While most homes, buildings, and businesses only display the American flag from sunrise to sunset, the U.S. Flag Code does state that you can keep your flag up through the night if it’s illuminated properly. (1)
Of course, running an electric light through the night can cause energy costs to soar. However, solar power can be an efficient solution. (2) Today, we’re going to take a look at the best solar flagpole lights that let you add some brightness to your yard in a convenient and cost-effective way.
Sunnytech 3rd Gen Black – Best Overall
Our best pick overall, this Sunnytech model delivers the brightest light, excellent solar power absorption, and upgraded electric circuits for longer use.
Quick Comparison of Our Top 13 Picks (For Those in a Hurry)
Not everyone has the time to sit and read our entire article: we get that. For those of you who are in a hurry, here’s a quick glance at our top 13 picks for the best solar flagpole lights.
- Sunnytech 3rd Gen Black – Best Overall: Our best pick overall, this Sunnytech model delivers the brightest light, excellent solar power absorption, and upgraded electric circuits for longer use.
- Sunnytech 3rd Gen White – Budget Pick: The Sunnytech 3rd Gen White model is our budget pick, due to its affordable price coupled with enhanced solar batteries and improved waterproof protection.
- Flag Poles and More Flag Pole Kit: A comprehensive package that includes super-bright, LED, solar-powered bulbs, a pro-grade aluminum, and stainless steel mounts, and a nylon American flag, this is our choice for the best clamping flagpole kit.
- Solar Light Mart Store Mini 120X: With 160-240 lumens, a high-power, 3,000K warm white bulb, and a specialized magnifier lens, the Solar Light Mart Store Mini is our choice for best light coverage.
- Solar Light Mart Store Alpha 180X: Coming in as our choice for best multipurpose lighting, we love that you can choose from high, normal, or low power, along with longer battery life and optimal area coverage for various outdoor lighting needs.
- Hoont 20 LED: This Hoont model comes fully equipped with a night sensor, auto on and off settings, and a set of 20 bright LED bulbs.
- Solar Illumination FL06: Along with this light being heavy-duty, waterproof, and adjustable, it also comes with a one year warranty and a lifetime of unlimited technical support.
- Deneve Store Deluxe: The Deneve Store Deluxe flagpole light offers beautiful illumination, an intense, white color, and a wide range of light coverage.
- Totobay 76 LED: This powerful flagpole light comes well-equipped with 11 effective solar panels, a 2,200 mAh capacity rechargeable battery, and a waterproof design for 8 to 10 hours of illumination.
- Deneve Store Standard: This elegant ring of lights comes with the choice of a gold or silver ornament spindle, it’s easy to install, and it features an intuitive sensor to turn on automatically when it gets dark.
- ZIOTI 128 LED: With a strong set of 128 LED lights, this ZIOTI model is well-suited for most 15 to 25-foot flagpoles, offers 100% coverages, and features 2 brightness modes.
- LBell 30 LED: Thanks to a powerful battery, upgraded solar panels, and automatic on/off options, the LBell flagpole light ensures your flag stays lit and highlighted all night long.
- LAFEINA 26 LED: 26 LED lights illuminate your flags on 15 to 25-foot flagpoles for nighttime lighting, with waterproof and heatproof specifications.
Solar Flagpole Light Reviews
Product | Name | Details | |
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Sunnytech 3rd Gen Black |
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View Today’s Price | |
Sunnytech 3rd Gen White |
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View Today’s Price | |
Flag Poles and More Flag Pole Kit |
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View Today’s Price | |
Solar Light Mart Store Mini 120X |
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View Today’s Price | |
Solar Light Mart Store Alpha 180X |
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View Today’s Price | |
Hoont 20 LED |
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View Today’s Price | |
Solar Illumination FL06 |
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View Today’s Price | |
Deneve Store Deluxe |
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View Today’s Price | |
Totobay 76 LED |
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View Today’s Price | |
Deneve Store Standard |
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View Today’s Price | |
ZIOTI 128 LED |
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View Today’s Price | |
LBell 30 LED |
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View Today’s Price | |
LAFEINA 26 LED |
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View Today’s Price |
Now that we’ve highlighted each of our top recommendations, we can move onto our full-fledged best flagpole light reviews. Let’s take a closer look at each of these products so you can make a fully-informed buying decision.
1. Sunnytech 3rd Gen Black – Best Overall
Specifications
1300 Lumens
- 4500mA Battery Capacity
- 18 hours of power
- Item Weight: 1.25 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 10.4 x 10.4 x 2 inches
The Sunnytech 3rd Gen Black flagpole light is our number one choice for best overall. Not only is it easy to use, but it is the brightest flagpole light and the best commercial flagpole light we could find in our research.
Sunnytech has reached new heights with its 3rd generation upgrades. From their solar batteries to their electric circuits and finally, to their bigger and brighter bulbs, seemingly everything about this product has received notable and effective improvements from previous models.
Plus, this flagpole light also redesigned its saucer shape so that it not only delivers better light coverage, but it simply looks nicer on your flag’s pole.
The system is completely waterproof, giving you the confidence that you need to ensure it’ll last a long time.
Its longer lifespan will guarantee that you get your money’s worth, while the 1,300-lumen lights surpass dimmer models.
The 4,500mA rechargeable battery offers up to 18 hours of power, depending on light absorption, and it’s suitable for most standard flagpoles.
2. Sunnytech 3rd Gen White – Budget Pick
Specifications
8.5 Lumens
- 4500mAh Battery Capacity
- 18 Hours of Power
- Item Weight: 1.1 pounds
In the technology sector, budget is often synonymous with low-quality. That couldn’t be farther from the truth with the Sunnytech 3rd Gen White solar powered flagpole light. This budget pick offers all of the upgrades that the 3rd Gen Black model delivers for a price that doesn’t drain your wallet.
Like its black counterpart, the white model features upgraded saucer design, better light coverage, improved solar batteries and panels, and longer-lasting electrical life. Even the waterproof system provides the same trustworthy care as more expensive models.
With this Sunnytech product, you get 1,300 lumens of light, 20% more light coverage area, and up to 18 hours of power. The elegant shape doesn’t disturb the majestic display of your flag, and the flame-retardant plastic holds up well in the heat.
Thousands of reviewers agree: this light holds up for a long time and is completely user-friendly. We’ve also found that the consensus is that the light isn’t so bright that it disturbs a peaceful night, but it offers a beautiful accent to a yard.
3. Flag Poles and More Flag Pole Light Kit
Specifications
2000mAh Lithium Ion Battery
- 12 pcs LEDs
- 72 Lumens
From Flag Poles and More, we have our choice for the best clamping kit—meaning the kit uses a series of clamps to install the lights and solar panels on the flagpole. This comprehensive setup includes 12 LED bulbs, which offer 72 lumens each for full light coverage.
The rechargeable lithium battery includes 2,000 mAs and offers, on average, 6 to 12 hours of light on a full charge.
This kit is completely adjustable and works for most flagpoles, providing flexibility from 2 to 4 inches in diameter. The stainless steel mounting rings safety and effectively hold the solar lights, while the hose clamps adjust to keep the solar panel in position.
In addition to this well-made, pro-grade cast aluminum light, buyers also receive a 3’x5’ U.S. flag to hang with their system. The manufacturers promise a 25’x6’ cone light projection, giving you ample illumination for flagpoles large or small.
Although this will certainly brighten up any flagpole, we do recommend mounting the system closer to your flag, as the tail-end of the lights won’t have as strong an illumination as the first several feet.
4. Solar Light Mart Store Mini 120X
Specifications
160-240 Lumens per fixture
- Color Temp: 3000k
- Material: Aluminum, Stainless Steel
- IP65 Waterproof Grade
Perhaps the greatest thing about the Solar Light Mart Store Mini 120X is its light coverage. We ranked this as our favorite for its lighting range because it offers a 45-degree wide angle, a spotlight-type fixture, and a specialized magnifier lens for improved output.
Buyers receive 160 to 240 lumens per light fixture, and with this product, you can purchase multiple light fixtures to suit your specific needs.
The setup includes a black-finished aluminum-framed solar panel that not only looks nice and sleek, but protects your system from damage. The 4-way solar panel rotation allows for movement and adjustments, ensuring your panel is exposed to the most sunlight possible for maximum power absorption.
For those who are not keen on the bright, white light that LED lights typically produce, this product is an excellent alternative. It boasts warm white instead, giving your flag a toned-down display for a softer touch.
You also have access to three brightness levels and a charge that runs from 5 to as long as 15 hours, depending on the seasons and weather. It’s also suitable for flagpoles as narrow as 2 inches and as wide as 5.5 inches with easy adjustments.
5. Solar Light Mart Store Alpha 180X
Specifications
60-230 Lumens
- Working Time: 6-12 hours
- Color Temperature: 6000 Kelvin
Although this next option comes from the same manufacturers as the previous choice, we like it for a completely different reason. The Solar Light Mart Store Alpha 180X is an excellent multipurpose light. While many of the options on this list are well-suited only for flagpoles, this one can also be used on your yard, for uplight, and for downlighting.
The rectangular LED lightbox holds 35 bulbs with adjustable settings ranging from 60 to 230 lumens. With a long-lasting lithium battery, it can hold 6 to 12 hours of energy for overnight use.
The 60-degree beam helps this light be so effective and multifunctional, delivering a wide coverage area to effectively light a flag and other outdoor fixtures such as ornamental trees, plants, and pathways.
The product is made using tempered glass and cast iron, making it resistant to water, weather, and extreme temperatures. It truly is robust and long-lasting, making it a worthwhile purchase.
Installation is simple, as it comes with all of the materials you need to fit various pole materials, shapes, and sizes. High-tech yet simple, enjoy the automatic on/off lighting. It does work best when it’s as close as possible to the item it’s illuminating, though.
6. Hoont 20 LED
Specifications
Battery Capacity: 3 pieces of 200mAh
- 100 lumens
- 6 Solar Panels
The Hoont 20 LED flagpole light supports standup flagpoles reaching heights of 25 feet, allowing you to proudly display your flags both day and night. The solar power panel features six slots to absorb energy that delivers up to 8 hours of light.
The Hoont model is great because it’s super easy to install and use. It fits on standard size flagpole spindles, and can be topped off with an ornamental ball of your choosing—note, it does not include the ornament.
We love that you don’t need special tools—or any tools, for that matter—to install this. What we love even more is that it is so durable and can withstand all kinds of temperamental weather. Its small size won’t disrupt your display, but it will in fact highlight it!
7. Solar Illuminations FL06
Specifications
Brand:Solar Illuminations
- Finish Type: Painted
- Material:Metal
- Shade material: Glass
- Light Source type: LED
45 solar LED lights come together to make the Solar Illuminations FL06 flagpole light effective and beautiful. The nature of the two main components—i.e., the light and the solar panel—make this product highly versatile. You can mount them together on a flagpole, or you can set them up side by side on the ground. You can even mount them one over the other on a wall of your choosing.
This set is also super heavy duty, with innovative and reliable weatherproofing and aluminum, metal, and glass materials. The tilt of both the light and the panel is completely adjustable, so you can soak up all the sunlight and get the exact lighting you want and need.
All 45 of these lights illuminate up to 60 to 75 watts (270 lumens) with about 100,000 hours of lifetime use. This is an excellent choice for both permanent and temporary lighting solutions, and it certainly helps that the light’s on and off actions are automatic with the sun’s rising and setting.
8. Deneve Store Deluxe
Specifications
Weight: 1.25 lbs
- Number of Lights: 20
- Light Source: LED
- Adherent to US Flag Code: Yes
The Deneve Store Deluxe flagpole light offers a simple solution to an ethical problem. It’s well-suited for your average flagpole, ranging from 15 to 25 feet in height. It also fits poles as narrow as half an inch, broadening its inclusivity.
The long-lasting design is, of course, rechargeable. Or, you can also replace the batteries using AA if you so choose. It’s completely easy to install without the use of any tools or complicated instructions. In fact, all you have to do is thread the light’s hole over your pole’s shaft and tighten using your hands.
This Deneve model also delivers excellent light coverage—up to 20% more than your average flagpole light. The LEDs are considered extra-strength, and reviewers agree it adds a beautiful touch to their flags.
While the set does not include an ornamental ball or a flag, it does boast automatic on/off functionality. So, one convenience makes up for the loss of another. And research on its durability shows that it holds up well in bad weather—even hailstorms.
9. Totobay 76 LED
Specifications
Lumens: 800 lumens
- Battery Capacity: 2200 mAh
- Waterproof Level: IPX4
- Solar Panels: 11 Pcs
- Working Time: 8 – 10 hours
The 76 LED is the latest, upgraded version of the Totobay model, boasting super bright lights measuring in at a whopping 800 lumens. Even if this brightness seems like overkill to you, you have to option to change between its three different settings to suit your preferences.
The double-sided design offers a top set of 12 LED lights and a bottom set of 64 LED lights for excellent visibility. It also holds 11 solar panels with 2,200 mAh, meaning the rechargeable battery is super powerful and can shine light for as long as 8 to 10 hours.
The outer shell of this light features a waterproof design, so no need to worry about storms and rough weather. The light simply fits over standard flagpoles and even includes a hanging buckle for multipurpose use.
10. Deneve Store Standard
Specifications
Number of Lights: 73 LED Lights
- Lumens: 800 lumens
- Battery Capacity: 2200 mAh
- Waterproof Level: IPX4
- Working Time: 8 – 10 hours
Our second Deneve Store product on our list is their Standard Solar Flagpole Light. This downward facing light sits atop 15 to 25 foot flagpoles to shine down powerful light from above your flag, illuminating it for all to see.
The wide-angled light comes with your choice of a silver or gold ornamental ball. Not only is this nice for design purposes, but it’s a good feature considering most kits don’t come with an ornament.
Although it’s super easy to install this light, the product does come with its own YouTube tutorial that you can use for a little bit of extra help. (3)
The standard model does come with automatic on/off settings, as long as you turn it on initially. From there, it will automatically detect when it’s time to turn on and back off, saving you the hassle of doing it manually.
11. ZIOTI 128 LED
Specifications
Number of Lights: 128 LED Lights
- Battery Capacity: 2500 mAh
- Waterproof Level: IP67
- Solar Panels: 12 Pcs
- Working Time: 10 hours
With 128 LED lights and a 2500mAh solar panel, the ZIOTI flagpole light is no joke. This product delivers super bright lights for up to 10 hours at night, completely illuminating your flag for an excellent display.
It’s durable, and it certainly shows. With rave reviews and a promise of 150,000 hours of use, it’s no wonder this is a go-to product. The 12 panels collect energy, and the automatic on/off sensors control your light for you—no need to remember.
Installation is a breeze, and this light works with most standard flagpoles. Even if you run into some trouble, ZIOTI offers 24/7 customer service to fix any issues you might run into.
This light is also multipurpose, meaning you can use it on your flagpole and get a second one for elsewhere in your yard when you decide you love it—and we think you will.
12. LBell 30 LED
Specifications
Number of Lights: 30 LED Lights
- Battery Capacity: 2200 mAh
- Solar Panels: 12 Pcs
- Working Time: 10 hours
The LBell 30 LED solar flagpole light offers a clean and attractive look that pairs nicely with its high-functioning 30 LED lights. The on/off button allows for automatic lighting due to innovative sensors, and the button blends in for a discrete look.
The solar panel is a newer and more effective design, featuring bigger panels and more of them—11, to be exact. This allows the battery to accumulate an effective charge, storing enough energy to last throughout the night.
The pulley assembly system makes it easy to install, including a carabiner to hook your flag right into the top. It’s perfect for a half-inch rod and works well with your choice of ornament.
13. LAFEINA 26 LED
Specifications
Number of Lights: 26 LED Lights
- Lumens: 1300 lumens
- Item Weight: 14.1 ounces
The powerful 26 lights of this LAFEINA model serve their purpose well to illuminate your standup flagpole. It’s incredibly easy to use and install, with no need for complicated tools or directions.
The on/off button can be used manually, but with one touch you can set it to automatically sense the natural outdoor lighting and turn on with the sunset and off with sunrise. Then, it’s energy-efficient LED bulbs shine bright light without affecting your energy bill.
These bright solar lights boast 1,300 lumens, which is five times better than your average solar powered flagpole lights. This provides you with plenty of brightness, and you’ll likely be very satisfied with the final result.
This solar light is made for most standard flagpoles from 15 to 25 feet high, and it fits onto a half-inch thick rod. The wider circumference gives you excellent light coverage, and the company offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee to top it off.
Buyers’ Guide—Top 7 Tips: How to Choose the Best Solar Flagpole Light for You
If you’ve never bought a flagpole light before, choosing the best one can be a little tricky. After all, every company wants you to buy their product, so they’re going to push the features hard.
A little bit of research goes a long way, but we’ve made it easy on you by gathering all of the things you need to know right in one place. Read on to learn more about solar flagpole lights and what to look for in a high-quality product.
1. The more lumens, the better
When you think about the brightness of a lightbulb, your mind probably jumps straight to watts first. Don’t worry—you’re not alone.
We’re here to tell you that when you’re looking for a high-quality bulb that will provide sufficient lighting for your flag, you should focus on lumens rather than watts.
Watts measure energy, while lumens measure actual light output. So, at its basic definition, lumens measure the brightness of a bulb. (4) And, when it comes to lighting up your flagpole, brighter is better.
Your average household light bulb is probably somewhere around 40 watts. That’s equivalent to about 9 watts in terms of LED bulbs. And, both of these numbers equal 450 lumens.
Many of the solar lights on our list above feature lumen measurements far greater than 450 lumens, which is partly why we’ve recommended them. The more lumens, the better!
2. Look for wide-angle LEDs, for blanket-like flag coverage
First and foremost, you should be looking for a solar flagpole light that uses LED bulbs. LED bulbs are super energy efficient. They use a lower amount of electricity as other bulbs, yet they deliver the same light output. (5)
Take our example from the first guide point above. A typical fluorescent bulb at 40 watts and an LED bulb at 9 watts both top out the same number of lumens: 450. With an LED bulb, you get the same level of brightness with much less electricity and energy.
Beyond choosing an LED bulb, you should also aim for a bulb that delivers a wide-angle, as that will better disperse the light and fully illuminate your flag for blanket-like coverage. Narrow LED lights are better for things like car headlights, which need a longer range. Wide-angle LEDs offer more dispersed light. (6)
3. Look for a larger battery capacity
Solar power in and of itself is great, but you have to have good battery capacity in order to effectively store and use this power over time. Many of the solar lights on our product list today feature batteries that last as long as 8 to 10 hours, which is important for keeping your flagpole illuminated from sundown to sunup.
The most common type of battery you will find in your solar flagpole lights are lead-acid and lithium. Lead-acid is the most cost-effective, while lithium has a longer lifespan for a higher price. (7)
On average, a quality solar battery has a capacity of about 10 kilowatt-hours per day. Considering it would take only three of these batteries to power a U.S. household, we’d say that’s a solid bet for your flagpole.
4. Look for weatherproof models
When you’re buying solar equipment, it’s always great to double-check for weatherproof guarantees. Depending on where you live your solar flagpole light might have to withstand—rain, snow, ice, or extreme heat so it’s crucial to keep this in mind before you buy one.
5. Consider the height of your flagpole
The height of your flagpole plays right into the power of your light. A lot of flagpole lights promise to light up poles that are 15 to 25 feet tall. If your flagpole surpasses that height range, you may need to consider more powerful solar lights or an alternative method.
Make sure to double-check the lumens and range of the light you are considering. If the solar light isn’t strong enough, you will end up with a poorly, half-lit flag rather than a fully illuminated display.
6. Consider the angle of your flagpole
Your flagpole likely sits in one of two ways — either it is posted straight up and down into the ground, or it is fixated to the side of your house using a flagpole holder.
When your flagpole is standing straight up and down, it’s typically easier to illuminate it using both a clamping system and an ornament ball at the top. However, you may run into a little more difficulty with a flag that is attached on an angle to your home or building.
Luckily, many of the best solar flagpole lights are highly adjustable, allowing you to place and move them so that they best capture your flag in all of its glory. We recommend selecting a light that lets you do this so you don’t have to worry about it not looking or functioning well.
7. Find the best deal for you
Budget is something that always comes into play when you are considering any type of purchase. Some solar flagpole lights certainly boast affordable prices, while others may be a little steeper.
When you’re setting your budget, you need to first take into consideration your flagpole’s needs. Paying a little more for quality specifications upfront can save you money down the line while paying for cheap manufacturing can lead to additional purchases and repairs later on.
Of course, we never recommend spending beyond your means. Think about what is truly necessary and what you can afford before you invest in a new solar flagpole light.
For more DIY outdoor lighting ideas without the need for electricity, like solar flag pole lights, you can read more here.
FAQs
We understand that buying a new solar flagpole light can naturally bring up a few questions. Take heart in knowing that you’re not alone; many savvy-shoppers ask similar questions when looking for a solar flagpole light, so we’ve put together a few of the most common ones below.
FAQs
How many lumens do I need for a flagpole?
In order to properly light up your flagpole and respectfully highlight your flag, you should aim for a solar light that boasts at least 7 watts or 300 lumens of power. It’s more important that you pay attention to the lumens over the watts, as lumens will tell you how bright the light is. (8) The more lumens a bulb has, the brighter the solar light will be.
Of course, 300 lumens is simply a minimum; many of the products we’ve talked about today offer much more than 300 lumens in brightness.
How do you install a solar flagpole light?
Your solar flagpole light likely comes in two installation styles — a clamping system or an ornament ball. Thus, your installation process will look different for each of these styles.
A clamp system works by using the included kit pieces to clamp the light and the solar panel to the bottom half of your flagpole. You can usually easily adjust this as needed to achieve the light range and coverage you prefer.
An ornament ball light goes at the very top of your flagpole, rather than towards the bottom. Basically, you simply need to place the solar light on top of your pole and screw the disk into place. Some kits come with the ornament ball, which screws into place on top of the light, while others do not.
What is the best solar flagpole light?
The best solar flagpole light will include most, if not all, of the features we discussed above in our Buyers’ Guide. Those seven specifications are the most critical components to a solar flagpole light, including things like lumens, wide angles, and battery capacities.
As you’ve already seen through our quick comparison and our fleshed-out reviews, we certainly think the Sunnytech 3rd Gen Black is the best overall choice. We’ll conclude with more specifics on why we think you should choose this option.
The Bottom Line: What is the Best Solar Flagpole Light of 2021 to Buy Today?
Now that you’ve seen our top solar flagpole lights of 2021 out of thousands of models fighting for your attention, all that’s left is to find the right model for you, your budget, and your unique needs.
If you’re not quite sure which one to go with, we highly-recommend our top overall choice, the Sunnytech 3rd Gen Black Flagpole Light.
There are tons of reasons why this Sunnytech model was our best overall choice. It is by far the brightest solar flagpole light on the commercial market that we got to research.
Plus, everything about this unit has been improved, from its bulbs and electric circuits to its visual design and solar batteries. It’s simple yet reliable, and it gets the job done. If you’re looking to buy a top-rated solar flagpole light today, it’s hard to go wrong with the Sunnytech 3rd Gen.
Want more highly-reviewed solar lights to help illuminate your home, neighborhood, church, or anywhere that could use more sustainable light sources? If so, check out our top-rated solar-powered gutter lights, or our homepage with our full list of can’t-miss solar products the year has to offer.
References
- American Flag Display FAQ | The American Legion. Retrieved from: https://www.legion.org/flag/faq
- Solar Energy Basics | NREL. Retrieved from: https://www.nrel.gov/research/re-solar.html
- The Best Solar Flag Pole Light in the USA! Only from Deneve – YouTube. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5zZeDPIMkI
- What Are Lumens? Lumens Chart, Definition & Light Bulb Facts at Lumens.com. Retrieved from: https://www.lumens.com/how-tos-and-advice/light-bulb-facts.html
- Why LED ? | Integral LED. Retrieved from: https://integral-led.com/education/why-led
- Narrow vs Wide Angle LEDs, What’s the difference?. Retrieved from: https://www.signal-tech.com/information-center/news-and-articles/83-Narrow-vs-Wide-Angle-LEDs-Whats-the-difference
- What is the Best Battery for Solar Storage? | EnergySage. Retrieved from: https://www.energysage.com/solar/solar-energy-storage/what-are-the-best-batteries-for-solar-panels/
- Lumens and the Lighting Facts Label | Department of Energy. Retrieved from: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/save-electricity-and-fuel/lighting-choices-save-you-money/lumens-and-lighting-facts