Solar Accent Light
A Solar Accent Light is the easiest garden light to install. This is because they
require no mains electricity. The power for the lights is obtained from a solar
collector panel that converts sunlight into electrical energy.
This energy is then stored in highly efficient batteries that release their power
after the sun goes down.
Each Solar Accent Light is independent of the other. This is because they need no
wiring and do not need to be connected in any way.
This means there is no need for a transformer, so each light can be positioned in
remote locations and if necessary, near water in complete safety.
Each light uses the latest LED technology which provides sufficient light to accent
pathways, entrances and steps.
They can also be used to indicate the position of ponds and pools and to show the
outline of a winding path as well as decorate patios and flower beds.
Operation
A Solar Accent Light absorbs light from the sun and converts the light into electrical
power which is stored in rechargeable batteries. They operate in a similar way to
rechargeable flashlights except the power is taken from sunlight rather than mains
electricity.
In a flashlight the bulb is normally the incandescent type whereas in a solar light,
is an LED which provides the light. (An LED is a Light Emitting Diode, which is
an electronic component that produces light but requires very little energy to do
it)
Solar lights can stay lit for up to 15 hours depending upon how much sunlight they
have been exposed to during the day.
Because they use only the suns energy for power, solar lights cost nothing to run
and are very environmentally friendly. The Ni-Cad rechargeable batteries last approximately
three years and are easy to obtain and replace.
Apart from replacing the batteries, there is no maintenance required on a Solar
Accent Light.
The LEDs themselves are not replaceable, but should be good for at least 25 years.
If you live in a climate that is particularly cloudy in the autumn and winter, the
light output will not be as great as it is in the summer. For this reason, many
users simply take them from the garden and store them until spring.