Solar outdoor lighting

The choice of a solar-powered garden light depends above all on the surface area to be lit, thedesired light intensity and theintended use.

For atmospheric lighting, a table-top solar lamp diffuses a soft light ideal for meals or evenings out. These models are generally powerful enough to create a pleasant atmosphere without dazzling.

If your objective is more functional (lighting a passageway, entrance or traffic area), opt for solar-powered wall lights, LED bollards or plantable spotlights. These models offer higher wattage (up to 1000 lumens at Lumihome), and are often equipped with motion detectors or a twilight sensor toswitch on automatically at the right moment.

Finally, for larger areas or those requiring strong light (driveway, main alley), a solar LED streetlight or solar floodlight may be more suitable, provided there's enough sunlight to ensure proper battery recharging.

Always check theprotection rating, battery capacity and quality of the photovoltaic panel, which determine the duration and stability of lighting, especially in winter or on cloudy days.

To effectively mark out a path or garden path, the best choice is a solar LED bollard or a solar spotlight. These luminaires are designed to visually mark a path without dazzling, diffusing a soft but sufficiently bright light to ensure safe movement.

Ideally, opt for a model with :

• Wattage between 100 and 600 lumens, enough to guide without disturbing the view;
• Automatic switch-on (thanks to a twilight sensor) ;
• A wide beam angle to cover the area around each light point;
• A sturdy stand or base if the installation is on soft ground.

Models equipped with motion detectors, such as those from Lumihome, are useful in low-traffic areas, to save battery power while guaranteeing immediate lighting when needed.

Finally, don't forget that good exposure to the sun during the day is essential to ensure sufficient autonomy at night.

The lighting duration of a solar outdoor solution depends on several factors: the quality of the photovoltaic panel, the battery capacity, the type of LED used and, of course, the amount ofsunlight received during the day.

At Lumihome, for example, a well-exposed solar LED luminaire can, on average, provide between 6 and 8 hours of light after a full sunny day in optimal conditions.

However, a number of factors can reduce this time:

• Poor exposure (shade, northern exposure, obstacles);
• A dirty or poorly maintained panel (which reduces recharge);
• An aging or under-performing battery.

Yes, a solar LED lamp can work in winter or on overcast days, but its performance may be reduced. In fact, the efficiency of a solar lamp depends directly on the amount of light captured by the photovoltaic panel during the day.

In winter or when it's cloudy:

• Sunshine time is shorter;
• Solar radiation is less intense;
• Panels may be covered with frost or dirt, reducing their efficiency.

As a result, the battery recharges less andnight-time autonomy is reduced.

To limit this impact, we recommend :

• Choose a lamp with a good quality panel (monocrystalline, as at Lumihome);
• Choose models with low-energy LEDs and motion sensors to light only when necessary;
• Install the panels facing south and clean them regularly to ensure good capture.

One of the great advantages ofsolar lighting is its ease of installation, with no cables or electrical connections required. In just a few steps, you can set up a self-contained, functional luminaire.

Here are the key points for a successful installation:

• Choose a location with good exposure to the sun: ideally south-facing, with no shadows (from trees, walls or roofs) during the day. This is essential for optimal battery charging.
• Fix or plant the lamp according to the type of product:.screws and plugs supplied, taking care to orient the solar panel correctly. place it on a stable, well-exposed surface, ready to catch the light.
• Allow the lamp to fully charge before first use: a full day in the sun enables the first charge to be complete, optimizing the battery's performance.
• Clean the solar panel regularly with a soft, damp cloth to prevent the build-up of dust, pollen or deposits that limit recharging.
• And don't forget to activate the switch or the automatic mode, if your model has one, so that the lighting works as soon as night falls.

The price of outdoor solar lighting varies according to the type of product, its technical features and the quality of the materials used.

For a reliable, durable, high-performance model, here are a few guidelines:

• Between €15 and €30 for a table lamp or a solar-powered spotlight, ideal for marking out a path or creating a soft atmosphere.
• Between €30 and €90 for a LED bollard or solar-powered wall lamp with good light output, motion detector and quality battery.
• From €70 for a solar streetlight, LED floodlight or luminaire with high-efficiency photovoltaic panel and extended autonomy.
  

Beware of very inexpensive models, which may look attractive but often have a limited lifespan, low light output or an unreliable battery.

Good solar lighting is therefore a smart investment, guaranteeing energy savings, ease of installation and durability, especially if you opt for resistant materials, a high protection factor and a quality LED source.

The answer is simple: it depends.) Today, Lumihome's latest ranges of solar-powered lamps offer the same wattage as 230V or 12V wired models. So we can put aside the issue of wattage. What remains, however, is the configuration of your garden, terrace or swimming pool. If sunlight is limited, it may be more interesting to opt for a wired range. Read this article to find out more about solar and traditional lighting. Or contact our teams directly for personalized answers.