5 Ways to Use Solar Lights in your Landscaping <\/h2>
Here\u2019s how to choose the best types of solar lights to illuminate different areas of your property.<\/p>
1. Light a pathway with solar stakes<\/h3> ![\"Front](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/image-38.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Grigory Bruev<\/a> \/Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> Besides increasing nighttime safety for you and your visitors, solar pathway lights can also boost curb appeal after dark.<\/p>
Benefits:<\/strong><\/p> - Allows you to enjoy outdoor activities long after sunset<\/li>
- Reduces the chance of injury<\/li>
- Increases security<\/li>
- Solar LED lights can last 20 to 25 years<\/li>
- Weather-resistant <\/li>
- Eco-friendly and easy to install<\/li>
- Adds decorative beauty to garden paths and front walks<\/li>
- No need to place it near the electric outlet<\/li> <\/ul>
Details: <\/strong>Solar path lights come in many varieties and should be located in areas that receive full sun. This will allow your landscape lighting to store up enough energy to emit light come nightfall. As these tend not to shine as bright as electric lights, consider buying more than you think you may need to achieve the right intensity.<\/p> - In-ground and faux garden stone<\/a> styles available<\/li>
- Flickering flame solar torches like these<\/a><\/li>
- Bright white light and color changing options <\/li> <\/ul>
Cost: <\/strong>Depending on the number of lights you plan to purchase and whether they\u2019re white lights or colored lights, prices range from around $20 to more than $100.<\/p> 2. Set a mood with string lights<\/h3> ![\"solar](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/image-39.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Bathe your back patio in soft light to create romantic vibes, or hang multicolored string lights to encourage a more party-like atmosphere.<\/p>
Benefits:<\/strong><\/p> - Reduces carbon footprint\/saves energy<\/li>
- Weather-resistant <\/li>
- A breeze to set up<\/li>
- Solar LED bulbs can last 20 to 25 years<\/li>
- Can provide around 10 hours of light when fully charged<\/li>
- No need for electricity; runs on rechargeable batteries powered by the sun<\/li> <\/ul>
Details: <\/strong>Hang string lights in an area that receives full sun during the day, so the rechargeable batteries can be energized by the natural light. There are a number of different styles to match whatever vibe you\u2019re going for.<\/p> - Umbrella lights like these from Amazon<\/a><\/li>
- Raindrop-style<\/a> white lights or colored lights<\/li>
- Copper wire string lights<\/a> in warm white or colors<\/li>
- Fairy lights<\/a> or petal-shaped<\/a> lights, too<\/li> <\/ul>
Cost:<\/strong> Prices can vary depending on style and amount; plan to spend between $20 and $60.<\/p> 3. Increase security with flood lights<\/h3> ![\"two-headed,](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/image-40.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Steverts<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> Whether it\u2019s for your home or business, LED flood lights make your property safer for visitors and help keep your energy bills low, all at the same time. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>
Benefits:<\/strong><\/p> - Low voltage still emits super-bright light\/conserves energy<\/li>
- Deters crime\/improves nighttime safety<\/li>
- LED bulbs are not easily broken; can last 10 to 20 years<\/li>
- Great for remote locations; only needs direct sunlight for power<\/li>
- Helps other security devices, such as cameras, catch clearer pictures<\/li> <\/ul>
Details:<\/strong> For optimal security, use an LED flood light equipped with a motion sensor. This also helps save energy, as the light is only triggered when something moves within its field of view. Install these near doors and above your driveway. Options include:<\/p> - Wide-angle lighting<\/a> with three different modes<\/li>
- Wedge-style security light<\/a> like this one<\/li>
- Remote-control<\/a> solar LED flood lights<\/li> <\/ul>
Cost:<\/strong> Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $300.<\/p> 4. Spotlight hardscapes and flower beds<\/h3> ![\"black](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/image-41.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Needpix<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Have a garden design you’re particularly proud of? Want to highlight your favorite statue or shrub no matter the time of day or night? Opt for a solar spotlight. <\/p>
Benefits:<\/strong><\/p> - Easy to install, affordable, energy-efficient<\/li>
- Durable and weather-proof<\/li>
- Can double as security lighting; also perfect for lighting up the pool area<\/li>
- No need for wires, sunlight provides power<\/li>
- Adjustable light coverage can be trained on specific items or larger areas<\/li> <\/ul>
Details:<\/strong> Solar spotlights are also great during the holidays. Shine one on entryways to accentuate festive decor, such as wreaths. A few to try:<\/p> - Spotlights<\/a> with built-in solar panels<\/li>
- Multi-season lights<\/a> that don\u2019t have to be brought in during winter<\/li>
- LED flagpole<\/a> spotlights<\/li> <\/ul>
Cost:<\/strong> Prices can range from $10 to $70.<\/p> 5. Illuminate outdoor spaces with wall lights or post lights<\/h3> ![\"ground-level](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/image-42.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: EpicStockMedia<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> Maximize your outdoor living spaces, such as decks, patios, and front porches, with solar lights that turn on after dark. Host evening soirees or enjoy a solo retreat well into the night. <\/p>
Post lights can easily fit over deck railing posts, while wall lights can be mounted on the exterior of your home.<\/p>
Benefits:<\/strong><\/p> - Wire-free; only needs the light of the sun to charge<\/li>
- DIY installation is simple<\/li>
- Eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and weather-resistant <\/li>
- Also works for porches, garages, and fences<\/li> <\/ul>
Details:<\/strong> Solar post lights and wall lights also come in a multitude of colors and styles:<\/p> - Solar sconces<\/a><\/li>
- Lantern-style<\/a> wall lights<\/li>
- Post cap with a stained glass<\/a> look<\/li>
- Flickering flame<\/a> lights with lattice design<\/li> <\/ul>
Cost:<\/strong> Depending on the type and number you\u2019d like, prices range from $15 to more than $100.<\/p> FAQ About Solar Landscape Lighting<\/h2> How do solar lights work?<\/h3>
Landscape lighting that\u2019s solar powered works when these lights are placed in areas that receive direct sunlight throughout the day. When energy from the sun brings the batteries inside the lights to full charge, nightfall triggers the lights to \u201cturn on.\u201d<\/p>
What are lumens and how many do I need for outdoor lighting?<\/h3>
Lumens describe how bright a bulb will shine \u2014 the greater the number of lumens, the more light a bulb will emit. For security lights and spotlights, you\u2019ll need a higher number of lumens than path lights and postal lights.<\/p>
This handy guide<\/a> can help you determine the right amount of lumens for your landscape lighting projects.<\/p> When to Hire a Landscaping Professional<\/h2>
Installing solar outdoor lighting is an easy DIY project. But a landscape pro<\/a> can help if you live in an area with more shade than sun. <\/p> These experts can help by setting up a separate solar panel for the lights on top of your roof or in another area of your yard that receives more direct sunlight. <\/p>
No matter where you live, you\u2019ll be able to reap the benefits of solar power.<\/p>
Besides increasing nighttime safety for you and your visitors, solar pathway lights can also boost curb appeal after dark.<\/p>
Benefits:<\/strong><\/p> Details: <\/strong>Solar path lights come in many varieties and should be located in areas that receive full sun. This will allow your landscape lighting to store up enough energy to emit light come nightfall. As these tend not to shine as bright as electric lights, consider buying more than you think you may need to achieve the right intensity.<\/p> Cost: <\/strong>Depending on the number of lights you plan to purchase and whether they\u2019re white lights or colored lights, prices range from around $20 to more than $100.<\/p> Bathe your back patio in soft light to create romantic vibes, or hang multicolored string lights to encourage a more party-like atmosphere.<\/p> Benefits:<\/strong><\/p> Details: <\/strong>Hang string lights in an area that receives full sun during the day, so the rechargeable batteries can be energized by the natural light. There are a number of different styles to match whatever vibe you\u2019re going for.<\/p> Cost:<\/strong> Prices can vary depending on style and amount; plan to spend between $20 and $60.<\/p> Whether it\u2019s for your home or business, LED flood lights make your property safer for visitors and help keep your energy bills low, all at the same time. Here\u2019s how:<\/p> Benefits:<\/strong><\/p> Details:<\/strong> For optimal security, use an LED flood light equipped with a motion sensor. This also helps save energy, as the light is only triggered when something moves within its field of view. Install these near doors and above your driveway. Options include:<\/p> Cost:<\/strong> Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $300.<\/p> Have a garden design you’re particularly proud of? Want to highlight your favorite statue or shrub no matter the time of day or night? Opt for a solar spotlight. <\/p> Benefits:<\/strong><\/p> Details:<\/strong> Solar spotlights are also great during the holidays. Shine one on entryways to accentuate festive decor, such as wreaths. A few to try:<\/p> Cost:<\/strong> Prices can range from $10 to $70.<\/p> Maximize your outdoor living spaces, such as decks, patios, and front porches, with solar lights that turn on after dark. Host evening soirees or enjoy a solo retreat well into the night. <\/p> Post lights can easily fit over deck railing posts, while wall lights can be mounted on the exterior of your home.<\/p> Benefits:<\/strong><\/p> Details:<\/strong> Solar post lights and wall lights also come in a multitude of colors and styles:<\/p> Cost:<\/strong> Depending on the type and number you\u2019d like, prices range from $15 to more than $100.<\/p> Landscape lighting that\u2019s solar powered works when these lights are placed in areas that receive direct sunlight throughout the day. When energy from the sun brings the batteries inside the lights to full charge, nightfall triggers the lights to \u201cturn on.\u201d<\/p> Lumens describe how bright a bulb will shine \u2014 the greater the number of lumens, the more light a bulb will emit. For security lights and spotlights, you\u2019ll need a higher number of lumens than path lights and postal lights.<\/p> This handy guide<\/a> can help you determine the right amount of lumens for your landscape lighting projects.<\/p> Installing solar outdoor lighting is an easy DIY project. But a landscape pro<\/a> can help if you live in an area with more shade than sun. <\/p> These experts can help by setting up a separate solar panel for the lights on top of your roof or in another area of your yard that receives more direct sunlight. <\/p> No matter where you live, you\u2019ll be able to reap the benefits of solar power.<\/p>
2. Set a mood with string lights<\/h3>
3. Increase security with flood lights<\/h3>
4. Spotlight hardscapes and flower beds<\/h3>
5. Illuminate outdoor spaces with wall lights or post lights<\/h3>
FAQ About Solar Landscape Lighting<\/h2>
How do solar lights work?<\/h3>
What are lumens and how many do I need for outdoor lighting?<\/h3>
When to Hire a Landscaping Professional<\/h2>