According to the American Flag Code, the flag shall only be shown from dawn to sunset unless it is adequately lighted during the nighttime hours. Consider installing a solar flagpole light if you want to demonstrate your patriotism at all times. This gadget will remain atop the flagpole all day, collecting energy from the sun to assist keep your flag illuminated even in the darkest hours of the night. There are no batteries to replace, and there is no fear of the light going out if the power goes off.
The finest solar flagpole light should be built of a strong material that can survive severe weather. After all, the Flag Code specifies that only an all-weather flag shall be exhibited in rain, snow, or wind storms. If your stars and stripes can withstand the elements, your solar flagpole light should be able to as well. This product list is an excellent guide to begin your search for a new solar flagpole light.
What to Look for When Purchasing a Solar Flagpole Light?
Keep the height of the flagpole and the diameter of the ornament spindle at the top of the pole in mind while looking for a solar flagpole light. Consider aspects like weather resistance, illumination direction, general performance, and the other key requirements listed below.
Size
Flagpoles come in a variety of sizes, both in terms of height and thickness. Take precise measurements beforehand and compare them to the product literature and manufacturer’s recommendations before purchasing the solar light to verify that it will suit the exact flagpole.
The majority of solar flagpole lights are made to fit conventional flagpoles that are 15 to 25 feet tall and have an ornament spindle that is 1.5 to 1.75 inches long and 0.5 inches in diameter. Solar flagpole lights with a variety of needs are available, including some spotlights that attach directly to the pole using a bracket rather than utilising the ornament spindle. Measure the diameter of the flagpole before purchasing these solar lights to ensure that the bracket will fit firmly.
Brightness
The solar flagpole light’s brilliance is really essential. The flag will sit in deep shadows instead of proud lighting if the product fails to provide adequate light. The number of bulbs in solar light can be used as a general measure of brightness, but it shouldn’t be the sole consideration.
Lumens are the units of measurement for the amount of light generated by a lamp, flashlight, or any other sort of light. Flagpole lights range in lumens from 50 to over 1,000, but a device with at least 200 lumens will ensure that a typical flagpole and flag are appropriately lighted.
Weather Protection
Because it would be inconvenient to remove the solar flagpole light every time it rains, it will most likely remain outside during severe weather. That’s why solar flagpole lights are built to withstand rain, snow, sleet, and severe winds, with an International Protection (IP) rating of 65 to 67.
The first digit of the IP rating system represents the device’s resistance to solid objects, while the second digit represents the device’s resistance to water. For solids, the scale runs from 0 to 6, with 0 indicating no protection and six indicating that the product is totally sealed against dust and bigger particles. Water is graded on a scale of 0 to 9. 0 signifies no protection against close-range, forceful, high-temperature water jets, whereas 9 represents complete protection.
A solar flagpole light should have a water resistance grade of 5 (protection against low-pressure water jets) to 7 (can tolerate full immersion in 3.2 feet of water for up to 30 minutes).
Direction of Lighting
Another important consideration is the orientation of the solar flagpole light. The majority of the goods are made to perch atop the flagpole’s ornament spindle, directing light down toward the flag and the ground below. Depending on the lumen output, this sort of light may also illuminate the whole base of the flagpole and possibly even a significant amount of the yard.
Other solar flagpole lights attach to the pole’s midsection and beam up toward the flag, illuminating it brightly. These lights are good for lighting the flag, but they will not illuminate the yard. Solar panels that face directly up to collect energy from the sun are common in both types.
Battery and Charge Time
While disposable batteries do not need to be replaced on a regular basis, a solar flagpole light does include internal cells that can impair run duration and rechargeability. Because each device consumes electricity and utilises it differently, run time and battery life vary amongst items, even when they use the same battery.
A solar flagpole light battery will take 6 to 8 hours to charge on average completely. It can provide light for the amount of time mentioned in the product description and manufacturer’s recommendations once charged. In most cases, the duration is a minimum of eight hours and a maximum of 24 hours. While bad weather reduces the effectiveness of solar panels, they will still charge during the day, even during a storm.
Installation
Ornament spindle
The ornament spindle is a thin metal item that protrudes from the flagpole’s top. Install the solar flagpole light by pushing it down through the center hole and anchoring it with a flagpole ball or another flagpole topper.
Ground mounting
This is the simplest choice, yet it frequently produces unsatisfactory outcomes. The solar light is staked into the ground and directed up to illuminate the flag in this technique. Unfortunately, the flag will most likely not be illuminated unless the spotlight is quite intense.
Flagpole mounting
Solar light is mounted directly to the flagpole using brackets. The light will now point up toward the flag. Place the brackets along both sides of the flagpole and attach them to establish a tight grip.
