THE TECHNOLOGY IN SOLAR ENERGY LIGHTS HAS COME A LONG WAY AND TODAY SOLAR PRODUCTS ARE EXTREMELY RELIABLE
Solar energy lights have become massively popular in recent years. Technology has now reached a point where the consumer has access to beautiful solar lighting products that are not only reliable and maintenance free, but also strong enough to produce enough light for just about any outdoor lighting application. Exterior lighting has traditionally involved trenching, wire hookups and increased electrical bills. Solar lights require none of this support and operate on a very simple design. A photovoltaic cell sits on top of the light case and absorbs the energy of the sun during the day. These cells are constructed of a semi conductor material, usually silicone based. As the sun’s rays are absorbed, electrons within the silicone are knocked loose. These moving electrons produce a current (in effect sunlight is being converted directly into electricity) and the current is directed towards a battery and stored. At night, the solar light draws on the battery and powers its bulb. Couldn’t be simpler!
Solar lights can now be used for accent lighting and security applications
The reason even a cheaper solar light is such a good product today is because photovoltaic technology has improved significantly and become far more efficient, allowing more of the sun’s energy to be captured and converted. Additionally, the LED, or light emitting diode has revolutionized bulb technology. This is essentially a solid-state light bulb. They are amazingly efficient, require very little energy and operate for 100,000 hours without replacement.
Exterior accent lighting can be provided with a light containing as little as one diode, while a solar floodlight can come with over ten (depending on model). In fact, the technology is good enough today that more and more commercial properties are using solar solutions for not just outdoor accent lighting but also security lights. The most extensive selection of solar lighting products is available on line and many vendors offer free shipping.
