{"id":670,"date":"2021-03-13T01:33:02","date_gmt":"2021-03-13T01:33:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/?p=670"},"modified":"2023-02-21T14:21:39","modified_gmt":"2023-02-21T14:21:39","slug":"how-to-charge-solar-lights-without-sun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/how-to-charge-solar-lights-without-sun\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Charge Solar Lights Without Sun: 3 Easy Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"
This is our guide on how to charge solar lights without sun. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Solar power is clean, cheap, and bountiful – it’s no wonder there’s been a surge in demand for solar light panels and solar cell lights in recent years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s also no surprise there have been massive improvements in solar cell technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But solar technology still has plenty of challenges to contend with, not least the challenge of how to capture the sun’s light energy on a cloudy day and during winter months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are somewhat disappointed with the performance of your solar-powered lights and devices, this article is for you. Our team has road-tested various solar cell lights in different scenarios to determine how to charge solar cells without the sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re clean and green, but you want more bang for your buck, read on and absorb our field test results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though it may seem like it, it isn’t magic that makes your solar light glow at dusk; it’s crafty science! The main part of your solar lights<\/a> is the photovoltaic cells and the battery. These can actually charge your solar lights without the sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cell on top of a solar light is made from crystalline silicon (a semiconductor) and chemicals that contain negatively charged particles. When the sun’s light energy hits the cell, it excites the negative particles and pushes them into positively charged spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the electrons positively charged, they are then sent through connecting wires as DC current. This current is stored in a battery within the lights or in some dedicated solar batteries. The conversion of full sunlight to electrical energy happens throughout the day until the battery is fully charged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related:<\/strong> How Do Solar Lights Work?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Everybody wants to know if their amorphous solar panel can drive down their winter power bills or shrink their carbon footprint on a cloudy day. There’s some good news and some bad news.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news is that solar panels absorb “daylight” rather than “sunlight.” In other words, to charge solar lights without sun, they don’t have to be under direct sunlight. It also means you can charge solar lights on overcast days and during the winter months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although you can charge solar lights without sun, the charging will be far less effective! It might take many days and weeks to charge solar batteries in your solar lights in the short days of winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The short answer is yes, you can easily charge solar lights without sun. But remember, any photovoltaic cell will be more efficient when angled directly at the sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our team has experimented with every conceivable way of charging indoor and outdoor solar lights. We wanted to find alternative ways to charge solar lights, such as incandescent bulbs<\/a>, LED light sources, and standard electricity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You might be wondering why this is necessary. Solar lights work by using the sun, so why mess about with artificial light?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you live off-grid or you prefer to charge solar lights in your garden to reduce your carbon footprint, there are times when you get stuck. You might need your solar flashlights after dark or need your garden lights to work a bit longer at a late-night event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are the standard bulbs you use for indoor lights and lamps. In recent times they have become less popular as they are energy heavy and wasteful. But many people still use them. Surprisingly, they are one of the better ways to charge solar lights indoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like the sun, incandescent lights produce lightwaves that a photovoltaic cell can capture and turn into electricity. In theory, this means that you can charge your solar devices with incandescent light bulbs indoors. The trouble is they are much less efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We left a solar light beside an incandescent light bulb for two hours. The solar light started completely dead, and after two hours, it was partially charged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LED lights are tiny – they’re the little red and green ones you find on electronic devices. So how can these power your solar lights indoors?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Actually, LEDs come in different sizes, and you probably have them in your vanity lights, accent lights, and decorative lights. If your eco-minded, you probably opt for LED light every time since they draw less power. That makes them cheaper too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n LEDs also produce lightwaves on the visible light spectrum to charge solar-powered lights in the same way as incandescent light bulbs. Additionally, LED lights produce long infrared waves and ultraviolet waves that are also found in sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re solar-minded or live an off-grid lifestyle, you probably don’t want to use electricity to charge your solar lights or devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You would be using power to create power. That defeats the purpose, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s no question that this method is an “inefficient” way to use your solar lights, but it isn’t “ineffective.” There are times when you’re stuck, and you need a full charge in your solar devices. Under certain circumstances, it makes sense to use mains power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, many solar devices have options for mains charging or a DC charger for the car – this is very useful for emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Do Solar Lights Normally Charge Up?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do Solar Lights Need Sun To Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Charging Solar Lights Indoors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Use Incandescent Bulbs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Use An LED Source<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Charge With Electricity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n