Solar Lamp Post Lights
While the technology of the world is advancing, the demand for safety is also increasing. This means that high-value buildings must be guarded 24/7. Streets must be well-lit for traffic to pass by safely and for events to be visible in the CCTV should there be a need to check the tapes.
It is also useful to have a lamp post in front of a home to easily spot intruders and unwanted animals. However, there’s no denying that keeping the lights on around the clock can use up a significant amount of electricity.
What Is a Solar Lamp Post Light?
If you’re using batteries, then it may be all used up before the day ends and would need replacing, which can be inconvenient because of the post’s height. This is not to mention the wasted power if the lights won’t be turned off when not in use. This is why solar lamp post lights can be so effective in solving all of these problems. This way, you won’t have trouble with the installation and battery replacement, you won’t worry about the energy wastage, and you won’t have to spend too much on electric costs.
But, how exactly does it solve all of these problems? How does it work? Should one decide to move to this alternative, what should they look for? This article will answer these questions and more. It will also list down some of the best brands out there so you won’t be troubled with looking.
How Do Solar Lamp Post Lights Work?
How exactly does a solar lamp post work? First, let’s look at the mechanism of solar-powered objects. Most of these objects have solar panels installed in them. The panels can be of various watts depending on the amount of energy needed by the circuitry to function. If positioned strategically, the panels can collect photons or light particles from the sun.
Once collected, they are used as a direct current source or can be transformed into an alternating current if connected to an inverter. The panels are usually connected to either the main circuitry or the battery of the device for portable devices. In the case of the sun-powered lamp posts, the panels are connected to the battery, so the solar energy converted into electrical energy can be used to charge it and become the source of power for the light.
Let’s, now move on to how the lights stay off during the daytime and turn on automatically when the night comes. This is made possible through the sensor installed in the system. The light sensor detects low-light conditions and the electric control system it is connected to can regulate when the light is turned on or off. This is a great way to save energy while retaining functionality.
How to Choose a Solar Lamp Post Light
Now that you understand the mechanism of solar lamp post lights and know what exactly they are, the next thing that may come to mind is where you can buy them. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves and look at the qualities that we must look for should we decide to get our own sun-powered light wonder.
Brands
Even if you’re not brand conscious, it is often wise to look at the brand you’re intending to buy. Popular brands have a wide customer base, and you can easily find customer reviews to guide you on what to expect from the product. Some of the most popular brands that sell this product are Gama Sonic and Sterno Home.
Battery
What type of battery does it use? Does it use lead-acid or lithium-ion? Lead-acid ones are often cheaper but often have a lifespan of only up to four years while lithium-ion ones are a bit pricier but can last up to six years.
Lumens
Lumens is the unit of measure of luminous flux, and the higher it is, the brighter the light is. To be more specific, it is equivalent to the amount of light provided by a light source, so if you want your solar post light to be brighter, aim for higher-lumen products.
Adjustability
Does the lamp post come with height adjustment capabilities? This can be an important factor if you want to achieve the perfect height to illuminate a given space. Another adjustability feature that you may want to look for is the ability to switch from low to bright light so you can achieve the optimum level of brightness.
Placement
You want to think about how you’re going to connect the lamp to the post. There are brands that feature an easy-install process like Gama Sonic with its easy-anchor mounting system.
Cost
Do you get value for your money? You may already know that cheap doesn’t always mean that it’s a good deal. Since you’re looking for a device to use for years, you want a durable brand that’s going to truly be value for your money.
Type of sensor
Obviously, you’d want one with a photocell sensor that will enable your lamp posts to turn on at dusk. However, you can also find ones that have a motion sensor, so it will stay at low-light mode if no motion is detected and become brighter when motion within a certain distance is detected.
Waterproof
Your device will be the source of light rain or shine, so you want it to continue to work regardless of the weather condition. Therefore, you want to look for waterproof or weatherproof brands since they can withstand heavy rains and remain functional for years on end.
Now that you know the different factors you should look for in these devices, let’s next look at the best brands that we think are worth looking at.
Top 5 Best Solar Lamp Post Lights
5. Kemeco ST4221SSP4 LED Cast Aluminum Solar Lamp Post Light
Elegant and traditional in design, Kemeco’s take on the sun-powered lamp post does not fail in aesthetics or quality. It’s got an aluminum lamp head enclosing a Tiffany glass lamp, aluminum posts, and a plastic planter for easy mobility and setup. Because it is made of long-lasting materials, it’s expected to withstand various weather conditions while absorbing light energy at an optimum level.
Sized at 71.6 by 17.3 by 17 inches, it is fixed with four solar panels that allow maximum photon absorption. Its purchase includes three double-A, 1.2v Ni-MH, 1000 mAh rechargeable batteries. These batteries, when fully charged, can operate the lamp for six to eight hours. The lamp has six LED lights, perfect for giving off a warm white light. The product is also inclusive of a one-year warranty, which speaks of its durability.
Pros
- Includes a one-year warranty
- Uses Tiffany glass and aluminum for added durability
- Easy to install
- Has included batteries
Cons
- Bottom planter needs to be weighted down to be more stable
Check Price on Amazon
4. Gama Sonic GS-98B-S-WB Royal Bulb Lamp Post Outdoor Solar Light
Another elegantly designed solar-powered lamp post that may get you interested is Gama Sonic’s 98B-S-WB model. It comes in the colors weathered bronze and black, so it’s perfect for garden landscaping. It’s got a rush-resistant lamp head finished with powdered bronze encasing its tempered glass lamp, making the lamp absolutely stunning yet long lasting. It also utilizes patented GS Solar LED light bulb technology that allows its bulbs to last longer (up to ten years) than regular brands.
It’s got monocrystalline solar panels, so it’s expected to have high efficiency and energy yield. It also adapts a simple-install design, which does not require any wiring or complex connections to operate. It’s got a lithium-ion battery that can be charged up to 1,000 times. With up to 120-lumen capacity, it’s more than enough to keep your space well-lit from dusk to dawn.
Pros
- Uses GS Solar LED light bulb technology for increased bulb lifespan
- Weatherproof
- Comes in weathered bronze and black
- Uses monocrystalline panels for added efficiency
Cons
- The bottom portion may need to be secured further
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3. Greluna Solar Lamp Post Lights Outdoor
Third on our list of the best solar lamp post light brands is Greluna’s lamp post. Whether you’re going to use the lamp for street or garden lighting, this is perfect for you. Its bulb gives off about 25 to 50 lumens of light and is encased in a weather-resistant IP45-rated metal and glass head. It’s got two light modes, low and high, and the battery life per use may depend on the light mode used.
The low-light mode can last the lamp for about six to eight hours and high mode about four to five hours. Its battery has a capacity of 3.2 volts and is rechargeable at 800 mAh. The solar panel has a 0.6-watt capacity, enough to provide power to the lamp. It’s relatively easy to install with its included three-piece screw and three-piece plastic grooves.
Pros
- Has two light modes
- Purchase is inclusive of batteries
- Light is sufficient and bright
- IP45-rated waterproof
Cons
- Pole may not be very stable
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2. Sterno Home GL42309 Outdoor Solar LED Street
If you’re aiming for a vintage feel for your garden, Sterno’s solar-dependent lamp post can be your lamp of choice. With its 2020 upgrade, it features brighter light with an improved 60-lumen output. Through its amorphous silicon solar panels, its included 3-piece AA Ni-MH can be charged and the lamp post can supply six to eight hours of light without problems.
This four-piece set is quite easy to install and already includes all of the screws you will need to fix it to your fence, if preferred, without worrying about wires and complex connections. Its headlamp is made of water and rust-resistant aluminum and is also equipped with a light sensor to detect lack or absence of light and provide dusk until dawn service. With its one-year guarantee upon purchase, you won’t doubt its quality and durability.
Pros
- Has an included one-year guarantee
- Features improved bulb brightness
- Purchase includes screws for fence-fixing
- Water and rust-resistant headlamp encasement
Cons
- May be more on the decorative side
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1. Gama Sonic GS-98B-D-WB Royal Bulb Double Head Lamp Post 2 Outdoor Solar Lights on Pole
Another Gama Sonic product is part of our list, this time with the model GS-98B-D-WB Royal Bulb Double Head Lamp Post. This model features another traditional design in either black or weathered bronze. Still using patented GS Solar LED bulb technology, it features a 360-degree light spread with its 11-piece, 120-lumen lamps that are perfect for either garden landscaping or security lighting. It is also known for its ten-year lifespan, making it the ultimate choice if you aim for durability.
Since it uses monocrystalline solar panels, it offers fast charging and ten to 12-hour operation on the dim setting and six at a high brightness setting. Its Lithium-ion battery can handle up to 1,000 charging cycles, so it can last up to three years until it needs replacing. The battery is charged through four monocrystalline solar panels. Installation is wire-free and maintenance is a breeze.
Pros
- Sufficiently bright light at 120 lumens
- Double light
- Long bulb life span with the GS Solar LED bulb technology
- Uses monocrystalline panels for faster charging
Cons
- The instruction manual isn’t very clear
Check Price on Amazon
Pros and Cons of Solar Lamp Post Lights
Now that we know what these lights are, what factors we should consider when buying our lamp, and what brands we should watch out for, let’s next look at the benefits and downsides to this type of light system. Why should one settle or not settle for solar powered motion lights? Here’s a list for your reference.
Pros:
- It is eco-loving
If you wish to contribute to environmental preservation and reduce your carbon footprint, this is one of the quickest and most practical ways that you can do it. With this, clean energy is utilized in a wise yet practical way.
- It is cost-efficient
You won’t need to connect the lamp to an electrical outlet as it can stand and operate on its own. This means that you can get a significant reduction in your electric bills, and you can keep the light turned on overnight without any worries.
- It’s convenient and low-maintenance
You don’t need to plug it in and unplug it to turn it on and off as it conveniently does that on its own depending on the light conditions. Some even come with a motion sensor so it can easily detect movement and adjust its light when needed.
- It is long-lasting
You won’t encounter short circuit issues or water damage as it is not connected to the grid and not affected by electrical shortages. They are mostly water-resistant as well, so the bulb inside of the headlamp is well-protected.
- It features a hassle-free installation
You don’t need wires, a wrench, or other handyman tools as these lamps are mostly connect-and-go. This can save you money on hiring a professional to do the installation as you can conveniently do it on your own.
- It has good aesthetic value
Since they do not require wires and other obstructions, they are aesthetically pleasing and perfect for landscaping.
Cons
- They are dependent on sunlight to charge
This can be challenging during low-light seasons as the charging process may take longer, so the lamp post must be placed strategically to get optimum sunlight.
- Some may not be as durable
This is due to the materials used in the body or headlamp. However, durability can be a challenge for regular lamp posts too, so it’s always wise to check the reviews.
Conclusion
Solar energy is the future of sustainability, but this technology relies on the members of the community to take the initiative and make the switch. This goal is supported by most states, which is why they provide tax incentives for those who go solar. Tax incentive or not, you can get great value from switching from a regular grid electricity-dependent lamp to a solar-powered post light. Using light energy from the sun as the ultimate source, they are capable of providing direct current to a battery, so you won’t need to connect them to outlets anymore.
These lamp posts are pretty easy to install, beautiful and elegantly designed, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly. While they may be dependent on sunlight, we have to remember that the sun is an unlimited source of energy and it always rises, so the device won’t fall short in use even during low-light days. When looking for the right product to buy, make sure to check out the brand (and the product’s consumer reviews), the lamp and post’s adjustability, the battery charging time and lifespan, the placement and movability of the post, its durability and proofing capabilities (water and rust), the lumens or brightness measure, the price, and type of sensor it has.
Some extra characteristics to watch out for are warranty and solar panel material. Consumer reviews and expert reviews (such as this one) are great resources when doing your research to decide on the best solar lamp post light for your needs. However, if you don’t have time to look further, just check out our list above and you’ll have a great product, guaranteed. Switching to solar-based devices can be tricky, but they can also be rewarding, especially now that you know that you’re taking the first step to help the planet.
