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On paper, all solar lamps are perfect. They charge themselves, require no wiring, cost three times less than a conventional installation... and some even light themselves.
But in real life?
There are models that really light up... and those that end up in a drawer after two weeks. At Lumihome, we've been designing outdoor lighting fixtures for over 20 years. So we've seen a lot of mistakes. And we'd rather you didn't.
Here are the 9 classic pitfalls to avoid when it comes to choosing to choose the right outdoor solar lamp.
Mistake #1: Choosing a lamp just for its design
Let's be honest: some solar lamps are sublime... but don't light up much. Their mission? To look pretty. Which isn't necessarily useful.
If you're looking for security lighting or to illuminate a large area, a solar garden lamp needs power above all. A 60 lumen model will clearly not suffice.
The right reflex : always look at the number of lumens. It's the only reliable measure of lighting power. Another important factor is light quality. Choose a model that generates a lighting temperature suited to your needs. You should read our guide to choosing the right solar lighting for your garden.
Christophe Coelho, founder of Lumihome:
"We see too many products sold as lighting solutions, when they're barely visible after dark. With us, we always start from our customers' real needs: lighting or simply creating an atmosphere. As for design, a solar-powered bollard or wall lamp can very well combine elegance and performance."
Mistake No. 2: Using a sensorless lamp when you need one
Without a sensor, the solar lamp stays on all night. Result: reduced autonomy... and the battery often dies before you really need it. If your aim is to secure an entrance, a staircase or a driveway, a motion detector is a must. They can be switched on in a controlled way when a person passes, for example.
"On-demand activation is the best way to have efficient lighting without compromising autonomy. At Lumihome, the vast majority of our models are equipped with a practical multi-mode detector."
To discover:
The Venus solar wall light with sensor - discreet, reliable and self-contained.
Mistake 3: Not checking the quality of the solar panel
Not all panels are created equal. And yet, this is often the most neglected part of a solar lamp. Many low-cost models use amorphous amorphous panels or polycrystallinewhich are less efficient and more sensitive to variations in sunlight.
At Lumihome, we only use monocrystalline panels. Why do we use them? Because they offer the best performanceeven in diffuse light or overcast conditions. More efficient, longer-lasting and, above all, more stable over time.
"The panel is the heart of the system. If it's of poor quality, the lamp will never work properly - even with a good battery."
- Christophe Coelho, founder of Lumihome
Mistake No. 4: Believing that solar energy is maintenance-free
Yes, a solar lamp is self-sufficient.
No, it's not entirely maintenance-free.
A clogged panel or a tired battery, and your lighting fades very quickly.
Our advice:
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Clean the panel regularly with a soft cloth.
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Check the battery after two years, especially if it's easily replaceable as on Lumihome products.
"Good maintenance means 30% more performance - and many years of life gained."
Mistake no. 5: Installing the lamp in the shade
It seems obvious, and yet...
Between north-facing walls, roof overhangs, tall trees, many solar lamps never get enough light to charge properly..
The right thing to do: install them facing south, free of obstacles.
And if that's not possible? Choose a model with a remote panelwhich you can orient as you wish.
Discover Lumihome :
The solar floodlight with adjustable, deplorable panel - perfect for getting around shady areas.
Mistake 6: Choosing a model that is too weak for safe use
A courtyard to light, a downspout, a dark entrance... it all requires a little power.
A 50 lumen solar lamp will never be enough never.
Our recommendation:
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For passage lighting: min. 200-300 lumens
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For safety lighting: 600 to 1000 lumens
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For a decorative ambience: less than 100 lumens are enough
Christophe :
"Security has become an important issue in our daily lives. A powerful sconce or solar bollard that lights up when someone approaches is a simple and economical way to provide a better level of protection."
Error no. 7: Relying solely on advertised autonomy
Talking about the autonomy of a solar product is a bit like talking about electric cars: it's all very theoretical. In fact, some manufacturers often talk about an ideal lighting period: in Nice, in midsummer, with a south-facing panel, without clouds...
But it's important for you to understand that autonomy in winter will not be the same as in midsummer. There's less sunshine and, on the other hand, the nights are longer. The capacity of your solar lamp will therefore be reduced, which is perfectly normal. But you need to know that...
"At Lumihome, all our products are tested in real-life conditionseven in winter. To overcome the difficulties of recharging, we have equipped our models with a monocrystalline solar panel and a special winter mode that optimizes the operation of the device. "
Mistake 8: Buying on price alone
Yes, some solar lamps cost less than 10€. And yes... they often give very little light, with deplorable light quality.
The difference in the price of solar lighting is based on many factors: the quality of the panel, the battery, the electronics, the materials used, the care taken to ensure watertightness... all of which will have an impact on life expectancy.
"A cheap solar lamp can cost more in the end if it has to be replaced every 6 months. It's not very efficient and the environmental impact is significant."
Mistake 9: Not choosing a lamp with an interchangeable battery
This is the most frustrating mistake.
You have a lamp that works... except that the battery is dead. And you can't change it.
The result? Everything goes to waste.
At Lumihome, several models are designed so that the battery can be easily replaced - because a well-designed lamp is also a repairable lamp.
"It's a detail we often forget... but a lamp with a removable battery is a lamp that really lasts."
And now it's your turn to play (with the right rules)
Choosing a solar lamp isn't just a question of style.
It's a question of performanceand sustainabilityandactual use.
At Lumihome, we don't just sell lamps: we design products made to last, designed to really light up - even in winter, even in the rain.
And that's not a marketing promise. It's what has guided us for over 15 years.
