Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - How much sun do solar lights need?

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rkoudelka
06-15-06, 03:29 PM
How much sun do solar lights need? Do they need direct sunlight? Or justdaylight?

Id like to put some in but the area I am talking about is on the north side and under trees. It gets little to no direct sun.

Is there anything on the lights themselves I can use to gauge how they work in various light situations? Are they rated?

chandler
06-15-06, 05:04 PM
Although they do not require direct sunlight to recharge, it is best. As an example, take a solar calculator out in the yard and see if you have enough ambient light to power it. If you do, then there is enough light to recharge the cells in the light pod.
Wayne Mitchell
06-15-06, 05:33 PM
I've purchased a couple of different solar lights in the past and been disappointed. Granted they were HD type, but they really only worked when they were exposed to a full day of sunlight. I think low voltage is probably a better choice.

chandler
06-15-06, 08:05 PM
I agree with Wayne, that LV lights are preferred. You can time them, or put them on a photocell ( I hate the timers due to the change to DST to EST, and power outages)
rkoudelka
06-16-06, 07:46 AM
The nice thing about the solar ones is that they are SO easy. Just stick them in the ground and your all set.