Solar Gutter Lights: All To Know About
Ensuring the safety and energy efficiency of your home is paramount to any homeowner. An excellent way to achieve this is by installing solar gutter lights. These lights derive their power from the sun and are useful in illuminating your yard or driveway in the evenings.
Before you decide on installing solar gutter lights, it's essential to know what features to look for. Today, I'll be your guide and take you through all you need to know about solar gutter lights.
What is a solar gutter light?
These handy solar lights line the rooflines of homes and commercial buildings while providing safety lighting around stairs, walkways, decks, and pools.
Solar gutter lamps use LED bulbs, lasting up to 50-100 times longer than traditional incandescent lights (on average).
With the ever-increasing cost of electricity, homeowners can save a lot of money by using solar gutter lighting.
The beauty of solar gutters is that they can be recharged by the sun during the day and provide light when needed during power outages at night time.
They are also straightforward to install, with no wiring required! Instead, the solar cells attach directly to your roof and collect power via small wires that remain out of sight. Then, when the sun goes down, the lights come on automatically.
How bright are solar gutter lights?
The brightness varies from 300-600 lumens, and some can provide more than that with an impressive output! That's what makes them a great way to illuminate your home at night.
Can solar gutter lights withstand rain?
Yes, solar gutter lights are designed for the home and can withstand rain easily. In addition, the solar light is unaffected by the natural elements because it's sealed tightly in a weather-proof casing.
In addition, most units are IP65 water-resistant and corrosion-resistant, so one of your worries won't have to be if it will stand up well to heavy rainfall.
Solar gutter lights come with polysilicon solar panels. These solar panels boast 1.2-1.25 times greater conversion efficiency than standard ones, making them capable of generating power even when it rains!
How to pick a solar gutter light?
Below table summarizes the various factors to consider when choosing a solar gutter light, including the model type, material, adjustability, size, battery, lumens, solar panel, price, light color, operating time, and solar capacity.
By considering these factors, you can select the best solar gutter light that meets your needs, offers durability, provides ample light, and is cost-effective.
| Factor | Description | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Solar Sky, Photovoltaic, Hybrid | Consider the varying light rates, how it stores energy, and operation through photocells. |
| Material | Top-quality PVC, ABS, or polycarbonate | Ensures durability and longevity against harsh weather conditions |
| Adjustability | Adjustable angles of the lamp panel and bracket | Provides flexibility in positioning and directing the light |
| Size | Sizing for gutter and roof | Measure the gutter, roof dimensions, solar panel size, and LED degree. |
| Battery | Rechargeable battery (e.g., Lithium-ion, NiCd, Ni-MH) | Consider the battery life and protection from power surges |
| Lumens | 300-600 lumens | Higher lumens provide brighter light but may drain the battery faster |
| Solar Panel | Monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon | Better solar panel absorbs sunlight more efficiently |
| Price | $10-$40 per light set | Consider purchasing in a set of 4-8 to save money |
| Light Color | Varies based on personal preference and intended use | Choose the color of the light that best fits the desired look |
| Operating Time | 7-10 hours | Check the operating time before making the purchase |
| Solar Capacity | Varies based on sunlight exposure and absorption efficiency | Higher solar capacity allows for longer and brighter operation |
Model
Solar sky gutter lights
These lights adjust light levels manually by detecting available light from the sun and sky. Then they brighten or dim automatically depending on the situation. In addition, the solar panels see the charging voltage, which results in varying light rates at night.
Photovoltaic gutter lights
These solar light fixtures convert sunlight into electricity and store it in a battery. They operate by using the stored energy within the battery.
Photovoltaics is converting light into electricity at the atomic level via photovoltaic cells. In addition, some materials have a photoelectric effect, which causes them to absorb light and discharge electrons.
Hybrid solar lights
Hybrid solar lights are a great way to get the benefits of both solar and electric lighting. They work by first storing energy from the sun's rays during the daytime.
That energy is then used at night to power the LED light. When the sun is hidden, photocells in the room detect the reduced light level and respond by boosting artificial light.
Material
Most importantly, you need to ensure that the lights are top-of-the-line material like Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene.
The durable material will make them less likely to break and more likely to survive any harsh weather conditions, like rain or snow.
High-quality solar gutter lights will also last for years before they even start to show signs of wear and tear.
Adjustability
Some solar gutter lights offer adjustable angles. For example, the lamp panel on the model we looked at may rotate up to 90 degrees from the bracket, and the bracket may rotate up to 180 degrees from the wall.
Size
One, you will need to choose the size of the solar gutter light. An excellent way to make sure you've got room for your light is by measuring your gutters.
But if you aren't able to do that, measure the width and length of your roof at its tallest points.
Then consider the size of the solar panel and the degree of the LED. The models we researched shine light up to 120 degrees range.
Battery
Most solar gutter lights use a rechargeable battery such as a Lithium-ion battery, NiCd, or Ni-MH battery. After being charged during the day, they will continue to shine for 7-12 hours.
The entire lifetime of these batteries lasts (approximately 3-4 years), so you won't have to worry about replacing them often.
They also tend to be pretty dependable and protect your light from power surges or drainage problems due to the weather.
Lumens
The higher the lumen count, the brighter your lights will shine. However, if you choose a gutter light with a higher lumen count, it may drain your battery more quickly. Most solar gutter lights are 300-600 lumens.
Solar Panel
The solar panel is the part of the light that absorbs energy from the sun to power up your gutter light. The better the solar panel, the more efficiently absorbing sunlight and charging up your lights.
Look for a panel made of monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon if you want a sustainable and high-quality panel.
Price
The average solar gutter light will cost anywhere from $10-$40. But, of course, you can spend as much as you would like. You can find them at any hardware, home improvement store, or online retailer. And it's always best to purchase your lights in a set of 4-8.
Light color
You may definitely want to consider the color of the light.
| Color | Kelvin Temperature |
|---|---|
| White | 5000K – 6500K |
| Warm White | 2700K – 3500K |
| Amber | 1900K – 2200K |
| Blue | 6500K – 7500K |
| Green | 5000K – 5500K |
| Red | 2000K – 2200K |
Note: These are approximate values as the exact Kelvin temperature of a color can vary depending on the manufacturer and specific product.
Operating Time
Most solar gutter lights usually have a standard runtime of 7 hours. However, some have up to 10 hours. So it is best to check the operating time before making your purchase.
Solar capacity
Also important is how much sunlight light can absorb on a given day. The more sun it gets during the entire day, the more likely it'll be able to shine through the night, thus giving you a reasonable duration of light.
How to Install Solar Gutter Lights:
- Remove the plastic strip protecting the LED light.
- Lay the LED lights in full sunlight for 12 hours before the installation process.
- Choose an installation area that can get direct sunlight and is away from other light sources at night, such as street lights.
- Take your mounting brackets and slip them over to the gutter.
- Install the mounting brackets before placing your units on the gutter.
- Place the drain's mounting frame and slide the pressure screw through the channel.
- Tighten the screws with pliers or other tools.
- Check the alignment of the lights before getting up on the ladder.
Quick Tip: If you are planning to install gutters, it is best to get a clamp and make sure all the screws are in before starting. This way, you won't have to come down and find your tool if the screws don't fit.
Can solar gutter lights withstand heat?
Yes, they can. solar gutter lights are some of the most durable on the market. They can work in temperatures up to 149°F and in various environments.
Can solar gutter lights withstand the cold?
Solar gutter lights have frost resistance up to -22°F.
How do solar gutter lights work?
The solar gutter lights have batteries that charge with the power of sunlight, just like those found in your favorite portable charger!
They also include a built-in photovoltaic cell to help convert this radiant energy into electricity and store it inside.
How long do solar lights last?
The lifespan of most solar lights depends mainly on the strength of their various components, which work in unison to absorb, retain and disperse energy from the sun. These components are the battery, LED light, casing, and light sensor.
The 2200mAh Capacity Battery will last 2-4 years in the unit we studied. Other models use NiCd or NiMH batteries. All of these battery types can be easily replaced when the lifespan diminishes.
The LED lifespan is 30000Hrs. The casings are IP67 waterproof graded and are the most durable on the market. Unfortunately, the light sensor usually needs to be replaced every three years.
What certifications do solar gutter lights have?
Solar gutter lights are CE certified, meaning they're safe to use in the European Union. They also comply with RoHS, which means they contain no harmful metals or toxic chemicals.
They possess an FCC (Federal Communications Commission) certification, which means you can use them in the U.S. or Canada without requiring a separate license to operate them.
Solar gutter lights are UL listed for safety and quality assurance. In addition, the solar gutter light battery has an MSDS certification meaning it complies with all local, state, and federal regulations that govern the use of batteries.
In addition, the batteries have UN38.3 certification. This certification says that the battery passed all tests created by The United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transportation of Dangerous Goods.
Lastly, they pass UL certification standards which means they are up to current electrical standards.
Do solar gutter lights need direct sun?
No, solar gutter lights do not require direct sunshine. They work best in indirect sunlight. That means if you have a tree or another large object casting a shadow over your house, the solar gutter light will still work.
The great thing about solar gutter lights is that they collect sunlight during the day and then release it at night. So even if it's cloudy or dark outside, you'll still be able to see the light from your solar gutter light.
Do solar gutter lights work the same during all seasons and weather?
It is true that all solar lights function in winter as long as the panel receives enough light to charge batteries and enable them to operate.
Rain can be a good thing for your solar gutter lights. It helps to keep them running efficiently by washing away any dust or dirt that might accumulate on their surface during dry spells!
What are the highest lumens available for solar lights?
1500 lumens was one of the highest lumens we found.
Are solar gutter lights motion-activated?
Yes, solar gutter lights are motion-activated. The light acts as a security lamp at night by detecting movement and lighting up.
In addition to increasing safety, lights can increase curb appeal by highlighting the landscaping around your home. A photosensitive device senses moving objects within 10-25 feet and in a 120 degrees range.
