Q:How do solar lights store energy and how do they work?
A:Solar lighting is the safest and easiest kind of outdoor lighting to install. Each light fixture contains a scientifically designed solar collector panel that converts sunlight into electrical energy. This energy is stored in highly efficient rechargeable batteries, used to light the fixture at night.

Q:What is the difference between solar lights and incandescent or fluorescent lights?
A:Solar lights are equipped with LED's. An LED is a semiconductor device that emits visible light when conducting current. Therefore, solar lamps give off a different type of light than incandescent and fluorescent lights. A common mistake is to compare wattage between LED units and their incandescent and fluorescent cousins - wattage is a function of power consumption, not brightness.
The proper measuring stick for outdoor lighting comparisons is lumens or candle feet, which measures the brightness of the light. A typical LED will give off the equivalent of a 2 watt bulb. However, LED unit is more intense and has a different angle of dispersion, while incandescent light just glows all around.
Another advantage of buying solar lights is that LED bulbs will never burn out during the lifetime of the product. Low voltage incandescent and fluorescent systems need bulb replacements often and add cost and inconvenience to the product.

Q:Can solar lighting replace conventional fixtures?
A:Practically speaking, not at this time. However, just like other forms of light (fluorescent, HID, mercury vapor), most outdoor lighting designers will mix various lighting elements depending on specific requirements (i.e. effect, budget, access to power, flexibility, etc.). Solar lighting can provide alternatives and solutions to lighting problems that previously did not exist.

Q:How long do solar lights stay on?
A:The length of time that the lights stay on is dependent on the amount of sunlight received during the day. Most solar lights stay lit for up to 10 or more hours with fully charged batteries.

Q:What happens on cloudy days, inclement weather or in geographically and seasonally challenged areas?
A:Solar lighting is dependent directly on UV (ultra violet) rays. UV rays exist in cloudy weather as well as in sunny conditions. However, the solar collector and battery capacity will absorb and perform best when exposed to direct sunlight. The simple answer is that light output (intensity) can be affected but unless there is no sunlight at all, the solar charge will be active.

Q:What advantages do solar lights offer?
A:Solar lights require no wiring and are very easy to install. And because they run on the sun's energy, they cost nothing to operate. That means they also are environmentally friendly, and helps us conserve our fast-depleting regular energy resources.

Q:Are solar lights as bright as regular lights?
A:Solar lights are usually not as bright as other forms of outdoor landscape lighting. Thus, instead of harsh, glaring light, you'll have the benefit of softer, more subtle accent lighting that makes your outdoors look stunning in the dark.

Q:Is the technology available to make a solar light even brighter than ever?
A:Yes. Producing a high powered solar light is simple - however not practical or cost effective. The battery would have to be quite large, heavy and too costly for general acceptance. We are certain that this will change with continued demand.

Q:How does the climate or location affect performance?
A:We recommend that our light fixtures are sited in a location that would normally receive some direct sunlight at some point during a sunny day. A totally shaded area may result in a lower light output and/or reduced illumination duration. Otherwise these recessed lights are shipped all over the world to many different countries. They are designed to work in locations where there is constant sunshine or infrequent sunshine.

Q:What do I need to consider when placing solar lights in the outdoor area?
A:(1) Place the fixture or collector in direct sunlight
(2) Place fixtures away from over hanging trees and away from structures that cast shadows
(3) Charge battery for 24 to 48 hours for best results
(4) Place fixture away from water and/or sprinkles as much as possible. Simply put, solar lights are site sensitive.

Q:What sort of maintenance will I need to be concerned with?
A:There is virtually no maintenance required except for occasional cleaning of the panel surface to keep it free of dust and dirt, regular battery checks, and replacing the batteries when required.

Q:How often do the batteries need replacing?
A:The batteries are designed to withstand a minimum of 1000 deep discharges which is at least 1000 nights of light. We DO NOT recommend customers replace the batteries in the solar brick/ground lights by themselves because the batteries are fitted firmly in the light body and well sealed; while the batteries in the solar lanterns are replaceable.

Q:How often will I need to replace the L.E.D. in my solar fixture?
A:The LED's themselves are not replaceable. However, their life expectancy typically exceeds 25 years (around 100000 hours), based on running 10 hours every night. Thus, LED bulbs will never burn out during the lifetime of the product.

Q:What if my question is not here?
A:Please telephone or email us during office hours and we will be pleased to help you with any questions or queries you may have