How To Choose and Install Solar Landscape Lighting

source: SC Origin

Solar lighting and design has come a long way in the last few years becoming increasingly popular because of it's extraordinary energy efficiency rates, affordability and uncomplicated installation. Today, you can find solar lighting sets in almost any home improvement or garden store.

Solar lighting can be used in a multitude of ways: to enrich the look of your landscaping at night; to provide a safe, lighted pathway to your front door; to highlight a beautiful tree just outside your living room bay window; or to light up the area around your swimming pool at night for safety. Solar-powered means there are no wires or plugs to connect to an electrical socket, so putting lights around a pool is a cinch.

Solar-powered lighting systems use solar cells inside solar panels that convert sunlight to electricity. The solar panel uses the electricity to charge rechargeable batteries, usually lithium ion or nickel hydride, as the sun shines on them. Then, at night, a sensor turns the light on. The longer the solar panel is exposed to sunlight, the longer the light will stay on through the night.

Solar lights can dramatically improved the look of your patio, landscaping, or walkway – and they only take a minute to install!

Below are How-Tos, Videos, Unique Inspirations, More In-Depth How-To Resources, and Where to Buy these products to help you complete your solar light installation!

How-To Choose and Install a Solar Lighting System

Always read manufacturer's instructions on all products before you begin any project.

Solar lighting systems offer attractiveness and security and they don't increase your utility bill by one cent.

Before purchasing a solar landscape lighting system, consider how you intend to use the lights.

• Are you lighting up your driveway? A walkway?

  You can add some ambiance to your night with solar yard lights, or add a classy touch to your driveway with a solar lamp post. These are generally referred to as Solar Path Lights.

• Do you want spotlight lighting to highlight a specific item in your garden, such as your favorite flowerbed?

  These are referred to as Solar Task Lights. They can also light up the address marker on your home or attach to a flagpole to light up a flag.

  Consider the Superbright Solar Spotlight from Gardner's Supply.

• How about motion-sensor security lights for the front of your home?

  These are generally referred to as Solar Spot Lights. Similar to Solar Task Lights, the spot lights are brighter and commonly used in security areas.

  Gardener's Supply also has the Motion Sensor Solar Security Light that installs in minutes and can detect movement up to 50' away.

Also consider how many lights will it take to properly light each area and whether or not the lights will be placed in an area where they may be kicked over or stepped on. Consider more heavy duty solar lighting systems if that's the case.

Next, give some consideration to the design and visual appeal of your home and how you want your solar lights to enhance it. Choose lights that match your home's design theme – be it contemporary, traditional, Victorian, or country, you're sure to find a light you'll be happy with.

Lastly, just plug and play. Most solar lighting systems are stake-type lights – the solar panels rest on a sturdy stake that you simply stick into the ground. Let them absorb the sunlight throughout the day and watch them light up at night!

Some solar light products have the LED light(s) and the solar panel separate but connected with a long cord. This is so you can mount the solar panel for optimal sun exposure and then place the light(s) as far away as the cord will allow, usually 15'-20' away.

Videos

See how the professionals do it.

Lowe's – How to Install Outdoor Landscape Lighting
Lowe's expert, Mike Kraft, shows you how to install low voltage and solar outdoor landscape lighting.

source: Lowe's

Fine Living – How to Install Solar Outdoor Lighting
Fine Living's smart tips on solar outdoor lighting.

source: Fine Living

DIY Network – Solar Lights
A DIY Basic about accentuating outdoor living space with solar lighting.

source: DIY Network

Unique Inspirations

Solar Flower Garden Lights source: Grandin Road Fitted with a high-efficiency LED, these flower solar lights can highlight landscaping or pathways.

Smart Solar Ladybug Solar Lights source: Solar Lights Store Add whimsical to your garden with the Ladybug Solar Light Set. They're powered by a separate solar panel, so you can place them in shady areas.

Fretwork Solar Lantern source: Grandin Road Add drama to your tabletop, porch or walkway with the stylish Fretwork Solar Lantern.

More In-Depth How-To Resources

How to Use Solar Lightning In Your Garden Area
An ideal choice for lightening the garden area, solar lights are easy to install, free of maintenance and don't have any running costs.

Solar Landscape Lighting Will Enhance Your Garden
Increase the enjoyment of your garden in the evening hours, while promoting renewable, green energy.

How Can Solar Yard Lights Provide Dimension and Sparkle?
Solar yard lights provide a large number of effects for your yard, from paths to foliage to architectural lighting.

Want to know more about how solar lights work or try your hand a building your own solar lighting system?

How Solar Lights Work
Gardner's Supply Co. helps you better understand just how solar lights work…and how to select a quality one for purchase.

How Solar Yard Lights Work
How Stuff Works Home & Garden explains what's inside a solar light and how it produces light.

Easy DIY Solar Lighting
This article introduces you to simple solar circuitry that's easy to build.

Home-Made Sun Jars
A solar-powered LED lighted cookie jar - from Instructables.com.

Where to Buy

To help you complete your solar lighting project.

Solar Illuminations Their Crazy Summer Sale is currently going on. Save 20% all Internet orders with coupon code: CRAZY2011. Outdoor Solar Store Take $10 off your first order by becoming a friend on Facebook. And get free shipping on all orders over $75. Solar Light Store Choose from solar garden lights, lanterns, and Christmas and other decorative lights. Almost every item is reduced in price.

The Solar Garden Store In addition to traditional solar lighting systems, find solar water fountains and solar stepping stones! Lighting Direct Free shipping with orders of $49 and a 110% Price-Match Guarantee. Lighting Universe Free shipping on orders of $29.99, plus no hassle returns.