What is the life span of solar lights?

Many times the question pops up regarding the life span of solar powered lights. How does one ensure the best performance and prolong the life of solar lights? After a while, you might notice that your solar lights are not as bright as when you first bought them. And without knowing the basics of solar lights, you may become confused about what exactly happened. Could it be that your solar lights got old and need to be recycled or is there something that you just need to know about the maintenance of your solar powered products?

Solar lights need four essential components to function:

1. A rechargeable battery to store the power generated by the energy from the sun.

2. A small photovoltaic cell or solar array that captures sunlight during the day and converts it into electrical energy. The solar array is usually built right into the light fixture. Some light designs have separate solar arrays connected by a thin wire allowing the light to be located in a shady area while the solar array itself is placed in a bright, sunny location.

3. A “charge controller” to ensure the batteries don’t get overcharged in bright sunlight as well as to monitor the amount of light in the surrounding area and turn the LED (light emitting diode) light on and off.

4. An LED (or a series of LEDs) which provides the light.

10-Pack NiCd AA700mAh 1.2V Rechargeable Batteries at http://www.yoursolarlink.com.

Image by Your Solar Link.

Rechargeable Solar Light Batteries are the major cause of failure in solar garden lights (5 main reasons why your solar lights are not performing as well as new.)

Rechargeable solar batteries will self-discharge which means that over time the batteries will discharge to a point where they no longer work.

It is important to ensure you charge your solar lights at least every three (3) months to ensure the battery stays in good shape and lasts its life span, generally 1-2 years.

Replace your old batteries when they run their life cycle.

When you purchase your solar lights, the rechargeable batteries are often already included in the fixture. After 1-2 years (or a matter of months in some cases) it is quite normal to see their performance decline. Once you notice that the lighting time is considerably diminishing and the lights are not as bright as before, it’s probably time to replace your rechargeable solar garden light batteries.

Another reason of reduced lighting time and brightness can also be that the solar light batteries are not charging correctly.

For the best charging performances the solar panel needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. Dust and other accumulated residues can considerably affect the charging procedure. They form a coating layer on the solar panel and block the sunlight.

10-Pack NiCd AA600mAh 1.2V Rechargeable Batteries at http://www.yoursolarlink.com.

Image by Your Solar Link.

An easy way to check if the rechargeable batteries are dead is to test them by briefly replacing them with regular batteries, just long enough to check if the light is working. If you are testing the solar light during the day, don’t forget to cover it, or place the light in a darkened room. This will allow the photocell to trigger the light to its “on” position. If the solar light turns on with normal batteries it means that the rechargeable batteries are faulty and you will need to buy a new set.

Important: don’t forget to pay particular attention to the location of the solar lights.

Batteries will not charge properly if the solar panel is in the shade, they rely on the energy of the sun to charge.

There is another simple test you can do before replacing the solar light rechargeable batteries. Place your solar lights under direct sunshine for a day or two and see what happens. If, after this duration, the illumination time is back to normal, it means that the solar panel was not getting enough light from the sun. Commonly, solar lights should be in direct sunlight for at least 4 hours a day to adequately charge the rechargeable batteries.

If you store your solar lights for long periods of time, take the batteries out!

When you had to store your garden solar lights for a long period of time (during winter months, for example), did you take out the batteries? If you did, your solar light batteries will have a longer life span.

10-Pack NiMH AA1000mAh 1.2V Rechargeable Batteries at http://www.yoursolarlink.com.

Image by Your Solar Link.

Replacing solar light batteries is not a difficult task.

All you have to do is to locate the solar light battery cover, remove it, take out the defective batteries and replace them with new ones. If no battery cover can be found, the solar light needs to be taken apart, usually with one or two screws. On most models you’ll find the screws on the top or bottom of the light. Once the unit is open you’ll have access to the batteries.

Types of rechargeable batteries.

Most solar garden lights need between 1 to 4 batteries to work. 2 types of batteries are usually used in garden solar lights: AA size – NiCad(Nickel Cadmium) 1.2 V / 500 to 900mA, and AA size – NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) 1.2 V /1000 to 2000mA.

When it is time to change the solar light rechargeable batteries, the choice of battery also plays an important part in ensuring the enhanced performance of your solar lights.

Nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH) will have up to three times more capacity than the same size Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) battery, meaning they are capable of lasting longer and more reliable.

NiMH batteries in your solar lights may cost a little extra but they are more environmentally friendly than NiCd batteries. NiMH batteries are more environmentally friendly because they use a dry liquid, which can be disposed of more easily. They will also withstand greater temperature fluctuations operating in temperatures ranging from -20 to 60 degrees Celsius (-4 to 140F). Ni-MH batteries have a “non-memory effect” which means they will continue to charge on cloudy days. The battery performance will not be diminished by these partial charges, as what can occur with lead acid batteries.

10-Pack NiMH AAA900mAh 1.2V Rechargeable Batteries at http://www.yoursolarlink.com.

Image by Your Solar Link.

Solar light replacement batteries are standard and can be found easily. If you know these solar lights basics, with minimum maintenance effort you will enjoy your solar powered lights for years.

Just like chameleons Stone Solar Lights completely camouflage with existing landscapes and look like any other ordinary garden rock.
Also known as Solar Rock Lights, they can be used to mark landscape hazards, such as steps or a large boulder that could be a hazard in the dark. They are a good alternative to cast light on shrubbery and low hedges, and to mark pathways.
These Solar Spot Lights are a suitable addition for rock gardens, xeriscape landscaping, or for anywhere that solar garden lights would fit into your garden. Models vary from a nice, light brownish green to standard gray colors for blending perfectly into your existing landscape design.

Stone Solar Spot Light with 4 LEDs.
Image by Your Solar Link.

At yoursolarlink.com, we have 3 different sizes to choose from – they vary from small to large. These Stone Solar Lights have super bright LEDs for brighter light output.

Aside from being completely powered by the sun, they have no wiring and are fast and easy to install. With its flat base, each stone solar spot light can be placed it on the ground, giving you the option to move it to various locations as needed.
And because they are solar powered, they save money on your energy bills in the long run.

They come equipped with integrated solar panels that are durable in all weather conditions. An on/off switch is located at the base of each light, allowing you the option of saving battery charge for special occasions or during times when you wish to simply have the light off. When they are in the on position, an integrated photoresistor turns the lights on at sunset and off at sunrise.

Stone Solar Spot Light – Small.
Image by Your Solar Link.

You will be surprised by the amount of light that stone solar spot lights cast onto your garden. Just place your rock light where sunlight reaches in your exterior spaces, and the integrated solar panel will do the rest. Solar rock lights are capable to get light into areas of your garden where no electrical supply is available. They can give up to 10 hours of light when dark, depending on the amount of sunlight they receive during the day. The LED bulbs never burn out, and the rechargeable Nickel Cadmium AA battery is comes installed are ready to go right out of the box. They are water and corrosion resistant, as well as being completely safe to use around pets and children.

Stone Solar Spot Light with 4 LEDs.
Image by Your Solar Link.

In this video below you can see how on a completely dark night, our small Stone Solar Light casts a sufficient amount of light on various plants in the garden.

You can check these and other solar lights at www.yoursolarlink.com/solar-spot-lights, where they are sold at reduced prices with no hidden charges and free shipping.

Stone Solar Spot Light – Small.
Image by Your Solar Link.

You may have recently moved to a new house and decided to add some twinkle to your garden, back yard, lawn or patio. Or maybe it is a place where you have spent all your life and now you’d like to do a few subtle or dramatic changes with outdoor lighting. It could be that you just want to add a bit of creative touch to your apartment balcony where you catch a breath of fresh air after a long day. Your neighbors across the yard have some nice string lights on their balcony and you are starting to think about doing something similar.
Where do you start?

Solar Path Lights. Image by Your Solar Link.

It can be a challenging and at the same time a fun process when looking into creating outdoor lighting for your home, yard or garden. The fun part of the process is that you are in control of creating a unique outdoor environment, inspired by your own imagination. You can create a comforting, welcoming mood with unique and eye-catching outdoor lighting.
However two challenges come to mind – finding a good bargain on the lights themselves, and the cost of hiring a licensed electrician to do the installation.

This is where solar powered outdoor lights step in. Solar lighting has become an increasingly popular alternative to the conventional and costly electric lights that currently illuminate our homes and living spaces.
Solar lights are affordably priced, simple and safe to install yourself (no digging ditches, laying the wire and attaching it to a junction box), and solar lights can be relocated easily, and above all else, you also save on electricity costs.

Solar lights use photovoltaic cells that absorb sunlight during the day and turn it into energy. Rechargeable batteries store the energy, making it available at night when it is needed. LED (light emitting diode) bulbs, which require little power and last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, provide the illumination. There is no wiring necessary to connect the lights to each other or to the electric grid.
Until recently, most solar lights emitted only muted light and were not all that reliable. With the latest developments in the solar lighting industry, this has changed and super-bright LEDs have replaced more conventional filament bulbs.
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) create light without producing the waste heat of regular bulbs, are very bright, and yet require a minimal amount of electricity to function. The result is a reliable, long-lasting light source that will typically work for the life of the solar light product.
Other progress in solar lighting technology has been made in the development of more efficient, affordably-priced photovoltaic cells, improved circuitry, and more efficient batteries.

When shopping for solar lights, it’s important to match the light to the function you want it to perform. Consider these three primary categories of solar lights for use in the landscape: decorative accent lights, path lights and spotlights.

Decorative Solar Accent Lights.

Solar Butterfly Lights with Amber LEDs. Image by Your Solar Link.

Solar accent lights create an enjoyable and inviting glow for your landscape. They are designed to mark a place. Solar accent lights can be used to mark landscape hazards, such as a step or a rock that could be a hazard in the dark. They also can be used as garden features themselves, such as decorative solar figurines.
This type of solar light is not used to intensely illuminate an object or light up a pathway. But they would be a good choice to softly illuminate shrubbery and low hedges. Due to their low light output, accent lights usually stay lit longer than other types of solar lights. A quality accent solar light can run many nights on just a single day of sunlight charge.

Accent solar lights typically use efficient multi-crystalline solar cells that allow them to charge even on a cloudy day or in partially shaded areas.
Some accent lights utilize amber LEDs to create a softer ambience. Some of them can change colors, blink or flicker to simulate candle light.

Color Changing Solar Accent Lights. Image by Your Solar Link.

Amber LEDs use less electricity than the white LEDs, meaning they are going to stay on even longer after a short sun charge.
Compared to the other types of solar lights, accent lights have the lowest light output and are among the most affordably priced.

Solar Butterfly Lights with Amber LEDs. Image by Your Solar Link.

Path Solar Lights.
Path solar lights are good for lighting paths, walkways, driveway perimeters or other regions around your home and in your landscape. They are often used in multiples to guide the way along a set of stairs or a dark walk.

Path solar lights. Image by Your Solar Link.

Path lights usually come with a choice of ground stakes, flange mounts and hanging hooks. This gives the user a wide choice of placing options.
They also have on-off switches, a feature that allows the homeowner to store the electrical charge for a special event and ensure the longest potential run time. Some models may offer options such as high-low power, colored lenses, or timers. Solar path lights are in the mid-range choice in terms of price and light output.

Motion Sensor Path Solar Lights. These Path Lights increase in brightness as people pass by.
Image by Your Solar Link.

Task Solar Lights (Solar Security Lights, Solar Flood Lights and Solar Spotlights).
These solar lights are the brightest group of solar lights and usually carry the highest price tag. They are designed to direct a bright beam of light on plants, statuary or entryways.

Solar Spot Light. Image by Your Solar Link.

Solar task lights and spotlights are usually designed so they can be mounted in a number of ways and can be adjusted to shine in any direction. Most often, the solar panel can be mounted independently from the light (the two connected by a wire), which allows you to place the panel in a position where it will get the sun, and the light where you need it to shine at night.

What to consider when choosing solar lights for your exterior lighting needs.

Step 1.
Decide if you need decorative accent, path or task solar lights.

Step 2.
Find out whether the battery needs full sunlight to charge. Some lights charge with partial sun and work great under trees or in areas with low sunlight. This type of solar light can also be charged on a cloudy day.

Step 3.
Consider the operating time. Usually solar lights perform year round and even charge the battery to provide operation during long winter nights. Some solar lights shine for several days before needing to recharge.

Step 4.
Check the type of light bulb the solar light uses. LED lights offer the brightest and most efficient light when it comes to efficiency, size, price and energy usage. Some accent solar lights use amber LED lights to create a softer glow.

Step 5.
Compare extra items like timers or an on-off switch to the cost. Colored lenses change the look of the solar lights without compromising the brightness. Some solar lights mount to your house, hang from trees or can be mounted to your patio rail.

Step 6.
Match the lighting to your landscape theme. Decorative solar lights (figurines) can create an interesting theme for a landscape or lawn, or while positioned next to shrubbery trimmed to your taste. Country style solar lanterns will add that special countryside charm to your garden. Hanging Japanese Soji lanterns on your trees or patio will bring an Asian flare to your outdoors. Modern stainless steel solar accent lights complement contemporary landscapes. An ultra bright stainless steel solar light will be a great choice to light up your flag pole.

The possibilities are unlimited!

In the vocabulary of our modern world, the term “organic gardening” has become widely popular in gardening magazines, books, on the World Wide Web and in everyday conversations.
While growing without chemicals is trendy now, it has been around since ancient times. It was the only way to farm. After all, chemical fertilizers weren’t even a possibility until the 1840’s.
So, what exactly is organic gardening? And how is it beneficial to us?

Organic Rose Garden in California.

Organic strawberries grown in Escondido, CA.
Image by Your Solar Link.

In plain words, organic gardens don’t get fertilized with synthetics; only animal or vegetable fertilizers are used.
Natural pest control methods are used, as opposed to industrial insecticides. In other words only natural substances and beneficial insects are used to ward off pests instead of spraying with potentially harmful commercial chemical substances.

Tatiana Starines has been enjoying organic gardening for over 70 years.
And just look at the results!
Image by Your Solar Link.

6 major benefits of organic gardening:

1. The harmful and toxic chemicals that we spray on our produce also seep into the ground, thus affecting insects that are beneficial. These chemicals also find their way into the air, waterways, sewers, lakes and streams. Organic gardeners create a mini “eco-system” that will maintain a healthy balance of soil and contribute to the health of our planet by not putting long-lasting, toxic chemicals into the air, soil and watershed. This makes organic gardening beneficial for everyone.
2. Organic gardeners contribute to preserving diversity. The loss of a large variety of species (biodiversity) is one of the most pressing environmental concerns. The good news is that many organic farmers and gardeners have been collecting and preserving seeds, and growing remarkable varieties for decades.
3. It is no-brainer that the natural health of the soil will produce healthy fruits and vegetables for your table. Organically-grown food is more nutritious than food grown using conventional methods. In humans, healthy and balanced nourishment increases strength of the immune system and minimizes the risks of potentially deadly diseases.
4. There is evidence of physical and emotional human benefits with organic gardening. “muscle-power” rather than “machine-power” burns more calories. You definitely will be in great shape and stress-free (horticultural therapy), when you spend quality time in your garden.
5. Organic gardening greatly reduces your exposure to pesticides, which have been linked to many severe health problems.
6. Growing your own healthy produce saves your household money in the long run.

Another view of Tatiana’s organic garden. Spring 2010.

Organic growing is much more than not using pesticides or insecticides. It is a philosophy that stresses on increasing the natural health of the soil, choosing suitable plants that are appropriate for your area, and working with nature to create a healthy and productive garden.

Tatiana’s organic garden. Spring 2010. Image by Your Solar Link.

Tatiana’s organic garden. Spring 2010. Image by Your Solar Link.

It only makes sense to use appropriate and eco-friendly lighting, such as solar lights, in your organic garden. Solar lights are easy to install (no wiring) and they are charged by the energy of sun (free, renewable, eco-friendly energy). Solar lighting is ideal for areas where conventional electrical supply is not available. They are a simple way to accentuate your trees, pathways and flower beds!
With the latest solar technology developments, the solar industry has moved forward substantially. Now we have a cool variety of choices when picking appropriate solar lighting for your organic garden.

Some of them are really bright (solar spot light) and will accentuate the beauty of your trees or large bushes.

Solar Spot Light at night. Image by Your Solar Link.

Others release a soft and pleasantly scattered light that looks great around your pathways and flowerbeds.
A great selection of solar garden lights can be found here. While choosing an appropriate solar lighting solution for your garden, pay attention to the solar product descriptions to make sure you get what best suites your garden needs. See solar gardens image galleries HERE.

Starting and maintaining an organic garden is simple and easy with a little knowledge and patience.
Growing your own organic garden is something you can take great pride and pleasure in.

Organic gardener.

Organic garden. Spring. Image by Your Solar Link.

Visit the Organic Consumers Association to learn more.

The idea of these small fictional creatures root their origins in European mythology.
In folklore, gnomes are tiny men who live underground or in mushrooms, guarding pots of gold, while also watching over the well-being of our homes. The males have long, full beards and wear tall, pointed red hats. They are generally shy of humans and try to stay out of sight. In modern fantasy literature, gnomes are Santa’s helpers. They are helpful creatures who came from Norway and headed to the North Pole to assist Father Christmas and his Elves in fighting the wicked Goblins.

Solar Garden Gnomes. Image by Your Solar Link.

Gnomes were first introduced as lawn ornaments during the 19th century. After this they became to be known as garden gnomes.
The image of the decorative garden gnome changed during the 1960’s to 1970’s, when the first plastic garden gnomes were manufactured. These gnomes followed the style of the 1937 depiction of the seven dwarves in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs by Disney. This Disney image of the gnome was based on the illustrated children’s book classic The Secret Book of Gnomes (1976) by the Dutch author Wil Huygen and illustrator Rien Poortvliet, though they claimed that it was written by a Gnome called David.

Solar Garden Gnome with Basket of Daisies. Image by Your Solar Link.

As the solar lights industry evolved, solar garden gnomes were created. What a terrific idea! Now, not only you can have a cute garden ornament (or a lawn ornament), but have a decorative solar feature.

Solar Garden Gnome with Bucket. Image by Your Solar Link.

Just as gnomes who are the friendly earthy helpers, the solar garden gnome figurines are eco-friendly, using only free energy of the sun to light up our garden pathways, lawns, doorways and flowerbeds. Their cheerful friendly features put a smile on your face every time you walk by.

Solar Garden Gnome Sleeping on Mushroom. Image by Your Solar Link.

See more solar garden gnomes HERE.