Solar Lights for Exterior Accents

Perhaps there are areas of your lawn or garden that need lighting to accentuate or showcase their beauty. If so, consider using solar lighting. Most solar lighting has one-step installation instructions, and traditional wiring is unnecessary. If you choose solar lighting, you eliminate the need for electricity and wiring, thus saving money on your electric bill each month.

Solar lights operate by collecting sunlight all day long during daylight hours. That solar energy is housed by solar cells within the structure of the light fixture, and stored in a battery for use later. When the sun sets, the lights illuminate, running on the battery power throughout the night.

Using solar lighting for exterior accent lighting can create a lovely—or whimsical—look. Considering using solar accent lights staked into the ground to illuminate your driveway. Or, since solar accent lights also come in different shapes, you can use them to light a summertime outside garden party, or a birthday party to match the party's theme. Whatever the reason for choosing solar lights for your exterior accents, consider the following before you proceed with your project:

• Read the instructions on the package before purchasing the lights. Determine weather the lights need full sunlight to charge. If so, will tree coverage in your yard prohibit the lights from fully charging? Considering purchasing lights that will fully charge in partial sunlight.
• All solar lights do not use the same types of bulb. Look at the light bulb and determine if it is the color that you want. Some lights use different colors of LED lighting.
• What type of lighting do you want? Do you want soft, accent lighting? Or do you want strong, showcase lighting? Choose floodlights for showcasing a tree, shrub, or gazing ball. Choose softer accent lighting for illuminating a pathway, seating, or a railing.
• Are you more of a traditionalist or a free spirit when it comes to landscape design? Choose the type of lighting that appeals to your sense of beauty. You may want steel or black plastic lighting fixtures to compliment your flagstone walkway if you are a traditionalist. Or, you may choose animal-shaped lights if your free spirit within directs you towards whimsy. Make sure you know what lighting options are available to you before you decide to purchase.

There are extras that you can purchase when you have decided upon a lighting system. You may want a timer or on/off switches. Different hues of light bulbs can create dramatic effects, as can colored lenses. Placement of exterior accent lights can be critical to the outcome you wish to achieve. Consider reading and researching about exterior accent lighting before placing your solar lights.