Lighting the American flag at night is important, but few can afford to constantly run electricity to their flagpole.
Those who run wiring to their flagpole end up lighting far more than their flag. Floodlights illuminate the trees, the side of the building, and the flag. The electrical costs total over time and drain the person’s budget.
Wouldn’t it be great to have a less costly solution that lights only the flag?
Flagpole solar lights like the Titan Solar Light are the solution. Whether for business or family use, solar lights for flagpoles keep flags lit from dusk until dawn. If you’re looking for a light that will withstand outdoor conditions, read on for a great solution.
Reason for Lighting Flags
Patriots demand the American flag is lit at night. Marketers will also tell you how important it is to light American, corporate, and brand flags. These are important symbols requiring honor.
Lighting the American Flag
Before 1942, the American flag was only allowed to be flown between dawn and dusk. On December 22, 1942, Congress signed into law the flag code guidelines. The guide provides instructions to keep the flag flying through the night.
The guideline stipulates the flag must be lit in a way that it’s recognized as the American flag at a glance. The documentation includes measurements and other specifications to maintain the American flag. Behavioral guidelines are also included.
Lighting Corporate and Brand Flags
Corporate and brand flags are display devices that represent the company. The flags present the trademarked emblem or brand in a positive light. Unlit flags present a subliminal message that undermines the company.
Flags well lit at conferences and business sites present great value. The flags displayed at night show the company’s character, honor, and quality.
Marketers understand how powerful these subliminal messages are. From sports teams to Fortune 500 companies, marketing demands that all flags are lit. Even seldom-used corporate flags represent a great number of impressions by passersby.
Commercial Durability
If you are looking for durable solar light, you will want to learn more about the Titan Solar Light. This light withstands continuous exposure to rugged outdoor conditions. This residential product can handle the same conditions as a commercial product.
This model features a unique design and will provide 15-hours of light on a full charge. On top of that, it installs in minutes and will last up to ten years. The quality of this product leads many small commercial accounts to use it.
This solar light is also weather-resistant. The solar panel is weatherproof. The housing even has a temperature-resistant aluminum alloy.
This design makes the Titan Solar Light an excellent choice for golf courses. You’ll even see it at boat docks where owners want to avoid constant maintenance.
This solar light’s versatile design allows it to work on most poles. It can even work on flagpoles that were not intended for lights.
This solar light model produces no radiation. Nor does it release harmful chemicals when charging during daylight hours. This means you don’t have to worry about children playing near the light.
The system is safe with no risk of electrical fires, a common problem with other solar lights.
Type of Lights
There are many types of flagpole lighting today. Some are more costly than others. Here are the common types of lights:
- Ambient
- Low-level beam spotlights
- Below-grade floodlights
- Integrated flagpole lights
Let’s take a look at each one.
Ambient
Ambient lighting is the residual light spilling off of existing lights. This might include landscape, building, or street lights. Ambient is the weakest of all lighting sources.
Patriots will frown on this method of lighting the American flag. Some ambient lighting meets guidelines. But it’s like putting your toes over the line hoping nothing goes wrong.
Spotlights
Spotlights are often spike-mounted and placed in a permanent setting. The light beam points at a specific target with a light spread of 10-30 degrees. Lighting a flagpole can be at 10-15 degrees.
When using spotlights, a flag requires 3-4 lights to cover all sides of the flag. A smaller than standard size flag requires fewer lights.
Floodlights
Floodlights mount at or below the ground-line. Disk lights are a common type of floodlight. These beams are far less focused on the target and give a general spread of light in the area.
This results in lighting more than the flag. Again, like the spotlight, the flag will need 3-4 lights to cover all its sides.
Integrated Flagpole Lights
The integrated flagpole lights attach at the top of the flagpole. The device holds six lights that focus on the flag residing below it. The light pattern works like stage lights that feature the entire flag and mast.
These lights are solar-powered lights. They won’t spill onto neighboring building walls and trees. Since the light is close to the flag, this type of light gives the clearest form of illumination.
Full Lighting Required
When it comes to spotlights and floodlights, many people try to see how few lights they can use. Some suggest that they can forgo lighting the building side of the flag since it “won’t be seen” from that angle. But lighting doesn’t work that way.
A flag requires 360° of light because it moves. Let’s say you raise a 4’x6′ flag on your 25′ flagpole. When there is no wind, 1-2 lights will work fine. But the moment the flag experiences a gusty breeze at night, the flag will flicker in and out of sight.
The lighting no longer meets guideline requirements and needs correction. This is why using 3-4 lights is beneficial. But integrated flagpole lights take illumination to the next level.
They use six LED lights to make sure the flag never flickers out of sight. The light beams paint the flag with each light covering the recommended 15° coverage. This is the exact spread of light recommended by our forefathers.
The choice becomes obvious when comparing costs. Six flood lights or spotlights cost more to operate than an integrated flagpole light. The integrated flagpole light is also less expensive to buy.
Illumination/Lumens
We measure the output of lighting fixtures in LUX or lumens per square meter. The Titan Solar Light provides a 287 LUX rating. This is enough light to meet the guidelines without lighting up the entire yard.
If you still measure light in foot candles, the LEDs put out about 22 FC. This lower light level allows for a smaller solar panel and battery. This combination provides 12-15 hours of average run time on a full charge.
If you want lights that reflect in your neighbor’s windows, you’ll need something else. But if you want to meet guidelines and not have to lay underground power cables, this is the best solution.
Another way to increase the lumens is to add a larger solar panel to the side of the flagpole. It’s unfortunate that people reference this larger size as an eyesore. Sticking with the right-sized Titan Solar Light is a better choice.
Your neighborhood may also have safety concerns. The bigger the solar panel and lights, the more significant the distraction. You don’t want your solution to distract passing motorists or neighbors.
When the light is the best brightness, only the flag is lit and there are no safety concerns.
Battery Capacity
The battery capacity stores the sun’s daytime energy captured by solar panels. The batteries need to be large enough to feed the light from dusk to dawn. This requires about 10-15-hours of storage depending on the weather.
Should the rechargeable batteries need replacing, integrated flagpole lights make it easy. The rechargeable battery is removable. This is unlike other LED lighting systems that force you to replace the entire light.
To save the battery, there is a photosensor located on top of the light to turn it on at dusk and off at dawn. The photosensor will not engage the light with minor cloud coverage.
The size of the solar panel and light dictate the battery size. This is to avoid any overheating issues or fires.
The Titan Solar Light battery storage is 3 AA rechargeable NiCd 1000mA batteries. The batteries collect energy during daylight and provide it at night.
Warranty
Flagpole Farm provides a 2-year warranty to the original purchaser of the product. The Titan Solar Light is warranted to be free from all defects. This covers materials and workmanship when used as intended.
The original receipt verifies the sale.
Flagpole Farm will replace or repair the failed or damaged parts without charge. The purchaser covers both directions of shipping and handling charges.
Once Flagpole Farm receives the return, they will check or test the product. They will then make the determination to repair or replace it. Flagpole Farm will cover all the costs related to labor, material, and parts.
The warranty excludes any damage or defect caused by negligence, wrongful use, accident, improper installation, or acts of God.
The batteries provided with the light are for the customer’s convenience. They are not manufactured by Flagpole Farm or covered under their warranty.
Review of Top Flagpole Solar Lights
This review compares the top solar lights for flagpoles that are available in the market. Consideration of several aspects of solar lights and circumstances were addressed. The review information does not include price since it changes often.
The one drawback in this review was the lumens and LUX. The area information for each flagpole was not available. This means the light measurements are not converted to the same scale.
The brightest LUX rating was 287 and the brightest lumens rating was 3160.
Keep in mind that some types of light do not spread their illumination in the same manner. Some spill light into surrounding areas, while others keep the light focused on the flag. Also, the below list reviews top-mounted lights and then the side-mounted lights.
The majority of the solar lights are weatherproof from dust storms to downpours. But few of the companies provided the official ingress protection (IP) level. A light without an IP level, but with a warranty over 90-days, infers good weatherproofing.
Flagpole Farm Titan Solar Light (BEST SYSTEM and MADE IN USA)
Flagpole Farm’s Titan Solar Light includes a 287 LUX downlight that covers a 15′-25′ flagpole. The light will not aggravate the neighbors while meeting the American flag guidelines. Best of all, the Titan Solar Light is the only solar flagpole light on the market made right here in the United States! Flagpole Farm will also share tips on finding the right flagpole for your home.
The solar panel mounts on an aluminum top with Powerfilm to protect the solar panels and the six LED lights.
Titan solar features:
- 6 bright LED lights provide flag illumination
- Illuminates flag throughout the night
- Easy to install
- Universal 1/2″ fitting for residential flagpoles
- Aluminum top with Powerfilm protected solar panels & LED lights
- High output solar panels
- Batteries are included
- Available in silver or bronze/black to match your flagpole
- Dusk to dawn sensor for automated on/off switch
- 2-year warranty
- Made in the USA
Solar light features:
- 287 LUX of brightness
- 3 AA rechargeable NiCd 1000mA batteries
- 10-15-hours of illumination
Sunnytech 3rd Generation Solar Power Flagpole Light
This top-mounted solar flagpole light is from Sunnytech. The bright light of 1300 lumens will let your neighbors know the flag is lit. The angle and spread of the lights cover 60% of the flag when flying in a brisk wind.
The rechargeable battery capacity is 4500mAh. This offers up to 18-hours of light. This is a bit much since the darkest nights are 10-12-hours during winter in North America.
The product’s biggest negative reviews deal with the size of the ornament shaft and hole.
Solar light features:
- 1300 lumens of brightness
- 4500mAh rechargeable battery
- 18-hours of illumination
Blinngo Solar Flagpole Light
This top-mounted solar flagpole light is from Blinngo. The light is of 42 LED lights with three lighting modes of high, medium, and off. The battery has a large capacity of storage with 2200mAh.
The light is waterproof and can last up to 12-hours on a full charge. The waterproofing is good for low-pressure water jets from any direction.
Solar light features:
- 42 LED lights
- 3 lighting modes
- 2200mAh rechargeable battery
- IPX5 waterproof level
MOICO Solar Flagpole Light
This top-mounted solar flagpole light is from Moico. The light has two modes, including a super-bright and an energy-saving setting. The 12 pc solar panel and 2500mAh rechargeable battery allow proper lighting for 10-hours on a 15′-20′ flagpole.
The light uses 128 LED bulbs that are useable in daylight. The attachment works on poles with a 0.5″-0.63″ hole. The ornament shaft is at least 1.9″.
The product is waterproof. It protects from total dust ingress and immersion between 15-centimeters and 1-meter depth.
Solar light features:
- 128 LED lights
- Two lighting modes
- 2500mAh rechargeable battery
- IP67 waterproof level
AOPMET Solar Flagpole Light
This top-mounted solar flagpole light is from AOPMET. The light contains 111 LED bulbs with 6 pcs solar panels. The 2200mAh rechargeable battery provides 10-hours of lighting.
This product fits flagpoles with a hole of 0.5″. The product is also waterproof.
Solar light features:
- 111 LED bulbs
- 2200mAh rechargeable battery
- Waterproof
Vont Solar Flagpole Light
This top-mounted solar flagpole light is from Vont. The light uses 26 high-powered LEDs and gives out 200 lumens. The battery capacity converts its stored energy into 10-hours of illumination. The product works on most 15-25′ flagpoles.
Solar light features:
- 200 lumens of brightness
- 26 high-powered LEDs
- 10-hours of illumination
Deneve Deluxe Solar Flagpole Light
This top-mounted solar flagpole light is from Deneve. The light uses 26 extra-strength LEDs and gives off 1300 lumens. There is a 6 pcs big solar panel.
The battery comes in a 4500mAh and 3000mAh version. The larger one provides 18-hours of illumination.
Solar light features:
- 1300 lumens of brightness
- 26 high-powered LEDs
- 4500mAh rechargeable battery
Telepole Manufacturing Solar Flagpole Light
This top-mounted solar flagpole light is from Telepole Manufacturing. The light uses 200 LEDs and gives out 3160 lumens. The angle of the LEDs gives the greatest spread for much larger flags.
The battery provides 10-hours of illumination. There is a bonus product for those who live in a perpetual overcast area. A 30 ft. charging cable with a 110V adapter allows you to plug it into a house outlet.
Solar light features:
- 3160 lumens of brightness
- 200 LEDs
- 10-hours of illumination
Solar Light Mart Alpha 180X Flagpole Light
This side-mounted pole light and separate solar panel are large and bulky. The lighting is adjustable with three settings of high, medium, and low. The battery can last for 6-hours on high and 12-hours on low.
The lowest light setting is 60 lumens. The 35pcs LED lights have a beam spread of 60° for very wide coverage, lighting the surrounding trees. The metal unit consists of:
- Cast iron
- An aluminum frame
- Stainless steel bolts
- Tempered glass
Solar light features:
- 35 LED lights
- Three light settings
- Built-in Lithium battery
APONUO Solar Flagpole Light
This side-mounted pole light and separate solar panel are large and bulky. The product will fit flagpoles from 1.4″-3″ diameter. The unit has 7 ultra-bright LED lights with a total output of 300-500 lumens based on low and high lighting modes.
With a 4000mAh lithium battery, the light can last for 6-hours on high and 12-hours on low brightness. The IP65 weatherproofing level protects from total dust ingress and low-pressure water jets from any direction.
Solar light features:
- 7 ultra-bright LED lights
- 2 lighting modes
- 4000mAh lithium battery
- IP65 waterproof level
Valley Forge Flag Micro Solar Light
This side-mounted pole light is smaller and the solar panel is larger than most units. The Valley Forge microlight is at 25 lumens, which means it needs to attach as close to the flag as possible. In fact, this solution is only good with smaller flags.
Customer complaints are from people hoping to use the light on a regular or larger flag. The unit only fits a 1-1 1/4″ diameter flagpole. These dimensions are common on 5-6′ flagpoles.
Solar light features:
- 25 lumens
- For small flags only
PolePalUSA Commercial Solar Flagpole Light
This side-mounted pole light and the solar panel are large and use a bracket tree. This product’s built for a rugged commercial environment. The light has 8 ultra-bright 10mm LEDs giving off 280 LUX of brightness.
This is shy of the Flagpole Farm Titan Solar Light.
The light will fit any 2-6″ flagpole. The battery’s rated at 3600mAh.
Solar light features:
- 280 LUX
- 8 ultra-bright 10mm LEDs
- 3600mAh rechargeable battery
Valley Forge Flag CSFPL-8 Commercial LED Solar Flagpole Light
This side-mounted pole light and the solar panel are designed for commercial use. The light comes in an 8 or 12 LED edition. The lighting produced is 280 LUX or 420 LUX.
The product fits any 2-6″ flagpole. There is a ground installation kit and a bracket tree for the flagpole.
Solar light features:
- 280 or 420 LUX
- 8 or 12 LEDs
- 12-hours of illumination
Pros and Cons of Top-Mounted vs. Side-Mounted Solar Lights
There are some specific differences between the top-mounted and the side-mounted solar lights. This section will highlight the pros and cons of both.
Pro of Top-Mounted Solar Lights
- Only lights up the flag and the ground underneath it
- The solar panel is part of a decorative flagpole topper
- The lights give 360° flag coverage regardless of wind direction
Con of Top-Mounted Solar Lights
- Not as heavy-duty as side-mounted equipment
- Requires a hinged pole or tall ladder to replace the battery
Pro of Side-Mounted Solar Lights
- Encased in heavy-duty metals
- Only requires a standard ladder to replace the battery
Con of Side-Mounted Solar Lights
- Light spreads to areas beyond the flag
- Requires more lights for 360° coverage
- The bulky equipment is an eyesore
The Titan Solar Light System Is the Best
Residential and small business flagpoles deserve the best solar lighting system. The Titan Solar Light is made in the USA and puts out 287 LUX. The best part is Flagpole Farm’s 2-year warranty, which demonstrates that they stand behind their products.
Few competitors’ products lend themselves to strong warranties. But with the Titan Solar Light, you will marvel at its durability and long life. Support USA manufacturing and be confident in the product you purchase.
Are you interested in how to select the right flagpole for your environment? Check out our other articles that will bring value to your search.
*Blog Disclaimer: Flagpole Farm and Titan Telescoping Flagpoles are businesses solely focused on the production and sale of flagpoles and similar accessories. This blog is not to be used as a factual reference, rather as an opinion-based forum in which the information within is not official statements made on behalf of or by Flagpole Farm or Titan Telescoping Flagpoles. Information provided on this blog is accurate and true to the best of the writers’ knowledge, however, there may be omissions, errors, or mistakes. The writers of these blogs are not professionals in the Flagpole industry and the information included within this blog should not be viewed as written by such. At any point, Flagpole Farm reserves the right to change the focus and/or content of this blog.