Getting Started With Outdoor Solar Lighting
So you think you want to go with solar lighting in your yard? Of course you do, outdoor solar lighting has come a long way in the past few years.
It uses free electricity from the sun and not electricity you have to pay for, doesn't require you to dig up your yard for wiring or use extension cords to electrical outlets located on the outside of your home and it is pretty inexpensive to start a small beginner project to enhance the beauty of your yard at night.
It also is easy to install, ecologically friendly and much safer.
Before you get started, there are some things you will want to evaluate to help you determine the best location for your outdoor solar lighting.
Solar lights work by absorbing solar energy (UV light) during the day and then when it gets dark, a sensor will use the energy stored in a battery (usually a NiMH rechargeable battery) to turn on and emit light at night and then turn the light off at daylight.
The placement of the lights is very important.
Place your solar lights where they will receive direct sunlight for the most part of the day.
Some solar lights come with a panel that you can place in the sun, but the light may be in the shade during the day or dark at night.
Others are encased in a single unit and they must be directly in the sun during the day.
Before you place your lights, take a few days to observe the sun during different times of the day to determine how much sun will be absorbed at that location.
Be sure to watch for shade from trees, bushes, house eaves or overhangs, steps, and even vehicles parked outside during the day.
If you are using solar lighting for safety lighting, such as a motion sensor light at your front or back door, garage or driveway, you will also want to take in consideration that these lights will be used all year-round and may need to be adjusted for changes in the amount of direct sunlight in the summer and winter, depending on your geographical location.
You should also take in consideration your climate.
Do you live in a sunny area of the country where you will be getting lots of sun, or in a location where there are a lot of cloudy, rainy or foggy days? Clouds, ran, fog and falling snow all decrease the strength of the sun that reaches your outdoor solar lights, which affects the ability of the sun to recharge the batteries.
One last thing is to remember to keep your outdoor lighting clean.
Be sure to clean the area that serves as the collector of the UV light during the day on a regular basis.
Dirt, ice or snow can accumulate and decrease the effectiveness of the sun during the day.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you to get off to a good start and you will be able to enjoy the benefits of your new outdoor solar lighting experience.
It uses free electricity from the sun and not electricity you have to pay for, doesn't require you to dig up your yard for wiring or use extension cords to electrical outlets located on the outside of your home and it is pretty inexpensive to start a small beginner project to enhance the beauty of your yard at night.
It also is easy to install, ecologically friendly and much safer.
Before you get started, there are some things you will want to evaluate to help you determine the best location for your outdoor solar lighting.
Solar lights work by absorbing solar energy (UV light) during the day and then when it gets dark, a sensor will use the energy stored in a battery (usually a NiMH rechargeable battery) to turn on and emit light at night and then turn the light off at daylight.
The placement of the lights is very important.
Place your solar lights where they will receive direct sunlight for the most part of the day.
Some solar lights come with a panel that you can place in the sun, but the light may be in the shade during the day or dark at night.
Others are encased in a single unit and they must be directly in the sun during the day.
Before you place your lights, take a few days to observe the sun during different times of the day to determine how much sun will be absorbed at that location.
Be sure to watch for shade from trees, bushes, house eaves or overhangs, steps, and even vehicles parked outside during the day.
If you are using solar lighting for safety lighting, such as a motion sensor light at your front or back door, garage or driveway, you will also want to take in consideration that these lights will be used all year-round and may need to be adjusted for changes in the amount of direct sunlight in the summer and winter, depending on your geographical location.
You should also take in consideration your climate.
Do you live in a sunny area of the country where you will be getting lots of sun, or in a location where there are a lot of cloudy, rainy or foggy days? Clouds, ran, fog and falling snow all decrease the strength of the sun that reaches your outdoor solar lights, which affects the ability of the sun to recharge the batteries.
One last thing is to remember to keep your outdoor lighting clean.
Be sure to clean the area that serves as the collector of the UV light during the day on a regular basis.
Dirt, ice or snow can accumulate and decrease the effectiveness of the sun during the day.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you to get off to a good start and you will be able to enjoy the benefits of your new outdoor solar lighting experience.
