Re: OT- solar power lights

Barb --

I have two different ones that I bought last fall as "testers" before
buying any more.  One is an Intermatic "Malibu" in the "Solar" series. 
It sits on a plastic spike that you shove into the ground; stands about
10" off the ground.  This one was at full power after only one sunny day
of recharging out of the box.  It still looks like a typical outdoor
light (like a miniature flying saucer; most styles are way to modern
looking for my taste), but I picked this one because it was on the
smaller, more innocuous side.  After a really clear, sunny day this one
often still has a dim glow the next morning.  It normally shines at full
capacity 4-6 hours after nightfall from April to October (less during the
winter).  

The other one is a Solar Max by Brinkmann in the "Endura" series.  It's a
free-hanging carriage lamp style -- I bought it for this reason alone --
and comes with its own little shepherd's crook.  At first I was
disappointed with this one because it took a couple weeks of recharging
before it reached full capacity.  Now it shines as brightly as the other
one.  When hung on its little shepherd's crook the light is 12-14" off
the ground.  I thought I could also hang this free-hanging style from
plant hooks and such, but found that when it's more than two feet off the
ground the light value is insignificant -- has the same effect as a
votive candle in a hanging lamp.   At this time I've got the little
shepherd's crook next to the pond at a slight angle so that the light
hangs over and reflects off the water.

I'm probably going to get a few more of each kind for different spots. 
The thing about solar lights is that they're often compared to regular
outdoor lighting (usually with 15 to 25 watt bulbs) and they are nowhere
near as bright.  The light intensity is more comparable to the "low
wattage" outdoor lighting, more of a bright yellow glow like a big
candle.  Essentially, you'd put them where you might -- in a wind-free
world! -- put candles: around the patio, along a path, etc.  They're nice
if one wants to sit outside after dark and not stumble into the primroses
or step into the pond.  ;-)  For obvious reasons, they can't be put among
plants tall enough to overshadow the solar cells.   

Someone who wants actual lighting might want to consider something else.

Dean Sliger
Warren, Michigan, USA
Zone 6B


On Thu, 13 Jul 2000 18:14:32 -0400 "James N. Tilton" <tilton44@erols.com>
writes:
> Recent mention of lighting in a garden has me wondering... do any of 
> you
> use solar powered lights in your beds for evening lighting and how 
> well
> do they work?
> 
> Barb (southeastern PA, zone 6/7)
> 
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