One of the biggest debates among power sources these days, is whether or not batteries are better than solar powered lighting kits. Nine times out of then, solar lights are going to outperform battery powered lights. Solar units do perform better in landscaping situations, as well as when you are able to relocate the solar panel into direct sunlight, and utilize the energy elsewhere. With this being said, when are battery operated lights better than solar powered bulbs?
Consider these situations:
Situation #1 – Flash Lights – You should keep one in your car for night time break downs, and if you don’t have one now, it’s time to put one in the glove box, or under the front seat. It’s impossible to keep a solar panel in direct sunlight long enough in your car, without setting up some sort of elaborate panel and wiring layout. For cost efficiency, as well as reliability, battery operated lighting is much better for use in your vehicle as backup lighting.
Situation #2 – Camping Lanterns – Being in the great outdoors usually means reading by the fire, but in today’s age of technology, you don’t necessarily have to deal with all of the inconveniences of being in the dark. A battery operated light or lantern is going to provide the illumination you need, whereas, a solar powered unit would have to be charged during the day. You may not get that luxury… after all, you should be busy enjoying nature, not worrying about your batteries charging.
Situation #3 – Work Lights – When you’re working in a dark garage, chances are, you don’t have the light you need to get the job done properly. As soon as you lift the hood, or climb under the car, you’ll be without light, and a solar powered unit isn’t going to cut it. Working in the dark is the downfall of a solar powered light, and where battery operated LED lights pick up the slack.
Situation #4 – During extreme weather conditions, you won’t be able to properly charge your typical solar powered lights, whereas, properly stored battery powered candles, flashlights, and lanterns will fire right up. You’ll want to make sure that you keep spare batteries around in preparation for situations like these.
Most times, solar light is going to outperform typical batteries and electrical lighting kits. There are a few occasions, though, where battery operated lights have withstood the test of time, and continue to get called on when the going gets tough.
Sat, Apr 17, 2010
Outdoor Lighting