A Complete Guide to LED Flood Lights

06 May.,2024

 

A Complete Guide to LED Flood Lights

Proper lighting plays an essential role in our lives, and we generally realize its value when there’s a power cut. LED floodlights are very common and provide a brighter, more intense light to keep your outdoor space secure and safe. If you are a seller, you might be able to understand how important it is to buy them from a trusted LED flood lights factory. If you sell low-quality lighting equipment, your customers won’t buy from you in the future, and you will lose them. In this LED flood light guide, you will learn all aspects of buying it to retain your clients’ trust.

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What is an LED floodlight?

Floodlights powered by LEDs can illuminate a large area and are extremely powerful. They are used for various purposes, and there are many types of floodlights. Generally, floodlights have the function of covering a wide area with a wide angle of light. Typically installed on buildings or poles, directional lighting provides directional illumination to various spaces. This type of lighting is common for lighting areas used for security, vehicle and pedestrian traffic, building wall cleaning, and other outdoor activities where there is a need for general outdoor lighting.

History

After the planes, their origins can be traced back to the World Wars. At night, planes had a tremendous advantage in seeing the lit-up trenches without being seen. As a result, they were the best spies of the time, but they also experienced other frightening events when mechanics fitted them with guns and bombs. Even though people can hear a plane in the air, it cannot be shot down based simply on its sound! That is why floodlights were invented.

Floodlights solved various problems, but a new issue of increasing energy consumption arose. Over the last few decades, LED floodlights have replaced simple filament bulbs as they consume very little energy and are safe for the environment.

Advantages of LED flood lights

  • Long Life

LED floodlights are long-lasting, durable, and strong. Leading LED manufacturers claim that LED lights last for up to ten times longer than filament or gas-based lights and are operational for 50,000 hours. As a result, bulbs do not need to be replaced for an extended period, ultimately reducing maintenance costs.

  • Controlled Heat Emission

Among the most powerful appliances in the lighting field, floodlights convert a significant amount of energy into heat. Consequently, the surrounding area becomes warmer, and the appliances become more vulnerable to damage. LED floodlights, however, minimize heat emissions as they conserve and convert electricity. Some of them, for instance, are equipped with active thermal management systems which reduce heat emissions significantly.

  • Cost-Efficient

The cost-efficiency of LED floodlights is higher than that of HID lamps or halogen lights. A lower electricity bill, lower maintenance costs, a long lifespan, etc., are just a few things that save users money in the long run.

  • Energy Efficient

LED floodlights are known for their energy efficiency. Lighting technology such as LED has revolutionized the entire commercial lighting industry. Experts believe they are among the most efficient electrical appliances and contribute to sustainability and saving at the same time.

  • Environment-friendly

Many toxic elements are absent in LED floodlights. Unlike traditional lighting solutions, these lighting solutions do not contain lead, mercury, carbon, or glass. Therefore, they are environmentally and human-safe.

LED floodlight vs. halogen floodlight

In the past, halogen floodlights were widely used. Although they were powerful and provided the necessary illumination, they came with several costs and safety issues. People have gradually shifted from using conventional floodlights to LED floodlights.

Here is a comparison of LED floodlights with Halogen floodlights:

Functionality

As the name implies, LED floodlights are lighting products that utilize LED lighting technology. They generate light by sending electricity through semiconductors (LEDs). In contrast, halogen floodlights perform similarly to incandescent bulbs—a tungsten filament powers a halogen gas source.

Efficiency

Floodlights with LED technology are among the most efficient floodlights today. Despite the lower cost, they deliver the same level of performance and durability. Their lumen-to-wattage ratio is better, too. Compared to all their traditional counterparts, they consume a smaller amount of energy to produce the same amount of light output.

Cost

Due to the perception that LED lights are more expensive than conventional lamps, many people are misled about their cost. There may be some truth to this, but one cannot ignore the savings realized by LEDs. LED floodlights indeed cost more than Halogens, but they claim to be more economical in the long run. They provide significant energy and maintenance savings while ensuring a high return on investment. Interestingly, LED luminaires have seen a gradual drop in price over the last few years.

Indoor LED floodlights

An indoor floodlight emits a wide beam of light.

Requirements for indoor LED floodlights

Here, you will learn how to choose flood lights-

Dimmable

Choosing dimmable indoor flood lights is one of the most critical factors. It is an efficient way to save energy, prolong the bulb’s life, and control the brightness of the fixture. Color temperature is another factor to consider.

Wattage

An energy wattage measurement is a rate of energy consumption. Since it’s measured in lumens (lm), brightness is not directly related to wattage. Compared to 100-watt halogen lamps, LED interior floodlights produce 10 watts of light.

Brightness of light

There should be a balance between brightness and darkness in LED indoor flood lights. Anyone won’t feel comfortable walking in the light with too much brightness, and too dim light will reduce the working efficiency. Everyone has different lighting preferences for their commercial areas. Lumens for light bulbs are available in various values so that the user can find the right one according to their requirements.

What are indoor LED floodlights used for

Living room

Indoor floodlights are used to amp up the living room aesthetics. Many people prefer colored lights to boost the decor of their interiors, and floodlights serve the purpose effectively.

Manufacturing plants and construction sites

Lighting systems need to be high-intensity in industrial units for different processes. Since many of these units run 24×7, there is an even greater need for optimum lighting. Since LED floodlights have a high-lumen output, they are preferred in these areas.

Outdoor LED floodlights

Requirements for outdoor LED floodlights

  • Types of Finish

A user can choose IP-rated outdoor LED floodlights in many different finishes, such as stainless steel, copper, colored lacquer, and aluminum. The best bet is to choose a color or style that matches the applications.

  • Motion Sensors

Motion sensor flood lights will prevent any wasted energy. A heat-detecting infrared sensor detects movement within 75 feet of these lights by detecting infrared waves. The floodlight will remain active as long as no further movement is detected after 1 to 10 minutes.

  • Usage

Selecting an LED flood light depends heavily on how a user plans to use it. Garages and lamp posts benefit from the use of white floodlights. Most LED flood lights emit light in one direction, meaning it can be used for overhead lighting and downlighting.

What are outdoor LED flood lights used for

In addition to being used outdoors, floodlights are commonly used in prominent indoor places, like arenas. Floodlights are commonly used around homes. It is possible to purchase these lights in various sizes ranging from a hundred watts to several watts. For comfort and security, they are great for illuminating dark places around the house at night. Most commonly, they are used to illuminate security cameras in the dark and scare away unwanted people and animals. Many people use floodlights at night to illuminate doors. Other applications of outdoor floodlights are-

Ports

Ports are another central area where floodlights are used. Since they are open 24 hours a day, they must be lit as brightly as possible at night. These lights are an excellent choice for such applications because they are powerful lighting fixtures.

Facade lighting

A building’s facade is one of its most critical components. This is where the building meets the street. Various lighting techniques are used to highlight such areas. These floodlights are used to highlight an organization’s logo or principal façades.

Architectural buildings and monuments

An area’s worth is boosted by its architectural buildings and monuments. They are often a symbol of a nation’s pride and culture. In addition to enhancing the architectural beauty of these structures, flood lights enhance their illumination at night. Several lighting techniques highlight monuments, including accents and wall washing. LED floodlights emit a precise broad beam that aims to achieve this and is ideally suited for lighting such buildings.

Solar LED floodlights

Installing solar energy flood lights in outdoor spaces is an affordable way to get new exterior lighting that doesn’t require a professional electrician.

How do solar-powered flood lights work

Different electronic components are required to operate LED solar flood lights. Solar flood lights operate by harnessing solar energy to generate electricity or watts, storing the energy, and selectively switching on LED bulbs or series of LEDs when sunlight is available.

Solar flood lights contain solar panels, battery-operated photosensors, LED spotlights, motion sensors, and bright emitters. Solar panels capture high-quality solar light energy from the sun and turn it into electricity to power the system. The solar panel generates electricity, which is stored in the battery.

A floodlight with a photosensor and a motion detection detector is more intelligent than a standard light. Depending on whether the environment is dark or light, the photosensor will determine whether it is. Using its detection range, it can detect motion within a certain radius of a solar motion light sensor. Finally, the LED is considered an essential component. 

Why LEDs for solar flood lights?

Energy- efficient

Solar motion LED floodlights use less energy and have a lower cost of operation than traditional floodlights, which consume a large amount of electricity. Traditional flood lights provide similar brightness levels, but they are much cheaper than this technology. 

Environment-friendly

The mercury contained in fluorescent light bulbs is unhealthy for the environment and human health. These outdoor LED flood lights contain non-toxic materials and are also fully recyclable. It is much easier to dispose of solar LED lights than fluorescent tubes since they do not require special handling.

Cost-efficient

Solar-led floodlights, which do not require power, offer cost-effective lighting solutions. Thus, it would not be necessary to pay thousands of dollars for electricity after installing these lights. The owner of this technology can save a lot on electricity bills over a long period of time without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Longer life span

The lifespan of LED bulbs is six times longer than those of other bulbs on the market. As a result, they save money and effort by not having to purchase replacement parts frequently. Unlike other types of bulbs, LED lights also do not produce heat, which increases their life expectancy.

Different types of LED floodlights based on Wattage

Light bulbs are graded based on their Wattage, so the brightness is primarily determined by how many watts the bulb has. As a result, the brighter the light, the higher its Wattage. The Wattage of LED floodlights varies greatly.

  • Low Wattage (15-40 watts) LED Flood Lights.

Low-wattage flood lights use bulbs that range between 15 and 40 watts. These are perfect for illuminating small areas like a footpath or a doorway. These bulbs generally provide adequate illumination for residential or minimal areas within commercial buildings.

  • Medium Wattage (40-80 watts) LED Flood Lights.

A mid-wattage light operates with bulbs ranging from 40 to 80 watts. They are ideal for lighting areas such as a garden, small yard, or driveway with a moderate amount of brightness.

  • High Wattage (100 watts or above) LED Flood Lights

Usually, bulbs with Wattage over three digits are called “high wattage.” These bulbs are required for municipal and commercial applications, such as parking lots and roadways.

  • Ultra-high wattage (400 watts) LED Flood Lights.

Four different wattages are approved for floodlights, the highest being 400 watts. Lighting verticals like airports, highways, large parking lots, and outdoor sports stadiums are typically suited for these types.

Types of LED floodlights based on the mounted way

  • Wall mount led flood light

The wall-mounted LED floodlight is a luminaire or lighting fixture attached to a wall. Motion sensor lights are commonly used in homes worldwide as two-headed fixtures. Business floodlights, including high-output commercial floodlights, can be used as part of this system.

Wall mount floodlights are designed to be used outdoors regularly. Commercial-grade light fixtures are made to withstand extreme weather conditions such as snow, rain, wind, and extreme temperature changes. Floodlights mounted on a building will decrease the likelihood of being robbed or vandalized. When selecting the most appropriate wall mount floodlight, there are several mounting options to choose from. 

  • Conduit Mount

This type of mount is prevalent for floodlights. Conduit ports are used for mounting the conduit mounts. The electrical wire goes through a conduit and is mounted in a flood mount in place of external wiring. The ease of mounting them directly in common boxes makes them unique. The use of a junction box with multiple ports allows the conduit and cables to be run in different directions. Lights are mounted by running the conduit to the desired location. A few wires must be passed through the conduit to reach the fixture. Conductors protect wires from chemical and mechanical damage. They are also available in different sizes and shapes.

  • Trunnion mount

This type of mount makes direct mounting of floodlights on a flat surface. The tilting feature also makes it convenient. In contrast, it can only be adjusted concerning the vertical axis rather than the slip fitter.

LED flood light installation

It is a good idea to install a floodlight at homes to improve security and safety at night. Motion activates a floodlight, flooding the specific area with light.

  • Location

It is convenient to have the new light’s location decided if a user is replacing an old fixture. A minimum LED flood light distance of nine feet is required to ensure efficient illumination.

It’s a little easier to choose an ideal spot when installing lights where none existed before. Users might consider installing lighting near their front door, garage, or even in a dark area near the shed. Perhaps the customer would like to light up a walkway that becomes too dark after sunset for safe navigation.

  • Turn off the power.

When it comes to DIY projects, safety is the top priority. Every time you begin working on an electrical wiring project, turn the electricity off.

  • Remove existing fixtures

Removing an existing light fixture before installing a new floodlight is essential.

  • Install the new floodlight.

For specific details, go through the instructions. For wiring and installation:

  • Fix the new fixture with the mounting strap where the old one was attached. Ensure that all electrical wires are accessible. 
  • Match the wire colors of the new light fixture with the existing wiring of the home: black to black, white to white, and bare wire to bare wire.
  • Tape the wires together with wire connectors.
  • Mount the floodlight with the help of a screwdriver. 
  • Light bulbs must be twisted into their fixtures.
  • Test the lights after reconnecting the power.
  • Seal the junction box.

Floodlight junction boxes need to be kept dry. Apply silicone caulk around the edge of the wall plate, where it meets the wall. A caulk gun is the easiest method for applying caulk.

How do you choose LED floodlights?

For individual buyers

  • Colors

Color temperature (measured in Kelvins) is the primary factor determining an LED floodlight’s color. Various LED lighting manufacturers have developed floodlights in various colors to meet various needs over time. People may choose a color based on their own personal preference or the purpose it will serve in their space. For example, floodlights in outdoor sports stadiums usually have a 5000k color temperature.

  • Spacing

Most people are confused about what type of LED floodlights to buy and how they should position the lights when purchasing LED floodlights. Several factors came into play when spacing LED floodlights. It is essential to consider the height of the lamps, the lumen output of the lamps, the type of lighting ambiance a customer wishes to create, and the spacing between lamps. Most LED floodlight uses require cross-over or overlap lighting to counteract shadows and balance the light. For instance, on a sports court outside, no one wants shadows from the playing field to distract the players. Getting information from a knowledgeable source is the best way to choose an appropriate spacing.

  • LED component

The components used in LED floodlights intended for outdoor use are typically 3030 SMD or 2835 SMD LEDs. Consequently, verifying the LED components’ compatibility with their lumen values is necessary.

  • Lumens

Getting this right can be difficult. Each environment requires a different level of brightness. An individual can compare the lumens of the traditional lighting they currently have with the LEDs they are replacing with. They will need to consider the lighting ambiance when determining their lux in a new environment. Typical offices may have 300-500 lux, while a family room in a house may have 50 lux or more, while a supermarket may have 1000 lux or more. Remember that daylight may have a brightness of 100,000+ lux, so calculations can be challenging. Ask an expert for assistance.

  • Warranty

LEDs are widely regarded as the best lighting solution due to their longer life. They typically remain functional for almost 50,000 hours. However, people are suggested to always buy products covered under a company warranty. 

  • Location

A user must consider how they will use the lights when selecting an LED floodlight. Using white floodlights in a garage and on lampposts is ideal. Since LED flood lights emit light only in one direction, they can be used as overhead lights and downlights alike. Furthermore, if they want dimmable flood lights, they’ll need to choose LEDs that offer such a feature.

For businesses

While you may need to consider the last part to choose a perfect floodlight for your commercial property, in this section, you will learn how to choose an LED floodlight manufacturer.

  • Quality

Getting quality products is what every seller wants for their business. If they buy low-quality products and sell them to their clients, people won’t trust their business anymore. Therefore, you must buy quality LED floodlights from a trusted manufacturer that possesses various certifications and provides a guarantee on their products.

  • Cost

Just like an end customer, a seller has a budget as well. It is essential to contact a manufacturer that provides quality within your budget and a high profit margin.

  • Delivery time

Considering the delivery time while ordering your floodlights from a manufacturer is essential. If you need an urgent delivery, they should be able to provide you with that service. Also, delivery time depends on the location of the factory. If you are getting your products imported, the delivery time will obviously be more than usual.

Maintenance and Care for LED Flood Lights

Keeping your LED flood lights in top condition ensures they light up your space effectively for years. Here’s how to maintain and care for them:

  • Regular Cleaning

Dirt and debris can dim the brightest lights. Gently wipe your LED flood lights with a soft, damp cloth to maintain their brilliance. Avoid harsh chemicals; a bit of soapy water will do the trick.

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  • Water Ingress Inspection

Outdoor lights face rain and sprinklers. Periodically check the seals around your lights for any signs of water ingress to prevent damage. It’s a simple step that can save a lot of hassle.

  • Checking Connections and Wiring

Loose or corroded connections can lead to bigger problems. Take a look at your light’s wiring occasionally, especially after extreme weather. If something looks off, it might be time to call in a professional.

  • Thermal Management

LEDs hate the heat. Make sure your flood lights have room to breathe. Avoid cramped spaces that could trap heat, as overheating can shorten your light’s lifespan.

  • LED Driver and Power Supply Check

The heart of your LED light needs attention too. If your lights start flickering or don’t turn on, the driver or power supply might be the culprit. Regular checks can catch issues early.

  • Updating Fixtures

Technology moves fast, and so do LED advancements. Upgrading older fixtures can boost efficiency and light quality, not to mention the savings on energy bills.

  • Professional Inspection

Sometimes, you need an expert eye. Having a professional inspect your lighting setup can uncover potential problems and ensure your lights are installed correctly.

  • Record Keeping

Keep a log of maintenance activities. This history can be invaluable for troubleshooting future issues and planning routine care.

A little care goes a long way. Regular maintenance keeps your LED flood lights shining bright, ensuring your space is always well-lit and welcoming.

Trends of LED floodlights

  • Solar LED security light

As solar-powered LED flood lights become more and more prevalent, traditional lighting is slowly being replaced. Solar LED street lighting is one common application. Globally, lawmakers are encouraging a switch to solar lights and powered devices as a way to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere.

  • LED motion sensor floodlights

Lights with motion sensors do not require touch, making them accessible to elders, children, and disabled individuals. A motion light will ensure that people who need extra assistance in their homes are always safe and can see clearly. In addition to being the most energy-efficient, having a longer lifespan, being much smaller, and having a higher durability rating, LED bulbs are also more eco-friendly than other light bulbs.

  • SMD LED flood light

A significant advantage of SMD floodlights is that they produce more lumens for a lower energy cost, making them more efficient and powerful than older LED floodlights. The high color consistency of SMD LED chips makes them ideal for illuminating billboards, sports facilities, building exteriors, carnivals, etc.

  • COB LED flood light

Lights made from COBs are basically a collection of LED chips bonded together tightly and attached to a substrate such as silicon carbide. Therefore, this creates one large LED chip with excellent brightness uniformity, making it a fantastic choice for photographers and filmmakers. Compared to older LED technologies, COB LEDs are brighter, use less energy, and produce a higher-quality light beam.

Conclusion

Globally, consumers are increasingly requesting energy-efficient lighting systems. As a result, LED lighting is becoming more popular indoors and outdoors. Floodlights equipped with LEDs are a better alternative to older, less efficient lighting technologies. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to get LED floodlights that are perfect for your customers, whether you’re a lighting supplier or wholesaler, building contractor, electrician, or homeowner.

It is important to choose a trustworthy LED floodlight manufacturer that serves all your business requirements. Buying from Vorlane provides you with all the benefits ranging from high-quality to a 5-year warranty on floodlights. Contact Vorlane to know more.

4 aspects you need to consider before purchasing the solar ...

There are many aspects that can impact the performance of a solar floodlight which you need to consider before making a purchase. From solar panels to casings, bulbs, and batteries, there are lots of options to choose from, that’s why I have made this guide to clear things up and help you make the right decision when purchasing the solar flood light. There are four key factors in choosing to buy solar flood lights.

-Solar panels

Solar panel is one of the key parts of a solar flood light, it collects sun energy, converts it into electricity and stores into a battery to power a flood light.


   Types. Basically, there are three types of solar panels used for solar lighting – monocrystalline solar panels. polycrystalline solar panels and amorphous (thin-film) solar panels. Monocrystalline panels are considered the most effective, with their cell efficiency (how much solar energy can be collected and converted into electricity) ranging from 15-21%, but they are also the most expensive ones. You will see monocrystalline solar panels mostly used in powerful solar flood lights. Polycrystalline panels also provide good cell efficiency up to 16%, but are cheaper to manufacture. Polycrystalline panels usually have solar cells in a dark blue color which makes it easy to differ these panels from others. Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are also used on large solar systems to provide electricity to houses and commercial buildings because of their high cell efficiency and these panels are also used in more powerful solar lights. Amorphous panels provide the lowest efficiency of 10% and below and are mostly used to charge different low power electronic devices. You will find these types of solar panels in cheaper, lower power solar lights.

   Wattage. One of the most important measurements of a solar panel is wattage. It shows how much power the panel produces in an ideal conditions, for example, a 10 watt solar panel will output 10 watt-hours of electricity every hour. The more powerful the lighting is, the higher wattage panel will be required to power the lighting. For example, lower power lights that produce few hundred lumens of light can be run by a1-5 watt solar panels, while larger lights will require 10-20 watt solar panels.

Most of the time, larger solar panels will produce more wattage, because there simply is more surface area on the panel to collect sun energy. You will sometimes see that high power outdoor flood lights are equipped not just with one, but with two or more solar panels to be able to produce enough energy to recharge their high capacity batteries.

   Size. As mentioned above, the size of the solar panel will depend on how powerful the light is and from what material the panel is made of. Monocrystalline solar panel can produce the same amount of power from a smaller panel than a thin-film solar panel.

-Fixture & Casings

Outdoor flood lights must be properly weather-proofed to withstand any conditions all year round.

Build materials. Flood light casings are usually made from two materials – plastic or aluminum. Majority of high power flood lights have aluminum casings to maximize the protection of inner parts of the light against any outer impacts that could damage the light. Plastic casings, however, are used on cheaper flood lights to cut down the price. But plastic doesn’t always indicate lower quality, because most manufacturers make their lights with really durable plastics housings that not only protect the light from impacts and water damage but also are pretty tolerable against high and low temperatures. And don’t think that you have found a great deal if you see a low priced solar flood light with an aluminum casing, because these lights usually have poor water-proofing which means that the light can get damaged in a heavier downpour.

   IP ratings. Probably the most important specification you need to watch for when considering the durability of the fixture is IP rating (Ingress Protection). IP rating shows how much protection the fixture has against contact with solid elements (such as a dust) and water. 

    Mounting hardware. There are different types of solar flood lights from wall mountable units to ground mounted and pole mounted lights. Check out if the flood light you want to purchase comes with the correct mount for the area you want to install the light. Some manufacturers provide an option to purchase various types of mounting hardware for the fixture separately.

    Cable lengths. Another common thing to check is the cable lengths of the fixture, and by cable lengths, I mean the length of the cable that connects solar panel to the fixture. Consider the area where you will install the lighting and if the supplied cable length will be long enough. Of course, you can always purchase an extension cable, however, be careful with these, because longer cables can impact the performance of the solar panel.

-Bulbs, Brightness & Power

The main function of solar lighting is to illuminate a certain area at night and depending on the size of this area, you should choose appropriate light with enough power and brightness.


   Bulb types. The part of a solar flood light that is directly responsible for illumination is light bulb. There are various types of bulbs used in regular, wired outdoor flood lights – from halogen and CFL, to HID (high intensity discharge) and LED bulbs (diodes).

In solar powered flood lights, however, the situation is a bit different. If you have ever looked at solar flood light stand in the market, you must have noticed that almost every solar fixture is equipped with a LED bulb and there is a good reason for that. LEDs are the perfect type of bulbs for solar lighting because:

   They are the most energy efficient, meaning that they will produce most light consuming less energy which is perfect for solar and other battery powered lights;

   Diodes are a lot more durable than other types of bulbs with glass envelopes, which is great for outdoor lighting;

   LEDs have a very long lifespan up to 50000 hours, which means that they will run maintenance free during all life span of the fixture;

   LEDs have small form factor, allowing to produce more compact fixtures.

Based on all these advantages, my advise is to only look at LED solar flood lights.

-Sensors

Sensors, such as motion detectors and photosensors, have a significant role in solar lighting, as they help to conserve battery and switch the light on only when it’s necessary.

   Motion sensors. A motion sensor is responsible for detecting motion in a certain range around the flood light and turning the light on when motion has been detected.

Three of the most common motion detector types are active sensors (detects motion by sending microwaves and monitoring changes in wave response time), passive infrared sensors

or PIR (detects motion by scanning infrared heat changes in the monitored area)and combined sensors. Practically all motion activated solar lights will use PIR sensors to detect motion, because they are easily adjustable and don’t pick up motion of random objects such as tree branches or wind blown objects which is a common situation outdoors.

   Adjustable PIR sensors. If you need a security flood light, an adjustable motion sensor is a must-have feature to look for. Most motion activated solar flood lights will allow to adjust various specifications of a PIR sensor such as detection range and distance, delay time and light sensitivity. Range and distance setting determines the angle in which the motion can be detected, most motion sensors allow to detect motion in 180-degree angle around the sensor, while some special sensors can pick up motion even 360 degrees around. Distance allows to adjust how far away the detector can pick up motion. Delay or detection time setting

determines the amount of time a lighting will illuminate after motion has been detected. Light sensitivity setting determines the level of darkness required for sensor to start picking motion. This setting allows to control if the sensor will work also during the daytime, at dusk or only at night when its dark outside. Most solar flood lights have motion sensors that can pick motion in a 120-180 degree wide angle and in about 15-40 feet long distances.

   Dusk to dawn (photosensor). Photosensor or dusk-to-dawn sensor is a must have feature in every solar flood light. It detects when it gets darker outside and

automatically turns the light on at a certain level or darkness and in opposite, turns the light off in the morning when it is bright outside, so it doesn’t waste battery

illuminating during the daytime. Without this sensor you would need to manually turn the light on when it gets dark and off in the morning. How to know if a solar flood light is equipped with such sensor? If the description of the light says that it is a “dusk-to-dawn light” or “automatically turns on at night”, you can be sure that it is equipped with a photosensor. I would advise to stay away from any solar flood light that doesn’t have either a motion sensor or a photosensor because that flood light would simply waste energy by illuminating during the day or you would have to turn it on and off manually, which practically eliminates the purpose of solar lighting.

-Batteries

Because solar panels cannot collect energy at night, they store energy during the day into rechargeable batteries to power the light during the night.


   Types. You will find 4 different type of rechargeable batteries used to power solar flood lights – li-phosphate (LiFePO4), lead acid, nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) and nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd). 

Cheaper, lower power solar lights are powered by either Ni-Cd or Ni-MH batteries in standard AA or AAA battery size. These batteries are small, light, cheap and easy to replace, perfect for low power solar lighting. 

If choosing between a light with Ni-Cd or Ni-MH battery, the Ni-MH one provides numerous advantages over Ni-Cd such as higher capacity and longer work time with one charge, which is very useful for solar lighting. The only type of battery that has more capacity based on weight than Ni-MH is Lithium-ion battery, which also costs more. While you will find Ni-Cd batteries practically only in low power solar lights, Ni-MH batteries are used in much wider range, including some higher power solar security lights. 

On the other hand, high power solar flood lights are powered either by lithium-ion (usually by lithium iron phosphate which has the most advantages for solar lighting from all lithium-ion batteries) or lead acid batteries. Li-phosphate (LiFePO4) is much more popular battery for wide range of solar flood lights than lead acid battery, because it has very high specific energy, meaning that batteries can carry more energy while keeping the size and weight smaller, decent cycle life of up to 2000 cycles and they run completely maintenance free. The only real disadvantage of these batteries is high manufacturing cost, although lithium-ion batteries are getting cheaper for some time now. Lead acidbatteries (best known for being used as car batteries) are also a common rechargeable battery option for high power solar flood lights.

While you will see li-phosphate batteries used in practically all range of solar lights from small front door lights to powerful outdoor flood lights, lead acid batteries are only used for really high power lighting. In opposite to li-phosphate, they have very low energy density, so the battery must be made a lot bigger and heavier to provide the same capacity as other rechargeable batteries. The main advantage of lead acid batteries is their cheap price, which helps to cut down the total cost of a solar lighting fixture. In solar and portable lighting special valve regulated Gell Cell and AGM lead acid batteries are used, because they can run practically maintenance free during their lifetime.

   Capacity. Rechargeable battery capacity shows the maximum amount of energy that can be stored in the battery and is measured in ampere-hour (Ah) or milliampere-hour (mAh). Generally, the more Ah a battery has, the longer it can run. On average, Ni-Cd batteries have the smallest capacities for solar lights – approx. 600 mAh, followed by Ni-MH batteries with 2000 mAh. Lithium-ion batteries come in wide range of capacities for solar lights, starting from 2000 mAh up to 6000 mAh. Lead acid batteries, as previously mentioned, are only used for high power lighting, so they require higher capacity batteries to power the fixture. Usually lead acid batteries come in capacities from 4000 mAh up to 7000 mAh. 

Battery capacity alone won’t tell you how long the light can be powered using just the battery (factors such as brightness, solar panel wattage, presence of motion sensor and other factors are also important), but it can give you a more in-depth information about the overall quality of the lamp. If you are looking at a high power solar flood light which it is equipped with a small capacity (less than 2000 mAh) Ni-MH or li-ion battery, better look at other models, because this fixture won’t be able to store enough charge during the day to provide illumination from dusk to dawn. 

To increase the illumination time solar lights are equipped with motion sensors that turn the light on for a given interval (usually up to few minutes) when motion is detected in front of the light and after the preset period the light is turned off which helps to conserve energy and provide illumination only when it’s needed. Sometimes manufacturers even list the “provided illumination time” for the fixture or “how many times the light can be triggered with full charge” for motion activated flood lights.





Contact us to discuss your requirements of flood light supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.