Some will come with a small built in solar panel on the top; other will have a removable panel that you can place at a sunny and convenient location.
During the day the solar panel linked to an electronic circuit, charges the batteries.
When night begins to falls a photocell detects the changes in luminosity and switch on the light.
At sunrise the light switches off and the charging cycle starts again.
Assuming the batteries are fully charged, good quality solar lights will provide illumination all night long without any problem.
NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) or NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) Batteries are often used in solar lighting applications.
They will last 2 or 3 years and are easily replaceable.
Most modern solar lights use LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology.
Contrary to usual light bulbs, LED's power consumption is very low, thus providing more lighting time.
In addition, LED's are very reliable and can last a very long time.
Maintenance wise, the only thing required is to clean the solar panel once in a while.
Regularly removing the build up dust with a soft clothe, will guarantee optimum performance.
Do not expect solar garden lights to deliver an extremely bright luminosity.
Their main purpose is to create a pleasant atmosphere at night.
Very nice accent lighting can be obtained when the lights are well located.
Solar garden lights can be found in a multitude of designs and for many purposes.
In addition to the simple and common fixture, you can find for example floating solar lights for swimming pools or ponds, solar deck lights, solar pathway lights.
Solar lights are not limited to gardens; in my next article I will give you an idea about some other interesting solar lighting applications.
