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Posted by Walter R. on July 24, 2007, 2:21 am
In my experience, solar garden lights last about 2 to 3 years, ma. The
photovoltaic cells deteriorate and the NICAD batteries can stand only so
many charges/discharges.
I removed them and installed 12 V Malibu lights, although I had a long run
to the transformer. They actually provide enough light to see by and their
price compares with the solar lights. Be sure to use 7 or 12 Watt bulbs,
instead of 4 Watt.
--
Walter
www.rationality.net
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>> A couple years ago, we installed solar landscape lights. Thanks to a
>> fortuitous geographic location, they work relatively well (i.e., they
>> light up well past midnight). My problem is that they're too fragile. I
>> have them installed along the walkway and along the driveway, and about
>> half of them have been broken in half by a opening car door or a misstep.
>>
>> I'm looking for a durable set of lights that don't have any cheap plastic
>> connectors between the post and the light. Anyone have a product to
>> recommend?
>
> I have two solar lanterns set near my deck. As I quickly discovered
> solar lighting is more for decorative effect than for reliable
> lighting; they're not very bright and don't work well or at all when
> days are cloudy... they definitely don't work when their solar panels
> are covered with snow. The ones I bought (Lowes) are essentially all
> metal, except for the glass portions (they're actually made very well
> - brushed and heavily laquered sturdy aluminum) I don't remember the
> brand at the moment... but perhaps if you didn't install them where
> they could be damaged by opening car doors and being stepped on. I'm
> sure that if I installed mine the same as you did yours the ones I
> have would get broken too.
>
> Okay, found the paperwork... here is the "Intermatic" model I have
> (LZ1400 IH):
> http://www.intermatic.com/Default.asp?action=prod&pid=159&did=2&cid=49&sid=76
>
> I have the "pewter finish", two lamps came in a set, $30, still
> working after four years, and no corrosion.
>
> I originally bought them thinking to hang them from the trees at the
> foot of my driveway, but then decided they would soon walk away with
> passerbys, so they ended up inside a perennial bed at my rear deck.
> They wouldn't have been much good as driveway markers anyway, like I
> said, they are not reliable lighting. There do exist more powerful
> solar lamps but they are rather costly.
>
> I don't have a good picture: http://i13.tinypic.com/54ijslu.jpg
>
>
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