What is the main material of the solar outdoor wall lights shell

The housing material of a Solar Outdoor Wall Light is arguably one of its most critical components. Far beyond aesthetics, the material directly dictates the fixture's durability, weather resistance, and, most importantly, thermal management (heat dissipation). For professional buyers and end-users alike, understanding these material choices is key to assessing a product's long-term performance and value.

The Role of Engineering Plastics

Engineering Plastics represent the most common and cost-effective material choice for a wide range of Solar Wall Lights. The two primary contenders are ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PC (Polycarbonate).

1. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

• Professional Attributes: ABS offers excellent insulation properties, crucial for components like the PCB and battery pack. It's ideal for injection moulding, enabling complex geometries at a low unit cost. Its relatively low thermal conductivity suits low-power LED fixtures.
• The Outdoor Challenge: UV Degradation: Standard ABS struggles with Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, leading to yellowing and brittleness. High-quality Outdoor Solar Lights must use UV-Resistant ABS, which incorporates UV Stabilizers to ensure structural integrity and colour longevity.

2. PC (Polycarbonate)

• Professional Attributes: PC is famous for its outstanding impact strength, often called "bulletproof plastic." It provides excellent mechanical protection and exhibits superior heat resistance and dimensional stability compared to ABS.
• Key Application: Lenses and Diffusers: PC is the material of choice for lenses and light diffusers due to its high clarity and light transmission rate. When used for the full housing, it provides a robust shell for premium, heavy-duty Solar Lighting Fixtures.

The Superiority of Metal Alloys for Heat Management

For high-power or commercial-grade Solar Wall Lights, Metal Alloys—primarily Aluminum—are the professional standard.

1. Aluminum Alloy (Die-Cast and Extruded)

• Thermal Management is Key: Aluminum’s greatest advantage is its high Thermal Conductivity. Die-Cast Aluminum or Extruded Aluminum housings function as highly efficient heat sinks, rapidly conducting heat away from the LED Junction Temperature. This prevents accelerated lumen depreciation and significantly extends LED lifetime.
• Corrosion Resistance and Surface Treatment: Raw aluminum oxidizes easily. For Outdoor Lighting, the housing must undergo advanced Surface Treatment, such as Anodizing or Electrostatic Powder Coating. These processes create a durable layer offering excellent Corrosion Resistance, Salt Spray Resistance, and UV Stability, making them suitable for coastal areas.
• Structural Integrity: Aluminum offers exceptional structural rigidity, enabling the fixture to withstand harsh weather and facilitate the achievement of high IP Ratings (e.g., IP65 or IP66) for superior protection against water and dust ingress.

Summary of Material Selection Criteria

The choice of housing material is a clear indicator of a Solar Outdoor Wall Light’s intended lifespan and performance grade. When selecting a product, the housing material should be evaluated based on the project's specific requirements for power output, environmental exposure, and desired LED lifetime.