How Do Solar Lights Work?

Nowadays, solar lights have become more like a necessity than a luxury. If you look at most homes today, you will see that many households are using solar lights either as their primary lighting source or as a way to beautify their home sweet home.

We live in an era where the usage of outdoor solar lights is dominant, but do we know how this ‘modern yet not so modern technology’ works? Well, if you are one of those who still wonder how solar lights work, hop on because we are about to understand the magic these tiny but very bright lights bring to the modern era.

Solar Lights, oh Solar Lights

The most common question asked by people is how do solar lights work. Luckily, there is an easy answer. Most of these devices comprise individual parts that capture and store solar energy during the day and then use it to light up your yard or garden at night. Your lights must be placed in direct sunlight and covered with a transparent material, such as glass, to work. This will allow the sunlight to reach the inside of the battery and charge it.

Simple, right? Lumens lighting and this technology do not have to be too complicated to be understood. We all can learn ample information almost everywhere! However, some guides may be misleading. Therefore, you need to be extra careful which information or data you should trust.

The Components of Solar Lights

Hey, you can’t be a real solar light user unless you know what composes a solar light. Solar lights are made up of four major components, these are:

Photovoltaic (PV) Panel: It is a type of solar panel that produces electricity. They can be ground-mounted or built into a building. They are helpful in remote areas because they provide electricity to the site without using up the grid. They can even store excess energy that is not needed immediately. Batteries are connected to a controller. These batteries can be recharged when necessary.

Fixtures: This component houses the light. High-quality fixtures are wired in a parallel arrangement. If you want to learn more about how your solar lights are configured, you can check the manufacturer documentation.

Battery: Another main component of solar light is the battery. The proper wirings, a battery box, and some mounting material combine with a battery. For some installation processes, batteries are often buried underground so cold temperatures can’t affect it’s working condition.

Control System: This is what makes the whole process possible. It is a device that regulates light output and can automate tasks. The collector conducts the charge from the battery outside. A charge controller is a component that controls and monitors the entire system. In addition, the system protects the batteries from over-discharging or damage due to extreme weather conditions.

So, How does it work?

The ideal solar lights are composed of all the elements mentioned above. However, each component affects the usability of the solar lights. So, it’s always an excellent choice to check on the product before purchasing an outdoor solar light for your garden or yard. Maintenance is also essential. If you want to maintain the quality of your lights and make them last longer, you need to make sure that you’re taking good care of your solar lights. 

Do you want to learn how you can fix your solar light sensor? Be sure to check more from our blog; How to Fix Solar Light Sensor?