When most people think of lighting for safety, they think of flood lights or security lights with motion detectors.  While its common knowledge that good outside lighting is a crime deterrent, criminal activity is not the only safety hazard that exists in dark places.  Unlit stairs and edges can be even more of a safety hazard than a potential burglar.

Solar lighting can be the perfect solution to illuminate steps or ramp edges that are not visible in the dark, or pathways that cover uneven terrain.  While the cost to install electrical wiring along a winding pathway could be prohibitive, solar path lighting could be easily and inexpensively installed.  The same holds true for installing solar step lights, or solar lighting along a ramp or dock.

A multitude of outdoor solar fixtures are available that are mounted on stakes for anchoring into the ground, or on clamps that can be attached to the side of a step or ramp.  For best illumination, choose a product with a super bright LED light.  You won’t have to worry about bulbs burning out, since LEDs are built to last for about 20 years.  And the illumination level is comparable to halogen bulbs.

Most outdoor solar path lights have built in solar panels and photo cells.  This allows them to recharge on a continuous basis, and they will automatically turn on at dusk.  If you buy lights that use rechargeable Ni-Cad batteries, the lights will work even if they don’t receive enough direct sunlight for the solar panels to fully recharge during a stretch of cloudy days.

Many of the decorative pathway lights come in a variety of colors (red, blue, green and amber are the most typical).  But for safety purposes and the best lighting, white light is the brightest.  However, light that is too far at the cool (blue) end of the spectrum can be glaring, and some people have a sensitivity to it.  So check with the manufacturer to ensure that the “white” light you buy is at the warm (yellow) end. of the spectrum or maximum safety and comfort.

Check our solar lights selection at www.clean-energies.org