Jun 03 2010
Solar Garden Lighting
Creating a beautiful outdoor living space is more economical when a solar garden lighting plan is designed. This type of plan eliminates the need for costly monthly power bills that can break the family budget. Additionally, solar garden lights are typically easier to install than electrical outdoor lights due to not needing the assistance of an electrical contractor.
The cost factor is typically what draws homeowners to solar lighting during the design of their landscape plan. Electrical lighting for the garden and other outdoor areas requires the electrical contractors who know how to run wired under the ground or overhead, not an inexpensive task to say the least. In addition, electrical wiring can be damaged by weather or animals, which then requires the return of an electrical contractor to find and repair the problem.
On the other side of this scenario are solar lighting installations. These can often be performed by the homeowner with a little pre planning to determine where the lights will be installed. There may also be the need for the help of a landscaper to hide any wires that connect remote solar panels to lights that are installed in shady areas.
Unlike electrical lights that can be damaged by the water or animals, there are no wires, except for remote panel lights, to be concerned with. Typically, the most severe problem encountered by homes with solar garden lights are battery and bulb replacement and keeping the solar panels cleaned to insure maximum collection of the sun’s energy.
Solar outdoor lights for use in the garden have become the popular choice for many homeowners who want to extend the daylight hours and have light spill over into their garden or patio area. Lighting these areas allows for entertaining of family and friends when the weather is perfect and creates a romantic area for couples to enjoy in the evening.
These lights can also be used in practically any outside lighting situation that normal electrical lighting would be used in. There are motion detectors with lights that are solar powered and can be used in driveways and in dark areas of the landscape to alert the homeowner to the presence of movement and there are pole lights and wall sconces that can be used in the same manner as the electrical pole light and wall sconces, with one distinct advantage. Solar lighting is typically automated, meaning it uses photocells to determine when to turn on and when to turn off. This in itself is a money saver as it extends the life of the light bulbs in the fixtures.
Solar garden lighting is the natural choice in lighting today. Gardens and patios have never been more beautiful than when they area lit up with soft lighting supplied by Mother Nature and practically free of charge.
-Sharon Chapman
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