Andrea’s Garden Blog

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

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