Are Solar Post Lights An Economical Decision?

In today’s article I would like to discuss solar post lights.

In the past, solar lights were considered a luxury for the elite environmentalist due to the high cost of installation as well as maintenance. Solar technology of the past prevented the batteries included with such lighting to store energy for beyond a few hours, which is why many people believed solar lighting to be a much more inefficient method of landscape lighting.

However, today’s solar technology has not only increased the storage capacity of modern lights, but the photo-voltaic cells in numerous lights can work together as a network to create a storage well that can power several solar post lights for days if the battery is charged fully. This is made possible by a larger surface area available in many modern lights, which results in better conversion of the sun’s UV rays into usable energy.

Most people shop for solar post lights for economical reasons. They are looking for ways to beautify and improve their home, while saving money on their electricity bill. When looked at in this regard, solar lighting is an economical decision in the long run. While the initial installation of a network of solar lights for landscaping purposes might be more than traditional incandescent lighting, the plus side is that further down the line, you will save money on electricity and maintenance costs, since solar lights require the least maintenance out of the major types of lighting designed to be used in landscaping.

Choosing Lighting Types For Your Situation

The luminescence of your solar lighting determines how economical your lights are for you. If you are using your solar post lights on your deck as a way to brighten an outdoor living area when it is needed, you will want lights with a high luminosity. These do not last as long as lights that are designed to provide area of effect lighting around the perimeter of landscaping, so consider this when planning your lit space. For lights designed with a high output, you should expect only a few hours of high quality lighting before they begin to dim.

If you are using post lights as a means to light a path, then higher caliber solar lighting should not be a priority to you. The design is what matters here, so long as the light outputs enough light that the landscaping or pathway is visible, there is no need to consider whether or not the luminosity of the lights is high enough to last all evening.

Costs Associated With Solar Lighting

Most solar lights are sold in do it yourself kits that are relatively easy to install. Each light is a cell in itself with all the components contained within the lights, but some kits feature wireless connectivity that can send a signal to all the lights, letting them know at what time in the day they should turn on. This requires a little bit more planning that sticking your lights where ever you want them, as you need to take the frequency of the receiver into account, as well as whether or not your area gets enough sun.

The standard cost for solar post lights depends on the style you get, but most average around  $150 to 300 per post, with some slightly cheaper or more expensive, depending on style. This cost is rather expensive when compared to the cost of incandescent or fluorescent lighting in the same category, but remember once the solar lights are installed, they are not consuming any electricity whatsoever, making them a better value in the long run.

As always, you should ensure the area you plan on placing the lights gets enough sun to charge the lights during the day. At least 8 hours of direct sunlight is recommended each day, but remember, modern solar lights can last for nearly three days on one charge, depending on their luminosity. If you live in an area that does not receive much sunlight, you may want to reconsider the purchase of solar lights as you could get a less than optimal performance as some areas of the country receive much more sunlight than others. Take trees and weather into account when making your purchase, as well. Most home improvement stores have a section that displays solar light luminosity, so use this as a guide for choosing the correct lighting for your situation.

Don’t forget to check out our Solar Lights Store for awesome deals on solar post lights.

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