Solar-powered lights are becoming more and more popular. This is due to the fact that they are quite cheap, are easy to install, and can be moved easily from one place to another. Upgrading to solar lighting means that you also get to save on electrical costs.
In the beginning, the solar lights only emitted a dim light and were not as dependable as they are now. Over the years there have been many advancements resulting in many different architectural styles and capabilities ranging from simple fixtures to high-profile baroque varieties.
What Factors Should I Consider When Buying Solar Lights?
Solar lighting is not only an excellent option for illuminating your walkway but also creates a warm ambiance, shows off your home’s architectural features, and also enhances your home’s safety and security.
You will find an array of solar lighting styles so it’s really important that you are able to choose one that complements your style. Here are some factors that you should consider.
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Location
The solar lights need to be in a location where they are exposed to direct sunlight during the day. These lights normally have a solar cell that converts the solar energy into electricity. This power is then stored in a battery.
The charged batteries provide the lights with the power to come on at dusk and enable them to stay on all through the night. The amount of sunlight received determines the length of time the lights will stay on.
The amount of sunlight received is dependent on factors such as the location, the season, and the weather. The ideal time that the solar cells should be exposed to light is approximately 8hours for them to be able to shine throughout the night.
Make sure that there is no obstruction in the location that you pick.
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Style
As the solar lighting technology continues to improve, newer models are released onto the market. For example, the LED technology enables the lights to shine 10 times brighter. The solar LED lights do not need to be charged very frequently.
There are also fixtures that can be installed into the ground to illuminate walkways and patios. Rope lighting can be wrapped around outdoor railings or branches thanks to its flexibility. Solar lanterns can be installed onto the sides of your house to light the way at night.
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Function
When you go shopping for solar lights, it’s very important that you try and match the light to the function that you need the lights to perform. There are 3 major roles that solar lights play in the landscape:
- Accent Lights
Solar accent lights add a pleasant glow to the landscape. They are designed to mark a specific place. For example, they can be used to mark a rock that could be tripped over in the dark.
These lights do not produce a lot of light so they are able to last for longer periods. Another advantage of accent lights is that they are able to charge even on cloudy days. This is because they utilize the multi-crystalline solar cells.
- Path Lights
Just as the name suggests, these are meant to light up pathways and driveways. Path lights are usually used in multiples to guide your way along the path.
They are designed in such a way that they focus their light downwards especially on a set of stairs.
- Spotlights and Task Lights
These types of lights are the brightest among all the other classes. They are also the most expensive. They work by focusing a beam of light on a specific place such as an entryway
