Are you planning to install solar lights in your garden? Do you wish to decorate your garden with environmentally friendly lights? Do these lights really work? Are they economical or not? Do you need to hire an electrician to install them or you can do it yourself? Wait, wait! Give a halt to the train of thoughts and questions because we are here. In this article, we will discuss solar garden lights, from their benefits, types, uses, durability to their cost of installation.
Installing the solar lights in a garden or anywhere outdoors doesn’t have to be difficult, but rather creative. You don’t have to ask certain questions, consider thousands of things, and plan a hundred times before installing. With so many choices available in the market, the hardest part might be choosing the style, and color of lighting that best compliments you. While solar energy is rapidly becoming more and more popular, we will cover basic their usage, benefits, and cost of installation.
What are the benefits of solar lighting?
Since people are becoming more and more aware of environmental impacts of generated electricity, solar lighting gives the users a choice. May it be the location of lighting, styles, shapes, brightness, it gives the user choices while performing just about any functions any hard-wired light source can do. Not only do they function well, but also adds beauty to the areas where they are being used. Solar power lights work well everywhere, be it your house or your commercial space. Since there are many other benefits of solar lights, more are listed below.
Browse our Affiliate Products
Affordable or Cost-effective
Do you wish to lessen the burden of your expensive electricity bill? Well, outdoor solar lighting is pretty much inexpensive and affordable as it doesn’t require any digging, wiring, and everything else. They get recharged easily and automatically with the help of sunlight. It’s just a one-time investment and it’s quite affordable.
Environmentally Friendly
Solar lights are one of the very best environmentally friendly lights. They are a convenient way to lessen the carbon footprint, also they will not contaminate any soil or leave any residue. Not only are they environmentally friendly, they are made using eco-friendly, and recycled products to avoid unnecessary pollution.
Safety
Solar lights are one of the safest lights available. Not only do they make your garden and home look beautiful, but also, they keep it safe and protected from the threats of electric shocks, short circuits, and many others. If the building or area where it is installed has security fixtures in its place, then the solar lights can lessen the chances of your property or belongings getting broken or destroyed. In all, solar lights provide lighting that is affordable and durable while providing security.
Uncomplicated
Yes, solar lights are pretty much uncomplicated, they do not require much expertise and costly maintenance. They are simple and quick to set up and install. Moreover, the installation of solar lights is neither a complicated job nor it is an expensive job. Whereas, the electric outdoor lighting and gas outdoor lighting are risky and complicated. One needs to do a lot of research on the place as they can only be kept near an electrical or gas collection. So, the best option is to install solar lights.
Flexible
Since solar lights do not require any special and complicated lighting, they are flexible. Also, these lights do not require any wiring and attachments so they can be fixed and installed just anywhere you wish. The solar lights do not need any special care and maintenance, they do not require much cost, they do not need wiring and other complicated installation, they can be used anywhere, anytime. That is the reason behind their flexibility and versatility.
What are solar lights used for and how do they work?
Basically, solar lights accumulate solar energy and turn it into lighting and electricity. They turn the normal solar energy into light by using a technology known as photovoltaic technology, which is used in a solar panel. Generally, using the photovoltaic effect solar panels can collect and store energy inside them. The stored energy is then used later in the evening to light up the house or garden spaces.
Walkways
Walkways are a perfect place to install solar lights. Solar lights are installed at the walkways because they get the perfect amount of light to recharge their batteries. Also, they add depth and contours that is not visible at night.
Gardens
As we have already said, solar lights should be installed at the places where there is just the perfect amount of sunlight. That is why solar lights are used for outdoor lighting in the gardens.
Hanging light
Outdoor solar hanging lights not only lighten up your garden but also add up to the beauty of the garden. Hanging solar lights are one of the most aesthetically pleasing solar lights. In addition, your plants benefit from the light it gives off.
Patio
Many people use solar lights for patios as to not have a single bulb run all night, instead using a fully rechargeable system to accomplish the same thing.
Safety
There are various solar powered security lights available in the market. But make sure to turn them on only when necessary.
All in all, solar lights are a great source of energy and light. They are affordable and uncomplicated. Most importantly, solar lights are best for outdoor lighting in gardens, walkways, as hanging lights, patios, and for personal safety.
What are some different types and shapes of solar lights?
There are various different types and shapes of solar lights available in the market just for you. Basically, there are two main types of solar lights, they are as follows-
- Outdoor solar lights
- Indoor solar lights
Other than these two, there are some new types of solar lights available in the market. They are yard solar lights, home lights, street lights, parking lights, garden lights, and many more.
When we talk about shapes, then they come in whichever shape you desire. They come in rock shaped square, rounded, wall shaped, footstep shaped, and can be used for flood lights, decks, emergency lights, string lights, hanging lights and a lot more.
How long do solar lights typically last?
Being straight forward, solar lights last longer than the normal electricity lights. They don’t get short-circuited and they don’t burst. Generally, the batteries of outdoor solar lights last for about three to four years without any replacement and damages. After that, you can replace their parts when they stop functioning well but they last longer than a normal incandescent bulb without the price of electricity.
If we talk about the number of hours a solar light can last in a day then it is also pretty good, they can last for about eight to ten hours if they are properly recharged, isn’t it good enough? But there are certain things you should keep in mind like charging them time to time and placing them at a place where they get the most sun. Make sure to keep them away from shady areas where it is difficult for sunlight to reach.
So yes! In normal sunlight conditions can lasts for about two to three years and it lasts about eight to ten hours run time a day, depending if they have a automatic light sensors.
For those that are wondering if garden lights are AC or DC, and what the difference is, check out our article by clicking on the link. Outdoorgardenaccessories.com/are-garden-lights-ac-or-dc-and-whats-the-difference/
Are solar lights really worth it?
As much as we are concerned, we would say yes! Solar lights are worth it as they are cost-effective and eco friendly. They make use of natural resources for producing energy and light. Most importantly, they provide a lot of advantages and benefits for us. Also, they do not require much maintenance and adds up to the beauty of your home, your workspace, or your garden. Before you dig deeper and come to a conclusion, let us understand the pros and cons of solar lights, they are listed down.
Pros of solar lights
- As solar lights are installed outdoors, they do not require much maintenance cost. Also, they don’t need electricity to function.
- As solar energy is free and available in abundance, that is why it is quite easy to maintain and install the solar lights.
- They are wireless and need a little maintenance.
- They last longer than the normal lights.
Cons of solar lights
- There is a shortcoming of solar lights, it’s that they are not bright like the electric lights.
- The starting or installation cost of the solar lights is expensive.
- If kept continuously outdoors, the plastic housing of your lights may become brittle or damaged depending on weather conditions.
Conclusion
This article should give you a basic understanding of solar lights and the potential can give, by promoting a more inviting nighttime environment, as well as decorating your garden spaces. Hopefully, you are now very well aware of the concept of solar lights and are in a position to decide which light is best for you.
