subject: Solar Yard Lights: Alternative Energy Ambiance [print this page] Alternative energy sources are popular, can save their users money, are better for the environment, and present less difficult technical problems than conventional energy sources. Solar powered outdoor lighting is one of these alternative energy systems that many people may never have considered using, but which have many benefits to offer the users of such lights.
Landscaping lights can add beauty to your yard as well as using them for safety and visibility at night. The illumination from these lights can make walkways and driveways more visible and safer, as well as discouraging intruders if attached to the building exterior. Statues, fountains and special plantings can be illuminated and highlighted by landscape lights also.
There are many advantages that come from lighting your yard with solar powered lights. The most obvious is that every bit of electricity required to light your yard will add to your electric bill, and solar-powered lights consume no electricity. Many years ago, expensive solar lights redeemed themselves over several years by saving homeowners money. Now, however, solar-powered lights are no more expensive than conventional electric lights. Once your solar light is installed, you will never pay another cent to use it until it is time for the light to be replaced.
Another advantage of lights that use solar power is that they are simple to use, without any hassle. Once you choose a site that gets ample sunlight, attach your light or sink a pole and support and you're finished, unless the light comes with a switch. Solar lights collect energy throughout the day and store it in batteries. They do not require any wiring. Traditional lighting, on the other hand, requires carefully hidden and protected wiring, and sometimes even needs to be installed by an electrician.
Before installing solar yard lights, check with a landscape expert or your solar lighting retailer to learn how to assess a location for suitability. The lighting must be installed in a site that receives an adequate amount of sunlight in order to properly charge the batteries. If installed in an area that is in complete shade all day the lights may not work. Finding an acceptable site is easier due to improvements in batteries, other storage devices and solar cells. It is likely that these improvements will continue allowing solar yard lights to be installed in additional areas.
An issue with lighting is often how long the lights will stay lit when fully charged as well as how long you will use them each evening. When deciding what you need you should check what each device offers. Resources online can be very useful with such decisions. When shopping for solar yard lights be sure to comparison shop. Look for mark down discount stores. Some chain stores offer these for a price that is ridiculously small. Solar powered lighting and its safety and economy elements will also provide a more attractive yard.
