solar powered spotlights
Solar landscape lights are becoming a popular choice for discerning homeowners because they offer ease of installation, energy savings, and best of all, bright, glare-free lighting thanks to the latest in LED technology.
Why purchase solar landscape lights?
- Solar outdoor lights use LED instead of incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. While the LEDs are not replaceable, they will typically last 50,000 hours or 11.4 years at 12 hours a night to 17.1 years at 8 hours a night.
- Rechargeable batteries will typically last for over 3 years before needing to be replaced.
- A fully charged battery will keep the lights on all night, with 10-12 hours of lighting normally reported.
- No wiring is required so they are very easy to install and maintain.
- A huge variety of solar lights styles and fixtures await those ready to purchase.
- Solar outdoor lights are eco friendly.
Important Technical Considerations for Dark Sky Lighting Compliance
Typically, solar outdoor LEDs are 2 watts and produce about 80 lumens of light. This is about 1/10th as bright as a typical incandescent bulb. But, because LEDs have a lower beam angle, they have a higher light intensity which is just the opposite of any incandescent bulb which sprays light out in every direction.
LEDs produce lower lumens than incandescent or fluorescent lights. This makes them perfect for most outdoor lighting needs, even security lights, in just about all locales. This means virtually no glare or light trespass contributing to light pollution.
So, the very good news is that solar lights comply with dark sky lighting laws. Even if you do not live somewhere with dark sky laws, it is in the best interests of you, your neighbors and your community to play an active role in reducing nighttime glare and light pollution.
What is Wattage vs. Lumens?
Wattage measures power consumption, not brightness. In fact, the higher the wattage, the more heat the light produces. Because LEDs have low wattage, they produce almost no heat, as compared with an incandescent bulb which produces more heat than light.
Lumens per watt is a standard lighting industry measure of the conversion of electrical energy to light measuring energy efficiency in lighting. So, the higher the lumens per watt, the more efficient the light source. LEDs now produce 25-60 lumens per watt compared with incandescent lights generating about 15 lumens per watt, while compact fluorescents (CFLs) produce about 50 lumens per watt.
LED technology continues to mature at a rapid rate. The lumen output of LED lights has practically doubled in the past 2 years alone.
Low Voltage vs. High Voltage – Why Does Anyone Install High Voltage Outdoor Lighting Anymore?
Some people are still asking the question about whether to go with low voltage or high voltage outdoor lighting. When you choose solar powered light fixtures, you are choosing low voltage lighting. The reasons for going with low voltage are compelling indeed. They are
- less costly to install and maintain,
- easier to install
- safer than high voltage, you are not in danger of being electrocuted by 12 volt lighting, especially in wet outdoor conditions,
- usually dark sky compliant due to lower wattage/lumens.
Additionally, high voltage lighting offers no variation in beam spread. A 120 volt high wattage light creates high amounts of light trespass and glare. On the other hand, a 12 volt light offers a wide spectrum of beam spread, creating a precise lighting solution to meet your needs, from a very narrow spot beam (less than 8 degrees) to a very wide flood (60 degrees or more).
Solar Outdoor Lighting Uses
Today there are low cost, eco-friendly solar lights for every outdoor lighting need, including path lighting, security spotlights, garden accent lighting, post lighting and mood lighting. In fact, you can probably find a solar outdoor light fixture for just about any outdoor lighting application, even streetlights. If you’re in the market for outdoor lighting fixtures, consider solar first.
Cheryl Marland is the publisher of http://OutdoorLightingChoices.com
People are concerned about making earth-friendly choices in all aspects of their lives, and outdoor lighting is no exception. Want to know how to find the perfect outdoor lighting that’ll meet all of your expectations for added security, decreased lighting pollution, reduced energy consumption, and above all, outstanding beauty?
Stay up-to-date with dark sky and solar lighting news and look no further for dark sky compliant and quality solar outdoor lighting to meet all of your outdoor lighting needs.
Solar powered Spotlight
|
|
Mr Beams MB360 Wireless LED Spotlight with Motion Sensor and Photocell - Weatherproof - Battery Operated - 140 Lumens
$20.65 ... |
|
|
SE Wireless Motion Sensor Light - 10 Super-Bright LED
$8.32 Instantly add motion-activated light for security and safety - indoors or out*Infrared technology senses both movement and heat for fewer false activations*Compact (3" x 3") and lightweight (4.3 oz) lets you install almost anywhere; easy-mounting slot *10 super-bright LED cast pure white light, last for 100,000 hours, sip battery power*Wire-free installation, operates for months on 3 AA batteries ... |
|
|
Dorcy 41-1071 LED Wireless Motion Sensor Flood Lite
$18.74 ... |
|
|
High Power 160 Lumen Mr16 Gu5.3 Base Single LED 30 Deg. Spot Light 12v Bulb Warm White, 1204WW
$17.89 MR16 LED bulbs are now available in 3 Watt light output with an estimated lifespan for the LED driver of 100,000 hours! This LED lighting unit is probably the most powerful LED light source available today in a MR16 halogen type format. This LED bulb uses a Luxeon LED emitter, producing about 65 to 80 lumens. Luxeon LED light sources are the highest flux LEDs in the world delivering the brightest ... |
|
|
Mini Mag Lite Replacement Lamp Reliable
$13.99 Mini Mag Lite Lamp.... |
|
|
Maxsa Innovations 40218 Solar-Powered Dual-Head Led Security Spotlight (Flashlights & Lanterns / Outdoor Products)
DUAL LIGHT HEADS AUTOMATICALLY TURNS ON WHEN MOTION IS DETECTED; USES ENERGY FROM THE SUN; EASY INSTALLATION ; GREAT FOR SHEDS, STEPS, PORCHES & ANYWHERE WHERE ADDITIONAL LIGHT IS NEEDED;... |
|
|
Basketball Hoop Light for 3-4 Inch Poles
$119.49 The Hoop Light basketball court lighting system for 3-4 inch poles attaches to a stand-alone in-ground or portable basketball hoop, extending a high-powered light above your playing area, so you dont have to come in when the sun goes down.... |
|
|
Solar Mate I
Ideal for smaller buildings such as the average garden shed, summer house or single stable and will provide light for up to seven hours per 24hour period. Its single 12volt, energy saving bulb is equivalent to a 40watt household light bulb illuminates an area of 16 sq metres. Technical Specifications: 1 x 5W solar panel 1 x Long life bulb (40W equivalent) (illuminates an area of 16 sq meters) 1 ... |
|
|
MAXSA Innovations 40218 Motion-Activated Dual Head LED Security Spotlight
$89.95 Motion - activated Dual Solar Light burns bright at any movement! No wiring! Super-bright, dual-headed Solar Security Light mounts anywhere you need a little extra light. 180 detection "pops" on the light whenever movement happens in-range. Each adjustable head contains 4 white LEDs to provide maximum darkness-defeating shine to backyards, driveways, walkways and more. The included high-efficiency... |
|
|
Solar Powered 80 LED Motion-Activated Outdoor Security Floodlight
Solar Powered 80 LED Motion-Activated Outdoor Security Floodlight. 80 LEDs make this the brightest solar motion light available. Great for decks, driveways, sheds, pathways, or any large outdoor area. Includes 6-volt 4Ah sealed lead acid rechargeable battery. 15 foot cable connects light and solar panel. Activates up to 125 times when on for 1 minute at a time. Weather resistant white plastic body... |
|
|
Solar-powered White LED Spotlight
$22.99 Absolutely no wiring is required for this white LED spotlight. This solar-powered light is wall mountable and has a durable plastic body. |
|
|
Solar Powered Plastic LED Spot Light
$19.49 This bright 4-light LED solar spot light is ideal for areas where a conventional electrical supply is not available. This spot light is recharged by solar panels under sunlight. |
|
|
Solar Powered LED Spot Lights (Set of 6)
$105.99 This set of six bright 4-light LED solar spot lights is ideal for areas where a conventional electrical supply is not available. These spot lights are recharged by solar panels under sunlight. |
|
|
Tricod Ultra-bright Metal Solar Lights (Set of 2)
$44.99 Illuminate your outdoor space with this set of two solar lights, each using six ultra-bright LED lights. At night, the photo sensor automatically turns on the lantern without the hassle of plugging in power cords. |
|
|
Tricod Stone-shaped Solar Spotlight
$24.99 Illuminate the path to your home with a stone-shaped solar spotlightGarden lighting is powered by the sun, so no wiring requiredLandscape light turns on automatically when dark |
|
|
Rock Solar Spot Lights (Set of 6)
$61.99 Brighten your outdoor decor with a set of rock spot lightsGarden lights are powered by the sun, no wires requiredEnergy-saving lights are fast and easy to install |
|
|
Large Rock Solar Spot Lights (Set of 4)
$47.49 Brighten your outdoor decor with a set of rock spot lightsGarden lights are powered by the sun, no wires requiredEnergy-saving lights are fast and easy to install, no assembly required |
|
|
Solar-powered Wall-mountable 4-light LED Plastic Spot Light (Set of 6)
$87.99 Easy to install, this four-light spotlight saves energy and provides bright white light. |
|
|
Outdoor Garden 3-LED Solar Spot Flood Landscape Lights (Set of 8)
$73.99 These energy-efficient, low-maintenance solar lights add a charming, decorative glow to your driveway, patio, or flowerbeds. These LED solar powered bulbs emit a soft white light that charges during the day and turns on automatically at night. |
|
|
Garden Deco Solar Rock Spot Light (Set of 6)
$59.09 Solar-powered garden lights require no wiring and draw their power from the sunGarden lighting features a decorative rock-like exteriorGreen lighting is the perfect environmentally-friendly addition to your garden |
