How Do Solar Yard Lights Work?
Solar yard lights have become extremely popular over the last several years as more and more people switch from traditional yard lighting to solar. While traditional yard lighting is effective at illuminating a pathway or driveway, it has a few drawbacks. For instance, it can be quite costly to install, requires extensive wiring and is expensive to operate over time. Solar yard lighting represents a more cost-effective alternative.
Solar Yard Lights Have Many Benefits
Solar yard lights have plenty of benefits including the user’s ability for to place them almost anywhere (as long as they receive adequate light from the sun) without the need for installation or wiring. Solar yard lights are also easy and affordable to maintain, since they do not require electricity from the grid. Finally, solar lights are relatively low cost at about $15 to $25 per unit.
Components of a Solar Yard Light
A solar yard light is made up of several components. These include:
A solar cell
One AA rechargeable battery (usually Nicad)
Controller board
LED (light emitting diode)
Photoresistor ( A photoresistor is used to switch on the light when it gets dark)
Yard light casing
How a Solar Yard Light Works
A solar yard light is an ingenious, but basic product. During the day, the solar cell uses the power of the sun to charge the NiCad battery. Since the solar yard light is very efficient, it does not require a lot of energy to power the light throughout the night. The sun that shines on the solar panel, even during overcast days or during the winter when the sun is weaker and the days are shorter, is still enough to recharge the battery.
When the sun shines on the solar cell, it converts this energy to electricity that, in turn, charges the battery. The rechargeable battery can now be used to illuminate the LED within the casing. All solar yard lights include a photoresistor cell which is able to tell when there is no light (nighttime) and turn on the yard lights.
With solar cell and LED technology improving, stronger and brighter solar yard lights are becoming available. These solar yard lights are perfect not only for private home use, but also for many local and state governments who now use this technology for street and park lighting as well.