Article Updated 20/04/21
Solar flood lights are an excellent way to increase security around your property and brighten up your yard. The best outdoor solar lights shine from dusk to dawn, providing the illumination you need on your property. You can also install solar LED flood lights to highlight garden features, improve yard aesthetics, and make your home more attractive.
There is a wide range of solar-powered floodlights for any type of residential property. For example, bright solar flood lights provide high-intensity light to illuminate large outdoor areas.
Or you could choose warm solar lighting to light an entrance way, path, drive, or garage door. Whatever your outdoor lighting requirements are, there are solar flood lights to suit your needs.
This article is a complete guide to finding the best solar flood lights for outdoor areas. You will learn about what to look for when choosing outdoor solar-powered lights. Additionally, you find out about the benefits of solar lighting.
How Do Solar Flood Lights Work?
Solar-powered flood lights work due to solar panels, LED lamps, and rechargeable batteries. The photovoltaic cells in the panels absorb the sun’s energy, converting it into electrical current. To shine from dusk to dawn, solar flood lights store power in rechargeable batteries. Then, sensors switch on the floodlights when it gets dark or detects motion.
Several variables affect how efficiently solar-powered flood lights work. For example, the effectiveness of solar LED flood lights depends on sunlight. So, the best solar flood lights have large solar panels with excellent charging efficiency. Also, it may be best to have floodlights with a detachable solar panel. This allows you to install the panel in the optimal position to capture the most sunlight.
What Are the Different Types of Solar Flood Lights?
Solar flood lights are usually mounted on walls, under gutters, or on poles. All types of outdoor solar lights have bright LEDs. The solar light can be like streetlights, floodlight projectors, or wall-mounted all-in-one units.
Solar flood lights for security and safety are generally work in three different ways. These are the following:
- Motion detection solar lights
- Dusk to dawn solar lighting
- A combination of always-on and motion detection
Motion Detection Solar Lighting
As the name implies, some solar flood lights have sensors to detect motion. So, if someone comes within range, the flood light will switch on. Security solar lights with motion detectors are excellent for conserving power. This is because the lights only come on when required.
Motion detection solar lights are also excellent for safety. For example, lights will come on automatically when you or someone else comes near your property. The extra lighting can help to prevent tripping on objects. Or you can find the keys to your front door easier.
Some of the best solar flood lights can also connect wirelessly to other home security devices. When someone triggers the motion sensor, video surveillance starts, and you receive notification of someone approaching.
Dusk to Dawn Solar Lights
Most high-quality solar lights switch on at dusk and then switch off in the morning. This type of solar lighting is excellent for security as it prevents unwanted intruders from entering your property.
The ultimate solar-powered flood lights use a combination of always-on and motion detection. This type of solar lighting conserves power as well as providing excellent home security solutions. For example, the solar lights are dim throughout the night. Then, if anyone approaches, they shine brighter. This dual-action helps increase security and safety around your home.
What You Need to Know Before Purchasing Solar Flood Lights
There are a few things to consider before buying solar flood lights. You must think about the size of the outdoor area, the position of the solar light, and brightness levels. Let’s look at these factors in more detail.
Location
First, you must consider where you will install the outdoor solar lighting. The solar panel needs day-long sunlight to charge effectively. So, think about shadows from tall trees or which side of the property you want to install the flood lights.
Battery backup
If you are installing solar flood lights for security, consider one with battery backup. For example, dark winter days mean that solar panels can’t charge batteries as well. So, having a second power source is ideal for keeping security solar lighting working during the winter.
Brightness
Another consideration is the reason you install solar flood lights. For illuminating large areas, you need solar lights that have between 700 and 1,300 lumens. These solar lights have the best range for outdoor home security. However, if you only need to illuminate entrance ways or paths, you could choose ones with fewer lumens.
Dusk to dawn vs. motion detection
It’s vital to consider how long you need solar flood lights to shine for. Solar lighting that shines throughout the night may not last until the morning. This can happen if the previous day had overcast conditions. On the other hand, motion detection solar flood lights only turn on when required. This type of lighting uses less battery power.
Benefits of Using Solar Flood Lights
Why choose outdoor solar flood lights for your increasing your home security and safety? Here are a few of the benefits of solar-powered lighting:
- Easy to install—Solar flood lights don’t require any wiring to install. All you need to do is mount the lights in the required location and allow the sun’s energy to power the light.
- Renewable energy source—Solar energy is the most widely available form of renewable energy. By installing solar flood lights, you reduce your carbon footprint.
- Cheap to run—Outdoor solar lighting doesn’t add to your energy bills. You can illuminate your property and increase security without paying for electricity.
- Low maintenance—The only maintenance that solar flood lights require is to keep the charging panels clean.
How To Choose The Best Solar Flood Lights That Best Suits Your Needs
When it comes to choosing the best solar-powered flood lights, there are many to choose from. How can you make sure to purchase solar lights that meet your requirements? Here is a checklist of how to pick the ideal solar flood light:
- Pick solar lights that provide the right level of brightness.
- Choose a solar-powered light with a separate solar panel if the unit is in the shade.
- Make sure that the style adds to your home’s aesthetics.
- Check the IP rating. The best solar lights should be weatherproof with an IP rating of between 65 and 67.
- Read user reviews and recommendations before picking solar lights.
Top Reasons for Choosing Solar Flood Lights
Solar flood lights offer the same benefits as wired flood lights but without expensive running costs. LED solar flood lights are super-bright and can illuminate large areas. You can also install as many lights as necessary without worrying about wiring or running up massive electricity bills.
Increasing safety and security is typically the top reason most homeowners purchase solar flood lights. Motion detection can provide the right level of illumination when required. You can also use solar security flood lights along with other security devices.
Solar Floodlights Are Easy To Install and Operate
In addition to these solar floodlights never needing a bit of power from your home, they are also easy to install. Since they won’t require a connection to your home’s electrical system, you can mount them almost anywhere you require a little extra light.
You simply mount them to a flat surface with a few screws and they are ready to go. Be careful to ensure that the charging panel on the solar floodlights has a clear view of the sky so it can supply enough power to the batteries for proper operation. Once they’re installed you can relax and enjoy the free lighting they provide for years to come.
Solar Flood Lights — In Conclusion
Solar-powered flood lights provide illumination throughout the night with no running costs. Outdoor solar lighting increases safety and security around your property. Solar lights with motion sensors help deter unwanted persons on your property and increase safety. However, ambient outdoor front and backyard lighting is also welcoming for your visitors.
Whatever your need for outdoor lighting, solar flood lights are the perfect solution.