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| Making A Solar Powered Flashlight Work |
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When you look at the outside of a solar powered flashlight, you won't see a lot of difference between it and a regular flashlight. There's a simple switch to turn it off and on. And on one end of the flashlight, there's a glass-cover over a lamp, and when you turn the flashlight on, it puts out enough light to let you see in the dark, or into a darkened area.
When you look at the outside of a solar powered flashlight, you won't see a lot of difference between it and a regular flashlight. There's a simple switch to turn it off and on. And on one end of the flashlight, there's a glass-cover over a lamp, and when you turn the flashlight on, it puts out enough light to let you see in the dark, or into a darkened area. Using sunlight energy, a solar powered flashlight converts that energy into electrical power in a solar photovoltaic (PV) cell or panel that sits on the outside cover of the flashlight. The solar generated power is stored in a battery. A Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamp is generally used in a solar powered flashlight instead of an incandescent light bulb, because LED's last longer, and take less electrical current to operate. LED's, on average last for about 10,000 hours, compared to an incandescent light that has lasts about 1,000 hours. Similarly, solar charged batteries that are used in the solar powered flashlight, as compared to the normal, single use nickel, lithium, or cadmium batteries generally seen in flashlights, usually will not require replacement for about two years with steady use. The comparison rate is about 15 hours for a regular battery, compared to around 2500 hours for a solar rechargeable battery. Leaving your solar flashlight on for 15 or more hours at least once a month will allow you to use your batteries longer. By leaving your solar flashlight on for that period, the battery fully expends its charge. If you keep using your solar flashlight without fully discharging it, eventually it won't get back to 100 percent of its available power, and will only recharge to a lower memory level. This happens because rechargeable batteries have a memory life. The window sill is the perfect place for your solar powered flashlight when you're not using it. By placing the solar panel of the flashlight where it will get the most sunlight that's available, you'll be maximizing its power. If you're not using it regularly, though, make sure you turn it on and leave it on for at least 15 hours to discharge the battery. You don't have to look very hard any more to find a solar powered flashlight in a hardware store. They're great lights for emergency use, and for camping. It's good to have at least one in your home, and in each of your vehicles. It's a good idea if for no other reason than to lower your worry level. Remember all those times you needed a flashlight in a hurry, found it, discovered the batteries were dead and you didn't have any spares...or at least didn't know where they were? Some amazingly innovative designs are being created for solar flashlights...with add-ons like siren, flasher, cell phone charger, etc... in addition to the basic flashlight design. There are also any number of solar flashlight key chains are on the market today. The price range varies, depending on the uniqueness of the style, the outside casing, and additional functions. Would you like to "spread the light" in a very solar way? If so, please visit bogolight.com. BOGO stands for buy one, give one. A limited liability company founded by Mark Bent in 2006 named SunNight Solar operates the BoGoLight Program. Mark served in the Diplomatic Corps prior to that, and was in a number of developing countries. What he saw there convinced him there was a need for light in many places, so he set about finding a way to meet that need. In the BoGoLight Program, you purchase one solar flashlight at BoGoLight or one of its affiliates (there's one called InHabitat), and that generates the purchase of another identical solar flashlight. The donations are sent to a non-profit organization that's been set up to collect and ship these flashlights all over the world to the many places they're needed. Shining a little light, in a very solar way, is a unique and wonderful method to help others who sit in the dark at night be able to see...even after the sun's gone down. About the Author: Learn more about
solar power lights
. Stop by Timothy Peters's site where you can find out all about home solar power and what it can do for you. |