This shows how much potential there is to harness and use this FREE energy source.

Solar energy can be used in numerous ways, and for domestic users there are countless possibilities for use as a design feature for the house and garden.

Solar lights harness this free energy to provide attractive and practical garden lighting.

THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON SOLAR LIGHTS - ANSWERED!

1. How does it work?

The heat and light from the sun is transformed into electrical energy via a solar panel. This is then used to charge a NiCad rechargeable battery pack, which provides the power to illuminate the light.

2. Does it need direct sunlight?

No! Ordinary daylight is all that's required, as long as the light is placed so that the solar panel is not obscured in any way, such as under hedges or under a roof overhang.

3. How easy is it to install?

Couldn't be easier! Just unpack, follow the simple assembly instructions, place in the ground and switch on! There are no wires or cables to lay, so you can move the light around the garden as you wish. Totally safe to use around ponds as it is low voltage. No live cables to become a hazard. The light switches on automatically at dusk and off at dawn.

4. How long does it stay on for?

The range of Wagner Solar lights covers all types of applications - please view a particular light for details. As a general rule solar lighting performs best during the summer months - mainly because the longer days enable a full charge to be achieved. Adverse weather and short winter days do affect performance, as charge times are reduced in relation to hours of daylight and the strength of the light. Your solar light will always come on, but the length of time may be reduced.

5. What is the life span of a solar light?

NiCad batteries work best and last longest if fully charged and completely discharged on a regular basis. This happens automatically with solar lights, so longevity is maximised. As the units are designed to work out of doors the chances of bulb or tube failure through over-heating are minimised, and the new high-power LED lights have been tested to 11,000 hours. All replacement bulbs and batteries are readily available from Wagner.

6. Is it weatherproof?

Solar lights are designed to be outside all year, in all weather conditions. They can be stored indoors during winter as long as they are fully discharged and kept in a dark place. When positioning out of doors again, follow the start procedure in the manual.

7. What types are there?

There are many types to suit various requirements. Soft-glow 'Markers' to indicate drives, steps and hazards. 'Accent' lights to give a warm complementary illumination for garden features such as boarders, flowerbeds, rockeries and ponds. Halogen bulb and fluorescent tube lights to provide bright lighting for darker areas.

8. Does it require any maintenance?

Only an occasional wipe to ensure optimum performance of the solar panel.

9. How long is the guarantee?

The majority of Wagner's lights have a 2 Year guarantee, though a few of the earlier designs have 1 Year.

10. What other benefits are there?