Solar Yard Lights 101
Easy, "green" and stylish are words that describe solar yard lights these days. If you walk around your neighborhood after dark you will notice that solar yard lights are becoming quite popular both in a decorative sense and for lighting walkways.
In the past the choices were fairly limited, but in the last few years the options available have increased dramatically. Home improvement stores and online sites are offering choices that will match your décor whether you live in a turn of the century home or a modern style ranch.
Solar yard lights have become more affordable as the cost of the light source (light-emitting diodes) has decreased. Solar lighting is being recognized as an economical way to light up your yard for security, safety or decorative reasons.
Solar lighting does not require wiring so you can space the lights and arrange them creatively. Ideally they need to be positioned where they will receive direct sunlight for about five hours a day.
How do solar yard lights work?
A panel made of solar cells (in the unit itself) converts the light to electricity. This panel charges the battery even on cloudy days and the light will shine after dark. The units will shine all night every night. LED bulbs typically last about 10 years, so they don't require much maintenance either.
The units generally switch on automatically when a sensor built into the device is triggered by lower light levels. Some of the newer models come with a manual on/off switch or a motion sensor that turns the light on when it senses emotion.
Installation is simple and the solar units are great for areas of your yard where there is not an outlet handy. All you do is pull the battery tab out, assemble the unit, and stick it in the ground. The newer models need an occasional cleaning and a new battery every two years.
Any downsides to solar lights?
As you may have noticed, from your walk around the neighborhood, the LED powered models are not as bright as regular electric powered lights, but they do shed enough light to mark a pathway or create an interesting ambience for your yard.
The newer models have smaller cells and the panels have more collecting power. As a result of these innovations the design options have increased, and you get a brighter light that will last up to twelve hours.
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