Solar-powered lamps are widely used in landscape design. They make out summer cottages, cottages and adjacent territories. An illuminated path or part of the landscape highlighted by outdoor garden lights looks very beautiful.
Today's market offers an impressive range of off-grid solar-powered outdoor lighting devices. It is quite easy to get confused in all this variety, especially for inexperienced consumers.
We will try to understand this issue and designate the most popular solar lamps for summer cottages. We will also consider the main characteristics of the models and critical points that you need to pay attention to when buying such devices.
Difficulties in choosing
Almost all solar-powered country lights can be classified according to four criteria: material of manufacture, type of battery, type of silicon and installation method. These parameters must be taken into account before buying.
Material
The duration of the operational period depends on the material,as well as the resistance of a solar garden lamp to climatic changes and some kind of physical influences. Devices can be made of ordinary plastics, wood materials, steel, alloys, as well as bronze.
To increase the protective characteristics, an additional layer of some chemical elements can be applied, which helps protect wood from decay, metal from rust, etc. Plafonds of solar lamps for summer cottages are made of ordinary or tempered glass. The latter option will cost significantly more, as well as the use of noble alloys in the case itself.
Power supply
Solar lamps for summer cottages are equipped with either nickel-cadmium batteries or nickel-metal hydride. The latter have a longer operating period, are noticeably more expensive and together, but much more practical than the first. The battery capacity of most lamps ranges from 600-700 mAh.
A variety of silicon
In total, there are three main varieties: polycrystalline, multicrystalline and monocrystalline. The first is used in budget products, the second is used in mid-budget products, and the third is used in premium devices.
When choosing, be sure to take into account the specifics of using a solar lamp for a summer residence. If the device will be actively used all year round, then it is better to stop at single- and multi-crystal options. And for seasonal decoration, you can take inexpensive polycrystallinedevices.
Installation method
Products can be installed on poles, fences, walls, fountains, artificial ponds, etc. If, for example, you liked the “flower” lamp and want to mount it in the ground, then it would obviously be useful to check with the store the possibility of such an installation.
Next, consider the most popular solar-powered lighting fixtures that can be found on the domestic market.
Globo
This is an Austrian brand, which, as they say, ate a dog at the release of such devices. The company's products are considered a trendsetter in their segment and are successfully sold all over the world. Products are distinguished not only by their quality, but also by their attractive price.
Globo not only produces classic hanging balls, but also boasts a chic range of original lamps: flowers, cats, mushrooms, gnomes, cartoon characters and many other shapes.
Plafonds of conventional devices from Globo come in high-quality plastic, and the fittings themselves are made of metal. The illuminated area fluctuates around 0.1 sq. m at a power of 0.06 watts. The cost of lamps starts at 1000 rubles and depends mainly on the power of the installed bulbs.
Model advantage:
- attractive appearance;
- variety of shapes;
- durable and high quality plastic;
- 1.5 year warranty.
Flaws:
after a yearuse of plastic on budget models begins to fade under direct light
Bradex TD 0404
This is a rather interesting, versatile and inexpensive (about 500 rubles) device from an Israeli manufacturer. The lamp can work not only from a solar battery, but also from ordinary AA batteries (4 pieces). So during the winter months, when the sun is not as strong, more conventional batteries can be used.
It is also worth noting that the lamp has good protective characteristics, meeting the IP55 class. This allows you not to worry about heavy rain and snow - nothing will happen to the bulbs. The device can automatically turn on, and 6 LEDs are responsible for lighting, covering about 3 square meters. m area.
The model attracts with its modern exterior in a versatile style and can be mounted on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. Users do not report any problems with installation.
Pros of the model:
- intelligent light sensor;
- multiple installation options;
- decent lighting area;
- more than adequate value for the available features;
- attractive and versatile design.
No critical cons identified.
Novotech Trip
The Novotech luminaire from the Hungarian manufacturer has a simple design and can be installed on any horizontal surface. The model received good moisture protection corresponding to the EuropeanIP52 classification. In addition, the plastic on the case is protected from physical impact (drops, bumps).
The power of the Novotech Trip lamp is enough for about 6 square meters. Judging by user reviews, the device is bought mainly for decorating paths or marking some objects in the country. LED lamps in the amount of 24 pieces perfectly cope with these tasks.
The exterior of Novotech luminaires of this series can be varied, but the design, as a rule, does not contrast with other country accessories, so the models will look harmonious both on the plot and within the house. Due to the extensive lighting area for such devices, the device can be used for other specific needs, and not just as a decorative decoration.
Advantages of Novotech Trip lamp:
- large lighting area;
- shockproof and moisture-proof case;
- decent choice of looks for models;
- adequate cost (about 1300 rubles).
Flaws:
exclusively horizontal installation
Star Alliance YH0607A-PIR
This model is only installed on vertical surfaces and is most often seen near doors, on facades or columns. Until the motion sensor is triggered, a barely noticeable backlight pouring from the central part of the device is responsible for the lighting. When approaching the lamp, it lights up at full power.
The appearance of the models is quite attractive, but not flashy. The dimensions are small, and the case has a universal wall mount. Judging by the reviews, there are no problems with installation. It is also worth noting that this series provides several colors. So you can choose options for almost any surface, be it brick, marble or wood.
4 lamps on board illuminate an area of about one square meter. The cost of the lamp is largely determined by the power of the selected bulbs. An inexpensive option for 40 Lm will cost 800 rubles, and for 150 Lm it will already cost 2000 rubles.
Pros of the model:
- water proof;
- quality build;
- intelligent motion sensor;
- several colors;
- easy installation.
Cons:
Easy to install and also easy to remove (not for streets with strangers)
Solar Landscape Lighting BSV-SL318
Solar BSV-SL318 solar-powered lamps are enviably popular with landscape designers. The organization of outdoor lighting has always been accompanied by considerable problems: laying wiring, installing switches and other nuances. And here it is enough to stick the lamp in the right place on the ground, place the light receiver at a distance and that's it.
The BSV-SL318 series model quietly illuminates 10 square meters of the surrounding area and, in addition, has a very good protection corresponding to the classIP68. The latter allows the lamp to be exposed to rain and snow as much as necessary, and also prevents physical impact, such as hail or accidental impacts.
Lamps look like mini spotlights, there are three of them in a set. The light receiver is located separately and has a decent size, so you have to think about where to place it so as not to spoil the overall look.
The cost of fixtures ranges from 2500 rubles and depends on the power of the bulbs. The most mundane options can be bought for 1000. Judging by the reviews, you will need at least 6 of these sets to illuminate an average personal plot. So be prepared to break the bank, especially when it comes to good lamps.
Model benefits:
- decent lighting area up to 10 square meters;
- maximum simplified installation;
- good build quality and materials used;
- small dimensions of fixtures;
- good protection performance, corresponding to IP68 class;
- adequate cost for the available characteristics.
Flaws:
