Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Solar Flagpole Light
Buying the wrong solar powered model can leave you unsatisfied, and regretting your purchase. Thus to make sure your flag is gloriously and adequately lit, you don’t waste your hard earned money and don’t suffer an unnecessary headache, we have prepared a cheat sheet of the most important things to look out for when buying the best solar flagpole light! Find them below –
Functionality
Make sure that the light is not overly complicated, and that it is easy to set up and use. Stay away from fancy overengineered models, and stick to what’s simple and proven effective.
Accessories
For solar flagpole lights, there is mainly just one single option of accessory that comes with the light. Some models come with a carabiner in the package. This adds utility to the product, as now you can use it for another purpose apart from illuminating your flag poles. With a carabiner, you can also use it for roadsides, gardens, courtyards, camping trips, etc. So if you want more functionality from your light, then look for one that comes with a carabiner included.
Warranty
As we all have come to experience multiple times in our lives, any unforeseen issue can always spring up with any kind of electrical equipment. Most people are not electrical engineers who can easily fix this with home tools. Thus, to ensure you get maximum use out of your light, and that you are totally protected from any extra expenses in case of a malfunction, check if your light comes with a warranty. The best protection you can have is to get a light with a lengthy warranty – 1 year at least. It is not a good idea to buy a solar flagpole light that comes with no warranty whatsoever – it means even the manufacturer is not confident in the quality of their products.
Flag Size
The size of the flag you hoist will determine how big or small your flagpole light should be. You need to consider the flag’s shape and size, both when it’s flapping in the wind, and when it’s resting. After all, this will affect the entire aesthetics of the flag and the attached light. In order to optimize the appeal, you need to select a lamp that suits the flag size. In general, for large flags, a low or narrow-beam floodlight is an ideal option. Whereas, a small flag will look better with a wide-beam floodlight. Basically, the flag and the flagpole light should balance each other out, so neither clashes or sticks out or creates an ugly silhouette.
Mounting Style
The way in which your light will be mounted (either top or ground) will be the first thing people will notice and the most crucial aesthetic factor. It will also affect how well it gathers solar energy and illuminates the flag at night. Each style has its own pros and cons. Ground mounted flagpole lights give an immaculate and elegant look, but you risk tripping and falling on protruding pieces. And if it is top-mounted (mounted on the flag poles like a parasol), it will gather more sun, but it is also easier to damage (especially when setting up), and it will be tougher to clean (especially in winters).
Lumen Output
A lumen is the international unit of light, that quantifies the amount or intensity of light coming from LED bulbs. Since you are buying a solar light that runs on LED bulbs, the lumen rating is absolutely essential to consider. The higher the lumen value, the brighter the light will be. The lumen value of most LED bulbs is generally between 50-1500 lumens. For a down facing model, it is recommended to get a solar light of at least 200 lumens, as they are closer to the flag. For an up-facing ground mounted solar light model, you may need a lumen rating ranging between 800-1000. Anything more is overkill, and anything less might be too dim.
Battery Capacity
This refers to the ability of the internal battery to store energy taken from the photovoltaic cells. This depends principally upon your location and the climate there. If your area gets less or lower quality sunlight, it will be advisable to get a model with a lower capacity battery (around 2000-2500 mAh). The reason being if the battery capacity is too high for the local sun, the battery might not be able to fully charge daily, which would be a waste! But, if you live in a sunny area, like the tropics, you can get a high battery capacity model.
Durability
This is probably the first thing you should check for. Since a flagpole light will always be outdoors, being exposed to sunlight and the elements, it absolutely has to be durable and waterproof. If the model requires any extra protection, strictly avoid buying it, there are much better options in the market!
Pole Restrictions
You should be crystal clear about the requirements to fit the light onto the pole. Each solar powered light is designed and made according to specific dimensions. The up-facing ones are generally circular with a donut hole. So if you do not know the dimensions of your pole, you might end up buying a model that does not fit. You need to know the diameter of the flagpole you have. Most residential flagpoles do not exceed half an inch, as it is the industry standard for 15-25 feet long flagpoles. So make sure you are fully informed on the relevant measurements.
When you consider the above-mentioned pointers, finding the best flagpole lights becomes much easier. But, if you have moles in your garden the solar lights are not enough to stop these imposters, you need to get a Solar Mole Repeller.
