The use of solar-powered luminaires is gaining popularity in landscaping. They can be placed in the garden, along paths, near ponds, on flower beds. The owners of the summer cottage do not need complex installation of communications and connection of the backlight to electricity. Decorative lanterns are powered by solar energy, accumulating it during the day. A variety of design solutions in the manufacture of the luminaire body allows you to choose a model for every taste.
Types of lanterns
Manufacturers offer models for lighting gardens, paths, ponds, stairs and garden beds. The devices can be divided into two large groups.
Decorative patterns
Among the solar-powered lanterns for a summer residence or a country house, decorative models are especially popular. They are presented in the form of figurines of fairy-tale characters, animals, original configurations. Gnomes, frogs, owls, hedgehogs or dogs look great in the garden. The body of the models is most often made of durable plastic. Lanterns are installed on a flat area. Products with large glass shades require careful handling. A distinctive feature of the lanterns is a small illumination radius. Decorative luminaires are easy to operate and easy to install. If desired, they are transferred to another place.
Leg construction
Leg-mounted street lamps are used to highlight paths and illuminate lawns. The height of the support part is from 25 to 150 cm. In the upper part there is a decorative shade with LED. Lamps are made in the form of a ball, butterflies, flowers, old lanterns. The lower edge of the leg is sharpened to facilitate installation in the ground. The material is strong enough to enter the soft soil of the lawn. Do not drive in the lamp, otherwise the housing or photocell will be damaged. If the soil is hard, loosen it in advance or make a hole. After installation, the soil around the leg is tamped.
In addition to lawn and decorative models, wall and park devices are distinguished. Their names speak of the scope of application. Wall lights are mounted on facades or fences. A fastener is sold with them.
Garden lights improve the decorative appearance of the local area and serve as a practical lighting function. This is a convenient and economical option for illuminating places of permanent use and landscape elements.
Device and principle of operation
- solar panel - a photocell that converts solar energy into electrical energy;
- battery - a battery that is charged during daylight hours and supplies power at night;
- light source - LED;
- body - a frame made of plastic or metal, glass shade;
- controller - a device that controls charging, switching on and off the flashlight;
- motion sensor optional;
- light sensor.
The photocell panel is usually located at the top of the case. During the day, it catches the sun's rays and converts it into electrical energy. The potential is transferred to the power supply unit and accumulates.In the evening, when the light level drops, the sensor turns on the flashlight. The device works for 8-10 hours, turns off in the morning.
Battery capacity affects battery life. Some models have a motion sensor, they light up when a person approaches.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Lanterns
Decorative lamps fit organically into any landscape style. They are beautiful and functional. With the help of devices, the territory is zoned, the original accents are highlighted, and the paths are practically illuminated. Solar-powered LED lights have many positives, but the negative ones are also worth mentioning.
Benefits:
- Economical - the devices operate on accumulated solar energy, without requiring the cost of electricity.
- Safety - the backlight has a low voltage that does not pose a danger to people and animals.
- Durability and reliability. Lanterns last up to 5-7 years, models with protection class IP44 and IP54 are not afraid of moisture.
- Autonomy - lighting does not depend on power supply, it operates on its own power source.
- A wide range, many types of products. Devices with white or colored LEDs are available.
- Affordable cost - Chinese-made models are offered at low prices.
Lanterns ignite on their own, they do not need to be switched on like electrical appliances. An empty summer cottage will look like a residential one even in the absence of the 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 several pieces.
- In winter, frost can damage the battery.
- If the case is of poor quality, the contacts are quickly oxidized.
Photovoltaic devices cannot compete in brightness with electrical devices. Designers offer a combination of solar garden lighting and traditional lamps. Different types of backlighting are placed in separate areas so that they overlap each other.
How to choose effective lighting
When choosing lanterns, pay attention to their technical characteristics. Main criteria:
- Battery capacity - the duration of the glow depends on this parameter.
- Protection degree - the characteristic is specified by the manufacturer. The marking determines the level of protection against dust and moisture, the higher the indicator, the more sealed the structure.
- Number and power of LEDs - the device can contain one or several LED devices.
- Type of photocell - the best is a module based on monocrystalline silicon. It will last for several seasons and provide a high battery charge. Polycrystalline panels are less reliable.
- Shade material. The safest option is tempered glass. To create a scattering effect, a material with a corrugated surface is chosen.
LED lamps are available in white or multi-colored, you can choose the shade of the glow you want. Their power is 0.06 W, the service life is up to 100 thousand hours. Luminaires based 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 for a long time. Recommended companies: Novotech, Globo, Solar Lamp.
Tips for arranging the backlight in the country
With the help of compact solar lamps for summer cottages, decorative illumination of trees, lawns, benches, gazebos is performed. The soft light does not irritate the eyes and creates a pleasant atmosphere. The size of the covered area depends on the height of the support. Lamps with a leg of 30-50 cm are installed along the paths, near the gazebo 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 that are suspended from tree branches. An excellent alternative to electric lamps is LED lamps on the facade of the cottage.
Care and maintenance
Extending the service life of decorative lanterns will allow compliance with the operating rules:
- The devices must not be dropped; light, loose products should be brought indoors in strong winds.
- The outer part of the case is covered with a layer of dust and dirt, it is wiped with a soft damp cloth. In case of significant contamination, glass detergents are used.
- If the lanterns are not designed to work in cold weather, they are stored in a heated room in winter. It is recommended to remove the battery.
The flashlight battery has a limited service life, after its end you will have to buy a new power source.
Major breakdowns and ways to eliminate them
The design of the lanterns is simple, breakdowns occur due to operating conditions or mechanical damage. The luminaire housing is not sealed enough, moisture gets inside. The metal contacts are oxidized, the contact weakens, the LED is off. To eliminate the malfunction, it is necessary to disassemble the case, take out the battery, and clean the contacts. Common breakdowns:
- The battery has reached the end of its life. 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, it is worth buying a new battery.
- The lantern does not burn in the dark. One of the reasons is a broken wire. The case is disassembled, the integrity of the soldering to the control board is inspected. If there is a break, the wire is soldered.
- The backlight stays on for no more than 2 hours. Short operating time due to poor battery charging. She lacks sunlight. The flashlight should be in direct light for several hours. Lack of energy provokes clouding of the solar panel coating. To restore transparency, it is polished with fine emery paper and covered with colorless varnish.
After repair work, the place of disassembly of the case should be covered with sealant. The protective layer will prevent moisture from entering the interior of the luminaire.
The use of solar-powered lanterns helps to reduce the consumption of natural resources. This is a practical and environmentally friendly option for lighting a cottage or summer cottage.
