Solar Powered LightsSolar powered lights rely on the sun to provide them with energy which they then convert into light, for this reason they are an excellent choice to use in garden landscaping. Outdoor solar lights come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes, from sensor porch lights to lamp posts and illuminating stepping stones to spotlights.One of the many advantages of solar lighting is that as they require no wiring or connection to an electricity supply, they can be placed anywhere within a garden. Not only does this provide maximum flexibility as to where you place the lights, but also eliminates the risk associated with using electricity outside. Additionally, compared to regular electrically run lighting, solar powered lights give off little heat energy and so will not damage or burn plants when placed among foliage. It goes without saying that the main advantage of solar powered lighting is that it is powered by renewable energy. Aside from the purchase of the lights themselves, they cost nothing to run and waste no electricity on what is essentially a form of garden decorations. Many outdoor solar lights come with a built in photo cell which senses nightfall and causes the light to illuminate at this time. This feature makes them particularly suitable for lining pathways and driveways as well as for highlighting features in the garden. Many people are hesitant about using solar powered lighting, however there have been several recent advancements in solar technology now make them a more reliable and viable option to use in the garden. The development of 'photovoltic cells' means that solar lights are now not only able to harness more of the suns energy than their predecessors, but also store it in more efficient batteries until nightfall, when they can provide between eight and ten hours of low level light. The use of incandescent bulbs in solar powered lights has now been replaced by LED bulbs instead. These are able to provide a much brighter light using much less energy (many are able to give of light equal to that of a 40 watt bulb) and so are able to remain illuminated for longer. Of course where you place solar lights will effect how long they remain illuminated after nightfall. Obviously if a solar light is placed under a tree where its solar cells are not exposed to direct sunlight, their period of illumination will be very short, conversely, if a solar light is placed in direct light, it will remain illuminated for longer. For this reason solar lights cannot stay alight for as long during dark winter months as they do during summer months as they do not have access to as much light. Although direct solar lighting is not commonly used to light the inside of buildings, recent developments in hybrid-solar lighting may see this changing. This form of lighting uses optic fibres to harness sunlight and channel it directly into a room, when there is not enough sunlight to power the lights it is then supplemented with electricity. Using this hybrid power, it is possible to reduce the use of electricity in providing lighting by 50% (LiveScience). Although solar power isn't a particularly viable option for lighting indoors at the moment (although this may change in the near future), it is a practical, economical and environmentally friendly lighting solution to use outdoors both for landscaping and for lighting functional areas. |
Home Light Sources: Ceiling Lights Chandeliers Chrismas Lights Energy Saving Lights Fan Lights Fibre Optic Lights Garden Lights Grow Lights Lamps LED Lights Mood Lights Neon Lights Night Lights Pendant Lights Rope Lights Salt Lamps Sconces Security Lights Solar Powered Lights Spotlights Under Cabinet Lights Lighting The Home: Bathroom Lighting Bedroom Lighting Children's Lighting Dining Room Lighting Hall Lighting Home Office Lighting Kitchen Lighting Living Room Lighting Outdoor Lighting Security Lighting Lighting Tips: Light Bulbs Lighting Controls Types of Lighting Methods of Lighting Room Lighting Christmas Lighting Suggestions Fibre Optic Lighting Suggestions |