Solar Wall Lights

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  RSTH on 24/09/2024 - 12:07

  Might have better luck at costco, have seen some decent quality ones in there.

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  coffeee on 24/09/2024 - 16:40

  +1

  The third one looks good. So many of them aren't weather tight so they just erode after a while.

  • 

    CheapAzChips on 24/09/2024 - 17:05

    +1

    Agree. The other thing to consider is that most of them contain low quality NiMH AA batteries which don't hold a lot of charge and don't last long.

    OP - you might be best to find the best looking one, opening it up and sealing everything that doesn't have a good rubber seal with silicone (but leave a small drainage/breathing hole at the bottom for the moisture/condensation that will inevitably find its way in), and replace the batteries with good quality. ones (eg. Eneloops) Not a guarantee, but it will be much more likely to last longer.

    Also bear in mind that many batteries have a charge cycle lifetime in the 200-500 cycles before noticeable degradation, so they may not even last a year - but that's the cost of running a battery powered light that runs every night.

    • 

      Avantime on 26/09/2024 - 02:04

      Agreed. Most solar lights will probably fail within a year, so buying from Bunnings & Mitre 10, and keeping the receipt will be best.

      There are many factors, such as lack of watertightness, heat/cold effects on battery, lack of battery protection from over-discharge, UV damage to solar panel, bugs & bird poop etc.

      This particular Arlec unit from Bunnings I would recommend, I got quite a few of them in my house.
      https://www.bunnings.co.nz/arlec-5w-led-integrated-solar-pow…

      If you want to turn a cold white solar light into a warm white solar light, you can spray some clear orange paint (I use Tamiya TS-73 from hobby shops) on the light. Spray lightly at night until the LED lens is sufficiently "yellowed". If too yellow, wipe it down with a cloth before it dries. Spray another coat of clear automotive topcoat to protect it from the rain. Note the light output will diminish by a bit.

      If you really want reliable garden lighting all night even in winter, get 12v wired garden lights.

      • 

        Wolfy on 26/09/2024 - 07:29

        I'd also recommend those lights from Bunnings there build quality it pretty good, I've had possums fight with them and knock them off my roof and they still work.

      • 

        archit on 28/09/2024 - 18:59

        +1 for Arlec lights. Got couple of them and the charge lasts the whole night.

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  kiwical on 25/09/2024 - 07:47

  If you really want a decent one you have to pay for it. Like everything in life I guess! I bought a "commercial grade" led streetlight 7 years ago. The lighting still goes strong all night, it was the mount that rusted out and failed. It has a dimmer light for no movement, then ramps up if the PIR senses someone. That might be the best you can hope for rather than working all night. On a cloudy short winter day you just wont get enough charge in the batteries to get a light that will go all night at full brightness I'm afraid.

  They are expensive but this website has some examples of wall-lights that have an option to run all night. EG

  https://thelightingoutlet.co.nz/products/solar-garden-light-…

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  akhmed on 27/09/2024 - 09:39

  I did more research and found these batteries: https://www.bunnings.co.nz/solar-magic-aa-2000maah-ni-mh-rec…

  It seems the lights come with low powered battery and swapping them for these will give better output and for longer.
  Now I will just head in store and physically see the light options to check the quality and pair with these batteries. :)

  • 

    ace310 on 27/09/2024 - 10:54

    What's different in those batteries compared to standard eneloops?

    • 

      akhmed on 28/09/2024 - 19:23

      I guess the difference is in charging. Solar vs plugged in.

      Solar batteries will be charged daily on very low power input. While the eneloop might not be a good idea to charge it this way.