| Solar Lighting |
Solar lighting is an increasingly popular option when designing the lighting system for a new or existing home. Solar lighting provides a free, renewable energy source for outdoor lighting applications, as well as some indoor lighting as well.
So why choose solar lighting? These days, many people are choosing to use green technology and energy-efficient appliances in their new or existing homes. This makes sense on several levels, as energy-efficient homes save money on your utility bill, saves our dwindling natural resources, helps the country become energy-independent, and helps the environment as well.
Another advantage of solar lighting is the fact that you don’t have to wire your outdoor lighting fixtures to an external power source. Which means you can use these lights virtually anywhere that receives direct sunlight at least part of the day.
So how does solar lighting work? By collecting sunlight during the day, converting it to electricity, and then using that electricity to recharge a set of lithium batteries. Most solar lighting units are equipped with a photo sensor that turns the lights on automatically a dusk, and keep them on until the following dawn.
When fully charged, a typical solar lighting until can burn brightly for 8-10 hours. This of course depends on the charging cycle during the day. The brighter the direct sunlight hitting the unit's solar panel, the longer the light will operate the following night. This does present a bit of a problem during the winter months, when the days are shorter, the nights are longer, and the sky is often overcast.
There are a number of advantage to outdoor solar lighting on your property. These lights are not only cost effective, but they're safe and good for the environment. No need to worry about a dog or other pet chewing through an electrical cord and getting shocked. And you'll have lighting even during a power outage.
It's also a great option for areas where conventional electrical power is either impractical or too costly to install. This type of lighting is most often used as garden or patio lighting, or as security lighting around your garage or back yard. Another advantage is that solar lighting units can be relocated to a new area of your yard at any time, as easily as pulling them up and placing them back in the ground where you want them. No need to shut off the circuit breaker, splice wires, or hire an expensive electrician.
There are a variety of solar lighting fixtures available depending on your needs and budget. If you want to light a path in your front or back yard, there are “pagoda” style path lights available. There are also a variety of attractive lantern-style post lights available for general lighting, along with wall lights and porch lights. There are even solar-powered flag pole lights to keep Old Glory lit at all hours of the night.
If security is an issue, there are a wide variety of solar powered floodlights and motion-activated security light fixtures avaiable at very affordable prices. And again, since these lights don’t require external wiring, they can be mounted virtually anywhere.
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