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Q. How good are solar powered lights?
A. Technology on solar lighting has improved dramatically to the point solar lighting is well worth fitting. As solar panels have improved, the solar manufacturing side has gained speed giving lower unit solar panel cost, bringing down the price of solar powered lights.
Q. How much light will solar lighting give?
A. Light is measured in candles, normal solar lights are fitted with 1 x LED bulb, these would expect around 1,000 candles or mcd. Our solar lights have 2 x LED super bright white light giving 2,000 mcd. It’s worth noting that solar will not reach the high output of mains wired lights or low voltage lighting. Solar lighting will glow bright to give an accent light to garden borders, fences, outside walls and garden paths.
Q. How much does solar lighting cost to run?
A. Solar powered lights come ready to use and cost nothing to run. The rechargeable batteries fitted within the solar lights are good for over 2,000 charges before needing replacement.
Q. How do solar powered lights work?
A. The solar lights are fitted with solar panels made of mono-crystal silicon, these are able to harness solar UV rays (Ultra Violet) to recharge the battery cells stored inside the lights. During the daytime the solar panels store energy in the cells, at dusk the solar lights switch on automatically and will use the energy stored in the cells to power the LED and give light. Solar lights switch off automatically at dawn and the process of recharging the cells starts again.
Q. What are LED used within solar lights?
A. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode and are fitted to all our solar lights. These technically are not light bulbs but a semiconductor that gives off light. They have a much longer life than normal light bulbs, typically lasting 100,000 hours plus. LED’s are the future for solar lighting and low energy lights - see LED info
Q. How easy are solar powered lights to use?
A. The beauty of solar lighting is the ease of use. Everything needed is in the box, no need for an electrician. Just place your solar lights into position and switch on, that’s it – your solar lights will be ready to use.
Q. Anything difficult with solar lighting that I should know?
A. Just make sure to pick a sunny spot for positioning solar powered lights. Avoid shady areas (north facing) and avoid overhanging trees. Solar panels sit on top of solar lights, these needs to be facing the sun for maximum charging. Place solar powered lights away from other light source such as street lighting, these can interfere with the solar sensor stopping the solar light from switching on at night.
Q. Can I leave my solar lights outside all the time?
A. Stainless steel is weatherproof - see how are stainless steel lights anti-corrosive. All our solar lights and outdoor garden lights are manufactured using high grade stainless steel and can be left outdoors all year round without coming to any harm. Our solar powered lights are also fitted with special seals around the solar panel and within the charging cells to protect against the weather. Avoid plastic outdoor lights, these fade and over time turn brittle.
Q. What happens to solar lights in the winter and on dull days?
A. The perfect conditions for solar lights are long sunny days with short nights, this gives ample charging and power. Our British summers will yield the best results. During winter months and low sun, solar lighting will harvest less solar power and shorten the running time. This is normal for all solar applications and is the trade off for green solar energy.
Q. Do solar powered lights go wrong?
A. There are no mechanical/moving parts in solar lights. LED will under normal use last the life of the solar lights and battery cells only need replacing every 2 to 3 years.
Q. How quick is delivery?
A. We hold high stocks of solar lights with ongoing production runs and new product development. Delivery is via DHL with over 90% arriving next day (weekdays only). A range of factory spare parts for solar powered lights and battery cells are due very soon.
Q. Do you supply trade?
A. Our solar lights and garden lights are available on bulk discounts to property developers, landscapers, architects and builders. For details on pallet rates on solar lights please e-mail nam[at]urbanlights.co.uk with solar light model number and quantity required.
For any other solar lighting questions please e-mail info[at]urbanlights.co.uk or call Urban Lights on 01793 613900 |