Decorative Outside Solar Lighting

Decorative outside solar lighting is a great way to decorate your yard and highlight some of its features. Ranging from utilitarian to whimsical designs, there is sure to be a light fixture that is appropriate for your home.

Outdoor solar lights come in three main types. Each type is uniquely suited for a particular use and different types can be combined to illuminate a single yard.

Path lights highlight the edge of walkway or driveway with a series of fixtures. Although they are somewhat utilitarian in nature, there are many different designs available. Some of these fixtures are made to hang from a fence or pole, while others can be stuck directly into the ground.

Keep in mind that these lights are supposed to offer a subtle amount of illumination, not completely light the walkway or driveway. If you require more light, you should choose another system.

Spotlights offer concentrated, bright light that can highlight a beautiful section of your yard or be placed for added safety. Most spotlights have a solar panel that must be placed in direct sun for at least eight hours a day.

While some of these solar panels may be directly attached to the light, others can be placed several feet away from the light and attached to the fixture with a wire.

Accent lights are the most decorative type of lighting. They are often fashioned to resemble other things such as oil lamps, lanterns, or even toadstools. A well-chosen accent light will appear to be a decorative sculpture during the day and offer a slight glow at night. While homeowners like to place these lights near plants, it is important that the small solar panel on the accent light receives direct sun for most of the day.

Solar lighting may be more expensive than other lighting fixtures, but they have advantages that often make the larger initial cost well worth the investment. Reduced utility costs and the ability to avoid professional installation may save you money during the first year.

Solar lighting collects its own energy to charge a battery, which then powers a LED light. LED lights use as little as 10 percent of the amount of energy of traditional incandescent bulbs and have a lifespan that is 50 times the lifespan of a standard light bulb. During the winter, LED lights are brighter than other bulbs due to the low temperatures.

Solar lighting is the easiest type of lighting to install. Unlike traditional lighting, there are no complex wiring diagrams or the need to dig trenches in order to install them. The only requirement for solar lighting is that the panel receive direct sunlight for most of the day. Check the manufacturer's instructions for specific requirements when installing and be sure to monitor plants and other objects that may obstruct the solar panels.

Replacement parts for solar lights are often easier to find when compared to traditional lighting fixtures. Most manufacturers realize that people seek solar lights in part because of environmental concerns. Therefore they try to make the appropriate replacement parts to extend the overall life of the fixture. Before buying any solar light, it is important to find out where you can buy replacement parts if the need arises.

If you are considering buying decorative outside solar lighting, it is a good idea to construct a lighting plan. This will help you figure out how many lights you need as well as how to make the different types of lighting work together.

Check with the manufacturer to find out the recommended spacing as well as the amount of light each solar panel will need to receive. After you've drawn up your lighting plan, evaluate your yard for three days to make sure that each light will receive enough sun to function.

Larger yards or busy homeowners may require a professional to complete any home improvement yard light plan. Often landscape companies will do the job for you while completing other work, making this an ideal part of a larger yard overhaul.

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