Usage and Benefits of Solar Lighting

The benefits of solar lighting are many. You may have seen the little solar lights used as accent lights in gardens or along walkways or want to add aesthetic appeal to a home’s landscaping. When most people hear the term “solar lights,” that is usually the picture that pops into their head. With the mindset of our society going more and more toward “green technology” (rightly so), we see more and more of these green lighting solutions.

Millions of people benefit from solar lights.

A quick google search shows that the solar landscape accent lights are trendy, but there are many other types. We see motion-sensing solar lights, spot lights, outdoor flood lights, commercial solar floodlighting, and many others. Some cities are even upgrading street lights to solar power. It is also possible to have indoor solar lights and solar skylights!

Not long ago, solar technology was such that it was not practical for use with many lighting applications. The rechargeable batteries couldn’t hold enough juice to keep the lights lit for very long. Significant advancements have since been made in solar technology, facilitating solar security lights, solar post lights, solar flood lights, etc. These advancements include the increased use of lithium-ion batteries to store the energy collected from solar cells. Moreover, LED lights put out more illumination and use much less energy than more traditional lights.

So what are the benefits of solar lighting?

The most obvious advantage would be that they use a free, renewable source of energy – the Sun. Yes, the batteries do need replacement every couple of years or so, but if you compare the cost of the batteries to the cost of the electricity you will save, you will find that the savings are significant. The carbon footprint on our environment is also much, much smaller.

Another benefit of solar lighting is that each light is a self-contained unit. That means that if you have a set of lights, and one of the lights fails, the rest of the lights continue to operate. If the power to your home is interrupted, your solar-powered lights continue to function. You also don’t have to worry about running wires from one light to the next to a power source – they are wireless lights!

The many advantages of solar lights.

Outdoor lighting serves a variety of functions and provides numerous advantages for both residential and commercial sites. It may add style, accentuate a property, create the ideal mood for a gathering, and protect against potential and dangerous challenges.

5 reasons why solar outdoor lighting is an excellent option.

1. Hassle-Free

When people choose to use conventional electric outdoor lighting, they face limitations. One of the most significant impediments is installing these types of fixtures near the main socket. Secondly, most electric outdoor lights require professional help for installation. This process is time-consuming and expensive because most electricians usually charge per visit and need a landscaping team to dig holes to lay the necessary wires. Solar lighting takes only a few minutes and does not require expensive maintenance.

2. Affordable

Are you trying to reduce that pricy power bill? Outdoor solar lights are highly cost-efficient since they use rechargeable batteries and free energy from the Sun. In addition, they do not require any wiring job whatsoever.
Most solar lighting products use LED light technology.
LED bulbs are helpful for consumers since they generally last longer than traditional bulbs and use less energy.
Learn more about LED light bulbs and how they can affect your energy output and spending from energystar.gov.

3. Safety

Outdoor lighting is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also makes your home or workplace less vulnerable to potential dangers.
The less likely the property will be broken into or vandalized if the building appears to be occupied or has security features in place. Outdoor solar lights are excellent in locations where lousy weather and power outages are prevalent since the fixture will continue to function as it doesn’t rely on the electricity network. Electric lights fixtures pose a safety peril to young children and pets if extension cables are laying around.

4. Versatility

Since solar lights do not require any electrical wiring, you can install them at any location that receives direct sunlight. Most come with built-in solar panels; a few have a separate one.

5. Environmentally Friendly

Solar lighting offers an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint, even modestly. Apart from using energy from the Sun, outdoor solar-powered lights are eco-friendly too. LEDs have a 10-year lifespan. Therefore, you will not have to replace and throw away old and dead light bulbs constantly. Compared to incandescent bulbs, LEDs waste less energy and last longer.

Solar Lighting FAQ’s

How long do outdoor solar lights last?

Outdoor solar lights can have a lifespan of up to 10 years if cared for properly. And battery replacement is suggested every 2-3 years.

What are the best outdoor solar lights?

There are numerous types of solar lights to choose. You might want a solar motion security light, solar garden light, or solar floodlight to illuminate your landscape, or wall light to brighten your balcony or deck in the evening.

Can I leave my solar lights outside during wintertime?

High-quality solar lights can operate all year long. So yes, you can leave them outside during the winter. You’ll need to wipe snow or ice off the solar panel to enhance the efficiency of your light.

Would you mind checking back often for more in-depth articles about the improving technology, uses, and benefits of solar lighting? Please feel free to contact me with any questions or topics you would like covered.