I just installed another outdoor solar powered motion light to augment security here on the property. LED technology advancements have made it easy to install outdoor motion lights just about anywhere. How’s that? Because they’re powered with a solar panel which charges internal batteries.
Home security is increasingly important. I don’t need to tell you that (though I just did). Outdoor motion lights are a deterrent not to be overlooked.
I took several photos of the particular solar motion light that I just installed. It’s not rocket science. They’re pretty easy to assemble and put up.
Solar Motion Light Features & Mounting
On-time & Distance Adjustment
This image shows the light’s on-time adjustment and sensitivity (distance) adjustment. It’s no different from any other motion light. You’ll notice a “Test” position. This is handy for adjusting the distance setting. The motion light will turn on for ~ 7 seconds during detection. You can walk around while looking at the light to observe the effects of adjusting the distance setting.
Solar Panel Connection
Connect the solar panel. This one comes with a long cord so you can mount the solar panel further away in a better suited position to capture the sun (if necessary). I didn’t need to, so I simply zip-tied the excess to keep it neat. Like I said earlier, it’s not rocket science ;)
Mounting Plate
Mounting the solar motion light is easy. There’s a plate that slides off the back of the base. The plate itself is screwed into whatever you’re mounting it to. Then the motion light base slides and snaps into that plate afterwards.
Internal Batteries
While the back mount was removed, I opened the battery compartment to see what kind of batteries are in this solar motion light. Two 3.7 volt Lithium rechargeable 18650 batteries. 1200 mAh each. Nice…
How to mount to a tree
I mounted this solar motion light to a tree. How did I do that? First I mounted everything to a length of pressure treated 2X4.
Then I used a couple of deck screws to mount the assembly to the tree itself:
Okay folks, that’s it. Easy.
You might be wondering which specific solar motion light this is.
LEPOWER 1600LM LED
(view on amzn)
Like I said, I have several solar powered motion lights. There’s always something new out there, so I chose this one due to it’s favorable reviews. So far it’s working out great. It’s bright (1600 lumen) and I like that it has 3 flood light sections.
Having said all that, the best outdoor motion light that connects to standard AC electricity is the RAB Stealth. I have those installed around the perimeter of the house itself. Here’s an article on that one if you’re interested:
[ Read: RAB Stealth motion light ]
Home security lights are an excellent deterrent. Whoever is approaching will think twice. And it enables you to see what’s going on out there!
And you could put longer lasting (run time on) batteries into it if you felt the need
Size 18650 batteries can be found up to 3500 ma
Great article and suggestion for placing them into areas where running an electrical line isn’t always feasible. Having a stash of these tucked into a Faraday Cage would prove invaluable down the road.
I have lights that trigger on the drive way it lets me know when the deer have arrived for their nightly munching.
They are out building that are to far to run normal electrical service to on this place, so they all have solar light on them. In case 4 legged animals try coming into the yard.
Wow, I had not thought of that. Great idea! This will really help some of my home security concerns.
I have (4) of the white version of these and they have worked flawlessly for 3 months now. They are bright at 1600 lumens. I highly rate them. The only thing I like better is the 110 volt version of them that is even brighter. 3500 lumens is amazing and they are $3 less expensive. I have 3 of those as well, same company. You just have to hard wire them.
LEPOWER 35W LED Security Lights – AC Powered
I just got my first solar motion lights about two weeks ago, and put them in a couple of dark corners. I was amazed at the light they put out for such small units I bought. Guess I’ll have to get a couple more, only a little more powerful.