What are considered to be the major disadvantages associated with solar lighting?
First of all, by definition solar lights must have sun during the day to charge the batteries. The length of time that the lights stay on at night are in direct proportion to the amount of sun exposure during the day. Very simply, the better the sun exposure during the day the longer the lights stay on at night. See the bar chart at left that has been compiled to show what sort of on times you can expect in locations within the United States. Also it is important to realize that the fixtures need to be positioned so that the solar panel is exposed to the sun. Overhanging trees, shrubbery, your house, shadows, etc. are all potential limiting factors to optimum performance.
