The use of solar-powered luminaires is gaining popularity in landscape design. They can be placed in the garden, along paths, by ponds, on flower beds. Owners of the dacha will not need complicated installation of communications and connecting the backlight to electricity. Decorative lights function from solar energy, accumulating it throughout the day. A variety of design decisions in the manufacture of the lamp housing allows you to choose a model for every taste.
Types of lights
Manufacturers offer models for lighting the garden, paths, ponds, stairs and country beds. Devices can be divided into two large groups.
Decorative patterns
Among the solar-powered lights for giving or a country house, decorative models are especially popular. They are presented in the form of figures of fairy-tale characters, animals, original configurations. In the garden, gnomes, frogs, owls, hedgehogs or dogs look great. The case of models is most often made of durable plastic. Lanterns are installed on a flat platform. Products with large glass shades require careful handling. A distinctive feature of the lamps is a small radius of illumination. Decorative lights are easy to operate and easy to install. If desired, they are transferred to another place.
Foot construction
Street lights on the leg are used to highlight paths, highlight the lawns. The height of the supporting part is from 25 to 150 cm. In the upper part there is a decorative ceiling with an LED. Lamps are made in the shape of a ball, butterflies, flowers, antique lamps. The lower edge of the leg is pointed to facilitate installation in the ground. The material is strong enough to enter soft lawn soil. The lamp must not be driven in, otherwise the housing or photocell will be damaged. If the soil is hard, it is loosened in advance or a hole is made. After mounting, the soil around the leg is tamped.
In addition to lawn and decorative models, wall and park devices are distinguished. Their names indicate the scope. Wall lights are mounted on facades or fences. A fastener is sold with them.
Garden lanterns improve the decorative appearance of the local area and perform the practical function of lighting. This is a convenient and economical option for highlighting permanent places and landscape elements.
Device and principle of operation
Solar-powered lamps for giving or a country house differ from each other in appearance, but have the same design. They consist of several basic elements:
- solar panel - a solar cell that converts solar energy into electrical energy;
- battery - a battery that charges in daylight and provides power at night;
- light source - LED;
- case - a frame made of plastic or metal, a glass shade;
- controller - a device that controls charging, turning on and off a flashlight;
- motion sensor optional;
- light sensor.
A panel with a photocell is usually located in the upper part of the housing. During the day, it captures the sun's rays and converts it into electrical energy. The potential is transferred to the power supply and accumulated. In the evening, when the light level decreases, the sensor turns on the flashlight. The device works for 8-10 hours, turns off in the morning.
Battery life affects battery life.Some models have a motion sensor, they light up when a person approaches.
Advantages and disadvantages of solar lights
Decorative lamps organically fit into any landscape style. They are beautiful and functional. With the help of devices, zoning of the territory, the original emphasis, practical lighting paths. LED lights powered by solar energy have many advantages, but negative points are worth mentioning.
Benefits:
- Profitability - the devices work from the accumulated solar energy, without requiring the cost of paying for electricity.
- Safety - the backlight has a low voltage that is not dangerous for people and animals.
- Durability and reliability. Flashlights last up to 5-7 years, models with protection class IP44 and IP54 are not afraid of moisture.
- Autonomy - lighting is independent of power supply, it operates on its own power source.
- A wide range of products. Devices with white or color LEDs are available.
- Affordable cost - Chinese-made models are offered at low prices.
Flashlights ignite on their own, they do not need to be turned on as electrical appliances. An empty cottage will look residential even in the absence of owners.
Disadvantages:
- In weak sunlight, on a cloudy or rainy day, the battery does not charge well, it lasts for 2-3 hours.
- The power of the devices is small, you have to install a few pieces.
- In winter, frost can ruin a battery.
- With poor-quality manufacturing of the case, contacts quickly oxidize.
Devices on photocells cannot compete in brightness with electrical devices. Designers offer a combination of solar lighting for summer cottages and traditional lamps. Different types of lights are placed in separate zones so that they overlap each other.
How to choose an effective lighting
When choosing flashlights pay attention to their technical characteristics. The main criteria:
- Battery capacity - the duration of the glow depends on this parameter.
- Degree of protection - the characteristic is indicated by the manufacturer. Marking determines the level of protection against dust and moisture, the higher the indicator, the more airtight the design.
- Number and power of LEDs - the device can have one or more LED devices.
- Type of solar cell - a module based on single-crystal silicon is considered to be the best. It will last several seasons and provide a high battery charge. Polycrystalline panels are less reliable.
- Shade material. The most reliable option is tempered glass. To create a scattering effect, a material with a corrugated surface is selected.
LED lamps are white or multi-colored, you can choose the shade of the glow as you wish. Their power is 0.06 W, the service life is up to 100 thousand hours. Lamps on photocells are offered by various companies. The cheapest models are made in China, but not all of them are of poor quality. Feron brand products will last a long time. Recommended companies include: Novotech, Globo, Solar Lamp.
Tips for arranging backlighting in the country
With the help of compact solar lamps for giving, decorative illumination of trees, lawns, benches, arbors is carried out. Soft light does not irritate the eyes, creates a pleasant atmosphere. The size of the territory covered depends on the height of the pylon. Along the paths, lamps with a leg of 30-50 cm are installed, near the arbor or platform, the size of the support is 100-150 cm. During the day, lanterns serve as a decorative decoration.
Among the variety of products, there are models suspended on tree branches.An excellent alternative to electric lamps is LED lamps on the facade of the cottage.
Care and maintenance
To extend the service life of decorative lamps will allow compliance with operating rules:
- Devices should not be dropped, light loose products in strong winds should be brought into the room.
- The outer part of the body is covered with a layer of dust and dirt, it is wiped with a soft moistened cloth. With significant contamination, glass detergents are used.
- If the lights are not designed to work in cold weather, in the winter they are stored in a heated room. It is recommended to remove the battery.
The lantern battery has a limited service life, after its end you will have to buy a new power source.
The main breakdowns and methods for their elimination
The design of the lights is simple, breakdowns occur due to operating conditions or mechanical damage. The lamp housing is not tight enough, moisture gets inside. The metal contacts are oxidized, the contact weakens, the LED does not light. To eliminate the malfunction, it is necessary to disassemble the case, remove the battery, strip the contacts. Common breakdowns:
- The battery has run out. To check, you need a tester that will show the battery voltage. It should be 1.1-1.4 V. If the voltage is lower, you should buy a new battery.
- The lantern does not light in the dark. One reason is a wire break. The case is disassembled, the integrity of the solder to the control board is inspected. If there is a break, solder the wire.
- The backlight remains on for no more than 2 hours. A short period of operation is a consequence of poor battery charging. She lacks the sunlight. The lamp should be under direct rays for several hours. Lack of energy causes clouding of the solar panel. To restore transparency, it is polished with fine sandpaper and coated with colorless varnish.
After repair work, the place of disassembling the housing should be covered with sealant. The protective layer will prevent moisture from entering the lamp.
The use of solar-powered flashlights helps reduce the consumption of natural resources. This is a practical and environmentally friendly option for lighting a cottage or cottage.
