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geekiegeek

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#115820 8-Apr-2013 12:32
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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?

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Elpie
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  #795038 8-Apr-2013 14:35
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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
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  #795055 8-Apr-2013 14:54
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From memory Consumer did an article on them, but I don't have access any more.

qwerty7
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  #795087 8-Apr-2013 15:44
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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

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  #795098 8-Apr-2013 15:54
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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
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  #795138 8-Apr-2013 17:05
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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
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  #795142 8-Apr-2013 17:09
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These might be worth a look at.

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


 
 
 

Shop on-line at New World now for your groceries (affiliate link).
msukiwi
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  #795145 8-Apr-2013 17:27
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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
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  #795156 8-Apr-2013 17:49
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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
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  #795222 8-Apr-2013 20:28
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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

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  #804647 24-Apr-2013 05:58
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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

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