With the price of electricity skyrocketing and the lowest-cost time slots disappearing, LED lighting systems They have become one of the essential measures to lower the bill and save a little at the end of the month.
In addition, we can go one step further than simply replacing the incandescent or energy-saving bulbs in our lamps with their LED equivalents and move on to LED bulbs with batteries that we can recharge through solar energy.
What are solar LED bulbs
The Solar LED bulbs and lamps They are very similar to the conventional ones that we must plug into the electrical current, but with the difference that they have a photovoltaic cell system incorporated in the surface of these products or external that we can plug in separately.
This allows them to capture solar energy, convert it into electricity and store it in an internal battery that will allow us to use the bulbs without cables even at night.
These types of bulbs do not need installation, we can always carry them with us and if we live in an area with a lot of sunlight we can almost always have them ready for use, leaving them all day. next to a bright window.
Among their main drawbacks we find that they have a higher price than conventional light bulbs (more than double) and that they require minimal maintenance to have the well-cleaned integrated or external solar panels so that they can better capture solar energy.
Solar LED bulbs: buying and using tips
If we are thinking of getting one of these solar bulbs To save a little on the electricity bill, it is convenient to take a series of aspects into account both when buying them and when we are going to use them:
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First of all, it is recommended buy multiple bulbs to give service to the house, not only in case we want to turn on more than one at the same time, but above all to always have one well charged, since depending on the amount of sunlight we have at home and how many hours we have the bulb may not be enough for us with just one and we have to alternate several of them so as not to run out of energy.
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Models with some kind of handle for transport or with hooks that allow us to hang them from almost anywhere we need.
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Although the advantage of this type of bulb is its ability to recharge using sunlight, it is also convenient that they have the option to recharge via a USB port. This will allow us to use them even if they run out of battery by connecting them to a plug or device with a USB output.
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It is also usually recommended that the light bulb have some charge indicator light, to know that the solar panel is working properly and even to find the best angle with which we achieve more energy and therefore a faster charge.
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The best light bulbs usually also integrate a system for choosing the power control that will allow us to achieve different levels of illumination. Normally, the same power button is used, which we must press several times and thus the intensity of the light will vary. It is an efficient system but it can be annoying because we have to go through the different modes, hence if we are offered several dedicated buttons or a knob, is always appreciated.
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Finally, some models come with the built-in panels, but given the small size of the bulbs, they usually offer lower performance than those that incorporate the panels externally. In this second case, it is convenient that the charging cable is as long as possible so that we can place the panel next to a window or even outside without having to have the bulb right next to it.
Solar LED bulbs: recommended models
KK.BOL Portable Solar Lamp
A simple model to start with is this one from KK.BOL, with the typical shape of this type of device, it has a separate solar panel with a charging system of 5 to 8 volts, an average life of 50,000 hours and a metal hook that will allow us to hang the bulb anywhere we need. Its price is 17.98 euros.
KK solar lights. Solar BOL Lamp LED Bulb Portable Emergency Light Indoor Outdoor Camping 150LM 1600mAh
GreenSuit Solar Light Bulb
This GreeSuit model also comes with an external solar charger from 6 volts and 1 watt with 2.75 meter cable. It has internal battery with autonomy from 4 to 8 hours with a power of 120 to 140 lumens. Also comes with remote control that allows us to turn on, turn off and vary the light intensity. Its price is 17.88 euros.
Solar LED Light Bulb – Portable Flashlight Lamp Spotlight with Remote Control Panneau Solaire for Outdoor Hiking Camping Tent Fishing Lighting
Ledeak Camping Lanterns
Equipped with 16 LED diodes, this portable bulb offers a light output of 500 lumens emitted in 360 degrees and with a recharging system with integrated battery that offers between 4 and 6 hours of autonomy through a USB socket, although it does not come with a solar panel as standard and we will have to buy it separately. Its price is 17.99 euros the package with two bulbs.
Ledeak 2 Pieces LED Camping Lanterns, Camping Lamp Portable LED Light Bulb with Hook USB Rechargeable for Outdoor Emergencies Tent Camping Deck Garden Patio BBQ Fishing
Weskjer solar bulb
This Weskjer light bulb has solar panels built into the casing, being able to feed its internal battery from 3,600mAh with an operating time of up to 6 hours. It can also be charged by USB, it has remote control, charge indicator and light power control with four levels between 25% and 100%. Its price is 19.99 euros.
Solar LED Bulb, USB Rechargeable Solar Powered Light Bulb Outdoor Hanging Lamp Remote Control Lantern Waterproof Lighting for Garden Yard Camping
Glogeagle LED Bulb
This solar bulb has external panels with power of 6 Volts and 1.2 watts, and can also be charged through USB adapters such as the mobile charger. It has remote control, timer, three power levels and charge indicator. Its price is 15.51 euros.
5 Modes 25 COB LED Solar Light Bulbs USB Rechargeable 9W Remote Control