Ignoring Location and Sunlight Availability
One of the prime mistakes to avoid while purchasing solar lights is disregarding the location and amount of sunlight available. Solar lights need adequate sunlight to charge their in-built rechargeable batteries efficiently. If you purchase solar lights without considering the local climate, shading from buildings or trees, or the amount of daily sunlight in your area, there are possibilities for your solar lights to function inefficiently. It is essential to evaluate your location’s sunlight exposure before selecting solar lights to make sure they function efficiently.
Underestimating the Solar Panel Quality
The overall efficiency of solar lights greatly depends on the quality of the panels. Opting for not-so-good-quality solar panels may result in lights that don’t charge properly or provide unstable illumination. Investing in high-quality solar panels will make sure that your solar LED lighting solutions work optimally and efficiently.
Ignoring Adequate Research and Planning
One of the most common mistakes when buying solar lights is failing to conduct thorough research and strategic planning. It is essential to comprehend your outdoor lighting needs, the specific areas you want to light up, and the amount of sunlight those areas receive. Lack of research can lead to buying solar lights that either do not meet your expectations or are inadequate for their main purpose.
Disregarding Battery Quality and Capacity
Solar lights depend on batteries to store energy for later lighting use at dusk. Overlooking the capacity and quality of the batteries can lead to lights that do not last through the expected hours or fail to function during adverse weather scenarios like cloudy days. It is highly paramount to select solar lights with durable rechargeable batteries (lithium-ion) that have sufficient capacity to power the lights for the intended location.
Neglecting Weather Resistance
Solar lighting solutions are often installed outdoors and exposed to diverse weather conditions like snow, rain, winds, etc. Neglecting to take into consideration the weather resistance of solar lights for commercial spaces can result in lights that deteriorate quickly or malfunction due to exposure to extreme temperatures. Therefore, it is worthwhile to invest in weather-resistant solar lights to ensure longevity and durability.
Ignoring Lighting Specifications
Different solar lights have different lighting specifications, which include color temperatures and brightness levels. Ignoring these specifications can lead to inadequate illumination or lights that do not perfectly match the intended outdoor application. Therefore, it is important to select solar lights that suit your lighting preferences and needs to the fullest.
Overlooking Installation Considerations
Improper installation can significantly affect the overall performance of solar lights for homes or commercial settings. Failing to follow the manufacturers’ installation guidelines or neglecting crucial installation considerations such as proper positioning can result in inefficient lighting and potential damage to the lights.
Disregarding Warranty and Support
Solar LED lights, like any other electronic device, can experience issues or malfunction over time. Overlooking the warranty and available customer support can be a costly error for first-time solar light buyers. Ensure that the lights you select come with a reasonable warranty and reliable customer support for troubleshooting and assistance.
Failing to Consider the IP Rating
The Ingress Protection (IP) rating of a solar light is important to consider as it directly determines its resistance to dust and water. Buyers sometimes overlook this factor, especially when purchasing the lights for outdoor lighting use. Depending on your location and weather conditions, it is critical to compare solar lights that possess the highest IP rating (IP68) to ensure that they can withstand outdoor elements and work reliably over time.