With so many options, knowing how to choose solar lights can be a challenge. Here is some advice that will help you make the best selections for your home.
Different types of solar lights for your home
How to choose solar lights depends on your lighting needs. You have a multitude of types of outdoor solar lights for energy-efficient outdoor lighting.
- Solar pathway lights. Lighting pathways makes it safer to walk outside after dark. They can also be attractive accents in the design of your landscape.
- Solar driveway lights. Make it easier to navigate home from the street with lights that keep you on the drive and off the plantings.
- Solar flood lights. If you have a large area to light, solar flood lights are a great option. You can also use them to highlight plantings around your home.
- Solar spotlights. These are some of the brightest solar lights on the market and are ideal for work areas and security. The brightness drives away pests and is a good way to protect your home from wildlife.
- Solar patio lighting. You can set a mood and light up an area for entertaining or relaxing in your yard.
- Decorative solar lights. Christmas lights bring a festive look to your home over the holidays and decorative fairy lights can turn an ordinary yard into something magical. In both cases, you can find energy-efficient decorative lights that fit your sense of style.
The benefits of using solar lights
People buy solar lights for a number of different reasons:
- Reduce your environmental impact. Solar lights are energy efficient and don’t draw power from the grid.
- Simple installation and maintenance. With no wires, you can easily put them anywhere for trouble-free operation.
- Limit your energy expenses. The cost of solar lighting continues to fall, with additional cost savings on your electric bill. Using them is one great summer energy-saving tip.
- Automation. Solar lights fit well with other outdoor automation ideas.
Frequently asked questions about solar lights
You might have a few questions before you go shopping for solar lights. Here are some answers.
Where’s the best place to install outdoor solar lights?
Lighting your doorway, walks and driveway enhances safety. You can hang lights or put them into the ground. They can also be useful as part of your automated home security system.
Do solar lights need direct sunlight?
Your lights will not adequately charge in the shade. Solar cells generally need direct sunlight. Check the specs for nightly run time and recommended charging conditions.
Do solar lights charge on cloudy days?
Solar lights will still charge on cloudy days, but at a much slower rate.
Do solar lights work in the winter?
Depending on where you live, the sun may be lower on the horizon all day, lowering the efficiency of your solar panels. You can tilt them to face in a more southerly direction for a little boost in charging.
Do solar lights need batteries to work?
Your solar lights get energy only when the sun is charging the solar panel, which is why you need a battery. The light charges the battery all day so that the electricity can be used through the dark of the night.
