The Detroit Free Press's Jim Dulley fielded a question from a homeowner about the practicality of contemporary solar lighting technology. Dulley writes, in part:
There have been significant improvements in the lighting performance, styling and overall quality of solar-powered lights. I use many of the attractive die-cast metal ones in my yard and gardens. They have greatly reduced the amount of time I have to use regular electric lights at night.
If you tried solar-powered light years ago, you will be surprised at how bright the new ones are. Instead of using mini-incandescent light bulbs, the best ones now use LEDs (light-emitting diodes). This is one of the most energy efficient lighting sources available today. These lighting devices have a life of 50,000 hours or more.
Another improvement has been in the efficiency of the mini-solar panels built into the top of the light fixture. They are less expensive now and are much more effective at converting the sun's light into electricity to charge the batteries during the daytime.
Dulley also describes the improvements in rechargeable battery technology that have trickled down into consumer devices. When you put the three things together - LEDs, improved solar panels and improved battery technology - you get a better outdoor light.
Check out the whole thing.
[Solar lights get a second look as energy bills rise - Freep.com]
