It is a great way to generate environment-friendly and efficient power. Solar panels are usually used as a security light on your home or illuminate your pathway. However, it is possible that the most practical location is not one that receives direct sunlight but rather one shaded by a tree or attached to a building.
Some reviews say solar lights are not working in shaded areas. But others are using it without issues, even in shady places. In this post, you will find out if solar lights work in shaded areas or not.
Solar lights work in shaded areas. However, it is not as effective when used in non-shaded areas. Also, you might not be able to charge it completely.
Defining the Term “Shade”
Let us first define what shade means. The term “shade” refers to an area shielded from direct sunlight and thus has a cooler, more comfortable temperature. Many things fall under the umbrella of this term, as you can see. It’s possible that shade is only a tad less bright than direct sunlight, or it can be pitch black. The less light passes through, the lower the likelihood that light photons will reach the panel and generate electricity. This is critical.
In this case, it’s not the same as having your panel in direct sunlight under an overhanging tree for a long period. A tree blocks the sun out, but it still lets light in. So regardless of how many trees are in bloom, you will not be completely engulfed in total darkness as soon as you enter a wooded area.
Positioning the Solar Lights
In light of all this, a series of tests were conducted with various solar lights in various shade conditions. In each of these cases, the battery was depleted entirely before proceeding.
On Direct Sunlight
The solar lights were placed in the middle of the garden, where they received 8 hours of sunlight and worked well without any issues all night.
Half-Day on Direct Sunlight and Half-Day on a Shaded Area
In the second scenario, the light was positioned in a place where it could receive direct sunlight for the majority of the day but would be shaded by a fence as the sun’s position shifted.
Once more, the light remained on throughout the night, charging the battery just enough to get through the night.
Sunny Day Under the Tree
Even though it was an unseasonably warm and sunny day, the lighting fixture was placed directly under a large oak tree, which shielded it from direct sunlight. So instead of staying on for several hours like before, the light went out after four hours.
Under the Sun on a Cloudy Day
The lights were also left on all night on a cloudy day with no cover for over 8 hours.
End Thoughts
The location of your garden’s sunniest spot and where you want to place your solar lights may not be compatible. However, you can get a full night’s charge with less than a full day’s light.
For the best charging results, it’s best to alternate between direct sunlight and complete shade for at least part of the day, if not the entire day.