Solar Christmas lights, it almost sounds like a joke, if it's bright enough to power the light it's too bright to need it.That impression is based on a lack of information about the technology involved.It's not that the lights are being continuously charged by solar panels, but that solar panels charge batteries which power the lights when it gets too dark.Now obviously this technology still does have limited applications, in very arboreal areas the amount of light around the solstice isn't enough to power solar Christmas lights.It needs to be pointed out that solar Christmas lights are for external use as well.It'll be hard to power them inside, but that's not a problem, as they do provide a fun way to decorate the exterior.As a general rule you need several hours of good strong sunlight over the course of the day.The further south you are and the less wooded you area the better.For people in cities solar Christmas lights might not be a viable option because the skyline is so high.On the other hand it's not as though urban dwellers have many options to decorate the outside, because of the limited amount of space they have of their own and potential lease restrictions.For homeowners from the mid-Atlantic (and possibly further north depending on your situation) down it's a fun way to add Christmas decorations.Solar Christmas lights let you create a beautiful exterior for the season without having to add to your electrical bill.You don't have to worry that the lights get left on all day and add to the drain.Instead you know that the only amount you spend will be when you buy the lights themselves.Since you're not running the wiring you don't have as many concerns about shorts or other problems.Remember the longer the wire the higher the electrical resistance which creates heat which increases electrical resistance.If you get enough electrical resistance it can create a demand that's too high and cause a short.This could be a spark or worse.The problem is that the spark could cause a fire in the outdoors.Remember, during the winter it's typically drier making a fire more likely and damaging.Solar Christmas lights let you go to sleep at night knowing you're not running miles of wire outside to cast the illumination you want.So there's a benefit to your wallet, your peace of mind, and that they fulfill a potential decorating desire during the holidays.If you have enough natural light to power them, why not do it?
Monday, September 17, 2012
No Outlet Required: Solar Christmas Lights
Solar Christmas lights, it almost sounds like a joke, if it's bright enough to power the light it's too bright to need it.That impression is based on a lack of information about the technology involved.It's not that the lights are being continuously charged by solar panels, but that solar panels charge batteries which power the lights when it gets too dark.Now obviously this technology still does have limited applications, in very arboreal areas the amount of light around the solstice isn't enough to power solar Christmas lights.It needs to be pointed out that solar Christmas lights are for external use as well.It'll be hard to power them inside, but that's not a problem, as they do provide a fun way to decorate the exterior.As a general rule you need several hours of good strong sunlight over the course of the day.The further south you are and the less wooded you area the better.For people in cities solar Christmas lights might not be a viable option because the skyline is so high.On the other hand it's not as though urban dwellers have many options to decorate the outside, because of the limited amount of space they have of their own and potential lease restrictions.For homeowners from the mid-Atlantic (and possibly further north depending on your situation) down it's a fun way to add Christmas decorations.Solar Christmas lights let you create a beautiful exterior for the season without having to add to your electrical bill.You don't have to worry that the lights get left on all day and add to the drain.Instead you know that the only amount you spend will be when you buy the lights themselves.Since you're not running the wiring you don't have as many concerns about shorts or other problems.Remember the longer the wire the higher the electrical resistance which creates heat which increases electrical resistance.If you get enough electrical resistance it can create a demand that's too high and cause a short.This could be a spark or worse.The problem is that the spark could cause a fire in the outdoors.Remember, during the winter it's typically drier making a fire more likely and damaging.Solar Christmas lights let you go to sleep at night knowing you're not running miles of wire outside to cast the illumination you want.So there's a benefit to your wallet, your peace of mind, and that they fulfill a potential decorating desire during the holidays.If you have enough natural light to power them, why not do it?
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