As solar power becomes a popular energy source, many homeowners are turning to solar-powered lights for their homes. These eco-friendly lighting options run solely off solar power and provide illumination for outdoor landscapes.
While solar-powered lights may seem like a good option, they aren’t ideal for all situations. If you use these outdoor lights incorrectly, you could negatively affect your landscape lighting design.
This article will cover what solar-powered lights are, the benefits of these lights, and when you shouldn’t use them.
What is Solar-Powered Outdoor Lighting?
A solar-powered outdoor light operates by harnessing the energy from the sun and storing this energy in a battery. As the battery stores the energy throughout the day, it drains the batteries by illuminating the LED light within the fixture.
Since batteries energize these solar-powered lights, no wires are required for the light fixtures. The lights will operate off the sun’s unlimited source of power and provide consistent illumination.
Additionally, direct sunlight is not required to generate solar power for these lights. Numerous types of fixtures utilize solar power, with some of the most common being path lights and pendant lighting.
Top 4 Benefits For Solar-Powered Lighting
If you want to install solar-powered landscape lights on your property, it would be best to understand the benefits. Below are four of the biggest benefits of choosing solar lights over traditional options:
- Cost-Effective: When you install solar-powered lights on your property, you will lower your power bills because these lights run on rechargeable batteries.
- Eco-Friendly: Solar-powered lights will decrease your carbon footprint and benefit the environment more than standard outdoor lights.
- Low-Maintenance: The lights will not require routine maintenance to ensure the light works properly once installed.
- Enhanced Safety: These lights will provide safe illumination, even if your home has a power outage.
These benefits make solar landscape lighting an attractive option that boosts your home’s curb appeal and safety. Additionally, you will benefit the environment by using an energy source that doesn’t produce hazardous byproducts.
When Shouldn’t You Use Solar-Powered Lights?
While solar-powered lights are great in many outdoor lighting situations, there are some instances when traditional light is the better choice. If you need a high-output light for security purposes, a low-voltage solar light isn’t the best choice.
Solar-powered landscape lights should complement other more powerful lights such as floodlights or spotlights. A solar landscape light is best used for path lighting or stylish garden lights.
Lastly, if your home has lots of overhead shade, a solar-powered light may not be the best choice. While the light will still work, it won’t operate as effectively and provide bright illumination.
Contact Us For a Free Consultation!
If you want solar-powered outdoor lighting for your home, you need the help of an experienced lighting design team. Our lighting designers at Houston Lightscapes install solar lights that are cost-efficient and safe for your home.
To get started, contact us today at (713) 461-3600 for a free outdoor lighting consultation.