2 Apr
2010

metal solar landscape lights

Passive Solar Energy - Is It Right For Your Home?

Every exposed part of a structure's walls, floors, windows, roofs' absorbs and stores or reflects away the heat radiated by the sun. Passive solar systems do this without any mechanical means (pumps or fans); they rely purely on design and positioning to work, which may include shutters or thermal curtains, dampers and vents, or other simple mechanisms.

While passive solar setups are rarely used as bulk collection units, the concepts behind passive solar have changed the way many architects and engineers approach designs. They are beginning to make profitable use of the sun's free energy by using to their advantage one or more of these principles: conduction (heat flows from molecule to molecule in solids; this explains why the handle of your tea cup will eventually be warmed by the hot tea in the bowl), convection (heat also flows through liquids and gases; this explains why you might swelter in the attic and shiver in the basement heat rises), radiation (warm objects radiate heat away to cooler objects, which absorb it, reflect it, or transmit it along), and capacitance (this is a measure of how much heat a material will retain over time, and is a function of thermal mass).

Passive solar systems are used for space heating more often than active systems (see below). The most heat gains (in the northern hemisphere) come from windows oriented due south, but any window within 30 degrees of that will show significant gains. The challenge, of course, it to avoid overheating a space, a problem that can easily occur in rooms with substantial glass surface area facing south. The contained heat can be redistributed relatively easily with ceiling or other fans, or by making use of the blower and duct systems (with the heating elements off) of a standard furnace. Installing flooring with high thermal mass such as stone or tile can also absorb and store the heat to be radiated later when the ambient temperature becomes cooler than the floor. A well-constructed, well-insulated building with high-performance, airtight windows can generally meet up to a quarter of its own heating needs using passive solar strategies. That, along with its next-to-nothing operating cost, clean operation, and simple maintenance makes it a natural for any structure.

Passive solar power cooling
This is more about reducing heat build-up than about taking it away. The obvious technology involved has been used for thousands of years: shading. You can do this with shutters, awnings, special smart windows(discussed later), curtains, and landscaping. Cross-ventilation will distribute the heat more evenly.

Building considerations
Even minor application of these basic principles can make a big difference in the overall climate control of a structure. Imagine that you have a room with large windows facing south. If you are in the northern hemisphere, that would mean that sunlight would shine into it all day. The windows are old clear glass, single-pane windows, which allow 80 to 90 percent of the heat to pass directly into the room. Now imagine that the sun coming in strikes a dark floor; this absorbs 40 to 95 percent of the heat. Obviously, that room will become extremely hot during the day. Depending on its intended use, this may be a good thing. The heat will flow from there, slowly but surely, into adjacent cooler spaces a process that can be accelerated, of course, with fan systems. Remember, though, that since the heat does travel to cooler areas, at night it may leak back out those same inefficient windows to the outside unless you block the windows with some sort of thermal barrier.

Windows today are far different from those drafty single-pane versions in our grandparents houses. Most new windows are constructed with two or even three panes (that is, they are double- or tripled-glazed), with insulating spacers and or inert gases between the panes, and have low-e (low-emittance) coatings of metal or metallic oxides that that reflect back much of the sun's heat without significantly reducing the light allowed in.

Additionally, there are also so-called smart windows, which use varying technologies (electrochromic, suspended particles, liquid crystal) to alter a window's transmissive properties. Since these are operated electronically, one could debate whether they are active or passive, but that's just semantics; the point is, they exist, and they work.

In addition to optimal window placement, another way engineers, architects and even homeowners can use passive solar to greater advantage is through window pitch. Most windows are installed so that their surfaces and exactly vertical. It is possible, however, to calculate a different angle that will allow a more desirable amount of heat and light to penetrate; since this calculation concerns the position of the sun throughout various times of the day and year, the angle would of course be specific to particular locations.

The siting of a building plays a large role in its passive solar properties; builders generally take the sunlight into consideration when determining the size and orientation of a given facade, using the angle of a building to enhance or reduce the amount of sunlight that penetrates. The structure's overall shape, as well as how it fits into the landscape substantial portions of a structure may be fully or partially below ground, for example' also makes a difference in how passive solar can be used to advantage. Architects and builders have been aided in recent years by the development of new materials designed to absorb or reflect varying amounts of radiated heat.

Brinkmann  4-Piece Dual Window Pane Solar Stake Light Set
Brinkmann 4-Piece Dual Window Pane Solar Stake Light Set
Sale Price: $25.84
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Description

Beautifully designed, solar garden accent lights feature the LED technology for extra-long run times, multiple LEDs for maximum brightness and special internal reflector to enhance and distribute light evenly. Light fixture comes pre-assembled for easy set-up and use. No wiring is required- assembles and installs in seconds. The solar panel converts sunlight into electricity and charges the rechargeable battery during the day. At night, light turns on automatically.

Features

  • Brown finish
  • Metal construction
  • One amber LED
  • Alabaster plasic lens
  • Three way mounting
Moonrays 95669 Wilmot Style Lamp Solar Powered Metal Path Light, 6 Pack, Copper
Moonrays 95669 Wilmot Style Lamp Solar Powered Metal Path Light, 6 Pack, Copper
List Price: $41.98
Sale Price: $40.99
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Description

"COLEMAN CABLE INC" OUTDOOR SOLAR LIGHTSWith clear ribbed plastic lens, powered by the sun, no wiring required. High quality white LED never need replacing. Rechargeable AA NiCd battery included. 11.42" above ground height. Path Light - Metal Brand:"MOONRAYS" 1 White Led Finish=Copper

Features

  • Durable metal construction
  • Rechargeable AA NiCd battery (Included)
  • Copper finish
  • 6-Lamps per pack
  • Uses white LED lights
Solar Power, Outdoor Solar Landscape Path Lights, Stainless Steel Pack of 12:
Solar Power, Outdoor Solar Landscape Path Lights, Stainless Steel Pack of 12:
Sale Price: $43.01
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Description

Solar Power, Outdoor Solar Landscape Path Lights, Stainless Steel Pack of 12:With our pack of 12 Solar Powered Path Lights, you can add a little pizzazz to your favorite plant, tree or create a walkway lighting solar system. These aesthetically appealing Solar Garden Lights and are a perfect fit to any classic or modern landscape. We give you a pack of 12 lights each ready to install with ground stakes and battery included.Each solar path light has one LED long lasting bulb and includes a rechargeable Ni-Cad battery and a stake to install it in garden. These solar powered outdoor lights provide a subtle soft illumination on flower beds, accent plants and walkway or anywhere you need that soft touch. Our Solar Lights not need any wiring and do not cost anything to operate. Solar garden lights automatically get their power from the sun, store this power in the rechargeable battery and turn on at night.Durable and water resistant, built with stainless steel so it will not rust or corrode. Each solar path light is about 4 ½ inches in diameter and 14 ½ inches in height. Rechargeable Ni-Cad battery is included. Light assembly required and no tools necessary.Features: Pack of 12 solar path landscape lights. Each solar garden light is made of stainless steel. Each solar outdoor light has1 LED soft bulb. Rechargeable Ni-Cad Battery included with each solar light. Comes with everything you need to install it. Water Resistant. CE Certified. Corrosion Resistant. Ground stake for each solar light is included. Light assembly and no tools needed.

Features

  • Pack of 12 solar path landscape lights
  • Each solar garden light is made of stainless steel
  • Each solar outdoor light has1 LED soft bulb
  • Rechargeable Ni-Cad Battery included with each solar light
  • Water Resistant, Corrosion Resistant and CE Certified
Homebrite Copper Garden Landscape Solar Light with Natural Warm Light, 30865, Small, Rockwell, Set of 12, Copper
Homebrite Copper Garden Landscape Solar Light with Natural Warm Light, 30865, Small, Rockwell, Set of 12, Copper
Sale Price: $59.99
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Description

This is a set of 12 brand new Natural White LEDs High Quality Copper Stainless Steel Solar lights in their original retail packaging. These energy-efficient, low-maintenance solar lights add a charming, decorative glow to your driveway, patio, or flowerbeds.These LED solar powered bulbs emit a soft white light that charges by day and turns on automatically at night. Each Gently luminous light kit is made of durable copper stainless steel for years of use. It is of our Natural White color LEDs together with our latest improved solar panel which means that it doubles the brightness and provides better performance but at the same time consumes less energy and for longer use.These lights are specifically designed to softly illuminate nearby objects, and they unobtrusively fit into nearly any landscaping theme. Light assemblies, connectors, and durable ground spikes are included. The independently operating lights have an average run time of 8 to 10 hours (no power cord is needed).12 single light kits Absolute no wiring and easy to install Ideal for areas where conventional electrical supply in not available Battery: Pre-installed Rechargeable AA, 1.2V/600mAh Ni-Cd, can last up to 2 years before replacing Sensor: Automatic sensor activates at dusk LED: Ultra bright natural white LED light bulbs, can last up to 100,000 hours Solar Panel: Solar panel for better charging performance Outside Material: Copper Stainless Steel Diameter: 5" Height: 15.5"

Features

  • Stainless Steel with Brush Copper Finish
  • Powered by one AAA size rechargeable Ni cad battery (included)
  • Each light is equipped with Natural Warm light LED
  • Installed with Crystalline Solar Cell & advanced circuitry
  • Auto on/off from dusk to dawn by build-in sensor control.
Smart Solar Chameleon Solar Light Stake, Water Lily/Holiday Tree
Smart Solar Chameleon Solar Light Stake, Water Lily/Holiday Tree
List Price: $24.95
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Description

Solar Light Accent Stick with Chameleon ¿ technology made from acrylic and metal includes a Water Lily and a Holiday Tree

A fun way to light up flowerbeds, paths or water features, the Chameleon Solar-Powered Light Stick changes colors from blue to green, red to yellow for a dazzling display. Powered by a built-in solar panel, a high quality LED light stays cool and doesn't radiate excess heat. Powered by the sun, this funky light doesn't add a cent to your electric bill! And, with no AC wires or outlets to mess with, installation is a snap. Made from acrylic and metal, this yard décor is built to last. The Chameleon is covered by a limited, 2-year manufacturer warranty. --Brian Olson

Features

  • Solar-powered, color-changing, decorative light stick for the yard, patio or garden
  • Accent Sticks with Water Lily and Holiday Tree
  • Changes colors from blue to green, red to yellow
  • LED light won't radiate excess heat
  • Acrylic and metal; 2-year warranty
Brinkmann 822-0578-4 4-Piece Garden Prairie Solar Stake Light
Brinkmann 822-0578-4 4-Piece Garden Prairie Solar Stake Light
List Price: $39.82
Sale Price: $37.80
You save: $2.02 (5%)
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Description

Beautifully designed, solar garden accent lights feature the LED technology for extra-long run times, multiple LEDs for maximum brightness and special internal reflector to enhance and distribute light evenly. Light fixture comes pre-assembled for easy set-up and use. No wiring is required- assembles and installs in seconds. The solar panel converts sunlight into electricity and charges the rechargeable battery during the day. At night, light turns on automatically.

Features

  • Brown finish
  • Metal construction
  • One amber LED
  • Alabaster plasic lens
  • Three way mount
Global 10 Pc Solar Pathway Lights Metal Bronze
Global 10 Pc Solar Pathway Lights Metal Bronze
List Price: $56.99
Sale Price: $29.20
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Description

10 piece solar pathway lights - powered by the sun landscape lighting. Nighttime high-output LED lighting/energy efficient - LED lights have long life. Bronze finish over stainless steel and aluminum construction. Ribbed glass lens and bronze finish removable finial. Auto "ON/OFF" - day/night. Rechargeable battery (included and replaceable). Sturdy ground stake (included). Height 17.04 Inches. Width 3.46 Inches.

Features

  • 10 piece solar pathway lights - powered by the sun landscape lighting
  • Nighttime high-output LED lighting/energy efficient
  • Bronze finish over stainless steel and aluminum construction
  • Ribbed glass lens and bronze finish removable finial
  • Auto "ON/OFF" - day/night
Pine Top 508-0002GM Solar Garden Path Night Light, Steel, Gun Metal
Pine Top 508-0002GM Solar Garden Path Night Light, Steel, Gun Metal
List Price: $26.56
Sale Price: $22.08
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Description

Solar panels convert sunlight to energy stored in long-life rechargeable batteries. Dusk to dawn sensor automatically turns light on as night approaches.

Features

  • No wiring easy to install
  • Two white LEDs
  • Dusk to dawn sensor turns light on and off
  • Includes 1 AA rechargeable battery
Moonrays 91249 Solar Powered Plastic Post Cap Lamp Light, Black
Moonrays 91249 Solar Powered Plastic Post Cap Lamp Light, Black
List Price: $10.58
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Description

POSTCAP PLASTIC SOLAR LIGHT - Postcap solar light installs in minutes ~ Screws included ~ Durable plastic construction with plastic lens ~ White LED ~ Rechargeable AA NiCd battery (included) ~ 4.13" tall ~ 1 piece per pack

Features

  • Durable plastic construction
  • Rechargeable AA NiCd battery included
  • Easily attaches to post
  • White LED lights
  • One lamp per pack
Moonrays 97125 Rechargeable NiCd AA Batteries for Solar Powered Units, AA, 4 Pack
Moonrays 97125 Rechargeable NiCd AA Batteries for Solar Powered Units, AA, 4 Pack
Sale Price: $6.81
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Description

Pack of 4 "AA" rechargeable NiCd replacement batteries. For use in all solar fixtures.

Features

  • Easy to install
  • Durable construction
  • Long-lasting unit
  • Great for outdoor use
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