Solar Lighting

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"heading","level":2,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"How to choose solar lighting"}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Solar fixtures are chosen on where the panel goes, not on where the light goes. A panel needs roughly 6 to 8 hours of direct sun to charge fully, so a light under a tree or on a north-facing wall will underperform whatever its specification says. Fixtures with a separate panel on a short lead solve this: the light sits in the shade and the panel goes out in the open."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Set your expectations on output. A solar path light typically produces a fraction of the light of a wired one, in the region of 5 to 20 lumens, which is enough to mark the edge of a path but not to light it. Solar spots and wall lights run higher, often 100 to 300 lumens, and usually trade that brightness for a shorter run time. Look for a stated lumen figure and a stated run time rather than a headline about brightness."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Check the battery and the seal. Replaceable rechargeable cells extend the life of the fixture by years, while a sealed battery ends it. Anything left in the open should be IP65, and cold winters shorten run time on every chemistry."}]},{"type":"heading","level":3,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Placement"}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Panel exposure: 6 to 8 hours of direct sun per day for a full charge, clear of overhanging branches."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Path lights: 6 to 8 feet apart along the walkway, set 12 to 18 inches back from the edge."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Run time: expect 6 to 10 hours from a full charge in summer and noticeably less in winter. Choose IP65 for any fixture that sits in the open."}]},{"type":"heading","level":3,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"FAQ"}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Why are my solar lights dim after a year?","bold":true}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Usually the rechargeable battery, which loses capacity with cycling, or a dusty panel. Wipe the panel and replace the cells if the fixture allows it."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Do solar lights work in winter?","bold":true}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"They work, but shorter days and low sun angles mean less charge, so run times drop. Fixtures with a remote panel you can aim help."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Are solar lights bright enough for a driveway?","bold":true}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Path-style solar lights mark edges rather than light a surface. For a driveway you need a wired post light or a high-output solar spot aimed at the drive."}]}]}