solar powered security lights

Forums › Off topic › solar powered security lights

geekiegeek

2513 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 625
Inactive user

#115820 8-Apr-2013 12:32

Hi all,

Does anyone have any experience with solar powered security lights? I need to light up a path outside my house and just wondering if these are a possible way to go our are they just junk?

I've seen a few online that claim to be pretty decent for around $130-$160

anybody got solar lights and can comment or point me in the direction of a good product?

Elpie

1304 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 272

#795038 8-Apr-2013 14:35

I'm not going to be much help because I can't remember the brand we used. I had a set of six lights to light alongside the driveway. When they didn't glow much initially I blamed the weather however, over time, it became apparent that while they would glow all night they were outputting so little light that they made no real difference. They went out in a skip two years ago. From memory, I paid around $120 for the set of six. They put me right off ever trying the solar outdoor light route again.

timmmay

20860 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 5350

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#795055 8-Apr-2013 14:54

From memory Consumer did an article on them, but I don't have access any more.

qwerty7

434 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 12
Inactive user

#795087 8-Apr-2013 15:44

security in terms of what? I always saw them as more decorative garden ornaments than functional security lights. If you want a security light get a motion censored flood light.

geekiegeek

2513 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 625
Inactive user

#795098 8-Apr-2013 15:54

qwerty7: security in terms of what? I always saw them as more decorative garden ornaments than functional security lights. If you want a security light get a motion censored flood light.

That's exactly what I'm after and there are solar powered versions. I've seen the crappy garden path modals and am just wondering if a larger single light modal with a large solar panel would actually work.

scuwp

3927 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2510

#795138 8-Apr-2013 17:05

I can't be specific on brands etc, but I have yet to see any solar powered outdoor lighting that puts out any more light than a single candle on a birthday cake.

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

kiwipawl

273 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 10

#795142 8-Apr-2013 17:09

These might be worth a look at.

http://www.goodsteps.co.nz/catalog/P85_Solar-Security-Lighting.html

New World

Shop on-line at New World now for your groceries (affiliate link).

msukiwi

2443 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2126

Lifetime subscriber

#795145 8-Apr-2013 17:27

I have one of these:
http://www.crazysales.co.nz/i/solar_motion_sensor_security_light_ultra_bright.html

Very good and a very large solar panel etc.
Although currently sold out they seem to have them regularly - as they keep selling out.
Sometimes also appear in their daily specials.

timmmay

20860 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 5350

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#795156 8-Apr-2013 17:49

210LM is pretty dim. I have a 700LM torch and even that wouldn't be enough. I suggest you look for more like 1000-2000LM.

richms

29109 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10225

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#795222 8-Apr-2013 20:28

The motion activated ones seem to do ok. Friend has one under a carport miles from the house, and its enough to be able to see to not step in stuff when getting out of the car. Not floodlight good, but enough to see steps and garden edging etc very easily.

Has a very short on time, which I guess is how they get away with using solar. The panel is remote mountable from the sendor and LED assembly.

Richard rich.ms

Bitfiddler

41 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 6

#804647 24-Apr-2013 05:58

I am also looking at it. So far, my candidates are

Mounted on posts
http://www.diygardenlights.co.nz/webapps/p/64363/66954/320057

A bit of an overkill and ugly but will definitely work
http://www.frizzell.co.nz/solar-lights

A bit expensive but elegant
http://www.thelightingcentre.co.nz/catalog/solar-lights/bollard-solar-lights/solar-bollard-245mm