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Not very efficient, not very attractive, useless... Solar lighting has long suffered from a bad reputation. And with good reason: everyone remembers the first discount solar stakes that didn't light up much. However, as in all sectors, new technologies have made it possible to improve many devices, particularly in the field of solar energy. So what may have been true ten years ago may no longer be true today. Here's a closer look at 5 common misconceptions about solar lamps.
Myth n°1: No sun, no light
True and false: it all depends on the photovoltaic system integrated in the lamp.
It's a common misconception that you have to live in a very sunny region to be able to use outdoor solar lighting to be truly effective. But solar solutions aren't just for sunny climates- far from it! A quick reminder: the principle behind solar lamps is their ability to capture light during the day. This light is then converted into energy and stored in a battery. On grey or cloudy days, the lamp recharges more slowly, but that doesn't mean it will be any less powerful when night falls. Nevertheless, if you live in an area with little sunshine, we recommend you opt for a model that incorporates monocrystalline collectors, as well as a UV amplifier in its panel, as is the case with Lumihome solar solutions. These latest-generation photovoltaic panels are far more sensitive, capturing light even on cloudy days and providing excellent lighting quality.
Myth n°2: Solar lamps have a limited lifespan
False: unless it's low-end equipment.
Although more expensive to buy, quality solar lighting lasts almost indefinitely. Let's talk materials first. Inexpensive solar lamps are often made of poor-quality plastic or stainless steel. What's more, their watertightness is never very reliable. The result: the lamp and its reflector quickly oxidize and tarnish, resulting in poorer lighting performance. At Lumihome, our lamps are not only made of stainless steel, but also coated with an anti-corrosion surface layer to stand the test of time.
Let's move on to an essential element: the battery. Entry-level solar luminaires generally use a conventional battery (also low-cost) such as a nickel-metal hydride accumulator. As a result, it discharges and wears out faster. But the main drawback of some models is the impossibility of replacing the battery if necessary, since the manufacturer doesn't supply it as a spare part. At Lumihome, our solar lamps are equipped with an interchangeable lithium-ion battery that has a mass energy two to five times higher than a conventional battery. This robustness enables us to offer a 3-year guarantee.
Myth 3: Solar lighting isn't cost-effective
False: by no longer paying for electricity for your exterior, your bills are reduced.
With the price of electricity constantly on the rise, this preconceived notion is obviously false. And there's a good reason why more and more local authorities are installing solar streetlights. Let's look at the figures: in France, street lighting accounts for 41% of electricity consumption by local authorities. Faced with these colossal expenses, switching to solar lighting is not just an ecological option, but a genuine economic necessity. Although the initial investment in a solar streetlight may be double that of a conventional one, the savings on electricity bills quickly pay for themselves. As far as private customers are concerned, we don't have any figures to share with you on the real savings achieved, but the argument remains solid: solar-powered lamps considerably reduce electricity costs in the long term. Discover how to light your garden and save money at the same time.
Myth no. 4: Solar lamps are cruelly lacking in elegance
False: solar lamps are more aesthetically pleasing than ever.
Whether it's an unattractive, overly showy photovoltaic panel or an unpolished, even kitschy design, solar lamps have a reputation for lacking elegance. In the first place, beauty is subjective, since it's a matter of satisfying individual tastes. With this in mind, you'll find solar lamps of all styles on the market. Nevertheless, some manufacturers take meticulous care over the appearance of their models, so that they become decorative objects in their own right. This is Christophe Coelho's vision. "At Lumihome, we choose to design models that are as practical as they are eleganthe explains. Our aim is to light your outdoor spaces efficiently, while adding value to your garden. Just take a look at our solar table lamps to understand our vision."
Myth no. 5: Solar lighting doesn't really illuminate
True and false: not all solar lamps have the same capacity.
We end with the most popular misconception: solar lamps are too dim. But what's really true? This was true just a few years ago, but as we've seen, solar lighting is now more sophisticated thanks to new technologies. At Lumihome, all our models are equipped with high-performance LEDs to provide lighting as powerful as a wired lamp. However, depending on the location you want to light, be sure to choose the right wattage for your lamp. To light your front door, opt for a solar-powered outdoor wall lamp with 400 to 600 lumens, like the Genova or the Luxor. To mark out a path, a driveway, a flowerbeds, or to highlight a terrace, the bollards or recessed spotlights 100 to 150 lumens are more than sufficient.
Economical, high-performance, stylish, environmentally friendly and above all self-sufficient, solar lighting now has nothing to envy wired lighting. Not convinced? Why not give it a try and make up your own mind?
