The idea of energy supply from solar accumulationelements has long been mastered by manufacturers in different segments. The concept of full house maintenance due to free electricity is not yet widespread, however some consumer modules with low energy requirements can fully interact with an alternative source of current. The simplest forms of implementing such systems are demonstrated by solar-powered lamps intended for domestic use.
The Advantages of Solar Powered Lamps
Like most consumers of solar energy,such devices require minimal maintenance costs. Of course, maintenance, installation and repair will require standard investments according to household lighting standards, but the costs for electricity are minimized. Another advantage is full independence from the central power supply network. Depending on the power of the battery, the lamps on solar panels can even work in cloudy weather for several days and even months without external sources of current. Getting rid of the need to connect to the outlet causes another plus - in the form of increasing the level of electrical and fire safety. Otherwise, this type of lamp is not much different from the usual devices. They receive the same cases with original design solutions, automated control systems and elements of additional functionality.
The device and the principle of operation
To gain a deeper understanding of the benefits,features, as well as certain shortcomings of such lighting equipment, it is worthwhile to take a closer look at its operation principle and technical device. So, the lamp is installed in the luminaire, from which the communications that connect to the battery emanate. It can be a flashlight, a searchlight, a spotlight, a suspension element or a home table lamp on solar panels - the main thing is in the internal device. Such lamps are based only on LED-LED elements, the base of which is a semiconductor board with crystals. In the process of consumption of the received solar energy, the diodes emit light, which can be corrected at the outlet by diffusers, reflectors and other optical elements. As for the batteries themselves, they are provided by panels on photosensitive elements - photosensors, which react to the rays. Accumulated for a light-day energy in low-power models is given in the evening and night.
Types of devices
In general, solar lamps are divided into household andgarden. In this segment, this is a fundamental classification, which largely determines the differences in the performance characteristics of devices. Initially, the concept of solar-powered lighting was oriented specifically to street models. This is due to the fact that the lamp could be provided with a battery and photosensitive photo panels in a single structural form factor without unnecessary communications. In fact, it turned out to be an energetically self-sufficient device. Later, there were LED lamps on solar panels, photosensitive elements for which are most often located on the roof. That is, there is a need to lay a channel for transferring energy to the converter, and then to the battery pack and to the direct consumer in the form of a luminaire.
Structural features of garden lamps
On the one hand, street lamps on the sunnyenergy supply simplify the technological organization of operation, and on the other - require a high degree of protection from external influences. The main material for garden devices of this type is durable plastic. It is light, practical in care and allows you to implement any design solutions. Do not get out of use and metal. Usually, aluminum and steel alloys with protective coatings from corrosive processes are used for the casings. Also, a lamp-lantern on a solar battery is often provided with glass shades. Again, for decorative purposes, scattering patterns, patterns and mosaics can be depicted on the scattering surfaces, allowing you to experiment with the play of light. Like traditional garden lamps, solar models are protected against external influences of class not lower than IP44. It provides insulation from moisture, shockproof construction and protection from dust.
Manufacturers
Complex solutions of such lighting equipment offerfew manufacturers. One and the most popular in the domestic segment is the company FERON. In its lineup you can find original models for a garden with scattered small lamps, working from a solar battery. And on reliability with a high class of protection, and on the characteristics of light radiation, this product is considered one of the best in this category. Similar lamps on solar batteries are produced by Camelion, too, making a bid for garden models with an original design. In the domestic segment of manufacturers, similar projects are being developed by the companies "ERA", "COSMOS" and "Wonderful Garden".
Tips for choosing
Take into account both the electricalcharacteristics, and stylistic features of lamps. As for the first, the main performance indicator will be running time at full charge of the battery. Usually it is 40-50 hours, but there may be other indicators. In many respects this value will depend on the number of consumer lamps. Usually in garden composite lamps, the lamp sets can be changed, thus regulating the load on the battery. If a solar-powered lamp is chosen for a summer residence, it is preferable to give preference to low-power and practical-to-use models. They last longer on a single charge, but at the same time they provide optimized dispersion with minimization of energy costs. According to the design qualities, the choice should be made taking into account the place of application - of course, it is desirable to incorporate the lighting equipment in both style and function.
Installation Methods
There are two approaches to installing suchlamps. The first involves hanging, and the second - installation directly into the ground. When hanging, it is necessary to find a reliable construction or a vertical surface on which it will be possible to reliably install complete mounting hardware. This mounting option is suitable for facade lanterns, garlands, overhead models with a flat sidewall, as well as for luminaires with chains and loops designed just for decorative hanging. In the ground installed lamps on solar panels, which are originally equipped with a suitable core. The simplest devices of this type are simply pushed into the soil of the selected area. Such models are known in the market as landscape and lawn. The design of the luminaire is characterized by a flat and wide base, which allows securely fixing the casing in the ground without additional attachments.
Recommendations for the lighting of the landscape
To organize a modern, stylisticallyThe original and functional lighting of the garden with solar cells does not necessarily invite the designer. Following some tips, you can solve this problem yourself. As a basic solution, it is recommended to use the scheme of placing ground lanterns along the perimeter of the lawn and garden paths. For lawn areas and flower beds, this will be a decorative frame of light, and for tracks - a practical option for lighting the territory. In functional areas, it is advisable to place street lamps on hanging solar cells. It can be gazebos, summer kitchens, areas with swimming pools and ponds. Do not forget about decorative architectural structures. For them, manufacturers specifically provide for compact and spotlight systems, which also work on solar energy.
Conclusion
From the point of view of decorative qualities andperformance transition to lighting technology with solar-powered power is not always justified. Indeed, for these qualities, traditional devices lose a little, and sometimes they have advantages over analogues on alternative energy. Nevertheless, solar-powered lighting lamps are beneficial in terms of energy efficiency and safety level. While the introduction of such devices in a single order can really seem inconvenient and troublesome. But on the other hand, such equipment can be considered as the first step towards the idea of a house, which will be fully provided with solar energy with all its advantages.
