Solar garden lighting has become quite popular in the past few years. Better technology is partially responsible for the rise in popularity but it also helps that more people are realizing the benefits of using solar energy around their homes and yards. Saving on energy costs is not the only advantage of using solar powered garden lights. They are also easier, cheaper and safer to install.
Two things must be considered when choosing solar garden lights – will you be lighting paths or accenting your landscaping? If you want to be sure that people won’t trip while wandering the garden paths, you may need fairly bright solar lights. For garden accents, however, you won’t need fixtures that put out as much light. Once you’ve determined where you want to put a light and what type of light to use, it will be easier to install them where you need.
Since solar garden lighting fixtures are mostly self-contained units, all you need to concern yourself with is positioning them to get a good amount of direct sun throughout the day. There is no dangerous wiring involved so not only do you save on contractor costs, you will also not have to worry about trip hazards from wiring throughout your backyard. All you are going to have to do is place the fixtures at the proper angle wherever you need or want the extra light.
As with traditional products, solar garden lights come in a huge assortment of designs and you will be able to find fixtures that work beautifully with your landscaping and garden style. Sizes of units are also varied so you can easily find the small fixtures that will highlight plantings as well as large lamp post styles to create conversation or entertaining areas. Materials used are also assorted so you could find wood, resin, metals and even stone – no matter what your decor, there is a perfect option for your garden.
Most solar garden lighting products use LED bulbs since these last the longest. However, a single LED light will emit more of a soft glow than a bright light. For areas where you need more brightness, such as seating areas, just use fixtures that have several bulbs. Keep in mind that maximum sun exposure during the day will also result in brighter lighting at night. If your garden or yard is very shady throughout much of the day, you can also get units with a separate photovoltaic unit for your roof but then you will need a bit of wiring to the light units.
Thank you so much for your article, I took your advice and purchased a set of solar powered garden lights for the pathway leading to my front door. The solar lights I had chosen have three LEDs and two Ni-Cd batteries, I am very impressed how well these lights work. The walkway is very well lit and now safe for everyone that visits. I also purchased a set of solar spot lights that have a large solar panel and four spot lights connect to the external solar panel, this works great because the front garden doesn’t get a lot of direct sun light like you mentioned before so i have install the panel on the southern side of our home.
Thank again….