All About Solar Landscaping and Patio Lights
Do you want a fun and economical way to light up your garden and patio? Solar patio lights are an easy way to give your yard a little something extra.
Solar lighting products are now being produced to be used in landscaping, on decks, and on patios. They can be mounted on posts, attached to columns and walls, and used to light up outbuildings and walkways. Whether you are looking for a solution for something as simple as lighting up an address marker or adding quirky animal-themed lights that will float in your pool, solar power might be for you. Solar patio lights, in particular, are an easy to add style and flair to your outdoor entertaining area.
In the past, solar cells were weak and couldn’t hold a charge for more than a few hours. Modern technology accompanied by the commitment for energy conservation has spurred interest in solar renewable power. Solar patio lights require no wiring and you can place them anywhere where they will get about five hours of sunlight during the day (yes, they still work on cloudy days too). A panel made of solar cells within each unit will convert light to electricity.
Landscape lighting is one of the most popular features in the home improvement arena. Twenty percent of all residents now have some form of landscape lighting.
Decorative lanterns, modern glass art work and other attractive holders are being developed that make lighting your patio fun and are easy to install. No complicated installation, design limitations or energy usage involved, so you don't need to hire a specialist.
Installation is as easy as digging a hole in the ground or mounting a bracket with a pair of screws. An article by Anne Nieland in Ladies’ Home Journal (July 2007) describes some fun models that she discovered: a turtle shaped light (Malibu), a spotlight by (Smith & Hawken), stepping stones (Backyardstyle.com), traditional post-top lamps (Malibu), path and driveway lights by (Frontgate), suspended lanterns (Smith & Hawken), a crackled-glass globe (Rittenhouse) an attractive fence post or tabletop lantern (Malibu), and floating pool lights (Hampton Bay).
The only downside is that LED powered lights are not as bright as outdoor units that use halogen or fluorescent bulbs, so you probably won't be able to do much reading by patio light at night. But solar lamps are bright enough to mark a path or display your home or garden to advantage.
New solar technology discharges up to 12 hours of light per night at the equivalency of a 20 watt lamp. As more efficient solar fixtures become available you will find dramatic new ways to add excitement to your patio and garden.
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