Whether functional or decorative, solar lighting has it all: inexpensive, easy to install and eco-responsible. As long as they catch enough sunlight during the day, they'll brighten up your long evenings in the garden or on the terrace.
The ABCs of solar lighting in the garden
Each solar lamp works on the same principle: a small solar panel captures the sun's energy during the day. It contains a photovoltaic cell that converts sunlight into electrical current, which is stored in a small built-in battery (NiMH batteries are more resistant than standard NiCAD batteries).
At dusk, a sensor detects the drop in light, the cell stops producing current and a photoresistor switches on the LED bulb, which begins to light up your garden (NB: the standard lifespan of most LEDs is over 100,000 hours).
The duration and intensity of night lighting therefore depend on the amount of solar energy absorbed during the day. A small solar garden lamp generally needs eight hours of sunlight during the day to fully charge. A cloudy day, or a shadow moving over the lamp, can limit the amount of time the light stays on at night. It's often difficult to get a full charge in winter. Finally, autonomy varies considerably according to model quality: from 4 to 24 hours on a full charge.
Tips:Make sure the small solar panels are properly oriented to catch the sun's rays.
As a reminder, every solar lamp is equipped with an on/off button to activate the photovoltaic cell. Don't forget to set it to "on" for your lamp to work.
What type of solar lighting should I choose?
Solar garden lighting comes in many shapes and styles to suit all kinds of needs and tastes.
- Wall lights, perfect for atmospheric lighting on the terrace.
- Solar spotlights: judiciously placed, they enhance a tree or a flower bed.
- Solar bollards: simply stick them in the ground to light up a flower bed, path, pond, etc.
- Solar decorations: pleasing to the eye, day or night, they catch the eye - owls, balls, cacti, birds, animals, ... everything to create a magical place.
- Table lights: sober or rustic, neutral or with attractive geometric or floral patterns, they can be placed and moved to suit your mood.
- Hanging lights: from the branches of a tree, a pretty transom, a balcony ...
How bright should my solar garden lighting be?
Solar garden lights vary in brightness depending on the application.
- Ambient lighting: LEDs from 50 to 300 lumens
- Safety lighting: LEDs from 600 to 1,800 lumens.
- Spotlights for targeted lighting: from 700 to 1400 lumens.
What is the protection index (IP)?
Whether a solar lamp is strictly functional or more decorative, its housing must be UV-resistant and weatherproof. The IP value gives you information on the lamp's degree of protection and waterproofing.
For standard garden lighting, such as path lighting, overhead lighting and decorative lighting, you should aim for a minimum IP44 rating. The "4" classification guarantees that your lamps are protected against splashes and violent contact with water, while also protecting them against all levels of physical contact with objects.
Patio lights may require a higher level of protection, if they are likely to be stepped on or hosed down. You should aim for a minimum of IP65, which will protect your patio lighting from the highest levels of dust, harmful deposits and human contact.
If you're lighting ponds, water features or swimming pools, you'll need to install lamps with a minimum IP68 rating. This will ensure that your underwater lighting is low-voltage, sufficiently waterproof and capable of withstanding higher ambient pressure.
Solar panel maintenance
A dirty solar panel will not fully charge the battery and will therefore shorten its life. To maintain high performance, be sure to clean the panel regularly with a dry cloth and water.
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