{"id":1284,"date":"2021-09-16T16:10:29","date_gmt":"2021-09-16T16:10:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/?p=1284"},"modified":"2023-02-17T22:23:18","modified_gmt":"2023-02-17T22:23:18","slug":"benefits-of-solar-lights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/benefits-of-solar-lights\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Benefits of Solar Lights You May Not Have Considered"},"content":{"rendered":"

The sun is the life-giver of all things, and solar power is our future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we all try to do our bit for the planet, there has never been a better time to get the most of the summer sunshine by investing in a solar lighting system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solar lighting systems not only burn incredibly brightly they are also totally eco-friendly and massively persevere energy usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As they are powered by the sun’s unlimited source of reliable energy, solar lighting systems are far kinder to the planet (and<\/em> your wallet).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But those aren’t the only reasons to go solar!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s jump in and discover seven benefits of solar lights<\/strong> you may not have previously considered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Benefits<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Benefits Of Solar Lights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1) Saves Money<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Compared with a fluorescent or non-solar powered device, solar lights may not initially seem like a cost-effective decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, where renewable energy and solar lights make savings is when it comes to saving energy consumption<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solar lights recharge themselves daily and they typically last far longer than a fluorescent light would before needing to be replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This, in turn, both lowers your carbon footprint and saves you money in the long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you invest in solar lighting, what you pay upfront you more than make up for over time, as most solar lights are entirely self-sufficient and renewable – meaning they rarely break down or degrade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a component within your solar light does break down, there is a high chance that it can be fixed with some basic maintenance or replaced at a fraction of the cost of a new light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) Improves Home Security<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As solar lights are fueled by the sun – an unlimited source – they can technically last indefinitely and are not reliant on an energy grid to operate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means that they will never fail to automatically detect movement around your garden or outdoor area as it is entirely self-sufficient and operating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As sure as the sun will shine, you can count on solar powered security lights<\/a> to illuminate at night in any weather or temperature, as they are made entirely from weather-proof, durable materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because solar lights are powered by the sun, they make some of the most dependable security lights out there (provided they are placed directly).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) Less Maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In comparison with traditional street lights, solar street lights require almost no maintenance at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the entire solar panel system and rechargeable battery are entirely wireless and autonomous, they are straightforward to maintain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means that you can always guarantee that your solar street lights will remain shining, even if there’s a power gut or grid failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following just a few simple initial set-up steps, you can secure yourself outdoor illumination for years, completely hassle-free, and at a far smaller cost than a fluorescent bulb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4) Easy To Install<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another benefit of solar lighting, compared to fluorescent or LED devices, is that installing a solar-powered light can be done by almost anyone. Most require only basic tools to set up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wired street or security lights must be plugged into the primary power grid, which can be complicated and lead to unforeseen potential hazards in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, through a solar street light or decorative solar lights<\/a>, these problems are avoided. They are all wireless and self-containing, meaning they can be easily installed anywhere the owner chooses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) Safer To Use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

From a health and safety perspective, you’ll struggle o find a safer way to lighten up your garden than through a solar street light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, being wireless means that potential hazards associated with wired light bulbs such as overheating, electrocution, or even strangulation – are nonexistent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once your solar light has been installed, there is very little maintenance required other than some basic regular cleaning, making it an altogether safer alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) Eco Friendly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common motivations for switching to solar lighting systems is to lower your carbon footprint and be more sustainable and green.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In that respect, they are the perfect solution out there as they are fully green and powered through renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the global consciousness being more centered around environmental protection than ever, making the switch to eco-friendly energy sources is a massive step in the right direction towards a greener future for the planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See Also:<\/strong> Why Do Solar Lights Have An On\/Off Switch?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7) Tax Breaks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You may not be aware of this, but switching to eco-friendly solar lamp posts<\/a>, you could be entitled to some tax breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under the ITC – a federal US tax credit – anyone who switches to an environmentally friendly lighting system, such as solar or geothermal energy, can cover up to 30% of the project’s capital costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solar Lighting Components<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since silicon solar cells (the cornerstone of modern solar energy) were first used in 1954 by Bell Labs, solar energy applications have massively accelerated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today the modern consumer has countless solar cell powered light fixture options to suit their every need, including solar lights for steps<\/a>, decorative halloween solar lights, solar lights for gutters<\/a>, and even waterproof solar lights for pools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, all these solar lighting options require the same primary key components to function correctly, explained further below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solar Panel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Solar panels are an essential element in any solar energy powered device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is because the crystalline silicone layered panel itself converts the sun’s rays into usable energy through a process known as photovoltaics<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the sun shines directly onto a solar panel, the sunlight ignites the negatively charged electrons within the panel and pushes them into positively charged spaces creating usable solar energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The energy which the solar panels create is then transferred and stored in rechargeable batteries, which automatically power on the light when night falls, and their built-in dusk-till-dawn sensor is activated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transferring energy in this way is far more environmentally friendly and sustainable, as no harmful emissions or byproducts are created, and no fossil fuels are required to generate electricity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is estimated that solar energy<\/a> consumption worldwide may surpass fossil fuel usage (such as coal and gas) by the mid-2030s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solar panels generate their power from the sun; they are most commonly used in solar street lights and other outdoor light fixtures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Battery Pack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once the solar panels have absorbed the sunlight and converted it into renewable energy, the power is transferred into a rechargeable lithium-ion battery to save energy usage (and money).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The built-in battery pack that stores this newly harvested energy massively helps environmental sustainability, which is increasingly important and valued by consumers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the rechargeable lithium-ion battery full, the solar lights will conserve this energy until night falls and the hardwired dusk-till-dawn sensors are triggered<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In pinch you can even charge solar lights without the sun<\/a> by using artificial light sources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

LED Light<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

LED light has long since been regarded as one of the best light sources for energy saving, and solar power LEDs take this one step further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Florescent lightbulbs are far less energy efficient<\/a> than LED’s as they illuminate 180\u00ba around the light source, which results in as much as 30% of the light source being lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, LED solar lighting illuminates up to 90% of usable ambient lighting and 70% directional lighting, far more refined than through a fluorescent bulb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the ability to turn waste into energy, LED solar lights are also entirely maintenance-free once they’ve been installed as they are entirely self-contained and fuel themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solar Charge Controller<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The final defining component of solar lighting is its built-in charge controller, which modulates the brightness of the light produced based on human movement or ambient light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the early hours of the evening, solar lights produce a relatively low amount of lumens (light), which is just enough to illuminate the surrounding area dimly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When night falls, the PIR sensors (passive infrared sensors) detect any movement within proximity of the light and switch to a far brighter light automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can be an excellent feature for anyone who wants environmentally friendly – yet dependable – security lighting at the front or back of their home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solar Lights FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Will Solar Lights Reduce My Carbon Footprint?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Installing solar street lights is a proven effective way of lowering your carbon footprint significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is because they are powered entirely from clean and renewable energy rather than fossil fuels which are finite and produce more harmful emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Long Do Solar Powered Lights Last?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If properly maintained, your solar powered lights should last for years<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the rechargeable battery within the device will need to be changed eventually, but usually only after around 600+ charges (or roughly two years).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Outdoor Solar Lighting Weatherproof?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes, all outdoor solar lighting systems are designed to withstand even the harshest weather conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compared to incandescent lights, solar lights perform better in freezing or minus temperatures than traditional halogen or incandescent bulbs.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The sun is the life-giver of all things, and solar power is our future. As we all try to do our bit for the planet, there has never been a better time to get the most of the summer sunshine by investing in a solar lighting system. Solar lighting systems not only burn incredibly brightly … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1286,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"acf":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Benefits-of-Solar-Lights-Featured-Image.jpg",700,400,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Benefits-of-Solar-Lights-Featured-Image-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Benefits-of-Solar-Lights-Featured-Image-300x171.jpg",300,171,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Benefits-of-Solar-Lights-Featured-Image.jpg",700,400,false],"large":["https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Benefits-of-Solar-Lights-Featured-Image.jpg",700,400,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Benefits-of-Solar-Lights-Featured-Image.jpg",700,400,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Benefits-of-Solar-Lights-Featured-Image.jpg",700,400,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Eric Thomas","author_link":"https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/author\/eric-thomas\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"The sun is the life-giver of all things, and solar power is our future. As we all try to do our bit for the planet, there has never been a better time to get the most of the summer sunshine by investing in a solar lighting system. Solar lighting systems not only burn incredibly brightly…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1284"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1284"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1284\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1640,"href":"https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1284\/revisions\/1640"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1286"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1284"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1284"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1284"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}