or other toxic substances into the atmosphere
At a time when air pollution is constantly increasing, any measures that allow you to reduce the consumption of electricity from the grid are worth their weight in gold. Why? The answer is simple. Power plants in Poland generate electricity mainly by burning coal, which is associated with enormous emissions, includingin carbon dioxide.By resigning from devices connected to contact in favor of solar lighting, it allows to reduce the power consumption of the plant, and thus reduce the amount needed to produce it in a power plant, which is associated with lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Ecology is not the only advantage.People who replace traditional light sources with solar lamps save money.Using them does not inflate their bills. The cost is only incurred once when purchasing a specific product. Then, using it for free will quickly pay for itself.
Photovoltaic garden lamps are also a certain degree of independence from power plant supplies. Thanks to them, you can illuminate the space at night, even when there is a breakdown in the plant.
Another advantage is, of course,aesthetic appearanceDevices of this type look nice, and with their work they create a pleasant atmosphere in the environment.Often they are even used only for decorative purposes.Currently on the market there are modern solar garden lamps that change color , which are considered an extremely attractive addition to the space.
Solar lamps for the garden: disadvantages
Garden solar panels with the whole arsenal of strengths they can boast about, however, have andsome disadvantages The first is the power of lighting, the amount of lumens generated. The light coming out of them is not as bright and intense as that emitted by a traditional electric productThis in some way limits their functionality. They are not devices that will allow you to work, read or solve a crossword puzzle at night in the garden.
However, they were not designed with this in mind either.Anyone who decides to buy them should take into account the fact that they are intended mainly to illuminate the area or create a pleasant atmosphere.safe communication routes in the garden, signaling where the path is located or warning against e.g. pits or other dangers that will not be noticed at night.
You can, however, bet onmore efficient variants , most of which are e.g. hanging solar lamps. They will not illuminate the surroundings enough for you to be able to read, but alsoch intensity will ensure e.g. visibility on the driveway to the garage , thanks to which you will safely enter it.
Another disadvantage is the need to keep solar lamps clean. Dirt and dust accumulating on the surface of the photovoltaic panel effectively blocks the flow of photons to the cell, which causes that the device either completely loses its efficiency or its efficiency drops significantly. It is reassuring that removing the dirt itself is simple. Just use a damp cloth.
Solar lamps for the garden: how to choose?
Solar lamps are available in various versions.They differ in several parameters. Their form is important.When choosing a device, adjust its shape to your needs. If you only intend to mark out communication routes in the garden, use a model in the form of a pole driven into the ground. In turn, hanging models will prove themselves as lighting under the gazebo, at the entrance to the garage or the entrance to the house.
Another factor that you should pay attention to when choosing a solar lamp isthe size of the solar panel. If the device is to illuminate the space , and not only signal the place where the alley is, i.e. create visible conditions,choose a version with a panel of at least 18x12 cmThe smaller one may fail the exam.
The battery capacity is important . It depends on her how long the lamp will last. In the case of small beacons, it does not have to be impressive. A value of 1000mAH is enough, if they are to ensure visibility, it is worth betting on a larger one with a capacity of 1800mAH.
If you want to buy a device that will illuminate the entrance to the garage, it should have enough energy for the whole night. You never know when you will come home, e.g. from a business trip. If you don't want to be disappointed with a drained battery,you can choose a model with a motion sensor. Such solar lamps light up only when they sense activity nearby, e.g. a car approachingThanks to this, they do not light up when there is no such need, and therefore they do not waste energy. Such devices can function for up to several days without having to recharge them.
