Solar Lighting . What is it ?

Solar lights are source of light that can be used outside and do not require wiring . It is great for safety  ,security , accent and provide ambient outdoor light . It is a subtle light unlike conventional lighting which has hot spots

Solar Lighting. How does it work ?

Sunlight is converted to energy to power the solar light. The sunlight strikes a small solar collector which is made of silicon crystal semiconductors that turn the  energy of the sunlight into electric current . The electric current is stored in rechargeable batteries that distributes the electric current to the LED lights when triggered at dusk.

You said solar lighting is part of our future. Why?

Solar lights are simpler to install then conventional lights that require underground wiring . They  do not use municipal utility energy sources that add  electricity cost. Last but not least with the non-renewable energy sources are becoming expensive and scarce and are damaging our environment ,it's a alternative that will become the standard.

You mention LED  .What does it stand for?

An LED is a Light Emitting Diode. LED s do not have a filament  like conventional light. They have different properties  then conventional  lights.

LED's.  Why are they used in solar lights ?

LED lights emissions are the most efficient  light around .Their life expectancy is 20X that of a conventional light bulb .They have no filaments to burn out .Their current draw is low ,so they don't get hot ,also allowing a small solar collector and battery assemble to  activate the solar lamp .

Solar lights. Can they be used  to replace all conventional light sources ?

Recently LED products are being sold that replace conventional lights. Solar lights can be used as task and ambient lighting .I as a designer prefer the subtle light of a solar light to the hotspots produced with conventional lights .

Solar Lights. If they cannot replace conventional lighting what are they good for ?

Solar lights are ideal for safety ,security , highlighting and lighting after dusk anywhere on the site . They also provide a lighting alternative that could not be achieved with conventional lighting that requires wiring. 

You say they are battery operated  . What do you mean ?

The small solar panel on the light fixture use a rechargeable battery  to store the energy that is collected . The batteries charge over and over again.  It is a process of sunlight converting to electricity called the  photo-voltaic process  .

The batteries have to be charged for the light to work . How long does that take?

Four to five hours .

What happens on a cloudy day ,inclement weather or say the northern states like Minnesota  or Washington?

UV Rays exist on rainy, inclement even in Minnesota and Washington so the batteries will be charged and the lights activated. Direct sunlight is best ,or the light intensity output is effected . A location such as Alaska when there is no light ,the  solar charging of the batteries would not be achieved therefore there would not be lights activated .