Solar Lights
Solar lights have quickly become popular with many home owners as a main source of outdoor lighting. This is mostly due to the improved technology behind today’s solar technology and the ability of the manufacturers to not only provide high quality outdoor solar lights that can last for 8 hours or more, but to also make them at an affordable price that almost every home owner can afford.
I know I have spent quite a bit of time over the last year looking at different outdoor lighting online with my wife trying to pick out the perfect garden light for our little garden. That’s what got me interested in solar products and that is why I started this website.
With there being so many different types of solar products available it is hard to tell what products you should buy, and what products are right for your yard. So we are going to talk a little bit about solar lights and solar energy so those of you who know nothing about it will have a better understanding of it.
Solar Lights
Solar lights is a rather general term that describes any kind of outdoor lights or even some indoor lights now days that get its power from the sun. These lights always either have a small little solar cell located on them or are attached to a remote solar cell that you can place in the area of your choosing. Either way this is how they collect the suns energy and store it in a small rechargeable batter for when the sun goes down. Many people when they think of solar lights get a picture of the path lights that most people have lining their sidewalk, which is unfortunate because there is so much more to these lights than the simple path lights that you see everywhere now days.
So lets talk about the different kinds of outdoor solar lighting that is available that you should be aware of.
Different Types Of Solar Lights
Solar Landscape Lights - Gone are the days of spending tons of cash on an electrician and a landscaper to install wired landscape lighting around your yard. Now with today’s solar landscape lights you can buy the individual lights or in packages of 8 or more, and place them around your yard in minutes without the worries of cords and wires. Not to mention big electric bills. These lights come in a wide variety of shapes, styles, and finishes with stainless steel solar lights being probably the most popular at the moment, and copper lights being a close second.
Solar Garden Lights - This is one of my favorite uses of the lights. They are perfect for shining a little light and highlighting specific areas of my garden after the sun goes down. I have them providing a little light on several of my garden sculptures statues, and figurines. A lot of other people also use solar garden lights around bird baths, outdoor water fountains, and even as goldfish pond lights.
Solar Spot Lights - Also sometimes called solar security lights are a great way to add concentrated light in a specific area of your yard. One great feature of these lights is that many of them come with motion sensors which makes them perfect for coming home late at night without having to worry about leaving a light on, or for placing over the backdoor patio for when you let the dog out late at night. Another great thing about using a solar spotlight around your house is the fact that you can place it exactly where you want it without having to worry about where you are going to wire it into the house at.
Solar Deck Lights - These solar lights are perfect for the family that likes to entertain friends and family in the evenings. These lights come in all shapes and sizes. For wall lighting up against the house there are solar wall sconces, and then there are solar post lights that are great for along the rail of your deck. Often times many people also use decorative solar LED string lights around their deck to set the atmosphere. Solar Japanese outdoor lanterns hanging from trees close to the deck is also a favorite among many people.
Solar Pool Lights - Solar pool lights are becoming more and more popular as well. They are usually small little self contained floating balls that contain a small solar cell, a rechargable battery, and an LED light. These lights come in all different colors and even some change colors as they float around the swimming pool. If you are looking for a great way to add a little color or mood lighting to your next pool party or evening swim then these very affordable lights are the way to go.
Solar Lights Advantages and Disadvantages
There are many advantages to using solar lights in your garden, along with a few disadvantages as well. So lets discuss a few of them.
Solar Lights Advantages
- Purchase price - Most solar lights are quite affordable with prices starting at around $5 for a single solar stake light to complete sets that begin around $25 and go up from there.
- No electric bills - This is where solar light really shine. Since these lights get their power from the sun there will never be any added cost to your monthly electric bill. So other than the initial purchase price of the lights the light that they produce is free.
- Ease of installation - Another great thing about solar lighting is that there are no wires to run, or electrician to hire. Everything that the lights need is self contained, and almost anybody can instal them. Plus there is no limit to where you can place solar lights as long as it is in a spot that gets sunlight throughout the day.
- Durable - Solar lights are very durable, and the led bulbs usually last the lifetime of the light.
Solar Lights Disadvantages
- Need sunlight – Solar lights only work when there is sufficient sunlight available to recharge them. This means that on really cloudy or rainy days your lights might not work that evening and if they do it might not be for very long.
- Rechargable Batteries - Each light features a rechargable battery and these batteries often times only last for a year or two. Although they are not very expensive you should be aware that you will probably have to change them at some point.
Where To Buy Solar Lights
There are many places that you can go to buy solar lights locally. You can always check out your local gardener’s supply company often times they will carry a nice selection of lights, but they can sometimes be a little pricey. If you are looking for a more affordable option then discount retail stores like Target, KMart, and Walmart are always a good choice if you are looking for cheap solar lights. Another good place to look are home improvement stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Menards they usually always have a good selection of lights available at discount prices. My favorite place to shop though has to be online. This is how I find the best deals on solar lights. So don’t be afraid to check out the online retailers.
I hope by now you should have a better understanding of what kinds of outdoor solar lights and solar lighting are available, along with their advantages and disadvantages, and a few places that you can begin your search. If you need more information on solar lights or some ideas for your yard then this website and many others are here to help.