Solar Outdoor Security Light
If you have a remote location that will need a security light, a solar outdoor security light will make your life easy. With a remote solar panel, two powerful lights and an adjustable timer on the light control, this fixture will be adjustable to your needs.
We will look at the Maxsa 40218 solar security light review in this blog. We will see how easy it is to install and use. We will look at the product, installation and adjustment of this unit. Now lets see my information.
Product: Maxsa 40218 dual head solar security fixture
Price when article was written: $49.99
Whats in the box
, 3 AA 2100 mah rechargeable batteries and your light fixture with motion sensor attached. Instructions on assembly, mounting and adjusting will also be in the box.
Mounting hardware may have to be purchased for your installation.
Extra cords for the unit can be purchase to move the photo cell up to 35 feet from the fixture. This can be good in locations with a lot of trees or other objects in the local area to make charging the photo cell difficult.
Installing your solar light choosing the correct location
Installing your solar light choosing the correct locationThe fixture is very adjustable, the two lights can be pointed in different directions. If mounted in a corner, you can light two different areas with the same fixture. It does not put out the light of a regular spotlight, but puts out a soft glow that does not attract bugs.
Choosing the correct location can be one of the most difficult parts of the installation. The biggest problem with this light is that the fixture is not water proof. The fixture portion must be installed where it will not get direct rainfall. Under the soffit will be the best location.
The photo cell has a 9 foot cord so it can be installed away from the fixture to collect the sunlight. Hardware for mounting the fixture and photo cell will be determined by the material it is mounted to. The photo cell is adjustable to make sure you collect the most sun during the daylight hours.
Adjusting your solar light to light when needed
Three things can be adjusted on your security light to make it more user friendly.
Sensitivity is adjustable to how big of a object that it detects. If you do not want the light to turn on when small animals move in front of it, this feature will cut down on unneeded use of lights.
How long do you want lights to stay on. This will be useful if you spend some time getting from the car to the door at night. It can be set from 10 seconds to 4 minutes.
A day-night sensor will keep the light form coming on during the daylight hours. This will give more battery life to the night when needed.
Pros
Takes regular AA rechargeable batteries, not special batteries. The batteries should last up to 3 years with normal service.
Easy to adjust day to night, how long light is on and how sensitive the motion sensor is.
Can light the inside of a small shed or storage space. Photo cell can be mounted outside.
Cons
Need to charge three days before first use. This will allow better battery life.
Fixture with motion sensor cannot take direct rainfall. Motion activation will fail and light will not come on. Fixture must be mounted in a protective area.
Light is not as bright as regular spot light. Do not expect to light a large area.
If motion sensor is not adjusted correctly, batteries will not receive a full charge during daylight hours. Must be set to only come on after sunset.
My final thoughts on this light fixture
The need for outdoor security has never been more in the news. The Maxsa solar outdoor security light is a good solution for those who need a security light in a remote location. with a 9 foot cord, the solar panel can be mounted in a sunny spot and the fixture can be mounted under the soffit. The sensor can be adjusted for the length of time and how sensitive it is to motion for your best security needs.
If you have any questions or comments, use the forms below and I will get back to you shortly.
You’re right. It should be waterproof. It is for an outdoor use after all, not an under umbrella outdoor. 🙂 I’ll wait till your next review.
Laura
It can be mounted under the facia. Just some protection from rainfall.
John
Very illustrative review. It really can provide the necessary information to make a well thought purchase. Blessings!
Hilda
Thanks for your kind words on the review of the Maxsa 40218 solar security light.
John
One thing I don’t like about solar lights is that they don’t give out powerful lighting however, it does save on your electric bill. It turns off and on when needed and you don’t have to change anything often. Thanks for sharing this useful information.
The LED lights are becoming a better light source. Look at the lummens that they put out. Some are getting as bright as a regular spot light.
John
I think everyone could learn slightly from your experience.
I like that it is really easy to adjust day to night. I am actually a newbie about this stuff. You mentioned that 3 years of usage in cons. However what about the other products? Do they offer more than 3 years?
Furkan,
The three years is for the rechargeable batteries. You would just replace them and keep on shining.
John
I enjoyed your review on the Maxsa 40218 solar outdoor security light. I like that they only need AA batteries work. That is huge plus, in comparison to the special ones need in other lighting devices. I Also, like that the they do not attract bugs, because we all know just how pesky they can be. What hardware would you recommend I use to attach it to my garage it’s about a 20 x 40ft space? Also, what about a camera do they have Solar lights that include one that can record?
-Justin
Justin,
Hardware is included for a standard installation. Depends on your material that you are attaching to. I will look into security lighting with recording ability, look forward to it in a future article.
John