Andrea’s Garden Blog

Security lighting must provide stronger illumination than solar lighting that is designed primarily for outdoor decoration.  Security lights must also be more powerful, durable, and reliable than simple solar accent lighting.  Here are some things to think about before you buy a solar security light.

When deciding where to place solar security lights for maximum security, you may not have many options.  If the area where you most need the nighttime illumination doesn’t receive much direct sunlight during the day, it may be difficult for the solar panel component to fully recharge.  For example, you may need to attach a security light to a north wall with an overhanging roof where the fixture would receive no exposure to sunlight.  To avoid this problem, make sure you purchase a fixture with a cable that is long enough to mount the solar panel on the roof or on a south or west wall where it will receive adequate sunlight exposure.

You should also make sure that the solar security light is made from non-corrosive materials like stainless steel or plastic, so that it will not be damaged from exposure to moisture.  Weatherproof materials will ensure that the floodlight continues to work even in bad whether, which is when you are likely to need it most.

Finally, consider purchasing solar security lights that use LED technology.  While LED lights were not as powerful as halogen bulbs in the past, there are now solar super bright LED floodlights available that put out up to 50 watts and are powerful enough to light a flagpole.  LEDs are a great choice, since they draw less energy from the battery than halogen or incandescent bulbs, and they last up to 20 years without having to be replaced.  You’ll save on the cost of buying replacement bulbs, and you’ll rest assured knowing that your security light will function when you most need it.

Tags: accents, LED, safety, security, solar lighting

Most people think of security features like flood lights, security lamps, and motion detectors when it comes to lighting for safety.  While many people know that good outdoor lighting can be an effective way to deter crime, criminal activity isn’t the only danger that exists in dark outdoor areas.  Dark stairways and edges can be even more dangerous than a prowler.

Solar lighting can provide a solution to the hazards of poor outdoor lighting.  It can be used to light up steps or ramp edges that can’t easily be seen in the dark, or on walkways that cover uneven ground.  For some, the cost of installing electrical wiring along a winding walkway may be prohibitive.  Solar path lighting is an inexpensive alternative.  Other options include solar step lights or solar lighting… Continue reading the rest of this article...

Tags: accents, outdoors, safety, solar lighting

Outdoor solar post lights add a bit of classical elegance to almost any landscape design.  While hanging string lights and flood lights are quite common, a home with post lights illuminating the front entryway makes a statement that distinguishes itself from the crowd.

Solar post lights come in a variety of unique and elegant designs.  If your home is a traditional architectural style like Victorian, Colonial, or Craftsman, there are many beautiful traditional fixtures to choose from.  On the other hand, if you prefer something sleek and modern, you can also find contemporary post lights to suit your tastes.

Early on, solar lighting did not provide as much illumination as electric lighting.  Since that time, solar panel and LED technology has advanced a great deal, and modern outdoor solar lighting is just… Continue reading the rest of this article...

Tags: accents, outdoors, solar lighting, solar posts

A light emitting diode, commonly known as an LED, is different from a typical light bulb.  LEDs are cool to the touch and can last for up to 100,000 hours, so they don’t have to be replaced nearly as often as typical filament light bulbs.  They are especially appropriate for use with solar powered lighting, because they use little energy, allowing the solar light to give off illumination for a longer amount of time per charge.  LEDs are available in a variety of colors, most commonly green, amber, and red (which is often used for displays on appliances and electronics).  The white LED lights that are typically used for lighting outdoor areas leans toward the blue, or “cool,” end of the visible light spectrum.

LED displays in outdoor lights often include… Continue reading the rest of this article...

Tags: information, LED, solar light

If you have a garden pond or swimming pool on your property, then you already understand that nighttime lighting can create a magical ambiance.  Flood lights and spotlights can be useful in lighting your water features, but solar powered floating lights add whimsy and charm.  Solar floating lights are a simple and relatively inexpensive option for accenting your pond, pool, or fountain for events and special occasions.  This is true even if the ’special’ occasion is enjoying some peace and quiet in your outdoor space.

Solar floating lights typically feature built-in photo cells and solar panels, so that they will turn on automatically at sunset.  Weighing under a pound and measuring from 4 to 25 inches wide, they are small and lightweight enough that you can easily place them in direct… Continue reading the rest of this article...

Tags: accents, ponds, pools, solar lighting

With so many options for adding lighting to a deck or patio, it can be a challenge to choose the right option for your needs.  While choice is a good thing, the wealth of products available can sometimes be confusing.  Use these ideas to help you make the best choice.

First, figure out whether you want to buy and install permanent fixtures, or whether you prefer movable ones.  If you are a homeowner, you may want to invest in concrete-anchored pole lights, or a gazebo to hang solar string lights.  But, if you are renting a home or still aren’t quite sure what style of lighting you prefer, you can choose portable solar lighting that can be moved or changed later on.  Products from hanging solar lights to solar pole lights… Continue reading the rest of this article...

Tags: accents, decks, solar lighting

OK, I couldn’t stop buying annuals this year.  I kept seeing holes in color all over the place and felt the undeniable urge to fill them. Fortunately, my front yard was beyond beautiful in many spots that lacked the WOW factor in prior years.  I didn’t care if colors clashed. The brighter, the better.

However, I think I need to seek medical attention for my addiction to have the most colorful front yard in the neighborhood…

Denver Garden July 2009

Tags: summer flowers

If you are curious about using solar energy, but don’t want to invest the necessary time or money to convert your entire home to solar energy, then you might be glad to know that installing outdoor solar accent lighting is an easy project to take on.

Before you make a purchase, consider where you’d most enjoy accent lighting.  Solar accent lights are relatively inexpensive and convenient to install, but if you’re not sure about your budget, hanging string lights are the simplest and least expensive way to add charm to your outdoor living space.  They’re not permanent, so you can try them out to see whether you enjoy them and where you prefer to put them.

Planning where to hang them is fairly simple.  Decide where you’d like to put them, then… Continue reading the rest of this article...

Tags: accents, outside, solar lighting, string lights

If you live in a rental property or would like to decorate a vacation home, solar accent lights are great way to go green and save money.  Just about any outdoor lighting fixture that you might think of is now available in a solar powered model.  You can find tier lights to illuminate a walkway, pole lamps to light an outdoor living area, or hanging lights to drape over deck rails for a warm, festive ambiance.

When planning outdoor accent lighting, you can combine form with function.  Start by evaluating how you use your outdoor space.  If you spend a lot of time on your deck or patio, consider hanging solar string lights (also known as “fairy” lights because of the whimsical touch they bring) for instant charm.  They’re quick and… Continue reading the rest of this article...

Tags: accent, options, outdoors, solar lighting

Outdoor solar lighting uses the same technology to generate power as solar roof panels.  It does this by using photovoltaic (PV) cells, which collect solar energy and transform it to electricity.  These PV cells use semiconductors to absorb sunlight, which reacts with silicon and other elements to produce electricity.  This electricity travels through wires that provide power to the battery, which then provides power to the light fixture.  While this is an oversimplification of the process, it should give you general sense of how solar lights work.  Solar cells are only able to make electricity when exposed to direct sunlight; this is why solar lighting must have a battery in order to provide illumination at night.

A solar light fixture needs to be in an area that receives full, direct sunshine… Continue reading the rest of this article...

Tags: options, outdoors, solar lighting