How Solar lanterns and Torches really work

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Posted by on Tuesday May 6, 2014 at 14:56:40:

Lanterns and torches are things we normally make use of in order to shine light in a dark environment. They are normally useful in providing light when there is darkness and this could be during a blackout or in the night.

Lanterns and torches are electronic devices that normally make use of an electronic bulb connected to a power source(normally a battery) that lights up when powered on. A lantern is designed to give light to a whole space within its coverage circle while a torch is normally designed to focus light on where it is pointed. A lantern normally has a moveable handle which which it is carried while a torch has a rigid base where it is held.

In the past, the technology with which these light giving devices were created ensured that the light bulbs are connected to batteries(rechargeable or non-rechargeable) that can power them even when there is no light.

They either have to be recharged first before use or powered directly by Alkaline batteries which end up getting depleted after a while.

With the advent of Solar energy, solar panels and devices have become a popular product in the markets especially in markets of developed nations who have are investing heavily in alternative and greener sources of energy.

Solar lanterns and torches are some of those products that have been made as a result of the need to go green and tap cheaper energy from the sun. With a Solar light bringing device, one just needs to ensure that enough energy is generated and stored from the sun by means of solar panels and then be used when needed.

How do these Solar devices really work? Well they work in basically the same way solar systems work. A solar lantern or torch receives energy from the sun through it's solar cells and converts this to electrical energy which can then be used to recharge its internal battery. There would be a light indicator showing how well the internal battery has been charged and they would also be a sort of control mechanism that prevents the battery from overcharging. During the night or when it is needed, the Solar lantern can then be used as a light source.

Solar energy > Solar cells > Electrons > Recharges battery > Stored Energy > Powers light bulb when needed

So when the solar energy falls on a lantern's solar cell, it creates electricity by the movement of electrons which is then used to recharge the internal battery that can then be used to power a light bulb when light is needed in an environment.





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