Solar Lighting & Solar Power Basics

Watts vs Lumens

What are watts?

Watts measure how much power a light uses — not how bright it is.
With old incandescent bulbs, higher watts usually meant brighter light.
But with modern LED and solar lighting, watts no longer indicate brightness.

What are lumens?

Lumens measure the actual brightness of a light.
LED and solar lights use far fewer watts, so brightness is always described in lumens.

How do I compare watts to lumens?

Use this simple guide to match LED brightness to old incandescent bulbs:

What does the IP rating mean?

IP ratings show a device’s protection against dust and water.

• First digit: Protection against solids (dust)

• Second digit: Protection against water

Common solar lighting ratings:

• IPX4 – Weatherproof against splashing water

• IP67 – Protected for immersion up to 1m for 30 minutes

• IP68 – Protected up to 1.5m for 30 minutes; fully dustproof

Battery Basics: Ah vs Wh

What is Ah (Amp-hours)?

A measure of battery capacity — how much charge it can store.

What is Wh (Watt-hours)?

A measure of energy — how long a battery can power a device.

How are Ah and Wh connected?

Wh = Ah × Volts
So a 36V battery stores twice the energy of an 18V battery.

Common conversions:

• Wh → Ah: Wh ÷ Volts

  • Example: 180Wh ÷ 12V = 15Ah

• Ah → Wh: Ah × Volts

  • Example: 10,000mAh at 3.6V → 36Wh

Area Lit by Solar Lights (Approx.)

Solar Lighting Usage & Performance

Where should I place outdoor solar lights?

Place solar panels in direct sunlight during the day. At night, install lights away from other light sources (street lights, house lights) that may affect sensors.

How long do solar lights run at night?

Most solar lights run 8–15 hours, depending on daytime sunlight.

What affects solar light run time?

• Cloudy or short winter days

• Obstructions such as trees or walls

• Dirty solar panels

• Ageing batteries

Do solar lights work in winter?

Yes — but performance may drop in rainy or low-sun climates.
In heavy snow regions, store lights indoors.

Installing & Maintaining Solar Lights

Do solar lights require wiring?

No, installation is quick and simple. Usually, just position the solar panel and secure the light using basic tools.

Why is there an on/off switch?

The switch lets you:

• Charge the battery without turning the light on

• Store energy for later use

• Extend battery life

My solar light was charged all day but won’t turn on. What should I check?

1. Ensure the switch is ON.

2. Check that no nearby light source is interfering with the sensor.

3. Move the panel to a sunnier location.

4. Replace batteries if they’re older than 2 years.

How long do solar lights last?

• Batteries: 4–5 years

• LEDs: 10+ years

Keep panels clean and unobstructed for best performance.

Solar Panels & Charge Controllers

What is a solar charge controller?

A device that regulates voltage and current to prevent battery overcharging.

Correct connection order:

1. Connect battery → controller

2. Connect solar panel → controller

3. Connect load → controller

Disconnection order:

1. Disconnect load

2. Disconnect solar panel

3. Disconnect battery

Do solar panels make noise?

No, solar panels operate silently.

Does dirty glass reduce performance?

Yes — dirt blocks sunlight. Clean with a soft cloth and warm water.

Will hail damage my solar panel?

Most solar panels use toughened glass tested to international standards and can withstand normal hailstorms.

Charging & Devices

How do I charge solar light batteries?

The sun charges them automatically — no charger needed.
For first use, place the product outdoors in OFF mode for 2–3 days.

What can a solar panel run?

Depending on the system, it can power:

• Solar lights

• DC fans

• Phone chargers

• Small DC devices