Solar Flood Light: The Ultimate Buying Guide

This guide will take you through the essential aspects of solar flood lights.

So before investing in your next flood lights, read this guide.

Let’s dive right in.

Types Of Solar Flood Light Available In The Market

There are various types of solar flood lights and this depends on the bulbs they use.

Examples of solar flood lights include:

Solar flood light

LED Solar Flood Light

These solar flood lights are highly efficient, durable, and bright.

They are also flexible due to their small size and have heatsinks that inhibit them from overheating.

Incandescent Solar Flood Light

These lights are energy-hungry needing frequent replacements.

The bulb contains an inert gas and a tungsten filament within the enclosure.

When current passes through the filament, it lights up due to an increase in temperature.

Fluorescent Solar Flood Light

These solar flood lights consume a lot of energy and require frequent replacements.

The bulb can be compact or tube-like with argon and mercury vapor within them that emits light when the current passes.

Halogen Solar Flood Light

This light has tungsten and halogen gas which activate when electricity passes through it.

High-Intensity Discharge (HID) solar flood light

These lights contain various chemicals such as mercury, sodium, metal halide, or xenon.

Main Components Of Solar Flood Light

Various parts work together in solar flood light.

These entail the following:

Parts of solar flood light

Solar Panels

Every solar flood light has solar panels that collect solar energy and then convert it to electricity.

After the conversion, the batteries will store the electrical charge.

Besides, there are various solar panels that you can use on a solar flood light.

Bulbs

Solar flood lights come with different bulbs such as incandescent, LED, or fluorescent.

The bulbs will emit visible light when in operation.

Batteries

These parts will store the electric charge that the solar flood light will use during its operation.

Mounting Hardware

This part provides the support you need to install the solar flood lights on different surfaces such as poles, walls, etc.

Photosensors

These components help determine whether it is daytime or nighttime thus enable the solar flood light to turn on or off.

Housing

These parts provide the cover and protection against environmental elements such as moisture and dirt.

Besides, they are IP rated and a high IP rating means it offers more protection to the internal elements of the solar flood light.

Controller Board

This part contains the electrical components that make up the circuit board.

Where To Use Solar Flood Light

Solar flood lights will provide illumination to different areas meaning they find their application in various places.

Some areas that you can install and use solar flood lights include the following:

• Yards
• Office premises
• Industries
• Garden paths
• Gates and fences
• Swimming pool areas
• Around trees and bushes
• Stairways
• Gates and fences
• Streets and paths
• Sidewalks

How Solar Flood Light Works

Solar flood lights work by utilizing several electronic parts to capture solar energy to produce electrical energy.

Once they convert the solar energy to electrical energy, it stores them in batteries.

Solar panels will harness the solar light energy within the solar cells which converts it to electricity that the light operates on.

The batteries will enable the solar flood light to operate throughout the night.

Photosensors are components that determine whether is daytime or nighttime.

Besides, they assist in turning on the solar flood light at nighttime only.

Once the photosensor triggers, the LED will emit light once the batteries release electricity.

Factors Affecting The Cost Of Solar Flood Light

Solar flood lights come with different features and capabilities which influence their cost.

The factors that will affect their cost include the following:

Type Of Solar Panel

Solar flood lights using monocrystalline panels will cost more than those using polycrystalline or amorphous solar panels.

Batteries

Solar flood lights containing built-in lithium batteries will cost more than those containing replaceable batteries.

Wattage

Solar flood lights that can produce more wattage will cost more than those producing less wattage.

Operating Modes

The cost of solar flood lights will rise when they have several operating modes than those with single operating modes.

Size

Large solar flood lights will cost more than their smaller counterparts.

Quantity Purchased

Several manufacturers will offer you discounts when you purchase solar flood lights in bulk.

Features

Solar flood lights with several features will cost more than those with standard or basic features.

Manufacturer

Some manufacturers have a high reputation when it comes to making solar flood lights.

For them, their solar flood lights will cost more than those who have little to no reputation.

Material Construction

Solar flood lights using high-quality build material will fetch a higher price than those using low-quality materials.

IP Rating

Solar flood lights with a high IP rating cost more than those with a low IP rating.

This is because they will offer more protection against adverse weather elements.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Solar Flood Light

These include the following:

Type Of Solar Panel

Solar flood lights can come with monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or amorphous solar panels.

Amorphous solar panels are cost-effective but have the lowest efficiency while monocrystalline are expensive and have the highest efficiency.

Size

Solar panels come in various sizes and small monocrystalline solar panels can produce more power than large amorphous solar panels.

Wattage

This indicates the amount of power the solar panels can produce in certain conditions.

Besides, you require a high wattage panel when the solar flood light is powerful.

Build Material

The construction material can either be plastic or aluminum.

Aluminum offers more and better protection than plastic, however, they are expensive.

IP Rating

The Ingress Protection determines how protective the solar flood light is against solids or moisture.

A higher IP rating means more protection.

Mounting Hardware

Installation of solar flood lights can be on walls, poles, or the ground.

Ensure the solar flood light of your choice has the necessary mounting accessories for installation.

Bulb Type

Solar flood lights can come with LED, incandescent, or fluorescent light bulbs.

LEDs are popular as they are efficient, cost-effective, durable, and bright.

Color Temperature

This is the color the solar flood light can produce during operation, and you will measure it in Kelvins [K].

A lower color temperature is warmer while a high color temperature is cooler.

Lumens

This will indicate the brightness of the solar flood light with a high lumen value indicating more brightness.

Features

Some solar flood lights come with motion sensors that can detect movement within a certain range.

Batteries

Solar flood lights come with different batteries such as lead-acid, lithium phosphate, nickel-cadmium, or nickel-metal hydride.

How To Mount Solar Flood Light

Here is how you can install the solar flood lights:

Flood light mounting options

Kits

Ensure the solar flood light has the necessary basic kits and user manual.

The kits necessary for the installation include solar panels, fastening accessories, cables, and light fixtures.

Select Location

The next stage entails choosing the location where you will install the solar flood light.

Besides, ensure you install the solar flood light in a location where it will be directly facing the sun.

Take into consideration the length of the power cables as it influences the location of the solar panel.

Drill Holes

First, mark the area you want to drill with markers before you the drilling process.

Besides, make use of the mounting bracket to precisely mark the areas you will be drilling.

Begin by drilling pilot holes on the marks and ensure to use a suitable drill bit for the surface.

Also, ensure the diameter of the drill bit is smaller than the diameter of the mounting accessories.

Install Solar Panel

Once you drill the holes, securely place the mounting brackets with the assistance of drills.

Proceed by placing the solar panel on the mounting brackets.

Connect Electric Cables

This stage entails running or tucking the power cables securely.

Install Solar Flood Light

In this stage, start by drilling pilot holes on the surface you will install the solar flood light.

Also, use the mounting bracket as a guide on where you will drill.

After filling, securely place the mounting bracket and install the solar flood light.

Adjust the system where necessary to ensure it points in the right direction.

Connect Electrical Cables

In this stage, you will connect and secure the power cable from the solar panel to the solar flood light.

How To Maintain Solar Flood Light

Here are some steps to undertake when maintaining solar flood lights:

• Use soap and clean water when cleaning the solar panels to remove debris thereby increase their efficiency.
• Make sure the electrical cable connecting the solar panel and the solar flood light has no flaws.
• Ensure you use genuine components when replacing or repairing the solar flood light.

When To Use Solar Flood Light

Solar flood lights are useful when you plan to increase security at night.

This can be security from intruders and personal security when walking at night or from tripping on objects.

Benefits Of Solar Flood Light

Solar flood lights have the following advantages:

Minimize Theft

Solar flood lights emit bright light at night hence inhibit thieves from sneaking into your premises.

Besides, it is hard for them to hide when the area has suitable lighting since you can detect them.

Energy Saving

Solar flood lights will light up at night times making them energy-efficient.

Saves Money

When you use solar flood lights that use LEDs, you will save money as they are durable needing fewer replacements.

Illuminates Dark Areas

Solar flood lights provide light and enhance the aesthetics of the exterior of your premise.

Renewable Energy

These lights rely on solar energy hence you will not have to incur electricity bills.

Besides, solar energy is free and renewable hence saving you money and is also environmentally friendly.

Easy And Flexible Installation

Solar flood lights are easy to install since they have fewer parts that need connecting.

Besides, when you need to reinstall the lights, you can perform the task easily since they do not connect to the main electricity grid.

Also, you can install them anywhere as long as the solar panels directly face the sun.

How To Determine Brightness Of Solar Flood Light

The brightness of solar flood lights depends on the lumen value.

Lumen is how you measure the light output of solar flood lights and indicates their brightness.

Besides, when determining the brightness of solar flood lights, take into consideration the lumen value and not the wattage.

For instance, a 10W fluorescent solar flood light is less bright than a 10W LED solar flood light.

The average lumen rating for solar flood lights sits between 300 and 800.

How To Calculate Wattage For Solar Flood Light

Watts is how you will measure the work that electricity performs per second.

For instance, 100W of energy can light a 100W bulb for an hour.

How To Test Solar Flood Light

Some techniques you can use to test solar flood lights include:

 Wall mount solar flood light

Electrical Performance Test

This test involves applying electrical current to the solar flood light.

Afterward, you will measure the actual versus the expected reading.

Besides, the electrical performance test ensures the output is suitable for the solar flood light.

Color Parameter Test

This test measures the ability of solar flood lights to produce the correct color as per the specifications.

Photometric Parameter Test

In this test, you will measure the visible light and how people will distinguish the brightness of solar flood lights.

It is measured in lumens [lm].

How Long Solar Flood Light Takes To Charge

Solar flood lights may take between 6 hours and 8 hours of direct sunlight to achieve a full charge.

However, the charge time increases during winter seasons or in indirect sunlight.

Factors Determining The Service Lifespan Of Solar Flood Light

These factors entail the following:

Weather

The lighting time of solar flood lights relies on the duration and intensity of the sun as it affects the energy the solar panels absorb.

When solar panels absorb more power, they convert more electricity ensuring ample lighting.

Material Component

Using core components of low quality will affect the lifespan of solar flood lights.

For this reason, low-quality components mean the solar flood light will require regular servicing.

Operating Environment

The working environment will impact the lifespan of solar flood lights, especially when using them outdoors.

Such environmental factors include dust, humidity, temperature, etc.

This is because the batteries of solar flood lights are sensitive to environmental temperatures.

When To Replace Batteries In Solar Flood Light

Replace the batteries in solar flood lights every one to two years as they tend to lose their capacity to hold an electrical charge.

Choosing Best Solar Panel For Solar Flood Light

Solar flood lights can use one of the three solar panels available.

Examples of these solar panels include the following:

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

These solar panels are the most efficient as their efficacy ranges between 15% and 21%.

Besides, they are costly than the other types of solar panels and are suitable for high-performance solar flood lights.

Also, you can use monocrystalline solar panels in commercial buildings and large premises.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

These solar panels have an efficacy rate of around 16% and cost less to manufacture.

Polycrystalline solar panels have dark blue hues hence easy to set them apart from other types of solar panels in the market.

Besides, they can provide enough energy to power large solar flood lights for large buildings.

Amorphous Solar Panels

This type of solar panel has a low cell efficacy ranging between 7% and 10%.

Amorphous solar panels are also popular with electronic devices and solar flood lights whose power consumption is low.

Types Of Batteries To Use In Solar Flood Light

Solar flood lights have replaceable batteries hence can function for long durations.

Examples of the batteries you can use in solar flood lights entail the following:

Nickel Cadmium [NiCd]

This is the oldest and cheapest battery you can find.

Besides, they can function in very hot and cold environmental conditions ranging between -30°C to +50°C.

However, nickel-cadmium batteries suffer memory effects making them underutilize their cell capacity.

Besides, you can charge or recondition them properly to solve this issue, however, this is not practical for solar flood lights.

Nickel Metal Hydride [NiMH]

These batteries give more longevity of up to 40% above that of nickel-cadmium.

However, nickel-metal hydrides do not function efficiently in adverse temperature conditions.

Besides, they are not susceptible to memory effects but their run time will decrease over time.

Lithium-Ion [Li-Ion]

These batteries hold more power in small packages making them suitable for solar flood lights.

Besides, they are not susceptible to memory effects but are very volatile.

Their volatility is due to the lithium salts and non-dense metallic parts within them.

What C, F, And S On Solar Flood Light Mean

S is for static, F is for flashing, while C is for continuous mode.

Limitations Of Solar Flood Light

They include the following:

• They will not charge at night
• Highly efficient solar panels cost more
• Also, you need large batteries for large applications
• You need to frequently clean the solar panels to make them effective

How To Switch Solar Flood Lights ON/OFF

Not all solar flood lights come with an ON/OFF switch.

Those without the switch will automatically turn on in the absence of sunlight and on when the sun rises.

For those with the ON/OFF switch, ensure it remains ON so that it charges during the day and emits light at night.

How Long Solar Flood Light Stays On At Night

On a full charge, the solar flood lights will remain on for up to 8 hours.

Accessories You Need For Mounting Of Solar Flood Light

These include:

• Mounting brackets
• Screws
• Bolts
• Fasteners
• Nuts

Causes Of Failure Of Solar Flood Light

Here are some reasons why the solar flood light may fail to operate:

• Solar panels are not receiving enough direct sunlight hence fail to charge
• The lifespan of the batteries have expired
• Sensors within the solar flood lights are faulty
• Dirt covers the solar panels hence they cannot charge
• Water may buildup on the solar panels and damage the wiring and circuitry
• The presence of other light sources close at by at night that interferes with photovoltaic cells that detect light

Quality Certifications And Standards For Solar Flood Light

Solar flood light

Compliance with these standards ensures they are safe for use and operate efficiently.

These standards include the following:

• CE mark of quality
• Restriction of Hazardous Substances [RoHS]
• UL certification
• BIS
• SAA
• IP certification
• ISO9001

Why IP Certification Is Important In Solar Flood Light

IP stands for Ingress Protection.

It describes the level of protection against dirt and moisture.

The first digit represents protection against dirt and the second digit represents protection against moisture.

A high IP rating means the solar flood light can resist extreme weather conditions.

For the first digit, it ranges from 0, which represents no protection, to 6, which represents maximum protection.

The second digit ranges between 0 to 8, representing no protection and maximum protection respectively.

Benefits Of LED Solar Flood Lights

These include:

• Less maintenance
• Energy-efficient
• Environmentally friendly
• Longer lifespan
• Free of toxic chemicals
• Need for fewer LEDs
• Can operate in short increments
• They are safe, durable, and sturdier
• Provide illumination to remote regions
• Flexible designs
• Cost-effective

In addition to this information, probably, you could be interested in:

• Solar Motion Sensor Light Outdoor
• Solar Lights Outdoor
• Outdoor Lighting

For any questions or inquiry about solar flood lights, contact GoldMore now.