Solar Power Lights - How to Choose Lights that Fit Your Needs

Solar power lights are a common sight around suburban homes. They provide accent lighting for yard decor, safety lighting along pathways, and even emergency lighting for security. With so many choices, here's what to look for when shopping for solar lighting.

Price and Quality

In general, the higher the price, the more light that will be delivered for a longer amount of time. All residential solar lighting products use energy-efficient LEDs which can provide a sharp, narrow beam of light or a soft, diffused glow. Unlike incandescent bulbs or compact fluorescent bulbs, these low-energy lights do not radiate as much light.

Length of Charge

It's hard to tell how long a given charge will last, but the amount of time a solar light will stay on depends on the size of the battery, the size of the solar panel and the amount of available sunlight.

Location

The convenience of solar lights is that they can be placed outdoors, and do not require an electrical socket. However, the solar cells need to be positioned in bright sunlight to allow for the batteries to charge to their fullest during the day. The efficiency of a solar panel can be reduced up to 90% by indirect sunlight or when obstacles cast shadows on the cells. This can cause the lights to go out much earlier during the night.

Weatherproof

Buy a light that's specifically made for your intended purpose. For instance, pathway or garden lighting should be rugged enough to take the full blast from a sprinkler. Flood lights are usually placed at a base of a fountain or yard ornament and should be tough enough to take runoff and dirt. Solar power Christmas lights should be able to withstand cold temperatures and ice. Solar power post caps are specifically made to perch atop deck and fence posts.

Other Considerations

• Typical LED lights will not attract nocturnal insects like incandescent lights but floodlights still will.

• Not all units are rugged for all seasons and may need to be brought indoors in the winter.

• The solar panel should be easily accessible to allow for cleaning.

• Some security lights are activated by motion detectors. The sensor should be placed as high as possible for maximum sensitivity.

• Different types of lights are available for gardens and fountains, marine applications, ornamental lighting, and more.

• Using lights for purposes that they were never intended for can cause damage to the light, the building, or even to people and pets. Always follow the instructions.

Solar power lights are inexpensive enhancements that are easy to install in any yard. With so many types to choose from, there's sure to be one that fits your needs.