Solar Yard Lights: Wireless Alternative For Outdoor Illumination

Solar yard lights require no wiring and are a great alternative to illuminating your yard. These lights are different because they look like small satellites. Like other solar lights, they store up power in the daytime and save it to use in the evening and night hours. These lights are compared to satellites that receive and save energy during the day and release it when it’s dark.

This light contains the following features: a light source based on LED, one small controller board, one AA NiCad battery, one case made from plastic, one photo resistor and on the top of the light, a solar cell. All of these features are combined as one single unit. These lights can be costly, but the good thing is you eliminate the ongoing expense for electricity. No type of wiring is required for these types of units. It only takes about 15 – 20 seconds to install a light. It will operate properly as long as it’s in an area where there is ample sunlight.

Silicon Crystals

These lights are costly because of the use of the solar cells and the use of the battery. The solar cells are expensive because they are derived from silicon crystals, which have to be manufactured in sterile areas. You can purchase solar yard lights for approximately $10 - $20, depending on where you get them from.

Some of these types of lights only require one LED light. There are other types that require a mixture of an LED light and a halogen (small) flashlight bulb. The LED light illuminates constantly, and when the motion sensor catches movement, the bulb illuminates for a short minute. With the lighting these light units use, there is limited illumination. These lights are basically for providing a way for you to see the walkway to your home.

How Does It Work?

Four solar cells are needed to combine a series. The series is then connected to the battery. The battery mentioned in this article can distribute about 1.2 volts. It is also capable of having 700 milliamp hours. The battery charges during the daytime and doesn’t stop until it reaches its capacity. The battery can do this effectively everyday unless it is in the winter months where the days are shorter and the nights are longer.

The photo resistor is responsible for operating the LED light. The solar cell and the battery provide power to the controller board. There is a circuit located in the photo resistor that activates the LED light when the sensor senses it is dark outside. When the battery is charged to the maximum capacity, the LED can function for approximately 15 hours without interruption.

These lights have a significant cost because of the solar cells and the battery itself, but in the long run they practically pay for themselves by reducing your electricity costs. Solar yard lights are a good investment for your home and you will see and reap the benefits for a long time to come.