Electric grave lights with LED and solar

A very important part of the grave decoration is a grave candle, in addition to the grave stone or a grave cross, the plants and wreaths. It is placed on the grave on very special occasions to commemorate the deceased. The latest trend is electric grave lights with LED and solar.

In addition to the proven natural candles and battery-powered lights, more and more grave lights with LEDs and solar technology have been used on graves for several years. Solar lights are lamps that are powered by a solar cell. They are usually very low maintenance and will not only shine for a few days (like real candles) but for years. Here you can find out exactly how a solar light works, what options there are and what should be considered when buying one.

What is a solar light?

Basically, a solar lamp is characterized by the fact that it uses solar energy to obtain the energy it needs to light up the lamp. Since a solar cell only provides small amounts of usable electricity, it is crucial that the luminaire does not require high amounts of energy to provide sufficient light. That is why the light output of solar lights only became really effective when energy-saving light sources such as LEDs came onto the market. Even solar lights cannot do without a battery. However, no conventional batteries are used here, but rechargeable batteries, which serve as a storage medium for the energy from the solar cell.

How do solar lamps work?

During the day, the lamp converts sunlight into electrical energy, which is stored in a rechargeable battery (accumulator). In addition to this battery, most grave lights with solar technology also have a special electronic component, a light sensor. This sensor detects when darkness sets in. The lamp stores the electricity during the day and the battery feeds the LED light at night.

What should be considered when buying

The advantages of a grave light with solar and LED cannot be dismissed out of hand, even if they are in are typically significantly more expensive than the wax (paraffin) or battery-powered alternatives models.

• are operated with green electricity
• produce no harmful CO2 (carbon dioxide)
• are very durable
• environmentally friendly

In order to recognize whether it is really a good, i.e. durable and therefore permanently usable Grave light with LED and solar, you should take a closer look at the individual components become. Quality in processing and in the parts used usually pays off.

Housing

The housing is usually made of plastic and the lid is made of metal. In principle, the following applies: A screwed housing is preferable to a glued one or one cast in one piece. Screwed housings are always an advantage when something needs to be checked or repaired. If the electric grave light no longer works, closed variants do not give you the opportunity to check whether a cable has come loose without destroying the entire lamp. Transitions and seams should also be inconspicuous and precisely processed so that no moisture can penetrate the electronics. There are also a few important factors when it comes to the plastic of the housing so that the lamp lasts a long time:

• UV-resistant
• temperature resistant
• shockproof
• waterproof

An important factor for grave lights that are outside in both summer and winter is protection against water. Electronic components as well as the lamp itself must be additionally protected from moisture:

• LED lamp with additional water protection (encapsulated)
• Battery installed waterproof

solar cell

Even the layman can see at first glance whether the solar cell is installed properly and safely. Many inexpensive models simply have the solar cell glued to the top of the lid or embedded in a recess in the lid. Good grave lights with solar technology are equipped with an additional, thin glass or plastic pane over the solar cell. Since a solar cell can only break down through mechanical influence (shock, impact), the service life is increased enormously by a cover. Solar cells are available in two different versions:

• monocrystalline solar cells
• polycrystalline solar cells

The later location of the grave lamp is important for the choice. The two different compositions of the solar cells determine the current yield (efficiency). This is better with monocrystalline solar cells. If the grave light is in a shady place or if the sky is often overcast in winter, this technique should be used. Monocrystalline solar cells generate more electricity in the same time than polycrystalline cells, so the LED lights up longer. Therefore, when buying a solar cell in the grave light, make sure that it charges the battery sufficiently even in diffuse light conditions.

electronics

The electronic components are of fundamental importance for the service life of a grave lamp with LED and solar. The structure of the circuit and the components used determine the quality of the light. However, this is usually difficult for the layperson to recognize. The parts are often installed in such a way that you cannot take a closer look at them. Above all, the LED light and the battery are vulnerable. If detailed instructions are available or the lamp is purchased from a specialist retailer, you can look it up or ask questions.

• LED with series resistor
• Charge the battery as constantly as possible

If you design a solar lamp to be particularly durable, you usually cannot avoid a very complex circuit.

battery pack

Rechargeable batteries serve as a storage medium for the energy generated during the day. If this battery is no longer functional, it is an advantage if it can be easily reached and replaced. For this reason, good LED and solar grave lights have the battery in a compartment that can be easily pulled out. When choosing batteries, preference should be given to environmentally friendly variants. Nickel-cadmium-lead batteries are less prone to self-discharge and therefore also more durable, however, environmentally friendly solar lamps should prefer nickel-metal hydride batteries be equipped. They are commercially available under the designation Ni-Mh battery. The battery in the solar light should also have the highest possible capacity so that it can absorb a lot of energy and deliver electricity over a long period of time.

Miscellaneous

When buying electric grave lights with LED and solar, you should also make sure that the light source has a high luminosity. Otherwise the lamp may only be visible at close range as it emits little light. LEDs usually have a high luminosity. They are also available in different colors. Warm white light is recommended for a good atmosphere.

Prices

High-quality components and good workmanship are reflected in the price. Although electric grave lights with LED and solar are available in stores from around 3 to 4 euros, if you want to buy a long-lasting lamp, you will have to dig a little deeper into your pocket. Depending on the design, high-quality solar lamps for the grave cost between 25 and 40 euros. An investment that is still worthwhile, as the grave light lasts for many years.

Care and maintenance of solar lights

Solar lights are usually very easy to care for and work without any problems in summer and winter, as long as the temperature does not fall well below -15 degrees Celsius. If it gets colder, the components have fallen below their normal operating temperature and the electronics (especially the battery) no longer work at full capacity. Solar lights are broken more often by impacts than by defects in their components. In winter in particular, care should be taken to ensure that you do not accidentally - for example in the case of snow - the lamp is stepped on or knocked on, as the materials become brittle in the cold and are therefore light break.

In order for the battery to provide sufficient performance for a long time, it must be constantly charged and discharged. Long periods of non-operation have an unfavorable effect on the battery, and its service life is rapidly reduced. In practice, this means that light must fall on the solar cell. This is why you should check frequently in autumn and winter whether leaves or snow are covering the solar cell. If a solar light no longer works, in most cases it is only the battery that is no longer working properly. With a good grave lamp with solar, it can usually be replaced very easily.

Conclusion

When buying an electric grave light with solar and LED technology, make sure you have a powerful battery. On the one hand, visible components, which even the layperson can use to recognize good workmanship and high quality, are one Cover for the solar cell that protects it from impacts, as well as an additional protection of the LED lamp and the battery Water. In addition, the battery should be easy to replace.

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