At a time when everyone is complaining about soaring energy costs, solar lamps are the ideal alternative for lighting up autumn evenings in the garden or on the terrace. They've got it all: they're inexpensive, easy to install and environmentally friendly!
The main advantage of solar lighting is its low cost and autonomy. It switches on as soon as the sun rises (even under the clouds), then restores the light stored during the day at nightfall. And if you're away, a simple on/off button is all it takes to pause the light.
You don't need electricity to create a festive or romantic atmosphere in the garden or on your terrace. And there's no need for costly installation, or to hide unsightly wires.
What type of solar lighting should I choose?
In recent years, the number of different types of solar lighting has multiplied. The world of solar lamps is extremely varied. They can be placed just about anywhere in the garden or on the patio. You can choose from a multitude of decorative and functional uses.
A solar garland will create atmospheric light around the garden furniture or near a pretty bush. Pretty solar baubles will immerse your outdoor spaces in a soft, luminous atmosphere.
Lanterns, garlands, spotlights, bollards or posts - all these solar-powered lights work in the same way. It's up to you to decide whether you want to illuminate your garden generously or simply create points of light to highlight a particular bush, tree or decorative object.
What to look out for when buying solar lighting?
As nights can be long in our latitudes, you should choose a solar lamp with a minimum 8-hour light duration indicated on the packaging.
Also take into account the number of lumens, i.e. the indication of brightness. The more lumens a lamp has, the brighter it shines. But the higher the number of lumens, the higher the power consumption. The battery must therefore have sufficient storage capacity.
The light intensity of the lamp depends on its use.
- As a general rule, decorative lamps need only be dimmed. They simply bathe the garden, balcony or terrace in soft light.
- Path lamps, wall lamps and motion detector lamps should illuminate dark corners to reduce the risk of tripping. A stronger light beam is required in these cases.
Before choosing one or the other model, a comparison is essential. In fact, for the same type of light, you'll undoubtedly notice significant price variations. These are generally linked to the quality of the materials, their resistance to the elements, or the power of the battery.
Also read: Understanding solar lighting
LED and solar - a winning combination!
More and more LEDs are being integrated into solar luminaires. This means they last from 8 to 12 hours. This means you can set the scene in flowerbeds or isolated plantings, or light up water features in a very romantic way. Highly resistant, LED lamps have a longer lifespan. Up to 100,000 hours.
Our tip: Make sure there are no other light sources (such as street lamps) in the immediate vicinity of a solar lamp. This would interfere with the sensor and cause the solar lamp to produce little or no light. This is why solar lamps should never be placed too close together in the garden.
Solar lighting even in autumn?
People often think that solar lighting only works in summer, when the sun is generous, or in sunnier southern countries. FALSE: it even works in autumn and winter, provided you choose quality, weatherproof fixtures.
Solar lamps extend the garden season
Lighting up trees and groves is a good idea, because the earlier it gets dark, the sooner the garden is plunged into darkness. Adding touches of light to the darkness is a really good idea.
Today's solar technology is capable of capturing light even on cloudy or rainy days. The efficiency of the solar panels then depends on the quality of the battery. Consult the manufacturer's label for precise information on the components of your chosen lighting system.
Leaf spraying for a pretty autumn look
In autumn, place a few lanterns or solar bollards outside to prolong the magic of nights under the stars. Some models project pretty halos of light that evoke autumn leaves. These filigree lanterns are beautiful both day and night.
How to optimize solar lighting in autumn?
When the weather turns cloudy in autumn, the solar cell may not be able to fully recharge the battery due to lower solar radiation. In this case, the energy absorbed during the day will be restored until the battery is exhausted.
To ensure better battery charging, remember to clean the solar cells regularly. Dirt naturally reduces charging power, as sunlight passes through less efficiently. For cleaning, we recommend using a soft, damp cloth. Chemical cleaning products should be avoided. The same applies to cleaning utensils, which can scratch the surface. Finally, a clean lamp simply shines brighter.
Finally, if your solar lamp stops working, turn the switch to "off" for a few days to allow the battery to fully recharge. It should then work normally again.
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