Solar lights have become increasingly popular due to their energy-saving and environmentally friendly features. Understanding their technical parameters is crucial for choosing the right product. Here are some key technical parameters of solar lights in detail.
Solar Panel Parameters
Rated Power (Wp):This parameter indicates the maximum electrical power that the solar panel can generate under standard test conditions, usually measured in watts peak (Wp). It’s a vital factor determining the solar panel’s electricity generation capacity. For instance, in an area with moderate sunlight, an 80Wp solar panel can produce approximately 320 – 400 watt-hours of electricity per day, assuming 4 – 5 hours of effective sunlight. This is significantly more than a 50Wp solar panel, which might generate around 200 – 250 watt-hours. The higher the rated power, the better the solar panel can charge the battery, enabling longer lighting time for the solar light, making it more suitable for applications requiring high energy consumption or long working hours.
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc):This is the voltage across the solar panel terminals when there is no load connected, i.e., when the circuit is open. It’s typically 20% – 30% higher than the nominal voltage of the battery it charges to ensure efficient charging. For example, if a solar panel is designed to charge a 12V battery, its open circuit voltage might be around 17 – 18V. This voltage is crucial for determining the compatibility with the charging controller and battery. If the open circuit voltage is too high or too low, it can lead to improper charging, reduced battery life, or even damage to the battery and other components.
Short Circuit Current (Isc):This is the current that flows through the solar panel when the output terminals are short-circuited. It reflects the maximum current that the solar panel can supply and is directly related to the size and efficiency of the solar cells. Larger solar panels or those with higher efficiency usually have a higher short circuit current. For a standard 1 square meter solar panel, the short circuit current might be around 5 – 8 amperes. This parameter is important for calculating the power output of the solar panel and determining the appropriate wire size and circuit protection devices.
Luminous Flux (Lm)
The luminous flux represents the total amount of light emitted by the solar light and is measured in lumens (lm). It’s a key indicator of the light’s brightness. A solar light with a luminous flux of 2000 lm will provide much brighter illumination than one with 1000 lm. For example, in a garden path lighting application, a 2000 lm solar light can clearly illuminate a path width of about 3 – 4 meters, while a 1000 lm light might only cover 1 – 2 meters effectively. In street lighting, higher luminous flux is required to ensure good visibility and safety for pedestrians and vehicles. Generally, solar street lights should have a luminous flux of at least 3000 – 5000 lm to provide sufficient lighting on the road.
Color Temperature (K)
Color temperature determines the color of the light and is expressed in Kelvin (K). Solar LED lights usually have a color temperature in the range of 3000K – 6000K. Warmer colors around 3000K give a cozy and soft lighting effect, creating a comfortable atmosphere, which is suitable for areas like gardens, courtyards, and residential walkways. Cooler colors around 6000K offer a brighter and more natural look, similar to daylight, making them ideal for places that need high visibility, such as roads, parking lots, and public squares. In some special applications, such as architectural lighting or landscape lighting, different color temperatures can be used to create different visual effects and moods.
Battery Parameters
Rated Voltage (V):This is the nominal voltage of the battery, which should match the voltage requirements of the solar light system. Common voltages are 12V and 24V. In a solar light system, if the solar panel generates a voltage of around 18V, it’s usually suitable to charge a 12V battery through a charging controller. The rated voltage of the battery determines the compatibility with other components in the system and affects the overall performance and stability of the solar light.
Capacity (Ah):Battery capacity is measured in ampere-hours (Ah) and indicates the amount of electrical charge the battery can store. A larger capacity means the solar light can work for a longer time during cloudy days or without sufficient sunlight. For example, a solar light with a 10Ah battery can power a 5W LED light for about 20 hours, assuming a discharge efficiency of 80%. If the battery capacity is increased to 20Ah, the working time can be extended to about 40 hours. This is especially important for solar lights used in areas with poor sunlight conditions or those that require continuous operation for several days.
Waterproof Level
The waterproof level of solar lights is usually represented by an IP (Ingress Protection) rating. For example, IP65 means the light is dust-tight and protected against water jets from any direction. IP67 indicates even better waterproof performance, being protected against temporary immersion in water. A higher waterproof level ensures the solar light can work properly in various outdoor weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and high humidity. In coastal areas or places with frequent rainfall, it’s essential to choose solar lights with a high waterproof level to prevent water ingress, which can cause short circuits, damage to components, and reduced service life.
Working Mode
Solar lights can have different working modes. Some work in all-night lighting mode, providing continuous illumination from dusk to dawn. This mode is suitable for places that need constant lighting, such as roads and parking lots. Others may have sensing modes like infrared sensing or radar sensing, which turn on the light when motion is detected. This is very energy-efficient and convenient for areas like gardens, where the light only needs to be on when there is someone passing by. There are also timing modes that allow you to set specific lighting hours. For example, you can set the light to turn on at 6 pm and turn off at 6 am, which is useful for saving energy and meeting specific lighting requirements in different environments.
In conclusion, when choosing solar lights, it’s essential to consider these technical parameters to ensure that the lights meet your specific needs in terms of lighting requirements, durability, and energy efficiency. By understanding these parameters, you can make a more informed decision and select the most suitable solar lights for your application.
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