With the surge in electrical costs, many customers are turning towards renewable energy as a means of lowering their monthly utility bills. Solar power, long considered too weak to provide a consistent means of power, has increased its capacity and is now capable of powering an entire house worth of energy with as few as two or three panels. While these panels are extremely expensive -- several thousand dollars each -- they can begin to pay for themselves in as little as five to ten years. In general, a solar powered yard light will require less power than any light using gas or electrical power and purchasing a set can provide full illumination for front or back yard without lengthy cords.
The first concern about solar yard lights is that of solar power in general; the amount of bright days your house will receive is the greatest means of efficiency and cost certainty. Customers living in states such as Wyoming and Colorado, which enjoy nearly three hundred sunny days each year, need not worry about whether or not their solar panels will collect enough energy -- indeed, they may be able to power an entire house on only one -- but those living along states with heavy cloud cover or rainfall do not share this luxury. While additional panels will make up the deficit, areas of the country such as the Pacific Northwest are simply too dark to function without a loss in money.
Most lights have sensors that automatically detect the fall of dusk and the rise of dawn, meaning that they will automatically power down and charge during the day and switch on to provide illumination during the night. Solar lights have a relatively small panel, meaning that they are less expensive than the major, house powering models; a single solar light costs only two to three hundred dollars and only three or four may be enough to provide light to the entire perimeter of a house. The battery for these panels, however, must be frequently monitored -- at least twice per year -- due to the constant functioning.
LED lighting is a common means of solar lighting. Unlike phosphorescent bulbs, LED lights can run for years or even decades without needing to be changed; the LED grids give off enough quality light to be clearly seen during the night without wasting energy by generating unnecessary heat. While some solar lights do use phosphorescent bulbs similar to indoor lighting fixtures, these are rare; most models are a complex array of electronics that will require a professional to fix in case of damage. Thus, it is not recommended to place the lights in dangerous areas -- under trees, around animals, and in inclement weather -- lest they require pricey repairs.
Solar yard lights are an excellent addition to any outdoor area, during any season of the year. From summer backyard parties to building a snowman as the light fades, many families find that solar lighting is a convenient and price smart means of powering their outdoor needs. Many home improvement stores carry live models, so check out availability and pricing guides.
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Garden Creations JB5629 Solar-Powered LED Accent Light, Set of 8 List Price: Sale Price: $18.75  |
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Sunforce 82156 60 LED Solar Motion Light List Price: Sale Price: $35.02 |
DescriptionProvide lighting and security to your garage, pathway, shed or remote cottage anywhere, anytime. Use the power of the sun to light dark areas and add extra security with the Sunforce 60 LED Solar Motion Security Light... |
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3 Piece Decorative Solar Light Set (Hummingbird, Butterfly & Dragonfly) List Price: Sale Price: $21.99 |
DescriptionThis 3 piece decorative solar light set is a perfect addition to your yard and garden, and costs nothing to operate! Color-changing LED inside the transparent hummingbird, butterfly and dragonfly constantly cycles from red to green to blue once dusk falls... |
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Frostfire 16 Bright LED Wireless Solar Powered Motion Sensor Light (Weatherproof, no batteries required) List Price: Sale Price: $21.70 |
Descriptionthe solar led outdoor light is a high quality light suitable as a security light or shed/garage light. The solar light uses a powerful 0.6W solar panel to charge the light during the day. At night it lights up once motion is detected and turns off 30 seconds after motion stops... |
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White 100 LED Holiday String Light for Outdoor and Indoor Use (Solar Powered) Sale Price: $12.95 |
DescriptionNo wiring needed, powered by solar energy. LED light can keep glowing for about 8 hours a night after fully charged during the day Waterproof, suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Great for Christmas, party or other celebration occasions... |
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