Backyards And Gardens.com » Solar

Four Kinds of Solar Lighting For Your Landscape

Guest — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:05:00 +0000

Technology moves along ever faster, and that means continual improvement for eco friendly solar panels and LED light bulbs, both of which are key components to all exterior solar lighting. It has gotten to the point where a high quality solar light fixture using an energy-sipping LED light bulb can last for eight or more hours per charge, often at strengths that approach conventional lighting.

If the weather has you thinking about installing an outdoor lighting system in the garden, solar garden lights may have a part to play if you’re looking to save energy. Here are four kinds of solar landscape lights you can expect to find:

1) Solar Path Lights - You have surely seen these before–they line many a garden pathway. Available in all kinds of shapes, sizes and colors, they now come with a dusk to dawn sensor that tells the light when to light up and when to recharge the battery. Not only can you opt for short lights with a spike you put into the ground, but also other options such as hanging lanterns, and they all suit the same purpose of providing a lighting aura to assist you in finding your way along any pathway.

2) Solar Post Lights – Think of the romantic Victorian gaslights that used to line the streets before electricity made them obsolete. Available in all kinds of materials, such as aluminum, brass, or iron, among others, these large LED solar post lights recreate the nostalgia of years gone by in a far more energy efficient manner. Not only do they bear a solar sensor and rechargeable battery, but each fixture will likely also have a series of reflecting plates to magnify the available light. These lights are understandably much more expensive than other options, but if you have the budget and the right spot in your garden to put them, they can make a marvelous addition to light your yard at night.

3) Solar Spot Lights - If security or a spotlight on an object is more your concern, solar LED lights have something for you, too. Either way, you need a powerful light that can be brought to bear on either your beautiful fountain or that burglar lurking in your bushes. The joint feature these lights share in common is that they are actually comprised of multiple LED bulbs. A security light may have 80 or more of these tiny bulbs that together make for an overpowering light that will stop illegal activity in its tracks. A spotlight to highlight a garden feature or tree only needs about three or so bulbs to achieve the intended effect. Solar security lights have the added benefit of coming with motion sensors, which will turn the light on exactly when it is needed.

4) Solar Specialty Lights - The last category catches everything else that can be grouped generally under the term of “decorative lighting”. Only your imagination limits what you can choose. You can find tiny pinnacle lights, stepping stone lights, water feature lights, little lanterns, and a multitude of lights in various shapes and colors to make your garden shine at night–but you will need something else for more powerful guiding or spot lights.

In short, there is something for everyone and for every need when it comes to eco friendly solar landscape lights. Whether you need decoration, a spot light, or lights that show the way, you should consider how much energy you would save by going “off the grid” in your backyard and relying on the power of the sun.

Solar Pool Cover Buying Tips

Guest — Thu, 27 May 2010 22:13:58 +0000

If you are looking for a way to keep your pool warmer without the need for exorbitant pool heating costs, then you should consider getting a solar pool cover or solar blanket, whether you have an inground pool (with or without an outdoor spa) or an above ground swimming pool. Swimming pool solar covers collect heat from the sun and use it to heat up the water in the swimming pool. Pool covers also ensure that all the heat already in your pool does not escape from the water at night or during cold weather. If you live in a warm climate with year round sunshine, using solar blankets can lower your energy bills significantly. Even if you are only able to enjoy hot summer weather for a few months of the year, you can still cut costs by covering your pool with a solar blanket or solar pool cover.

A solar blanket is filled with small air pockets that are used to gather the heat from the sun, and then transfer that heat into the swimming pool to warm up the water. They also prevent warmth from escaping at night, and can help to keep the water at a comfortable temperature around the clock. When looking at the variety of solar swimming pool covers on the market today, remember that clear materials are more energy efficient than blue or other colors. The thickness of the pool covers varies between 12 and 16 mm and the thickest solar blankets are the most effective, but they are also the most expensive. If you are working with a small budget, have a look at the 12 mm models.

It is advisable to go to your local pool and spa store and speak with a professional to get some advice on choosing the best solar swimming pool cover for your needs. Even if you do not purchase anything, this can be a very educational experience. While there, you may want to also ask about a solar pool cover reel. This can make the removal process of your cover so much easier. You have two choices when considering a reel for your pool cover. The first is an automatic feature and is more expensive, but rolling and unrolling your solar pool cover is a piece of cake, since you only have to push a button and the cover automatically retracts on its own. The second choice is a manual option, and will require you to crank the reel by hand. It’s cheaper, but does require some work on your part to get your solar pool cover on and off. If your pool is not large or you simply can’t factor it into your budget, then don’t worry about buying a reel at this time.

Using solar swimming pool covers or solar blankets is an energy efficient and economical way to keep your pool comfortably heated without the need for exorbitant pool heating costs. While there is certainly some initial up-front cost to buying solar pool covers, the long term benefits of using the cover to utilize solar energy in order to keep the temperature of your pool comfortable will soon outweigh that initial cost.

Why Would You Want to Buy Solar Lights?

Guest — Thu, 27 May 2010 06:35:11 +0000

If you are looking for answers to the question “why would you want to buy solar lights?”, then there are plenty of places where you can look to find out about some in-depth benefits that these lights offer. There are many reasons to choose solar lights for your home. For instance, the cost, the environment, and the ease-of-use and installation, are just a few reasons why solar lights keep getting more and more popular.

You can use solar lighting both inside your home and especially outside your home, in the form of solar deck lights, solar driveway lights or solar garden lights, among others. Here is a more in-depth view about why you may want to consider solar lighting for your next lighting purchase.

Save Money

One excellent reason why you would want to purchase solar lights is that they could be instrumental in saving you some money. How is this possible just by using a few solar lights? Well, let us recall that since solar lights use solar energy as their source of power, then these lights mainly depend on the sun and the energy that it supplies to the earth each day. Solar lights recharge all throughout the daylight hours as they continuously absorb the energy coming from the sun, storing the energy in batteries. At night, they use that charge in order to give the best possible illumination to whatever dark spaces you have. Because of this, solar lights do not eat up any electricity, so they do not increase your electricity consumption and they do not add to your electricity bills. As a result, you can save money because the lights do not cost you anything to run, apart from the original purchase price, and maybe some occasional maintenance.

Save the Earth

Another fantastic reason why you should consider solar lights is that they are very environmentally friendly. These lights do not emit any harmful gases so they do not add to the pollution that we have in our environment. Using solar lights might even give you the feeling that you are being an advocate of environmental cleanliness, and that is certainly a step in the right direction towards reducing your carbon footprint.

Ease of Installation

Solar lights are very easy to install. You don’t need extension cords or the installation of any wires in the process. Since solar lights require no electrical wiring to be run, you do not have to hire an expensive professional to install the lights for you, saving you money in the process. Installing solar lights is an easy DIY project that just about any homeowner can tackle and doesn’t take much time.

These are a few of the main reasons that make many people choose to buy solar lights. Of course, the many varieties of lighting available in attractive styles is another great reason as well.

Best Outdoor Chandeliers

Guest — Wed, 26 May 2010 12:49:00 +0000

Someone said once that “a house is built with wood and beams and a home is built with love and dreams”. For those who love to dream out of doors, a covered deck or patio is a great addition that can truly make your house a home. Gazebos and porches also accent a home and enhance the home’s exterior design.

If you have a covered outdoor area in which to enjoy the great outdoors, then outdoor chandeliers are a great way to shine light on these unique areas and to really make them unique and attractive additions to your home. From solar powered chandeliers to heavy wrought iron ones, and from classic to contemporary styles, an outdoor chandelier can be found to perfectly match your home’s decor. Let’s take a look at some of the options available.

Some people choose an outdoor candle chandelier. This is a style that is typically made with a steel or aluminum frame that includes places for one to six, or even more, candles to light. Some candle chandeliers come with metal enclosures around the candles to keep them partially covered and others come with glass to surround the candles. Though candle chandeliers are lovely and do not consume any electricity, caution should be used when using them due to the open flame and risk of fire. As with any time a candle is used, pay close attention to the flames, especially if the grass is extremely dry or they are being used in an area surrounded by wood or other flammable materials.

Solar outdoor chandeliers are another option and are perfect for areas where there is no electricity. If wiring cannot be easily supplied to an area, then outdoor chandeliers with solar capacities can be useful. Though they may grow dimmer as the dark hours progress if they do not have a powerful enough battery or do not receive enough solar power by day, they still add a soft glow to a seating area. They are easy to install and can be the perfect solution to provide an intimate ambiance.

If you are looking to have a substantial looking outside lighting fixture, then you may want to consider a wrought iron outdoor chandelier. Wrought iron is among the heaviest of all types of chandeliers and can really make a grand statement in your covered outdoor area. When using them, however, extra care needs to be given to the structure they will be suspended from, making sure the point where the wrought iron chandelier is to be hung from is strong enough to support the weight of the chandelier. If the area is at all exposed to wind, the light fixture may have a tendency to swing and this motion can cause more stress on the surface to which the chandelier is hung, so that should be taken into consideration as well. So, if an elaborate light fixture is chosen, be sure to consider its weight, how much wind it may be exposed to, and proper installation techniques carefully.

Outdoor chandeliers can enhance any covered outdoor area and can really dress up the space. In addition to adding chandeliers to places such as covered patios and porches, outdoor chandeliers for gazebos can also be found. I even saw one on Flickr.com that was hung in a tree for an outside gathering (of course, make sure you don’t use a candle chandelier in that situation!). Whatever your home design, outdoor chandeliers are a great way to make the exterior of any home shine.

Multipurpose Outdoor Deck Lighting Ideas

Guest — Sat, 22 May 2010 00:04:04 +0000

There are many ways to add light to outdoor living areas, and most especially to areas like a deck. The current trend toward energy efficient solar deck lighting adds an additional choice to meet the needs of discerning consumers, on top of the many deck lighting options that already exist on the market. There are different uses for such lighting, and adding light to the deck area, whether simple or elaborate in scale and design, offers several benefits as well.

Outdoor deck lighting ideas run the gamut in style and functionality. Deck lights can include many styles, such as ensconced torches, lanterns, post lights, step lights, hurricane lamps, solar accent lights, and LED lamps, among others. These light sources can be powered by means of electrical wiring or battery-powered forms. Oftentimes, battery powered deck lighting includes batteries that can be recharged via solar panels.

A multitude of deck lighting products are currently available from various suppliers and in a variety of price ranges, with many options being very affordable. For example, deck accent lighting, including outdoor deck post lights, spot lights, flood lights, and well lights, are available in under the one hundred dollar price range. Pathway lighting can be found in aluminum, brass, or copper, and they are also typically well under the one hundred dollar range.

LED lights are a very popular deck lighting choice. LED lights usually start at around fifty dollars and come in various types of fixtures, including post lights and pathway lights. Even though LED lights use very little energy, they do require hard wiring, so they will also require the cost of hiring an electrical professional to install them, unless you have the knowledge to run electrical wiring yourself.

Another option is solar powered deck lighting. Do-it-yourself solar-powered light systems can be purchased for as low as twenty dollars. Solar lights do not require wiring and cost absolutely nothing to operate. And since they are so easy to install on your own, there are no installation costs to contend with. You can often find solar post cap lighting or solar accent lighting to use around the decking and deck area.

There are many types of outdoor deck lighting options to consider, but all come with the benefit of providing an added level of security and safety because they can be used to clearly define your deck area, in addition to adding style and ambiance to your deck. Adding a light source to the deck also makes it a more enjoyable living space in the evening hours. As an added benefit, accenting the deck with lighting can be an economical way to personalize the area. The addition of outdoor deck lights can create a feeling of warmth and comfort.

Deck lighting, just as other types of outside lighting, continues to be one of the best ways to turn individual landscapes into unique works of art and design. You can set your home apart from all others in your neighborhood with the right installation and positioning of exterior lights. And the best thing about using deck lighting and other landscape lighting as a way to enhance the look of your home’s exterior is that it also provides added functionality, offering increased use of your outdoor space, as well.

Solar Yard Lighting Buying Tips

Guest — Mon, 17 May 2010 05:47:38 +0000

Solar lights are a relatively new, and fairly simple technology. They contain a small battery, charged by a solar panel, that powers a light bulb, and they typically have a light sensor that switches them on after sunset. While they come in all shapes and sizes, most still tend to be a bit underpowered and fragile, so shopping around can be helpful in order to find solar yard lighting that will adequately meet your needs.

The first thing you want to do when you are deciding on what type of solar yard lighting to buy is to figure out what lighting effect you are going for. Most solar yard lights on the market will do a fine job of accenting borders along steps, paths and flowerbeds, but if you actually want to see much beyond a silhouette of your feet on a dark night, then you might want to consider a larger solar yard floodlight, which will cast much more light. Solar floodlights can be significantly more expensive than their smaller cousins, but if more light is what you need then you don’t want to skimp, especially because you’ll still be saving money by not having to pay for the electricity to power these larger solar lights.

When choosing basic solar accent lights, consider the materials from which they are made. Many of these small solar lights fall prey to misplaced feet, particularly when put near steps and pathways. So, when choosing solar yard lights for high traffic locations, look for models with a metal or ceramic casing, to protect them from being damaged if stepped on or kicked. Metal or ceramic casing is also a particularly good idea if you live in a colder climate. Cheaper plastic covered solar lights can and will shatter if you step on them or kick them, or even if you bump them with the lawnmower, particularly if it’s cold out.

Bottom of the barrel, cheap solar yard lights still use old style filament light bulbs, which will require replacement fairly often, so look for LED lighting, which gives both a brighter light and a better bulb life. This will make your solar lighting work more effectively and will also let you avoid the hassle of taking the lights apart to switch bulbs. LED solar lights may be a bit more expensive than incandescent solar lights, but it is worth the added expense.

In addition to all of its basic outdoor uses, there is another more unconventional use for standalone solar yard lights. If you have a power outage and need some indoor lighting, you can use a small solar light as a back up indoor light source. Just step outside, uproot a lamp, and voila! You have an emergency light instead of having to use a flashlight or a fire hazard, like candles. This is best done with a solar yard light that is compact and has a flat base, rather than a long pole, and with one that can easily be replaced when the power comes back on without a lengthy re-installation process. Better yet, if your house is prone to power outages, you can buy an inexpensive solar yard light that you leave outside in a convenient location specifically with the intention that you can easily bring the light inside when you need it.

When buying solar yard lights, you will find you have many options to choose from. If you keep in mind some of these basic buying tips, however, you will be able to choose the best type of solar yard light, as well as the best features (such as the type of casing and bulb type) to fit your needs. This will help you narrow down the many choices and select the best solar yard lighting to brighten up your front yard, backyard and garden.

Dress Up Your Backyard with Colored Solar Lights

Guest — Wed, 05 May 2010 04:32:52 +0000

Sometimes the backyard can get a little boring, so you begin to think of ways to spice up the surroundings. While it may be tempting to build a deck, add a pergola or gazebo, or create a beautiful garden pond, these additions can be expensive and are not always a feasible option to add interest to your backyard. So why not consider livening things up with a little bit of color? You can do so very easily and inexpensively with a few colored solar lights.

Colored solar lighting is a great addition to any backyard and is cost efficient. One great feature of these lights is that they can change colors and turn your backyard into something special. They also come in a variety of different designs. Another great feature is that they can add some interest to your yard without harming the environment or running up your electric bill, since they are powered by the sun.

There are a few different types of color changing lights that are worth taking a look at (although not all are solar powered), and if you are looking to buy colored solar lights or any type of color changing lighting, one good place to do that is the internet, since there is such a large selection at your fingertips. Here are some different color changing light options that you can select from:

Solar color changing lights: the great thing about these solar lights is that they’re very affordable, as well as durable. They automatically shut on and off on their own, and since they’re powered by one rechargeable AAA battery that is charged by the sun, they are a cheap way to light up your backyard space. These lights continually change from blue to yellow, to red and green, which is also entertaining.

Color changing flower lights: to add something different to your yard and dress it up a bit, you may want to consider flower shaped lights. They will make a beautiful addition to your backyard and garden area and continually change random colors in a rotating basis. They’re also a bit whimsical on their own, adding fun and interest even without the color changing option. In addition to flowers, you can also find these types of lights with dragonflies, butterflies and other designs.

Floating color changing pool lights: your pool is the perfect place for lights that change color. Just like the other color changing lighting mentioned above, these lights randomly change colors as well. They are powered by batteries and will last up 100,000 hours, and their charge lasts for up to 12 hours. When you have a color changing light floating around the pool, it changes the whole atmosphere around your pool and really makes it feel like a party is going on.

Solar colored garden stake lighting: using solar lights is the perfect way to light up your garden. Installing a few solar garden stake lights is ideal if you’re just looking for minimal lighting around your backyard or garden. These lights throw off small pools of light and some change color as well. You can get garden stake lighting in just a basic design, or can find options that have decorative lights on the ends, which add interest to your yard even when the lights are not on.

Of course, there are numerous ways that you can add interest to your backyard, but few options are as cost effective and easy to install as solar powered lighting. Solar lights come in a wide variety of styles and looks, but by adding a few solar lights that also change color, you can really dress up your outdoor space and make it look more interesting and fun!

Electricity, Pollution and Solar Lights

Guest — Sat, 01 May 2010 17:49:53 +0000

How much energy do you figure you use on a yearly basis? What considerations do you make with respect to energy (electricity) consumption in and around your home? How much do you really understand about the creation of electricity and what happens when you continue to use it? What kind of efforts are you making at home to cut your energy costs … why should you make any effort at all? Well, enough with the questions, now let’s read a little about why you might want to ponder them.

Within the US, the majority of the electricity produced is created by the combustion of non-renewable resources. Coal and natural gas are the two primary sources of electricity in America, and as you know, the combustion of these resources causes irreversible damage to our ecosystem. Power stations that rely on fossil-fuel combustion release not only carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, but also sulphur oxides, nitrogen and nitrogen oxides. When we take a look at power stations that rely on the combustion of coal, we can add mercury to the list of by-products created by the production of electricity.

Ok, so exactly how much of our electricity is derived from methods that are badly damaging our atmosphere? Let’s take a look at the breakdown for the year 2009 below:

1- Coal was the primary source of electricity, responsible for 44.9% of the electricity generated in the United States.

2- Natural Gas is the runner up at 23.4%

So, the top two producers of electricity in the US are non-renewable resources, both of which cannot be replaced (so, we’ll eventually run out) and their combustion creates a significant contribution to the alteration of our atmosphere’s composition. Sixty eight point three percent of the electricity produced in America has a substantial negative impact on the entire planet. Additionally, a further 1% can be added to this total, thanks to the combustion of petroleum to produce electricity. 69.3% of 2009’s electricity produced in the US was derived from these non-renewable energy sources. That’s pretty shocking, and globally it’s quite devastating.

Let’s think about our own use of electricity. Most of us are connected to the grid, that’s just the way things are. We haven’t really given a whole lot of thought to what the consumption of electricity really means, other than its impact on our bank account when it’s time to pay the electric bill. We now have a few more things to consider when turning on the dryer at a time when clothes can be hung outside, or turning the lights on in the evening when most of them are likely unnecessary. Interestingly, the electricity burned by using just lights can account for nearly one fifth of the electricity used within the United States. Would you agree that a good portion of that is pretty needless?

We’ve now learned a little about how the use of conventional electricity comes at a cost that far exceeds just dollars, but what control do we really have over any of what we’ve covered in this article? Our best response to that question is pretty simple: reduction. It’s pretty obvious that the majority of us are dependent upon electricity to run our homes – this is just a reality of today’s world – however, it is well within our grasp to not only reduce our consumption of fossil-fuel produced electricity, but to also increase our consumption of electricity produced by clean, renewable resources.

Our sun’s rays transport an incredible amount of energy to our planet. Just to put it out there, the energy we receive from the sun, for free, is roughly equivalent to one thousand times the energy consumed on our planet on a yearly basis. Evidently, we’re burning up dwindling resources to create expensive, dirty energy while free, clean energy is available in quantities that far surpass our needs. How are we turning a blind eye to this? Who really thinks this is a reasonable, logical, globally-feasible choice?

Solar power is certainly not a new concept, and I’m willing to wager that everybody is well aware of its existence. Again, most of us aren’t in a position to relinquish our dependence on the power grid, but most of us are in a position to make an impact by reducing our consumption. As mentioned earlier, almost 20% of the electricity used in the US is consumed by lights, and seeing as the use of lights is largely optional, it would stand to reason that using them far less is the best, and easiest place for all of us to start.

Solar lights are one of the most readily available, and affordable, means of capturing some of that free energy the sun has been providing since the dawn of time. Make no mistake when you read here that solar lights can definitely make a huge impact on not only your electricity bill, but more importantly, our life on this planet. Take a look at civilization the next time you’re out and about at night – everything is illuminated! Driving through communities, you won’t help but notice that most homes are lit up … pretty well everyone has exterior lights powered up on their homes. When have you ever been driving through a community that was in complete darkness, regardless of the time?

In the past, I’ve been guilty of succumbing to the notion that solar lights were a merely a neat little novelty item that I could simply stick in the ground to pretty things up, and I’m sure I am not alone. The fact is that these days, solar lights are available in varieties that surpass my former ill-informed notion. Outdoor garden lighting is simply one way to introduce solar lights to your home, but did you realize you can easily install solar yard lights to illuminate your home and property, or that you can implement the use of a solar security light with a motion sensor for use, at say, your front door?

Many new homes are now built with exterior lighting that’s designed to add decorative value to the homes’ exteriors. We’ll often see homes drenched in light for the purpose of showing off the architectural value and design of the home. The use of low voltage lights is favored by many for this purpose, but I still beg to ask why ANY exterior lights are powered by “electricity”. Although low voltage lights are a far better alternative to ordinary lights, they still rely on power provided by fossil fuel combustion. Solar powered lights are available to replace virtually any light you turn on outside, and obviously only rely on the power of the sun.

Today, there is simply no need to use conventional electricity to power outside lights. Solar powered lights are available for use in pretty much every outdoor and home exterior application that you can imagine. Solar lights our way to a future that is clean and free, but we first need to take advantage of the opportunity solar power provides in any way that we can – we’re starting to run out of excuses.

You can read more about why we should all use solar lights at solarlightsourway.com.

Relax With A Solar Fountain

Guest — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:36:53 +0000

The backyard and garden of your home can sometimes be quite a simple place. The space can be barren and drab or, with a few additions, it can be a place of beauty, relaxation and tranquility. It’s worth adding a few accessories to your garden area so that you can brighten it up, add interest, relax and make it a space that you look forward to spending time in. And when it comes to adding garden accessories, none have quite as much impact as a dazzling solar fountain. From the sound of the water trickling, to the overall beautiful appearance of the fountain itself, solar fountains can really give a stylish look to your garden, making it a pleasure to sit outside.

The great thing about installing a solar fountain in your yard or garden is that you don’t need to assemble it in any way or run any type of wiring to get it working. There are also no unpleasant wires to get tangled in or to detract from the look of the fountain. You just purchase the solar fountain style you like best and you’re ready to place it anywhere you see fit and simply start enjoying it.

The decision of where you place your solar water fountain really depends on the size and layout of your garden. If you have other large garden ornaments outside in your backyard, or a large garden structure like a shed, then you will want to position your solar fountain in such a way that it stands out first and captures your attention. Place it directly in the center of the garden, perhaps, away from your wall or shed, or in a prime location tucked amongst your flowers where it will have the most impact.

Give the fountain space on its own, so your eyes will immediately seek it out. Once you find the best position for your solar powered fountain, don’t surround it with lots of other objects. It’s a beautiful item all its own and needs its space to shine. Remember, there are no cables, perhaps with the exception of a small fountain timer, so feel free to place it right in the open where it can take center stage in your garden decor.

Your fountain can be classic or modern in style, depending on your decorating preference. A big attraction of solar garden fountains for many people, no matter what the style, is the fact that they are eco-friendly, since they run on solar energy. Therefore, they won’t utilize any excess energy or electricity as they work and provide that feeling of relaxation. This means you don’t have to worry about higher utility bills or damaging the environment by running your fountain all the time.

A solar fountain is the perfect way to give you that feeling of tranquility as you relax in your backyard. From the beautiful look of it to the soothing sounds of the trickling water, you will find that this garden accessory can whisk you away to another place and time, and can reduce stress within minutes.

For a thorough look at garden fountains, particular those powered by the sun, visit The Solar Fountain Site.

You can buy solar fountains and solar fountain accessories at great prices here.

Styles of Grill Lights

Guest — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:14:54 +0000

If you love to grill, then you probably realize the importance of having some good light near your grill, so you can cook even after dark. Grill lights come in a number of styles and don’t have to be big bulky things that you have to lug around just to use. Most grill lights come in a compact size, so you can put them almost anywhere that you need light. And by having easy access to light, it adds to your grilling pleasure.

Lights for grills are generally small compact lights that are made with the intention of allowing you to grill into the night. Most styles have multiple LED features on them, providing about as much light as you would have by day, and many use an alternate power source to charge themselves, like solar power. The most popular styles are clip-on grill lights, but there are other styles as well.

Solar powered grill lights are typically small, compact lights that you can clip on to your grill or an area around your grill. In addition to being a great addition to your patio or outdoor kitchen area, they are also great for camping trips, without the hassle of having to bring extra batteries to power the light. They can also be stored neatly underneath bbq grill covers when not in use. With solar powered barbeque grill lights, you can have usually have constant bright light for up to four hours. If you are away on a trip and need light for longer periods of time, you can just bring a couple of these lights with you and you will have light long into the night. Simply charge the lights during the day (make sure you leave them in a sunny spot) and you’re good to go when it’s time to get dinner ready.

There are also battery-operated grill light styles as well. One problem that these lights can run into is that batteries can have a short life span if they get too hot or cold. The temperature can drain the power from the batteries prematurely, resulting in only a fraction of the power that you should get out of them. This can be a problem when your grill light is sitting out in the heat all day long, or especially if you are off on a camping trip where there is not place to store the batteries out of the heat.

Multiple other options are available when it comes to grill lighting, in addition to the clip-on lights. There are different floor style lamps that are built for the outdoors that you can pull up right next to your grill, giving all the light you need. These usually need to be plugged into an electrical outlet from the house or into a generator outdoors. Small compact table lamps can also be used for this purpose, and will also need to plug into an outlet, unless they are one of the models that run on batteries. Although outdoor table lamps can provide versatility as to where you position your light, they do take up some space on the table portion of your grill, or along the countertop in your outdoor kitchen, so if you’re short on space, this may not be the best option.

There are a number of different grill light styles available for your grilling and party needs, so it is easy to choose the type of light that will work best for you. Whether you want electric, battery-operated or solar powered grill lights, or you want lights for the grill that clip-on, stand on the floor, or sit on a table or countertop right alongside your grill, you should be able to find an inexpensive grilling light to make the task of grilling at night easier. You can check with your local hardware store, home improvement store, or lighting store to find just what you need.

You can buy grill lights here.

Outdoor Garden Lighting At Its Best

Guest — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:03:02 +0000

Outdoor garden lighting tends to be something that people often overlook when it comes to gardening and designing their garden decor, but without some well placed garden lighting, homeowners cannot thoroughly enjoy their garden the way it should be enjoyed. Most people do not initially realize that lighting outdoors would make their garden better, or that it would help them to enjoy their backyard, or even their front yard, so much more. Because they do not notice these things, they don’t get the full enjoyment of the outdoor living area or yard that they have.

You may be the best gardener in town, but will not completely benefit from the fruits of your labor without a well thought out garden lighting plan. But with outdoor lighting in your garden, you can accent certain qualities that you might like over others, like the soothing waterfall you strategically placed in the corner of the garden and the little garden pond that goes with it, or the bed full of lush, colorful flowers that you have worked so hard to grow. At night, you can’t see these things although you may be able to hear them (like the waterfall), but with the proper lighting, you can make that waterfall glow and be visible to you and others around, or highlight the beauty of the flowers, making it easy to enjoy the nighttime with your family and friends.

These types of garden lights, in combination with others such as solar patio lights, can make for a great experience while being outdoors and can greatly enhance the enjoyment of spending time outside while not being too far away from your own home. Solar patio lights also can turn your patio into a great place for parties and entertaining, making it easier to see the space outdoors and also adding to the atmosphere of the area. This makes for great parties and also excellent relaxation times for your family and friends to enjoy.

Solar powered lighting is great for many outdoor uses, because you don’t use electricity from your own home to power these lights. Instead you use the power from the sun, which beams down onto a solar panel during the day that is attached to the light and charges the light’s batteries. This makes solar lighting a renewable resource and gives you less stress about whether or not you should install a few extra lights or not. Solar patio lights, as well as other types of solar lighting, also turn on automatically due to a sensor that detects how dark it is or how light it is outside, so they turn off and turn on by themselves and you don’t even have to worry about deciding how long to keep them on.

Many homeowners get great enjoyment out of their backyards and gardens, but without the proper garden lighting, it is difficult to fully enjoy all aspects of the area at all times of the day or night. But, with a well thought out garden lighting plan, you can maximize enjoyment of your garden, no matter what the time of day.

Two Things To Consider When Lighting Your Garden

Guest — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 02:44:31 +0000

Solar garden lights can help you turn your ho-hum garden into the talk of the neighborhood. If you are looking to build a great flower garden (or even a vegetable garden that has some aesthetic appeal), then you will probably want to build it yourself so you can get the feeling of satisfaction from a job well done. If that’s the case, you’ll bring out the hoes and the shovels and dig up the packed ground so it turns into loose soil. The beds will be created, the plants put into the ground and the mulch spread over the surface. The result is a fantastic looking garden that has the neighbors envious and you smiling from ear to ear.

But what happens to your garden night? With the sun going down, you will not be able to see your masterpiece. So what should you do? The answer is – buy solar garden lights and install them in your garden. By doing so, you will keep the focus on your beautiful garden even after the sun goes down, and you won’t have to worry about hiring a professional electrician to get your lights installed or running up your electric bill.

Two Things To Consider Before Buying Solar Garden Lights:

Solar garden lights are the most used type of solar lights on the market today. Two of the things you will need to focus on are the ease of installation and the solar panels that come with the light.

The ease of installation is a no brainer. Most solar garden lights are extremely easy to install. The lights that are used for low lighting or for uplighting are typically staked into the ground. Those lights that are used to shine down on an area are mounted (usually with just a screwdriver and a screw or two) to a vertical surface so they can be situated at any height you need. There are no wires to run or trenches to dig, so all you need to do is situate them properly, secure them, and you’re done.

The solar panels are something to consider as well. Some lights have the panel built directly into the light, but other solar garden lights have the panels separate from the light. This allows you to install the light in an area that gets 100% shade during the day by putting the collector panel out in the sun nearby. You should consider the location of your lights before you decide on which type of model to buy.

These are just two of the aspects to address when considering solar garden lights as a landscape lighting choice for your garden. By adding a few of these solar powered lights, you can add interest and excitement to the garden you cherish by day, even when the sun goes down!

Illuminate Your Garden with Stylish Lighting

Guest — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:18:24 +0000

Garden lights are an elegant way to illuminate your garden and other outdoor areas. Lights can serve many different purposes and are available in a variety of styles. There are so many different types of lighting to choose from, so you should have no problem finding just the right combination of outside lights to get the look and feel that you want.

Use garden lighting to highlight a feature in your garden. If you have a prized plant or beautiful bench that you want to showcase, use spotlights or uplights to place emphasis on the object. Uplights are smaller recessed lights that cast their light straight up and can be positioned in various ways. Ambient lighting can be used to set a mood. Choose colored bulbs to change the tone of an area. Also, consider tiki torches or lights in a tree or shrub to lend atmosphere to your outdoor area.

The key to setting the mood or establishing the right look in your garden is to use the proper amount of lighting. Too much lighting will wash out the area. Use the shadows and darkness to add depth to your garden area. Try using a flashlight with an adjustable beam to test different areas and decide on the proper amount of lighting needed to illuminate your garden.

Outdoor lighting types include solar powered lights, low voltage lighting kits, or individual low voltage lights, as well as the typical outdoor lights that use a regular electrical current. Low voltage lighting uses a 12 volt current and is easy to install. Low voltage lights are available in kits that include a transformer, lights, and cable. The kits also feature a timer to control how long the lights stay on. The lightweight wiring for low voltage lights can either be placed on the ground or buried just below the surface. And the best thing about low voltage lighting kits is that you get everything you need right in one box, so you just have to open the box and you’re ready to go.

Solar lights are another popular type of garden lights. Powered by the sun, they are cheap to operate and easy to maintain. Most solar lights can simply be placed in the ground without the need for wiring or timers. Many solar lights are fitted with LED bulbs which provide brighter light and use less power.

The possibilities for illuminating your outdoor area are virtually unlimited. Both solar and low voltage lights are available in a multitude of colors and styles to suit your outdoor living area, and can provide most of the energy efficient outside lighting you need to keep your home looking great.

Landscape Lighting For Beauty and Safety

Guest — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 01:22:10 +0000

A beautiful home requires lighting on the outside as well as on the inside. To properly light your grounds, you need to have some landscape lighting, which comes in many forms and styles.

Solar powered landscape lighting can be a very economical way to light the outside of your home. This type of lighting consists of sensors that are charged by sunlight during the day and will then turn on at night without the use of electricity. The lights will automatically detect the proper time to come on in the evening and will shut off when daylight approaches. And solar landscape lights can be very attractive along with being an inexpensive way to light your grounds. You will also be doing your part to help the planet. And, they won’t affect your electrical bill!

You can also opt for low voltage landscape lighting, which is easy to install because it does not require a licensed professional to install regular electrical wiring. Most of these types of lights come in landscape lighting kits with everything you need to get your lights installed and working properly. Of course, you can also choose to have regular electrical-powered landscape lighting installed throughout various areas of your landscaping and around the exterior of your home, if you prefer.

Your outdoor lighting can consist of lights for your walkway, post lamps at the end of the walkway, and lights that circle the perimeter of your home. You may want to have spotlights or flood lights in certain areas, such as over the garage and at the corners of the house. And a pendant light can hang on your porch to illuminate the area by your front door. Lights situated throughout your landscaping, either in flower beds or pointing up at interesting trees or bushes, are another way to add interest to your landscaping and can make a big impact on the outside look of your home.

Landscape lights are an attractive addition to your outer surroundings. They will also help to keep your home safer. A well-lit home presents an obstacle to anyone who might be lurking around, thinking of trespassing on your property and robbing you. For proper protection, you should have your house sufficiently lit from all angles, front, back and sides, allowing for no dark areas where someone can hide.

With the proper outdoor landscape lighting, you will have an attractive and appealing outer environment. Plus, you will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your well-lit surroundings will help to keep your home safer. So, get started today by designing your outside lighting plan and choosing the types and styles of lights that you would like to install, and you should be able to have all of your lighting in place for summer!

Why Outside Solar Lights Are the Best Option

Guest — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:22:08 +0000

Illuminating your lawn is important, and being armed with the knowledge about how outside solar lights can save you an incredible amount of money will help you in your search to find the perfect lights for your home. There are more than just a few good reasons to invest in solar powered outside lighting, and we will highlight some of the most attractive aspects here.

No Additional Electricity

The greatest thing about solar technology is that once you have purchased your lights, you don’t need anything more than the sun to run them. You place them where they will be left outside and nature handles the rest. During the day they will charge on the sun’s powerful rays, and in the evening they will shine with its energy. That can not only make a huge difference on cost, but it will also have a large impact on the amount of space you’ll save not having cords lying around delivering power to your garden lights. Not to mention the work involved in digging a trench and hooking the power cords up to an outside outlet…

Low Cost Solar Power

It’s time to reconsider! Have you considered the amount of electricity that will run up each month and how much it will cost? By the time you’ve made your first electricity payment, you will have already spent more than you will spend on your outside solar lights. Aside from the savings on electricity, the cost per unit of solar lights offered online is extremely low.

It doesn’t really even matter if you’re able to avoid the impact of electricity when it comes to the cost of the bulbs. They seriously cost just as much as any other outside lighting fixtures in which you may choose to invest. They require a lot less attention and power, and many fabulous websites have some of the most updated designs at unbelievably affordable prices. Look around, and make sure you look before you buy anything.

Protects Natural Consumable Resources

Every major piece of equipment that makes our world go depends on some natural consumable resource to stay in motion. The word “consumable” is important, because it means something completely different than that which the sun offers. Natural resources, as we know them to be, will run out when we have consumed all that which Mother Nature had created. We can never consume the sun, however. It will burn for as long as it burns, and there is nothing we can do to shorten its life. The more we allow solar energy to fuel our lives, the quicker we can become free of a dependence on consumable natural resources.

Convenient to Run and Maintain

Solar powered equipment does need a little maintenance, but it’s not terribly difficult. It simply involves trying to remember to dust off your solar panel every now and then when you are outside. Nothing tedious…just a measure to help prevent build up. Other than that, you really don’t need to do anything to them. You never have to turn them on (unless you want to), as they will turn on when it is time and not require outlets or any other safety hazard.

Get online and see exactly what is out there when it comes to solar lighting. Perhaps by the time you’ve done some research, you will have decided that outside solar lights are the most economical option for now and are a great investment in the future.

Light Up Your Night With Patio Umbrella Lights

Guest — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 22:02:14 +0000

When it comes to home decorating, outdoor spaces are increasingly becoming a priority. Outdoor living, outdoor dining and outdoor entertaining are the norm for many homeowners. And outdoor spaces are an extension of what is on the inside. Patio furnishings and accessories have come a long, long way in recent times. No longer is it enough to have a few plastic chairs and a matching plastic table sitting on your deck or patio. These days, homeowners are looking for patio furnishings and accessories that both reflect their personalities and create a warm, welcoming environment for their guests. And when it comes to lighting and patio accessories, patio umbrella lights are perhaps one of the most innovative accessories of the time.

Using environmentally friendly solar power or batteries, these lights give a soft glow to your patio while still allowing you to keep the patio umbrella in an up position, which adds interest and coziness to the space. Patio umbrella lights are available in a few different styles that will both enhance and illuminate your outdoor living space, and they require no intricate installation like other patio lighting options need.

The patio umbrella light that is most popular is the pole mounting style in which the fixture fits around the pole and can be height adjusted. These umbrella patio lights are disc shaped and open to fit around the pole. They’re normally battery operated and many feature rechargeable batteries. The lighting time for this type of patio light is about 35 to 40 hours before batteries need replacing. While there are different types of pole mounting patio umbrella lights, most are created to fit a 1 to 3 inch pole however, so be sure to check measurements before purchasing.

Another style in patio umbrella lights are the chandelier style lights. These fixtures clamp onto the umbrella pole and illuminate the space with style and sophistication. They can be mounted with the lights aiming upward or downward and are usually battery operated or feature a low voltage model with a transformer for power, although you may be able to also find a few styles of solar chandelier lights available for patio umbrella use.

These are just some of the styles available to light up the area under your patio umbrella so you can enjoy the ambiance at night and get more use out of your patio even after the sun goes down. You will also find other styles of lights that you can use along with your patio umbrella, such as lights that look like candelabras and provide a romantic and intimate feel, as well as patio string lighting that can be draped along the edges of the umbrella for a more festive feel.

So, if you are looking for an inexpensive and creative way to add more outside lighting around your patio, then consider one of the varied styles of patio umbrella lights that are available either in stores or online.

Uses for Outdoor Solar Lights

Guest — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:42:20 +0000

Outdoor solar lights are a classy, creative and most of all, energy-saving means of providing light to dark outdoor areas. Such devices eliminate the need for additional wiring, and there is no worry about constantly replacing batteries. There are so many options using this technology, that a solar lighting model or style can be found for nearly every outdoor lighting need.

Some solar models come with stakes for ground installation. They can be used just about anywhere a person would typically walk near or among landscaping. Patios, gardens, pathways, barbecues and driveways are the most common places for installation and use of these types of outdoor solar lights. They install easily by pounding the accompanying 3 or 4 inch stakes into the ground (although some models come with longer stakes), and then placing a tube that holds the light and solar panel over the stake.

Solar lantern style devices are great for hanging in areas where light is needed higher than ground level. They can be attached to a garden or plant hanger, or a post. A few models come with their own stands or hangers that can be pushed or driven into the ground. These devices are elegant and give a home or garden a traditional feel.

For additional security, some solar light models include motion detectors and are comparable to similar wired security spotlights. These lights provide much more intense light and come on only when they detect motion within a specific range. Solar security lights can be mounted directly to a house, garage or porch, though the solar panel must still be able to receive and store direct sunlight.

There are also solar lighting devices that resemble candles, which will come on and flicker after dark. Other solar lights are used more for mood and ambiance than intense lighting. They may contain colored screens or panels, to give the area a different and more decorative look. Such products work well for parties and night time celebrations.

Solar lights are sold individually or in sets, depending upon the style and the intended use. Products can typically be found at any home improvement store, department stores and even some discount retailers. You can also buy solar lights online. They are relatively inexpensive compared to similar wired devices, ranging from $5 to around $75 for the most complex devices, although you will find some solar light prices that are higher than that.

There are as many uses for outdoor solar lights as there are light styles themselves. So, whether you are looking for a few eco-friendly lights to be situated in the ground among your landscaping or a couple of decorative hanging lanterns, or whether you are interested in some subtle ambient lighting or more robust security lighting, outdoor solar lights can be an energy efficient, economical and attractive outside lighting choice.

Selecting Solar Lighting for Your Garden

Guest — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:41:19 +0000

Solar lighting is an excellent way to save money and to create an attractive display of light for your outdoor areas. Solar lights are ideal around gardens and covered patio spaces, as well as other exterior locations, coming in a wide variety of designs and sizes that are sure to find a use no matter what your outdoor and garden décor.

So how does solar lighting save you money? Solar lighting works by storing the energy from sunlight during the day and releasing it all at night. These lights require no wiring, no additional fees on your electrical bill, and only the small maintenance of replacing the solar batteries after an extended period of use. They also do not require installation by a trained, and expensive, professional electrician.

Many types of solar lights are available for purchase, and your solar lighting plan can be customized depending on the decor you intend on having in your outdoor area and what types of lights you need to properly illuminate the space. If you plan on keeping with a quaint design around your garden, there are numerous solar lights available for purchase that lend themselves to charming, old-world or classic design. Solar-powered lights framed inside of a lantern are particularly attractive in traditional décors, as are solar lights with glass grafted to be shaped like flowers, blending into your greenery effortlessly and attractively. For contemporary and more modern themes around your outdoors, there are numerous minimalistic and attractive solar lights that can be utilized.

Solar walkway lights are an especially attractive (and affordable) type of lighting that can be set around backyard walkways to illuminate your walking area. The same modern geometric design found in walkway lights can also be used for solar lamps that can be set on walls outside of your home and patio and the two different types of lights can coordinate well to provide a cohesive and finished look.

The furnishings outside of your home play the biggest part in selecting the ideal lights for your outdoor space. Be sure to decide on a common theme or style for your outdoor decor before buying solar lights, or any other type of outside lighting, for that matter. No matter what your décor, however, you are certain to find lights that are able to compliment it.

So, if you are looking for an affordable and extremely attractive way to illuminate your lawn and foliage, as well as the areas surrounding the outside of your home, then solar lights are guaranteed to be an aesthetically-pleasing and functional choice for your home’s lighting needs.

Lighting Up The Front Of Your Home

Guest — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 06:39:48 +0000

Lights outside the front of homes used to be a very expensive affair, and an elaborate outside lighting setup was really reserved for those people that were in high paid jobs and had some cash to spare. However, with recent advances in technology, it is now possible to light the front of your home for very little cost indeed. Lighting outside the front of your home does not only look great, but it also provides a very effective deterrent to thieves and other people that may be up to no good. Here are a few of your options when looking at lights for the outside of your home:

Porch lights – Porch lights go next to your front door and are essential for you to see who is at your front door and what they’re up to, as well as to help light the way to your front entryway at night. You can get lights that are motion controlled if you prefer, so they only come on when people get near your home. These are a great way to save electricity because you don’t have to remember to switch them on and off and they don’t remain on for long extended periods of time.

Driveway lights – These are another good way of lighting the front of your home. Solar powered driveway lights are very easy to install, as they require no cables. They produce a dim, but useful, light and will allow you to see where the lock is on your car and will also help guide your car up and down the driveway. They’re also very handy for highlighting the silhouettes of people, and so again will provide a useful deterrent against thieves.

Brick lights – As the name suggests, these lights are in essence shaped like bricks and can be fitted into walls and into the ground (usually along walkways, patios or driveways). There tends to not be many solar powered varieties of brick lights available and so installing them may be a little bit more complicated than some other styles of outside lighting and they will therefore cost more. Brick lights are a great way, though, of highlighting potential hazards such as step edges and curbs. They really do look fantastic and will enhance the curbside appeal of your home significantly.

It’s a good idea to not just have one type of lighting outside the front your home, but to have a mixture of lighting types. A combination of all three of these exterior lighting options can provide a depth to your front garden and driveway. There are many other options for lighting up the front of your home as well, such as post lighting, walkway lighting, and other types of landscape lighting. You can have lights shining against the front of your home or lighting up an interestingly shaped tree, or you can have a few subtle lights that are dotted throughout the front landscape to create more subtle pools of light to draw your eye in.

If you are at the design stage of the front your home, then the world is your oyster and you can pick and choose lighting options as you please. If however you are retrofitting lights to an existing design, your choices may have to be more carefully considered, as some are more difficult to install than others.

Save Money on your Landscaping: Use Solar Powered Landscape Lights

Guest — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:53:25 +0000

I’ve finally decided to do something with my landscaping. I have a decent lawn, that’s green for about two months out of the year, but I wanted more. You know those yards you see on home improvement shows with decks, gardens, super green lawns, and lights highlighting everything at night?… That’s what I wanted.

The only problem is that I can’t help but to think of the cost of maintaining everything. I mean, think about the fertilizer, special seeds, and constant attention to make sure everything grows right. Plus, the construction and maintenance costs for things like pools and decks can really add up quickly and the numbers can be staggering. So, I started looking for different ways to save money on my dream landscape.

The first thing that came to mind was lighting. Certainly with all the types of garden lighting and landscape lighting available, I was sure to find a way that I could get something I liked while still saving some money. So, I decided that instead of tapping into my homes electricity and increasing my electric bill, I could go green and use solar powered garden lighting. Supposedly, these lights are both stylish, efficient, and they get the job done.

Another great benefit is that they’re powered by the sun. I mean, you can’t get more environmentally friendly than that! Plus, it costs basically nothing for you to have to install them. The solar powered unit is housed inside of the light so that you can place them anywhere. You just have to stake them into the area you want to light at night, and you’re good to go – no need to hire an expensive electrician. Oops, almost forgot, you just have to make sure the lighting unit is exposed to direct sunlight during the day so that the battery charges, but that’s about it.

Now, when you think of most solar powered tools and appliances, you may think of terrible design. That may have been the case in the past, but that’s not the case with the solar landscape lighting on the market today. To be honest, you wouldn’t even notice the difference between most of the solar models and the electricity powered models.

And, did I tell you how they don’t cost a lot of money? With the advancement of technology, the batteries specifically, the costs of solar landscape lights has decreased dramatically. They cost close to the same amount as electricity-based landscape lights. After all, I went into the decision to use solar powered lighting because I was looking for ways to save money on my landscape paradise, right?

So there you have it – solar powered lighting is a real winner! You get to save money on the lights themselves, the installation costs, the cost of operating them, and you have to sacrifice little when it comes to performance. And you know what that means? It means that using solar powered landscape lights frees up some money to focus on some of the other exciting elements of my backyard and garden oasis and allows me to spend money on the landscape supplies I truly want!