Solar-powered LED security lights - any good?

[MrJim]

I'm thinking of installing a few security lights at my house, but they're in an area that makes it difficult use mains power. A search on Amazon listed quite a few solar-powered LED PIR security lights...I just wondered whether they are any good? Are the LEDs bright enough? Do they receive enough charge even during the Winter months?

[Jellyfish]

I'm no expert, but from seeing friends that have/had them (ofc depending on make etc...) they seemed like a great idea but were pretty dim even when it was summer. However some makes might be better than others! I hope it helps!

[rox0r]

They're okay to just put a bit of light out to see by on a dark path or driveway but of little to no use as 'security' lights. We have one on our driveway at the back because we're out in the country and it's black as tar at night so that little bit of light is enough to get in and out of the car without breaking my neck. Realistically though I'd rather replace it with a decent LED mains pir and a couple of post-lights down the drive.

They do charge up fine through winter too.

[MrJim]

Thanks for the feedback, I went for this unit in the end:

http://www.thesolarcentre.co.uk/prod...ght-716-7.html

I'm quite impressed really, it's actually a bit brighter than I expected it to be. As rox0r mentioned though, probably not as bright as a mains-powered halogen security light, but great for those situations where mains power isn't really a viable option.

[Saracen]

Do you think it's bright enough to act as a security light, though, JimBob?

I mean, part of the point of a security light is a sudden flood of light that makes it clear to an intruder that they can't just operate in the dark. Is this bright enough for that psychological effect, or just bright enough to walk down your garden without tripping over toys the kids left in the middle of the lawn?

I ask because I need a light too, and while I can run mains to it, it'd be a bit of a pain.

[MrJim]

According to the spec sheet, it's equivalent to a 100W halogen. It's certainly bright enough for my needs, but
It's difficult to say whether it's bright enough to deter intruders though. The PIR sensor is good up to about 10m I think. LEDs are that bit more durable than a conventional bulb - it would be hard to knock it out with a well-aimed stone, for example (something I've encountered before with previous lights - not sure whether it was done by mischievous kids or potential intruders though).

[Saracen]

Thanks, Jimbob. It's food for thought, clearly.

[Barry]

Scan do a 10w LED flood light which is fantastic for about £20