Solar security lights and solar wall lights light a door, a path or a driveway with no cable to run: a panel charges the battery by day and a motion sensor switches the light on at night. The range runs from compact folding wall lights to a PIR solar floodlight and a high output floodlight with a detachable panel, all with free delivery across Ireland on every order from the first euro.
Do solar security lights work in Ireland?
Yes, for motion activated light on doors, paths, sheds and driveways. They work best when the panel sees open sky and the light runs briefly.
Between November and February there are far fewer charging hours, so a light that runs all night in June will give less in December. A motion sensor helps, because the light stays off or dim until someone approaches. Both floodlights in this range let the panel sit apart from the light, so the panel can face open sky while the light covers a shaded corner. Our solar garden lights buying guide covers winter performance in more detail.
What is the difference between a solar wall light and a solar floodlight?
A solar wall light is a compact fitting for a doorway or passage. A solar floodlight throws a brighter beam across a driveway or yard.
The LED sensor solar folding wall lights come in 2.5W, 3.5W and 7.5W versions giving 230, 340 and 700 lumens. The LED PIR sensor solar floodlight gives 800 lumens at 8W or 1500 lumens at 12W, and the solar LED floodlight with detachable panel gives 800 lumens in its 100W version and 1500 lumens in its 200W version. For a back door, a wall light is usually enough. For a drive or a yard, choose a floodlight.
What IP rating do solar outdoor lights need?
IP44 or IP54 suits a wall with some shelter, such as under eaves. IP65 is better for a fully exposed wall or yard.
The second digit of an IP rating is water protection. A 4 means protection against splashing from any direction, and a 5 adds protection against water jets. In this range the folding wall lights are IP44, the PIR solar floodlight is IP54, and the solar floodlight with detachable panel is IP65. Our plain guide to what IP rating you need explains every rating you will see on outdoor lighting.
How long do solar security lights stay on?
Fully charged, the folding wall lights are rated for 6 to 8 hours, and the floodlight with detachable panel for 10 to 12 hours.
Those figures assume a full charge, which is easy in summer and harder in winter. In practice a motion sensor light is not on continuously, so the battery lasts far longer than the rated figure suggests. The PIR solar floodlight has an adjustable on time of 10 to 60 seconds after each trigger, and the detachable panel floodlight has 3, 5 and 8 hour timer settings plus an automatic mode controlled from its remote.
How do the motion sensors on solar lights work?
The PIR floodlight reads body heat moving up to 8 metres away. The wall lights and detachable panel floodlight use radar or microwave sensors.
A PIR sensor is passive and triggers best when someone crosses the beam sideways. The PIR solar floodlight covers 110 degrees and lets you set the light level it waits for, from 15 to 1000 lux. The folding wall lights use a radar sensor with a 6 metre range across 120 degrees, and the detachable panel floodlight uses a microwave motion sensor. For mains powered sensor lights and standalone sensors, see PIR and sensor lights.
Do I need an electrician to fit solar lights?
No. Solar lights have no mains connection, so a drill, fixings and a ladder are enough. Mount securely and angle the panel skyward.
Work at height is the real risk, so use a stable ladder and have someone foot it. A south facing wall with no overhanging trees or eaves gives the panel the most light. Mains powered outdoor lights are different: any new outdoor lighting wired into the mains should be installed by a registered electrician.
Should I choose a solar or a mains security light?
Choose solar where a cable is impractical and short bursts of light suffice. Choose a mains PIR floodlight for a main entrance needing dependable light.
Solar costs nothing to run and needs no electrician, which makes it ideal for sheds, side passages, gates and the far end of a garden. Mains lighting does not depend on the weather, so it suits the front door and the driveway. Many homes use both. Browse mains options in floodlights, outdoor wall lights and the full outdoor lights range.
Where can I buy solar security lights in Ireland?
Shamrock Electrical supplies solar security and wall lights across Ireland, online with free delivery on every order, or over the counter in Rathcoole, County Dublin.
We are an independent Irish electrical business at Unit 22, Block 613, Jordanstown Road, Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, D24 TX98, just off the N7 and well positioned for the M50. The counter is open Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1:30pm. Call 01 401 9907 or email sales@shamrockelectrical.ie if you want help choosing between a wall light and a floodlight for a particular spot.
