Solar Fairy Lights How to ensure they perform to perfection this Christmas

Technology Articles | August 26, 2009

Have you ever bought some Solar Fairy Lights and were disappointed by their performance?� Chances are you purchased solar fairy lights that either had the wrong solar cell and battery combination, or were just too poorly built to last.� This guide will help you identify what is a good solar fairy light and what is not.

�Have you ever bought some Solar Fairy Lights and were disappointed by their performance?� Chances are you purchased solar fairy lights that either had the wrong solar cell and battery combination, or were just too poorly built to last.� There are many solar fairy lights available for purchase.� Christmas is fast approaching which means they will become more readily available in the big department stores.� If you have bought Solar Fairy Christmas LED Lights that you were disappointed in before, this guide will help you select better quality lights in the future.

How do Solar Fairy Lights Work?

Solar Panel and Battery Combination

The solar panel will transform energy into the rechargeable battery and once the battery is charged enough, it will power the solar fairy lights, making them completely electricity free.� The inbuilt auto sensor will turn the solar fairy lights on each evening, or you can turn them on manually yourself.�

If the solar panel is not large enough for the battery in the solar fairy light controller, it will not transform enough energy to recharge the battery.� If the battery is too small, and the solar panel too large for the battery, it will have no problem recharging the battery, but perhaps the solar fairy lights will not illuminate for very long, some for as little as 6 hours.

It is important that the solar fairy lights have the right combination of battery and solar panel. Solar panels should be at least 9.5 x 6.5cm (or 3.7 x 2.6 inches) for smaller solar fairy lights with 50 to 100 LEDs and 8 x 12cm (3.1 x 4.7 inches) for 200 and 280 LEDs. An even easier way to tell is to look for solar panels with 9-11 solar strips.� These will charge at a much faster rate.� Some solar powered fairy lights will charge for 1 hour to give 2-2.5 hours illumination each night.���

The solar fairy lights with around 4 solar strips will generally only work for around 6 hours each evening and take a long time to charge (1 hour sun for 1 hour illumination)

The choice of battery also plays a part ensuring superior performance of your solar fairy lights. Nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH) will have up to three times more capacity than the same size Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) battery, meaning they are capable of lasting longer.� Both batteries will self discharge which means that over time, the batteries will discharge to a point where they no longer work.� It is important therefore to ensure you charge your solar fairy lights at least every three (3) months to ensure the battery stays in good shape and lasts its life span, generally 1-2 years.�

NiMH batteries in your Solar Christmas Lights may cost a little extra but they are more environmentally friendly than NiCd batteries.� NiMH batteries are more environmentally friendly because they use a dry liquid which can be disposed of more easily.� They will also withstand greater temperature fluctuations operating in temperatures ranging from -20 to 60 degrees Celsius (-4 to 140F). Ni-MH batteries have a �non-memory effect� which means they will continue to charge on cloudy days. The battery performance will not be diminished by these partial charges as can occur with lead acid batteries.�

Solar Fairy Light Controller

The other important item to consider is the controller.� Is it built into the solar panel or is it a separate unit?� The choice you make here is purely personal.�� What is important is that you can see that the unit is fully sealed and water tight.� The solar panel needs to look neat and tidy and not show any signs of glue around the rims.

The LED�s

LED�s do not light the same as incandescent bulbs and draw far less energy/power.� They produce a very nice ambient glow, providing a perfect backdrop for any of your outdoor lighting occasions.� This could include outdoor weddings, parties, camping, Christmas and any other lighting needs.� The fact that LED�s do not draw as much power means they are ideal for solar technology.� Another upshot, is the less energy required, the better they are for the environment.�

Solar Christmas Lights or Solar Fairy Lights are a great environmentally friendly product.� They do not require electricity or lead cords to operate.� You can use them a multitude of ways.� This article was written to help you choose the best solar fairy lights your budget can afford.