Solar path lights are one of the most versatile ways to incorporate lighting into your garden design. Since solar lighting doesn’t require hardwiring to a gridded power source, you can easily place them just about anywhere in your yard that there’s a path or walkway. Outdoor solar lights come in an increasing number of styles that can either blend in or stand out and make a statement. Here are some idea that will help you choose the best options for your yard.

Solar plastic lights

Probably the least expensive way to add lighting to your path is to add solar plastic lights mounted on short stakes that are sunk into the ground. The plastic fixture makes them weatherproof and keeps the price low. But they use the same kind of LED technology that more expensive lights use, so you can get the same kind of illumination for your walkways that more expensive ground-level fixtures provide.

Bollard design

If you want a little more illumination than a ground-level light designs, but don’t want the eye-level lighting that a pole light or a flood light provides, then choose a bollard design. These outdoor solar lights are usually 2 to 3 feet high and offer expanded ground lighting that is not as intrusive as taller lights. They come in a large variety of designs, materials and price levels.

Stainless steel solar pathway lights

If you like the look of pathway lights that are set into the ground, stainless steel pathway lights are a good choice. The stainless steel fixtures will withstand moisture from the ground and ensure that they last a lifetime. Just make sure that you install them in an area that is covered in bark, gravel or other material that doesn’t need mowing. Even stainless steel won’t survive lawn mower blades. Of course, if you really want to place your outdoor solar lights in an area surrounded by lawn, just make sure that you and your landscaping crew remove them before cutting the grass.

Tags: LED, outdoor solar lights, solar lighting, Solar Lights, Solar Path Lights

Filed under: Solar by admin
No Comments »

The use of solar technology has expanded the kinds of outdoor solar lights that are available on the market. Since the electricity for solar lighting is generated by a system of small solar collectors and storage batteries that are located near the lighting fixture, there is usually no need for electrical installations. That means that solar landscape lights can easily be used in areas in that may have otherwise been too expensive. Here are some ideas of ways to use them.

Solar flood lights

For dramatic effect that can be seen from across the street, solar flood lights are an excellent investment that can really show off any home that has great architectural features or landscaping. Since you won’t have to run yards of wiring from the house, solar flood lights make it easy to add flood lights to illuminate that gorgeous willow tree in the rear half of the yard. These outdoor solar lights are also a significant security feature, since they are bright enough to allow visibility from distances of several hundred feet. If you live in an area that has a home owners’ association, check with your covenants before installing floods, since there may be guidelines about the locations and wattage that are allowable.

Solar post cap lights

For areas that have decorative fencing or driveway entry gates, solar post cap lights are not only decorative, they’re functional. A post cap light is an easy and attractive way to add lighting to the gate area. Instead of adding a pole light which might add clutter and make the area look too busy, a post cap light is a harmonious extension that enhances the existing design.

Solar pathway lights

For gardens, solar pathway lights come in a variety of different styles and heights. If your garden path is bordered by low growing flowers and plants, you may want to use lights that are only a foot or two from the ground. If the landscaping that borders your path is taller, you may want to use waist-high lighting that illuminates your plants as well as the path. Consider ground-level outdoor solar lights if there is other nearby lighting from pole lights.

Tags: outdoor solar lights, pole light, Solar Flood Lights, solar lighting, Solar Lights, solar path

Filed under: Solar by admin
No Comments »

DIY outdoor solar lights are a great project for anyone who is handy with tools, wants to save some money and wants to reduce energy costs or dependence on their local utility company. Since most solar garden lights don’t require elaborate and expensive electrical installations, you probably won’t need to hire an outside contractor. If you start with a small project, your lighting could be ready for use in a couple of hours or less. Here are a few ideas for solar lighting that would be an attractive addition to any garden.

Solar rock lights

If you don’t like the look of lighting fixtures, no matter how artistic, then solar rock lights are a good choice for your garden. They have all of the features and benefits of small solar accent lights — LEDs, no need for wiring, solar power source — but they just use a different fixture design. The synthetic lighting fixture is a designed to look like a rock so it blends more easily into a natural landscaping plan. You can use them anywhere you would use a traditional accent light, but the rock design won’t call attention to the lighting fixture.

Copper solar garden lights

On the other hand, if you like the idea of incorporating artwork and sculpture into your garden lighting design, outdoor solar lights are worth looking into. Copper starts out shiny and attractive, and can stay that way if you keep it protected with a coat of clear lacquer. But it you want low maintenance and a natural look, leave it unprotected. It will age to a beautiful verdigris color (blue-green) that can add an elegant vintage look to the scene.

Mosaic solar garden lights

Another option for garden art is to use mosaic solar garden lights. Mosaic designs have been used since ancient times (think Rome and Greece). Since they are made from bits of broken glass or pottery set into plaster or cement, they are extremely durable. They are available is a wide selection of designs and colors. If you have a particular theme in mind, you can even have an artisan create a custom design for your outdoor solar lights

Tags: LEDs, outdoor solar lighting, outdoor solar lights, solar garden lights, solar lighting, Solar Lights

Filed under: Solar by admin
No Comments »

Outdoor solar lights don’t have to be merely practical. they can be attractive as well. Here are some ideas for decorative solar lighting to spruce up your outdoor living areas.

Solar post lights

For driveways, patios, front and back yards, and other large areas that need to illuminated but don’t need the brightness that flood lights provide, post lights are a good choice. Since they are available in a wide variety of decorative styles, it’s easy to find one that will fit well with the design of your house. Whether it’s vintage, traditional or modern style, solar post lights can add a stylish accent to your environment.

Solar deck lights

If you use your deck regularly for barbecues and other outdoor activities that extend into the evening hours after dark, you’ll need deck lighting for your enjoyment and for your safety. Since decks are usually elevated a few feet from the ground, and on sloped lots it can sometimes be a story or more, lighting the edge of the deck is a good idea. Adding outdoor solar lights to the stair treads is helpful, and a great way to add ambient lighting to the area.

Solar porch lights

A well designed porch light not only provides light for times when friends come to visit, but it can add a distinctive decorative touch to your home. A custom porch light can be an inexpensive way to customize the entry of a tract home. And don’t forget the safety benefits. When people that you aren’t expecting ring your doorbell at night when it’s dark outside, flipping on the porch light not only lets you easily see who is there, but acts as a deterrent to pranksters and anyone who might just be hoping that no one will respond.

Solar fairy lights

These tiny little lights are great choices for temporary lighting, parties, apartment dwellers and renters. Solar fairly lights don’t require permanent installation and add a charming touch to your patio or deck. You can find these outdoor solar lights in all sorts of colors – red, pink, blue or assorted — as well as clear.

Tags: deck lighting, Flood Lights, Lighting, outdoor solar lights, solar deck lights, solar lighting, Solar Lights

Filed under: Solar by admin
No Comments »

What kind of lighting comes to mind when you think of outdoor solar lights? Many people think of pole lights – either as street lights, flood lights or lighting at a driveway entrance. But there are many more types of outdoor solar lighting available. In fact, there are so many choices that there’s almost no excuse to use lighting that requires hard wiring to your residential electric system. Beside the lower cost to operate and the energy efficiency, solar lighting can be easily installed in places that would be cost-prohibitive if you had to hire an electrician to do the job. Here are some ideas for exterior decorative lighting that you can do yourself.

Floating solar lights

These can be used in for more than swimming pool decorations. They can be placed in fountains, ponds and just about any water feature that is deep enough to accommodate their weight and size. Try using them as a centerpiece for your party table or buffet. Just find an attractive decorative bowl or large vase, fill it with water (you could even add a drop or two of food coloring to the water to match the party’s color scheme) and add your floating light. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to provide ambient lighting to your festive event.

Solar step lights

These outdoor solar lights provide additional safety as well as decoration to your deck or outside stairway. The low level lighting is much less intrusive than flood lights or pole lights. Yet step lights add enough illumination for people to easily find their way up or down a flight of stairs on even the darkest night. Just think of the walkway lighting in theaters. It provides enough light for people to find their way to and from their seats in the dark, yet is not so bright as to interfere with the main attraction.

Solar accent lights

People often underestimate the impact that a well-placed outdoor accent light can have. Besides providing illumination for practical purposes, they can highlight architectural features and ornamental plants. Decorative brickwork, ornamental trees and garden sculptures are just a few of the items that could be enhanced by outdoor solar lights

Tags: floating solar lights, Flood Lights, LED, outdoor solar lighting, outdoor solar lights, pole light, solar lighting, Solar Lights

Filed under: Solar by admin
No Comments »

Solar driveway lights are both decorative and functional. Since they use solar power and don’t require hard wiring, they are easy and inexpensive to install. And lower cost means you have more options. Here are some ideas for outdoor solar lights that you may not have considered before.

Solar pathway lights

If you live in the country or an area that tries to avoid night time ‘light pollution’ (a term astronomers use to describe how city lighting prevents us from seeing the stars at night), then low-to-the-ground pathway lights may be the idea way to keep your car on the driveway without the intrusion of broad-area lighting. Pathway lights can be secured to the ground by their attached stakes and provide just enough light to define the edge of the pavement. Fixture styles range from inexpensive plastic fixtures to high-end stainless steel.

Post caps

If you have an entry gate to your property or fence posts along the driveway, solar post cap lighting can be easy to install. Also known as ‘column lights’ or ‘pillar lights’, these outdoor solar lights come in various styles to blend with your home’s design, whether you need a modern-looking globe or a traditional carriage lantern design.

Bollard lighting

This style of solar lighting fixture provides illumination to a broader area than ground-level lights, yet doesn’t try to light up the whole yard. Bollard lighting is usually about 3 to 4 feet high so it can illuminate decorative plants as well as provide more security than ground lighting. Since it’s visible, it’s important to choose a style that fits in well with the rest of the architectural features of your home. Make sure that the solar fixture you choose is harmonious with your porch light and any other lighting fixtures that are also design features.

Pole

For long driveways that need a lot of illumination for decorative or safety purposes, solar pole lights are an ideal choice. They light up the entire area so that your family and visitors can see the surrounding area as they move up the driveway. Or maximum light, choose outdoor solar lights with super bright LEDs that offers 360 degree lighting. Since they operate on solar power independent of the utility grid, power outages will never affect their ability to provide light to keep your loved ones safe and secure.

Tags: deck lighting, LED, LED flood lights, outdoor solar lights, path lighting, Solar, solar deck lights, Solar Flood Lights, Solar Led Lights, solar lighting systems, Solar Lights, Solar Path Lights, solar powered lights, Solar Shed Light, spotlight

Filed under: Solar by admin
No Comments »