We frequently get asked if our solar lights are affected by weather conditions or shorter daylight hours during the winter season. The straightforward answer is yes—solar lights can function even on cloudy days or in the winter, but their efficiency may be impacted. At Solareye, we offer a variety of solar lights, including our popular Solareye80 ground light, commonly used to mark cycle paths and pedestrian walkways, to our robust Solareye Bollard Light, which provides enhanced illumination to safely guide people through outdoor spaces at night. All our Solareye products are designed to maximize charging in Northern European weather conditions and don't require direct sunlight to operate effectively.

If you're curious about how solar lights function, how reduced sunlight affects their charging, and how we've optimized our solar lights for performance in winter or cloudy weather, keep reading. We’ll dive deeper into these topics below.

Understanding Solar Lights

Solar lights operate by converting sunlight into electrical energy, which is then stored in batteries for nighttime use. Each solar light comes equipped with a solar panel, also referred to as a photovoltaic (PV) panel. This panel captures sunlight and transforms it into electricity. The efficiency of this conversion depends on factors like the quality and size of the solar panel, as well as the intensity of the sunlight.

The electricity generated by the solar panel is stored in a rechargeable battery. This storage allows the light to operate during the night or on cloudy days when sunlight isn’t available. The capacity of the battery determines how long the light can function on the stored energy.

A crucial component in solar lights is the charge controller, which safeguards the battery from overcharging on bright days or from complete discharge during use. It ensures the battery remains efficient and long-lasting.

Solar lights generally use LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs because they are energy-efficient, durable, and consume minimal power to emit light. The stored energy in the battery powers these LEDs.

Most solar lights include an inbuilt light sensor that automatically switches the light on at dusk and off at dawn. This sensor monitors the surrounding light levels and manages the lighting accordingly, helping conserve battery life.

In short, solar lights charge during the day using sunlight, and when it gets dark, the light sensor triggers the LED light to turn on, powered by the stored energy in the battery. This cycle continues, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly lighting solution.

Does Sunlight Have to Be Direct?

During cloudy days or in winter, when the sun's position is lower in the sky and daylight hours are shorter, solar panels receive less sunlight, leading to reduced energy generation. However, most solar lights are designed to handle such conditions in several ways:

• Efficient Solar Panels: Contemporary solar lights utilize advanced photovoltaic cells capable of converting even indirect or diffused sunlight into electricity, though at a slower rate compared to direct sunlight.
• Energy Storage: Solar lights store energy in batteries during the day, enabling them to operate at night. The capacity of these batteries impacts how long the lights can function. On days with limited sunlight, the lights may not charge fully, resulting in shorter operating times.
• LED Technology: Solar lights usually employ LED bulbs due to their energy efficiency and extended lifespan. This means they can still provide light even when the battery isn't fully charged.

Ever wondered if cleaning your solar lights is necessary? Check out our blog post to find out more!

How Are Solareye Lights Optimized for Winter or Cloudy Days?

High-Capacity Batteries

Our solar lights are crafted to remain illuminated throughout the night even on the longest winter nights (December 21st), keeping Northern European weather conditions in mind. To achieve this, Solareye80 ground lights, Solareye roof lights, and Solareye Bollard lights are fitted with high-capacity long-life lithium iron phosphate batteries. These store energy collected during the sunnier summer months for use in winter when the battery might not receive a full charge due to clouds or fewer daylight hours.

Solareye80 ground lights can illuminate for up to 200 hours after a full charge. Since the inbuilt light sensor only activates the light when it’s dark, it will only operate for a maximum of 16 hours (on the longest night). This leaves ample charge remaining, which is replenished as the battery charges during the day.

Anti-Skid Dimples

Another design element that enhances the charging efficiency of Solareye80 ground lights are the anti-skid dimples. Besides ensuring safety for bicycle wheels passing over the lights, these dimples also capture additional sunlight, boosting the overall charging efficiency.

Motion-Activated Illumination

Several features optimize the charging performance of Solareye Bollard Lights. Alongside their high-capacity batteries, Solareye Bollard Lights can be set to idle at 50% illumination and increase to 100% when the built-in motion sensor detects someone approaching. By idling at 50%, the available charge in the battery is optimized, and full illumination occurs only when necessary (i.e., when someone uses the path).

Discover more about how motion sensors in solar lights work >

Solareye Roof Lights are also designed to optimize charging by illuminating only when needed. With a high-capacity battery, the Roof Light can provide up to 18 hours of continuous illumination. However, it’s programmed to switch off every 45 seconds unless motion is detected. This means that from a full charge, Solareye Roof Light can illuminate over 1,500 times—far more than what’s required for typical portable toilet use.

Learn more about solar lighting for portable toilets >

Other Ways to Maximize Solar Light Performance

To enhance performance during cloudy days or in winter, it’s essential to position solar lights in areas that receive maximum sunlight throughout the day and ensure the solar panels are clean and unobstructed.

For more guidance on solar light layouts and spacing, check out our Solareye80 ground light spacing guide >

Find out more about installing Solareye80 ground lights >

Solar Lights from Solareye

For solar lights you can rely on to illuminate even on the longest, cloudiest winter nights, choose Solareye. Our lights are low-maintenance, cost-effective to run, and ideal for both off-grid locations and residential settings.

Contact our friendly team to discuss your specific needs today.