How does a solar outdoor light work?

In principle it is very simple: A solar panel is used as a generator, which converts light to ele- ctricity. That makes it a "solar generator." The electricity is used to charge a battery while there is daylight--even under cloudy skies. The battery powers the light at night, turning it on at dusk and turning it off at dawn, or at some earlier time if chosen.

Why use solar outdoor lights?

Thousands of commercial grade solar outdoor lights have been in everyday use since1990, lighting residential streets, country roads, traffic and adver-tising signs, transit shelters, park- ing lots, national and municipal parks, recreation areas, and military installations. These lig- hts are so dependable that an utility has installed them at their own switching centre to get light when " electric wired" power fails. They have survived through hurricanes and earthqua- kes. Remember those giant blackouts.

Why are solar outdoor lights so dependable?

Because each light has its own power plant--a solar generator is energized by the sun. The generator is guaranteed for twenty years-which keeps an ultra reliable battery charged to de- liver lighting power whenever it is needed. There is some charging every day, even when it is cloudy.Solar lights don't depend on faraway generating stations, high voltage transmission li- nes and switches, substations, transformers, and wires or cables. Though these are very reli- able on average, the failure of any one of these elements will extinguish hundreds and som- etimes thousands of lights all at once, often at times when they are vital, like in hurricanes or snow storms and communities are plunged into darkness.

What sort of batteries are used in Soarland lights?

All Solarland lights use special Ni-MH/Ni-Cad batteries, lead acid batteries or capacitors that perform extremely well under harsh environmental conditions. Specifically, they are sealed, rechargeable batteriesthat provide a large energy capacity for their size and deliver extremely reliable power output over a long period of time. For more information, please visit Our Tech-nology section of this web site.

How do LEDs compare to a normal incandescent light bulb?

Solarland lights use LEDs (light emitting diodes) for their light source, which are far more efficient in their power consumption than incandescent bulbs. Incandescent lamps expend much of their energy in the form of heat dissipation (85%), whereas LEDs waste relatively lit-tle energy as heat. For more information, please review our technology section of this web site.

What is Solarland's warranty?

All Solarland Lights come with a 1-year warranty.

How long will a solar panel last?

A well-made panel will last for 20 to 25 years. If after this period the cover has started to deteriorate, it is cheap to recover the panel and it will operate for a similar period of time.

Do the products need direct sunlight?

No. Ordinary daylight is all that's required, as long as the product is placed so that the solar panel is not obscured in any way, such as under hedges or under roof overhang.

How easy is it to install the lights?

Couldn't be easier just unpack, follow the simple assembly instructions. There are no wires or cables to lay, so you can move the light around the garden as you wish. Totally safe to use ar- ound ponds asit's low voltage. No live cables to become a hazard.

How long do the lights stay on for?

As a general rule solar lighting performs best during the summer months-mainly because the longer days enable a full charge to be achieved. Adverse weather and short winter days do affect performance, as charge times are reduced in relation to hours of daylight and the stren- gth of the light. Your solar light will always come on, but the length of time may be reduced.

What is the life span of solar lights?

Our lights have been tested to 11,000 hours. Replacement bulbs and batteries are available.

Do they require any maintenance?

Only an occasional wipe to ensure optimal performance of the solar panel.

What other benefits are there?

There are a number most notably all products are running costs free! They are also environ- mentally friendly with no external power supply.

Why does solar outdoor lighting compete so well with "electric wired" lighting?

Solar outdoor lights may seem expensive before the real costs of installing "electric wired" lights are added up for the years of service that are to be expected. Solar outdoor lights have no charge for running wires or trenching, no charge for putting in transformers and meters, and no recurring electric bill.

How will this product benefit both remodelers and homeowners? Will it save money or energy? Is it the latest style or trend? (This question is for our Building & Commercial Series, such as Light Emitting Paver and Ground Star)?

These tiles will end up saving both money and energy; plus, their simple beauty will quickly become the latest style and trend. First, they will save money, mainly in this respect: They util- ize a new energy storage component. Unlike rechargeable batteries, which must be replaced every two to three years, these tiles use an energy storage component, known as an ultra ca- pacitor, which is guaranteed for at least ten years,and may last almost indefinitely! Ultra capa- citors are very efficient at storing and delivering energy, but, unlike rechargeable batteries, their ability to store and deliver that energy declines very little with age and use; thus the tiles are almost maintenance free for life. This means that they can be permanently installed in unserviceable locations and then forgotten about. In addition to this, the ultra capacitors are made of non-hazardous non-polluting materials, which present no environmental hazards or human safety concerns. The solar cells built into these tiles will gather enough energy, even if not located in direct sunlight or on rainy days, to power the lights for at least 12 hours. So they also save energy because they do not need to be connected to a manmade energy supply. They are much easier to install than any other outside lighting, since they do not need to be wired to a power source; or have rechargeable batteries replaced periodically. In addition to this, the elegant beauty of their simple design and their inviting soft glow will make them a we- lcome addition to the decor of any garden, patio, driveway or walkway. They will most certainly become both the latest style and trend.