Solar lights are a great way to light up walkways, gardens and other outdoor spaces. They harness the sun’s energy during the day and use it to provide light at night. These solar lights are easy to install and virtually maintenance free.

Working Principles of Solar Lights

How do solar garden lights work? Well, solar garden lights work on the principle of photovoltaic cells (solar cells) absorbing sunlight and transforming it into electricity.

The solar panel absorbs sunlight during the day and converts it into electrical energy, which is then stored in a battery. During the nighttime, a sensor turns on the light for a certain number of hours. The solar lights only switch on when there is no ambient light, such as street lights, to avoid being a nuisance to others. Most solar panels will last for about three years, after which they need to be replaced.

The technology behind solar outdoor lighting is no longer considered revolutionary but has become a practical application for homeowners and businesses alike. Solar-powered light fixtures collect energy during the day through a solar cell, then use that power after dark to run LED lamps. Each fixture normally contains a rechargeable battery which stores the energy collected during daylight hours.

The amount of time that the light remains on at night depends on how much sunlight was collected during the day, so if you live in an area with long winter nights or lots of cloudy days, you may need extra solar cells or a stronger battery, to allow your lights to stay lit all night long.

Solar lighting is usually chosen because it is easy and inexpensive to install, requiring no wiring or other electrical sources. Just place them where they will get direct sunlight during the day, and they should work well for years with minimal maintenance.