> Quick answer: Wide-angle solar lamp lenses achieve high total luminaire efficiency up to 91% through integrated refractive and reflective optics [4][19]. Beam patterns span over 270 degrees, covering asymmetric areas of up to 23m diameter. Effective illuminated area depends on lens design and intensity distribution, but specific data at exact heights is limited.
Wide-angle solar lamps are a versatile lighting solution for both residential and commercial use in Romania. Understanding their optical efficiency and beam patterns can help you choose the right lamp for your needs. This article delves into how these lamps achieve high efficiency and how they illuminate different areas based on height.
Optical Efficiency and Beam Pattern
Optical efficiency is a critical factor in determining the performance of solar lamps, especially with wide-angle lenses. One embodiment reports a total luminaire efficiency of 91%, significantly higher than typical commercially available CFL fixtures (65%–78%) and even surpassing the highest published efficiency of 84% [4][19]. This high efficiency is achieved through advanced optical designs that incorporate reflective and refractive elements.
Regarding beam pattern, wide-angle solar lamps span an arc substantially greater than 270 degrees from the LED’s optical axis, indicating near hemispherical coverage. One patent describes a light distribution spanning over 270 degrees [6]. Another source mentions a wide viewing angle project-image that moves around a 60-degree circular range [11][21], suggesting that individual lens elements can cover discrete angular segments.
Integrated Refractive and Reflective Optics
The integration of refractive and reflective optics enhances light manipulation without significant loss. For example, diamond-cut lenses with both convex refractive surfaces and flat reflective inner surfaces allow for enhanced beam spreading and image projection [1][5]. This dual-function design enables the same fixture to serve multiple purposes.
Effective Illuminated Area at Different Heights
The effective illuminated area of wide-angle solar lamps is highly dependent on lens design and intensity distribution. At 2m height, a lopsided elliptical pattern with a first outer diameter of 19.5 meters and a second of 20 meters provides light intensity ranging from 10 to 20 lux [24]. At 5m height, the coverage expands with a fourth portion of the pattern having a first outer diameter of 23 meters and a second of 20 meters, but the illuminance per unit area decreases significantly due to the inverse square law.
Beam Patterns at Different Heights
| Height (m) | Outer Diameter 1 (m) | Outer Diameter 2 (m) | Light Intensity (lux) |
|––––|–––––––-|–––––––-|––––––––|
| 2 | 19.5 | 20 | 10-20 |
| 5 | 23 | 20 | 10-20 |
Key Takeaways
- Wide-angle solar lamps achieve high optical efficiency up to 91% through advanced optical designs.
- Beam patterns span over 270 degrees, covering asymmetric areas of up to 23m diameter.
- The effective illuminated area depends on lens design and intensity distribution, expanding with height but decreasing in illuminance per unit area.
Frequently Asked Questions
[
{
„q”: „What is the optical efficiency of wide-angle solar lamps?”,
„a”: „Wide-angle solar lamps achieve a total luminaire efficiency of up to 91%, surpassing typical commercially available CFL fixtures (65%–78%) [4][19].”
},
{
„q”: „How does the beam pattern span in wide-angle solar lamps?”,
„a”: „Beam patterns cover an arc substantially greater than 270 degrees, providing near hemispherical coverage and wide viewing angles [6][11][21].”
},
{
„q”: „What is the effective illuminated area at different heights?”,
„a”: „At 2m height, the illuminated area spans up to 20 meters in diameter with an intensity of 10-20 lux. At 5m height, it expands to a maximum of 23 meters but decreases in illuminance due to the inverse square law [24].”
}
]
References
- [1] US11079080B2_-_LED_light_has_image_andor_patterns_projection__e7e0ca98 — patent
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other direction depend on the input angle of light-beam similar with prism lens FIG. 35 (352). The diamond-cut top sphere 2nd optic-lens (5113) outside ball type so the outside is round (5113) and inner is flat (5112) surface so it become the convex lens (5013) so the 2nd optics lens for diamond-cut unit which also has plurality of the tiny convex-lens which offer the refractive optic-properties. This embodiment clear explain the diamond-cut 2nd optics-lens (497) (509) (5011) has both refractive (5113) or-and reflective (5112) optics properties in one top cover or top-lens to make the inner 1st optics-lens (5011) or prism lens FIG. 35 (352) came out light-beam to make more refraction and-or reflection to get splendid light effects. From FIG. 52 the outdoor light has the movement device here is the motor (522) which install on the outdoor light base (521) and top has installed the more than one LED (525). The motor has axis (526) which passing through the LED (525) PCB board and can assembled with the current invention 3 basic-parts of project-assembly. The base (521) has AC power source connector as above 4 selection and here use the bulb-base to get AC power source. From FIG. 53 the outdoor light as the FIG. 52 which has the AC connector by plug (5313) and wire (5314) to get AC power. The inner side of base has motor (5311) and circuit (5310) to connect by conductive wire (5312) on the base (539). From FIGS. 55, 56, 57 show the 1st optics-lens for different types such as rot
- [4] CA2855729A1_-_Light_reflector_cone_-_Google_Patents__59910ead — patent
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shown by the test data in FIG 5A, the total luminaire efficiency was 91%. Typical higher end commercially available fixtures designed for the same CFL may have approximate average efficiencies in the range of 65% to 78%, with the highest published efficiency found by the Applicant being 84%. Embodiments of the disclosed technology represent a significant increase in the total luminaire efficiency. The spacing criterion indicates 0.92, which is relatively narrow when compared to typical fixtures with CFLs that may have much wider beam angles that may give spacing criterion of approximately 1.3 to approximately 2. FIG 5B shows the experimentally obtained Candela distribution data of an example embodiment. The maximum brightness is 1513 candelas, which represents an approximate 100% increase compared to the previously mentioned commercially available light fixture with the highest published efficiency. According to certain example implementation of the disclosed technology, the orientation of the prism row features may be chosen based on the requirements of the intended application. For example, if the prism rows are aligned similar to that shown in FIG 2F when flat, then the resultant prism row alignment when formed into the cone shape may be relatively vertical. This alignment may give a more narrow light distribution for the reflector. In an example implementation, if the prism rows are aligned similar to that shown in FIG 2F-2 when flat, then the resultant prism row alignmen
- [5] US11079080B2_-_LED_light_has_image_andor_patterns_projection__e7e0ca98 — patent
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go through the top geometric or dome or half ball or at least half ball or flat cover or-and project-lens, and create or magnify the said image or-and lighted patterns enlarge to desired size to be seen. The LED(s) light beam passing through the image-forming-unit(s) which may (1) LED light beam 1st go through texture lens and go through 2nd refractive or-and project lens or (2) LED light beam 1st go through a slide or film or opening or window or stencil and go through 2nd refractive properties project lens to enlarge the arts or image, or-and (3) LED light beam pt go through the image-forming-unit(s) and go through the 2nd refractive project lens and 3rd go through a protective or environment light passing through lens or cover; All these embodiment are just for few simple arrangement which may has desired combinations or assortment while use different LED light source, different image-forming unit(s), different refractive-lens in number, color, texture, image, so N type of LED×M-Type of image forming unit×P-type refractive lens can get N×M×P number of assortment(s) or combination(s) to get hundreds of different light show outdoor project lightings and each has different light performance, show. Hereof, show some possible different type for each of LED, Image forming units, refractive lens as below; – – (i) LED or LED assembly have different number or color or assembly of LED(s), or – (ii) The image or lighted-patterns or texture lens have different number of lens or image
- [6] US9494297B1_-_Solar-powered_LED_module_and_lighting_fixtures__76c7bd5c — patent
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is entirely below a horizontal plane. – the desired light distribution spans an arc substantially greater than 270 degrees from the optical axis of the at least one light-emitting diode. – a variable optic lens includes a plurality of integral optical elements comprising an inner optical surface and an outer optical surface, wherein the inner optical surface is comprised of at least one refracting facet and at least one internally reflecting facet, and the outer optical surface is comprised of a substantially curvilinear refracting surface. – the integral optical elements are capable of directing light from an upward facing light-emitting diode into a light distribution that is entirely below a horizontal plane. – the desired light distribution spans an arc substantially greater than 270 degrees from the optical axis of the at least one light-emitting diode. – the outer optical surface mimics the contours of a traditional light source. – an improved solar-powered LED lighting fixture provides substantial increases in the apparent light output and battery life compared to the prior art solar-powered LED-based lighting fixtures through a wide range of operating conditions by optimizing battery charging and discharging cycles. – the solar panels are integrated into the lamp fixture in an aesthetically pleasing manner and incorporate optical features that create a unique lit appearance from other LED lighting fixtures. – the lighting fixture can continually communicate its operat
- [11] US10563823B2_-_LED_or-and_laser_bulb_-_Google_Patents__63bb8edf — patent
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wide viewing angle project-image will move se around 60 degree for circle range while the top project-lens-assembly each single project lens takes 60 degree, then the big project image traveling will be around 60 degree. It is appreciated any (i) different spacing for plurality of small project-lens and (ii) this embodiment is not limited for LED bulb application only it also cover the all LED outdoor light, or LED garden light, or LED seasonal light, or LED projection light, or LED patio light string, LED seasonal string light with AC-plug wire with built-in or outside switch or sensor or control the said color, brightness, selected function, change function, selected hi/low brightness, dimmable switch for desired light function, light performance; still fall within the current invention scope and claim covered. The said LEDs (501-1) has narrow viewing angle so may have optional optic-lens added like FIG. 5B (502-2) to let the narrow light beam become wider viewing angle light beams or add the distance from the LED top to the image-carries but it will be loose some light brightness. While the LEDs light beam emits to top the said image carrier (502-1) through the image carrier's (502-1) openings, printed windows, stencils, cutouts, films, slide, display-units or changeable image or display, the said lighted shaped or tiny-image light beam will emit to top single optical-lens (503-1) fixed on the said frame (5F) of the said projection-lens-assembly (503D). The wider viewing a
- [19] CA2855729A1_-_Light_reflector_cone_-_Google_Patents__59910ead — patent
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efficiency was 91%. Typical higher end commercially available fixtures designed for the same CFL may have approximate average efficiencies in the range of 65% to 78%, with the highest published efficiency found by the Applicant being 84%. Embodiments of the disclosed technology represent a significant increase in the total luminaire efficiency. The spacing criterion indicates 0.92, which is relatively narrow when compared to typical fixtures with CFLs that may have much wider beam angles that may give spacing criterion of approximately 1.3 to approximately 2. FIG 5B shows the experimentally obtained Candela distribution data of an example embodiment. The maximum brightness is 1513 candelas, which represents an approximate 100% increase compared to the previously mentioned commercially available light fixture with the highest published efficiency. According to certain example implementation of the disclosed technology, the orientation of the prism row features may be chosen based on the requirements of the intended application. For example, if the prism rows are aligned similar to that shown in FIG 2F when flat, then the resultant prism row alignment when formed into the cone shape may be relatively vertical. This alignment may give a more narrow light distribution for the reflector. In an example implementation, if the prism rows are aligned similar to that shown in FIG 2F-2 when flat, then the resultant prism row alignment when formed into the cone shape may be relatively ho
- [21] US10563823B2_-_LED_or-and_laser_bulb_-_Google_Patents__63bb8edf — patent
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single optic-lens ( 503 – 1 ) almost cover the 60 degree of the said frame ( 5 F). So, the wide viewing angle project-image will move se around 60 degree for circle range while the top project-lens-assembly each single project lens takes 60 degree, then the big project image traveling will be around 60 degree. – any (i) different spacing for plurality of small project-lens and (ii) this embodiment is not limited for LED bulb application only it also cover the all LED outdoor light, or LED garden light, or LED seasonal light, or LED projection light, or LED patio light string, LED seasonal string light with AC-plug wire with built-in or outside switch or sensor or control the said color, brightness, selected function, change function, selected hi/low brightness, dimmable switch for desired light function, light performance; still fall within the current invention scope and claim covered. – the said LEDs ( 501 – 1 ) has narrow viewing angle so may have optional optic-lens added like FIG. 5B ( 502 – 2 ) to let the narrow light beam become wider viewing angle light beams or add the distance from the LED top to the image-carries but it will be loose some light brightness. – the said lighted shaped or tiny-image light beam will emit to top single optical-lens ( 503 – 1 ) fixed on the said frame ( 5 F) of the said projection-lens-assembly ( 503 D). – the wider viewing angle the said shaped or tiny-image light beam goes through the said each single optics-lens ( 503 – 1 ) and form th
- [24] US7988320B2_-_Lighting_device_having_adjustable_solar_panel_bracket__b7477582 — patent
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fifteen meters (15 m) and a second outer diameter of approximately twelve meters (12 m), wherein an intensity of the light emitted from the light source 104 is approximately twenty to thirty lux (20-30 lux). A third portion of the illumination pattern can have a lopsided elliptical shape surrounding the second portion with a first outer diameter of approximately nineteen and one-half meters (19.5 m) and a second outer diameter of approximately twenty meters (20 m), wherein an intensity of the light emitted from the light source 104 is approximately ten to twenty lux (10-20 lux). A forth portion of the illumination pattern can have a lopsided elliptical shape surrounding the third portion with a first outer diameter of approximately twenty three meters (23 m) and a second outer diameter of approximately thirty meters (30 m), wherein an intensity of the light emitted from the light source 104 is approximately five to ten lux (5-10 lux). The illumination pattern can be altered by the type of light source 104, the design of the light source (e.g., the shape of the aperture 122, a filter, etc.), the angle of the arm 116 extending from the elongated member 112, the amount of electrical power supplied to the light source 104 from the energy storage device 128, which can be controlled by hardware circuitry and/or one or more executable software routines, a state of charge of the energy storage device 128, the like, or a combination thereof. According to one embodiment, the intensity
other direction depend on the input angle of light-beam similar with prism lens FIG. 35 (352). The diamond-cut top sphere 2nd optic-lens (5113) outside ball type so the outside is round (5113) and inner is flat (5112) surface so it become the convex lens (5013) so the 2nd optics lens for diamond-cut unit which also has plurality of the tiny convex-lens which offer the refractive optic-properties. This embodiment clear explain the diamond-cut 2nd optics-lens (497) (509) (5011) has both refractive (5113) or-and reflective (5112) optics properties in one top cover or top-lens to make the inner 1st optics-lens (5011) or prism lens FIG. 35 (352) came out light-beam to make more refraction and-or reflection to get splendid light effects. From FIG. 52 the outdoor light has the movement device here is the motor (522) which install on the outdoor light base (521) and top has installed the more than one LED (525). The motor has axis (526) which passing through the LED (525) PCB board and can assembled with the current invention 3 basic-parts of project-assembly. The base (521) has AC power source connector as above 4 selection and here use the bulb-base to get AC power source. From FIG. 53 the outdoor light as the FIG. 52 which has the AC connector by plug (5313) and wire (5314) to get AC power. The inner side of base has motor (5311) and circuit (5310) to connect by conductive wire (5312) on the base (539). From FIGS. 55, 56, 57 show the 1st optics-lens for different types such as rot
shown by the test data in FIG 5A, the total luminaire efficiency was 91%. Typical higher end commercially available fixtures designed for the same CFL may have approximate average efficiencies in the range of 65% to 78%, with the highest published efficiency found by the Applicant being 84%. Embodiments of the disclosed technology represent a significant increase in the total luminaire efficiency. The spacing criterion indicates 0.92, which is relatively narrow when compared to typical fixtures with CFLs that may have much wider beam angles that may give spacing criterion of approximately 1.3 to approximately 2. FIG 5B shows the experimentally obtained Candela distribution data of an example embodiment. The maximum brightness is 1513 candelas, which represents an approximate 100% increase compared to the previously mentioned commercially available light fixture with the highest published efficiency. According to certain example implementation of the disclosed technology, the orientation of the prism row features may be chosen based on the requirements of the intended application. For example, if the prism rows are aligned similar to that shown in FIG 2F when flat, then the resultant prism row alignment when formed into the cone shape may be relatively vertical. This alignment may give a more narrow light distribution for the reflector. In an example implementation, if the prism rows are aligned similar to that shown in FIG 2F-2 when flat, then the resultant prism row alignmen
go through the top geometric or dome or half ball or at least half ball or flat cover or-and project-lens, and create or magnify the said image or-and lighted patterns enlarge to desired size to be seen. The LED(s) light beam passing through the image-forming-unit(s) which may (1) LED light beam 1st go through texture lens and go through 2nd refractive or-and project lens or (2) LED light beam 1st go through a slide or film or opening or window or stencil and go through 2nd refractive properties project lens to enlarge the arts or image, or-and (3) LED light beam pt go through the image-forming-unit(s) and go through the 2nd refractive project lens and 3rd go through a protective or environment light passing through lens or cover; All these embodiment are just for few simple arrangement which may has desired combinations or assortment while use different LED light source, different image-forming unit(s), different refractive-lens in number, color, texture, image, so N type of LED×M-Type of image forming unit×P-type refractive lens can get N×M×P number of assortment(s) or combination(s) to get hundreds of different light show outdoor project lightings and each has different light performance, show. Hereof, show some possible different type for each of LED, Image forming units, refractive lens as below; – – (i) LED or LED assembly have different number or color or assembly of LED(s), or – (ii) The image or lighted-patterns or texture lens have different number of lens or image
is entirely below a horizontal plane. – the desired light distribution spans an arc substantially greater than 270 degrees from the optical axis of the at least one light-emitting diode. – a variable optic lens includes a plurality of integral optical elements comprising an inner optical surface and an outer optical surface, wherein the inner optical surface is comprised of at least one refracting facet and at least one internally reflecting facet, and the outer optical surface is comprised of a substantially curvilinear refracting surface. – the integral optical elements are capable of directing light from an upward facing light-emitting diode into a light distribution that is entirely below a horizontal plane. – the desired light distribution spans an arc substantially greater than 270 degrees from the optical axis of the at least one light-emitting diode. – the outer optical surface mimics the contours of a traditional light source. – an improved solar-powered LED lighting fixture provides substantial increases in the apparent light output and battery life compared to the prior art solar-powered LED-based lighting fixtures through a wide range of operating conditions by optimizing battery charging and discharging cycles. – the solar panels are integrated into the lamp fixture in an aesthetically pleasing manner and incorporate optical features that create a unique lit appearance from other LED lighting fixtures. – the lighting fixture can continually communicate its operat
wide viewing angle project-image will move se around 60 degree for circle range while the top project-lens-assembly each single project lens takes 60 degree, then the big project image traveling will be around 60 degree. It is appreciated any (i) different spacing for plurality of small project-lens and (ii) this embodiment is not limited for LED bulb application only it also cover the all LED outdoor light, or LED garden light, or LED seasonal light, or LED projection light, or LED patio light string, LED seasonal string light with AC-plug wire with built-in or outside switch or sensor or control the said color, brightness, selected function, change function, selected hi/low brightness, dimmable switch for desired light function, light performance; still fall within the current invention scope and claim covered. The said LEDs (501-1) has narrow viewing angle so may have optional optic-lens added like FIG. 5B (502-2) to let the narrow light beam become wider viewing angle light beams or add the distance from the LED top to the image-carries but it will be loose some light brightness. While the LEDs light beam emits to top the said image carrier (502-1) through the image carrier's (502-1) openings, printed windows, stencils, cutouts, films, slide, display-units or changeable image or display, the said lighted shaped or tiny-image light beam will emit to top single optical-lens (503-1) fixed on the said frame (5F) of the said projection-lens-assembly (503D). The wider viewing a
efficiency was 91%. Typical higher end commercially available fixtures designed for the same CFL may have approximate average efficiencies in the range of 65% to 78%, with the highest published efficiency found by the Applicant being 84%. Embodiments of the disclosed technology represent a significant increase in the total luminaire efficiency. The spacing criterion indicates 0.92, which is relatively narrow when compared to typical fixtures with CFLs that may have much wider beam angles that may give spacing criterion of approximately 1.3 to approximately 2. FIG 5B shows the experimentally obtained Candela distribution data of an example embodiment. The maximum brightness is 1513 candelas, which represents an approximate 100% increase compared to the previously mentioned commercially available light fixture with the highest published efficiency. According to certain example implementation of the disclosed technology, the orientation of the prism row features may be chosen based on the requirements of the intended application. For example, if the prism rows are aligned similar to that shown in FIG 2F when flat, then the resultant prism row alignment when formed into the cone shape may be relatively vertical. This alignment may give a more narrow light distribution for the reflector. In an example implementation, if the prism rows are aligned similar to that shown in FIG 2F-2 when flat, then the resultant prism row alignment when formed into the cone shape may be relatively ho
single optic-lens ( 503 – 1 ) almost cover the 60 degree of the said frame ( 5 F). So, the wide viewing angle project-image will move se around 60 degree for circle range while the top project-lens-assembly each single project lens takes 60 degree, then the big project image traveling will be around 60 degree. – any (i) different spacing for plurality of small project-lens and (ii) this embodiment is not limited for LED bulb application only it also cover the all LED outdoor light, or LED garden light, or LED seasonal light, or LED projection light, or LED patio light string, LED seasonal string light with AC-plug wire with built-in or outside switch or sensor or control the said color, brightness, selected function, change function, selected hi/low brightness, dimmable switch for desired light function, light performance; still fall within the current invention scope and claim covered. – the said LEDs ( 501 – 1 ) has narrow viewing angle so may have optional optic-lens added like FIG. 5B ( 502 – 2 ) to let the narrow light beam become wider viewing angle light beams or add the distance from the LED top to the image-carries but it will be loose some light brightness. – the said lighted shaped or tiny-image light beam will emit to top single optical-lens ( 503 – 1 ) fixed on the said frame ( 5 F) of the said projection-lens-assembly ( 503 D). – the wider viewing angle the said shaped or tiny-image light beam goes through the said each single optics-lens ( 503 – 1 ) and form th
fifteen meters (15 m) and a second outer diameter of approximately twelve meters (12 m), wherein an intensity of the light emitted from the light source 104 is approximately twenty to thirty lux (20-30 lux). A third portion of the illumination pattern can have a lopsided elliptical shape surrounding the second portion with a first outer diameter of approximately nineteen and one-half meters (19.5 m) and a second outer diameter of approximately twenty meters (20 m), wherein an intensity of the light emitted from the light source 104 is approximately ten to twenty lux (10-20 lux). A forth portion of the illumination pattern can have a lopsided elliptical shape surrounding the third portion with a first outer diameter of approximately twenty three meters (23 m) and a second outer diameter of approximately thirty meters (30 m), wherein an intensity of the light emitted from the light source 104 is approximately five to ten lux (5-10 lux). The illumination pattern can be altered by the type of light source 104, the design of the light source (e.g., the shape of the aperture 122, a filter, etc.), the angle of the arm 116 extending from the elongated member 112, the amount of electrical power supplied to the light source 104 from the energy storage device 128, which can be controlled by hardware circuitry and/or one or more executable software routines, a state of charge of the energy storage device 128, the like, or a combination thereof. According to one embodiment, the intensity