These days trying to light up your outdoor backyard space with electricity from the grid, will kill your wallet. Homeowners should be considering an alternative energy source that is sustainable and less expensive than electricity from the grid. Solar power is the best alternative for lighting your outdoors. It is not only cost-effective but also eliminates the problem of blackouts. We provide you the ultimate guide to the best solar lights For Your Backyard
What is an outdoor solar light?
Outdoor solar light is a photovoltaic device that uses energy from the sun to light up the outdoor space. The solar energy industry is snowballing as millions of people embrace renewable sources of energy.
How do Solar Lights work?
The concept of converting sunlight into power sounded like science fiction a couple of decades ago.
We have all seen big and small best solar lights in both commercial and residential places. However, many people wonder how these lights turn sunlight into power. So, how do solar lights work?
A solar light comes as a complete unit and has four main components:
- the solar panel
- the light fixture
- battery
- control electronics
During the day, the solar panel collects sunlight and produces electric energy out of it. The power is either used immediately or stored in a battery for later use.
The reason for finding the best solar lights and installing them is to provide light at night. Therefore, almost all solar lights are attached to a battery.
Buying the best Solar Lights
When buying solar lights, it is prudent to choose a light that best serves the function you need it to perform.
Outdoor solar lights are divided into four main categories:
- spotlights
- floodlights
- path lights
- decorative accent lights
Let’s have a look at each one of them.
Path Solar Lights
Path solar lights illuminate walkways, paths, and driveway perimeters in a residential or commercial property.
You have a lot of choice with path lights. Which means the homeowner has multiple options of placing them.
Property owners can choose lights with hanging hooks, ground stakes, and flange mounts. Path lights have on-off switches, a feature that enables users to save power for a specific event or extend the light’s potential run time.
Some models offer unique features such as timers, colored lenses, and high–low power. The price of path lights varies with their features and light output.
Decorative Solar Accent Lights
Decorative accent lights create an alluring and enjoyable glow for your outdoor space. In most cases, these lights are used to mark a place, such as landscape hazards.
For example, a solar accent light can help show a rock or a step that poses risks to people.
Solar lights are not only used to light up a landscape, but they are also used to softly illuminate low hedges or shrubbery.
Since they have low light output, these lights run for a more extended period than other types of solar lights.
Accent solar lights come with efficient multi-crystalline solar cells that charge in semi-shaded areas or during cloudy days.
Amber LEDs creates a softer ambience and consume less power than white LEDs.
Spotlights And Task Lights
These types of lights are the most expensive and the brightest of all. The best designed solar lights are designed to work best in direct sunlight on entryways, plants, and statuary.
Spotlights and solar task lights are flexible. They can be mounted in multiple ways and adjusted to point a light beam in a specific direction.
Solar Floodlights
As the name suggests, these lights are used to illuminate large spaces such as cities and roads.
Floodlights are also used to illuminate garden spaces due to their high level of brightness.
Tips To Consider When Buying Solar Lights
There are thousands of solar lights units in the market. Therefore, it is overwhelming to choose the right light for your needs. You need to analyze your needs before buying solar lights.
Before heading to the market, ask yourself the following questions.
- Do you want the best solar lights for decorative purposes?
- Do you want solar lights for security purposes?
- Is your goal to illuminate a specific object?
- What is the size of the area to be illuminated?
Color And Brightness of Lights
All lights serve the same purpose: to light up space. However, some lights have a higher brightness level than others.
If you want to light up a large area, the best solar lights for you would be floodlights or spotlights. These lights should have an output of more than 100 lumens.
On the contrary, decorative lights have a lower brightness level.
Therefore, the suitable brightness level is determined by the purpose of the light. On the other hand, you can opt for lights with the feature of adjusting the brightness level.
When it comes to color, some lights have a single color while others change color. The most suitable color is determined by your interests, needs, or even time of the year.
For example, a floodlight may come in a single color, while decorative lights come in many colors.
Battery Specification
The size of the battery plays a significant role as it determines the number of hours a light can run at night.
That’s said, it is imperative to pay attention to battery specifications when buying solar lights. There are several things to consider about the battery.
First, check the sun hours it takes for the battery to charge fully. It is advisable to choose a battery that needs the lowest sun hours.
Second, check how long the battery can power lights when charged to the fullest. The beter quality kits have a battery that power lights for at least 8 hours.
Coverage
This aspect is essential, especially when it comes to motion-sensing lights. Security lights have different detection angles and sensing ranges.
If you are buying solar lights for security purposes. Picking ones with a large sensing angle and senses movement over a long distance is smart.
Other factors such as the size of garden space also influences coverage.
Design and Appearance
You should also consider the design and appearance when buying solar lights. The primary function of lights is to illuminate, but they should also improve curb appeal.
Choose aesthetically alluring lights to enhance the appearance of your outdoor space during the day and night.
How To Install Solar Lights
After choosing the best solar lights for your outdoor space, it’s time to consider where to place your lights.
If you place your lights in the wrong place. They will get less power from the sun.
Solar will help save some bucks on your electricity bill and reduce your carbon imprint. Just remember these lights won’t serve the intended purpose if you place them improperly.
Let’s look at tips of placement and installation of solar lights to perform at their best.
How To Install Solar Lights For Maximum Efficiency
After deciding what you want to illuminate, you need to find the highest point to install your light.
Placing your best solar lights on high points will increase their ability to collect sunlight. However, don’t install the light too high.
The light should be installed in an accessible place for easier maintenance.
How To Install Solar Lights Without Causing Obstructions
Look for common obstructions when installing your lights. Place the lights in a place where they can’t obstruct lawnmowers or kids.
You don’t want to place your lights where they will obstruct kids when playing or where you can run them over with your car.
Place the best solar lights where they are visible at a distance and where they won’t obstruct the way.
It is wise to create a plan of where you will install your solar lights before making an order.
As said earlier, place the panels away from obstruction. If several lights share one panel, set the panel in a strategic position to collect a large amount of sunlight.
Also, bury the cable in a relatively deep trench and enclose it with a plastic tube for maximum protection.
By concealing the cable at least 6 inches deep, you will avoid accidentally cutting them when digging your backyard.
Additionally, prune tree branched that have over your solar panel and lights.
How To Install Solar Lights While Fully Charged
Experts recommend charging them prior to installing. Your light kit might need 12 to 14 hours of charge before installing them.
If possible, place the lights in direct sunlight for two days to charge as much as possible. Ensuring that they are fully charged before installing them is crucial for them to work at peak performance.
How To Install Solar Lights On The Ground
Some lights come with their own solar panels and stakes that can be inserted on the ground.
If you’re buying lights that come with their own solar panels, you will need to dig a bit deep and place them in a sunny location.
If the ground you’re installing in is hard and compacted. You will need to prepare the soil since the stakes that come with the lights are not strong enough to penetrate hard surfaces.
Prepare the ground by watering it uniformly to make it soft. You can also opt to soften the ground using a garden fork or a shovel. Soften the soil where you intend to erect your lights or panels that come separately.
Remember how to install solar lights without breaking the stakes. Be extra careful when inserting lights on the hard ground because you might end up damaging your best solar lights.
As soon as you feel the stake is not penetrating through the soil quickly, prepare the ground further by digging or wetting it.
Benefits Of Outdoor Solar Lights
Now that we have looked at what to consider when buying solar lights and how to install solar lights let’s shed more light on the advantages of outdoor solar lights.
Needs Low Maintenance
Besides being durable, solar lights need low maintenance. Their low maintenance can be traced to their limited number of sockets, cables, and other accessories.
Ensure to keep your lights away from shading to improve their efficiency and prolong their lifespan.
In addition, although panels are cleaned by rain, it is recommendable to check for dust, birds’ droppings, and leaves regularly.
Cost-Effective
It goes without saying that outdoor solar lights will help reduce your electricity bills. After buying solar lights and installing them, you will enjoy outdoor lighting without spending a penny.
Although buying solar lights might be relatively expensive, you will recover your investment in the long run.
Say Goodbye to Blackouts
After learning how to install them, you will be less worried about blackouts. The best solar lights are self-contained units that only need sunlight to illuminate your outdoor space.
As a result, you will enjoy maximum security since thieves mainly break into homes during a blackout or night.
Easy Installation
Most solar panels come as a complete unit, making them easy to install. In addition, their parts have connecting plugs, making it easier to do it yourself.
However installation isn’t as complicated like installing lights using power from the grid.
Its means that you don’t necessarily need to consult a professional to install. You can do it yourself.
With the manual and the tips given above, you are ready to provide light to your backyard.
Installing the best solar lights. Will ensure you get the most out of the environmentally and economically viable system.
