Solar Garden Lights review

Solar garden lights and garden lighting are fast becoming a viable alternative as low level lighting for pathways and as lighting for garden features.
Solar garden lights work by collecting and storing energy duringbthe day and switching on at set light levels. Some solar lights claim up to 8 hours lighting under ideal conditions, however in many cases the lenght of time solar garden lights will provide adequate lighting time can be less. Lack of sunshine, caused by cloudy days, trees etc can limit charging to below optimum.

It needs to be remembered that solar lights are just that and do require sunlight to power up.
Look for sturdy outdoor solar garden lights, remember that they will be subject to wind, rain and the occasional knock, some of the cheaper plastic lights are likely crack or break easily.

Solar garden lights have a limited area of solar cells to absorb sunlight and small batteries that may not be large enough to power the light for extended periods. Motion detection systems are available and these may increase operating time.

An alternative solar garden lighting system and more reliable method involves a larger solar collector that is conected to a large battery (car batteries are often used) solar lights are wired to this system.

Many of the newer solar garden lighting systems have inproved cells and performance, they may cost more, however they will perform more satisfactorily than cheaper versions.

Other alternatives to solar garden lighting include low voltage garden lighting.