What Is a Solar LED Floodlight? Differences and Selection Criteria
A solar LED floodlight is an outdoor floodlight powered by a solar-charged battery that directs light at a specific area and needs no mains cable.
A solar LED floodlight is an outdoor floodlight powered by a battery charged by a solar panel; it directs light at a specific area and needs no mains cable. It is used around depots and barns, in yards, gardens, building sites and on façades without a power line. The amount of light and the burning time are limited by the energy the panel collects during the day, so it does not replace a mains LED floodlight in every case.
Solar floodlight, solar street luminaire and mains floodlight
| Solar LED floodlight | Solar LED street luminaire | Mains LED floodlight | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | Panel and battery | Panel and battery | Mains |
| Light | Adjustable, specific area | From a pole along a road | Adjustable, constant full power |
| Burning time | Limited by battery, depends on season | Limited by battery, depends on season | Unlimited |
| Suitable for | Façades, yards, depot surroundings without a power line | Roads, car parks without a power line | Anywhere with a power line |
Selection criteria
- Lumen value: The solar floodlights in the catalogue are rated 120–350 W, while the luminous flux in the product data is 1,600–4,800 lm. The rated wattage is not the real LED power; compare by lumens.
- Panel position: The panel must get sun all day; in Turkey, facing south is best. If the floodlight will be in shade and the panel in the sun, check the length of the cable between panel and lamp on the product page.
- Burning time: Short winter days and long nights strain the battery. Judge the operating time in the data sheet against the shortest days.
- Direction and mounting: A floodlight sends light in one direction; the angle of the mounting bracket is set to the area to be lit. To avoid glare, do not aim it at neighbouring buildings or the road.
- Protection and colour: Outdoors, a suitable IP rating against rain is needed. The ACK models are 6500 K cool white.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a 300 W solar floodlight equals a 300 W mains floodlight: Its luminous flux is far lower.
- Installing the panel next to the floodlight in shade: The battery does not charge and the light goes out early.
- Expecting full light all night: On long winter nights the battery may not last; if constant strong light is needed, choose a mains floodlight.
Related standards
- TS EN 60598-1 covers general requirements for luminaires, IEC 60598-2-5 the particular requirements for floodlights.
- IEC 60529: IP degree of protection.
Solar LED floodlights in the catalogue
The Solar LED Floodlights category has 5 active products: Cata 3, ACK 2. All are priced.
| Model | Stock code | Rated wattage |
|---|---|---|
| Cata Kongo | `CT-4648` | 120 W |
| ACK, 6500 K, black | `AT65-19432` | 150 W |
| Cata Atlas | `CT-4649` | 200 W |
| Cata Amazon | `CT-4650` | 300 W |
| ACK, 6500 K, black | `AT65-19832` | 350 W |
For roads and car parks see Solar LED Street Luminaires, for other solar types Solar LED Luminaires, and for places with a power line the LED Floodlights category.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does a solar LED floodlight burn?
It depends on the sun the panel receives and the battery capacity. It burns longer in summer and shorter in winter; the operating time in the data sheet applies to a fully charged battery.
What is the difference between a solar floodlight and a normal LED floodlight?
A solar floodlight runs on its own panel and battery and needs no cable, but its light and burning time are limited. A mains floodlight gives constant full power and needs a power line.
What happens if the panel of a solar floodlight is in shade?
The battery does not charge enough; the floodlight comes on late, goes out early or does not come on at all. Install the panel facing south, away from the shade of trees and eaves.
Why does the rated wattage of a solar floodlight not match its lumens?
On solar products the wattage does not show the real LED power. The floodlights rated 120–350 W in the catalogue give 1,600–4,800 lm; choose by lumens.