As homeowners have sought to curb their spending and reduce their carbon footprints, they have turned to solar lighting. However, it can be difficult to decide which solar products are best with so many to choose from. Fortunately, this blog can help you in your search as we explore the things to consider when shopping for solar lighting.
How You Will Use Solar Lighting
Before you start shopping, consider how you will use solar lighting on your property. Are you aiming to illuminate pathways for safety? Do you want to highlight landscape features such as trees or garden beds? Perhaps you want to make your home more secure at nighttime.
Deciding how you will use solar lighting will help you determine the products you need. For example, manufacturers design pathway lights to provide focused illumination for walkways, while spotlights are ideal for highlighting architectural or garden features. In addition, security lights are very effective in scaring away trespassers during the nighttime hours.
The Solar Panel Material
One aspect you should look at while shopping is the type of solar panel the manufacturer has incorporated into the device. For example, some feature mono-crystalline panels, which are very effective at collecting sunlight and producing energy.
One of the advantages they offer over other panels is that they are more efficient. In addition, the mono-crystalline panels do a better job of collecting sunlight in areas with minimal or inconsistent lighting. They also have a lengthy service life, which will add to the fixture’s ability to provide reliable lighting over a long period.
The Product’s Durability
Another thing to consider when shopping for solar lighting is the product’s durability. Look for high-quality solar lights that endure outdoor conditions. They will last long and perform well! Investing in durable solar lighting will also save you money in the long run by reducing the need for replacements.
The Seller’s Reputation
You should also consider the seller’s reputation when buying a solar lighting product. Companies with good reputations usually provide reliable customer service, offer transparent return policies, and receive positive customer feedback. Before making a purchase, look at the seller’s reviews and ratings while paying attention to the experiences of other buyers regarding product quality, durability, and the seller’s responsiveness to issues.
Opting for a seller with a strong reputation boosts your confidence in your purchase. You will feel more certain that you have the support of a trustworthy company if any concerns arise with your solar light fixtures.
How Bright of a Light Do You Need?
You should also consider how bright of a solar light you will need. Manufacturers usually use lumens as their standard of measure for brightness. For example, some pathway lights can reach up to 250 lumens, providing more than enough light for anyone to take a stroll on a walkway in dim or dark conditions.
Spotlights and floodlights, on the other hand, can have capacities that stretch up to 1,500 lumens, offering more intense illumination. These light fixtures are suitable for security or highlighting landscape features. Note the lumen outputs of the various products, and keep in mind that some products may need larger solar panels and batteries with greater capacities than others to operate throughout the night.
Ease of Installation
One of the advantages of solar lighting is ease of installation. Still, some products are more user-friendly than others. Look for lights that require no wire connections and come with clear instructions on how to install the product yourself. You won’t pay extra to have a professional do the job for you!
For example, if you want to buy pathway lights, look for fixtures with stakes to drive into the ground. They are typically the easiest to install! Wall-mounted or post-mounted lights may require drilling into the wall of your home with power tools, but they are still quite simple to install on your own.
Some solar lights come with adjustable panels or swivels, allowing you to position the solar panel for optimal sunlight exposure without any difficulty. Choosing lights that are easy to install on your own will make the process of illuminating your outdoor spaces a breeze!
How Much Maintenance Are You Willing To Do?
Although solar lights tend to be low maintenance, their care requirements vary depending on the product and its quality. Choosing low-maintenance solar lighting will reduce the time and effort you invest in their upkeep. Look for products that require simple maintenance, such as cleaning the solar panels regularly to receive maximum sunlight.
You should also seek out solar products with batteries that are easy to replace, as they will continue working as needed without interruption. Additionally, consider whether the lights have components in need of adjustment or tightening.
Where Does Your Property Receive the Most Sun?
You should also consider the areas of your property that receive the most sun, as this influences the lights’ performance. For example, if your backyard is shaded by trees, buildings, and other obstructions that prevent it from receiving sunlight during peak hours, look for ideal spaces in your front yard. If so, you may want to invest in outdoor solar lamp posts that you can position there. They will absorb sunlight and charge their batteries to provide illumination when dusk falls.
How Much Power Can the Lights Store?
Another factor to consider is how much power the solar lights can store. For example, some pathway lights can shine for up to 20 hours after charging, while some solar lamp posts can shine for more than 60 hours on a high setting! Look for solar lights with high-capacity batteries to illuminate your outdoor space throughout the evening and night.
After mulling over these factors, you can pick appropriate products for your lighting needs and enhance the beauty of your outdoor areas. You can meet your needs by purchasing them from a reputable supplier like Outdoor Solar Store. Our high-quality products will last a long time, giving you the extra illumination you need without having to pay more on your electric bill.
