Solar Lights For Your House – How to Choose Outdoor Solar Lights
If you’re looking to improve your outdoor lighting without increasing your energy bills, solar lights can be a great option. They run entirely on the power they absorb from sunlight and don’t require electricity or professional installation.
The most popular uses for these lights include illuminating a walkway, showcasing a garden, or providing security. When selecting a solar light, keep in mind your own lighting needs and aesthetic preferences.
Brightness
The brightness of solar lights for your house is important to consider, as it depends on what you plan to use the lights for. If you want a decorative lighting option that will add ambiance to your outdoor space, then a string of lights like our favorite Brightech solar LED string lights might be the right choice. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more practical, then a wall lantern, like the Derynome solar lantern outdoor lights, might be a better option.
These lights typically come with a small solar panel that is integrated into the light’s housing. They also have an adjustable switch to control the intensity of the light. Most solar lights are rated to emit between five and 100 lumens, depending on their purpose. For example, garden areas may need a low-light level, while driveways and walkways around your home might require a brighter light.
Some solar lights feature additional settings and modes, such as a light-show setting that changes colors or patterns. Others have a smart component, so they can be controlled via your smartphone. Other special features include a motion sensor, automatic on/off, and adjustable brightness. In addition, some solar lights are kinder to wildlife than mains-powered lights, by emitting a dimmer glow and lessening the likelihood of disturbing nocturnal insects and bats.
Durability
Unlike electric lights that use a traditional plug, solar-powered lights rely on rechargeable batteries to collect and store energy. This means that the batteries can be replaced or swapped out down the road, which is useful if the battery life drops below a certain threshold. The solar panels on these lights should outdoor solar lights for yard also be cleaned regularly to prevent dust and dirt from building up and affecting their ability to absorb sunlight.
Some solar lights come with special features, such as motion detection and a timer. These are helpful for people who want to illuminate specific areas of their yards, such as a pathway or driveway. Some even have adjustable heads so that you can direct the light more precisely.
While these features are not necessary for all solar lighting fixtures, they can make a significant difference in your home’s overall energy efficiency. Another feature that’s important for outdoor solar lights is the durability of the fixture, which can be determined by looking at its IP rating. The first number in the IP rating indicates how well it’s protected from solid objects, and the second number represents how well it’s protected against liquids. The higher the second number, the more durable your fixture will be. If you want to buy a solar light, look for one with an IP rating of at least 6. A high IP rating is an excellent indication of durability.
Ease of installation
Solar lights offer a quick, easy way to add mood lighting to your home without the hassle of installing wiring. They come in a variety of forms to illuminate gardens, walkways, and driveways or to improve home security. They also make a great option for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint without ratcheting up their electric bill.
The best mounted solar light will fit the needs of your outdoor space and match your home decor. For example, this Better Homes & Gardens design has an industrial chic design that will blend well with many different styles of home exteriors. It comes fully assembled and installation only took five minutes. Another feature to look for is an IP rating that indicates how weather-resistant the fixture is. The higher the number, the more resistant the fixture is.
It’s important to place your solar lights where they can get six to eight hours of direct sunlight. Indirect sunlight may not cause them to turn on, but the brightness will be diminished. Alternatively, you can use outdoor Garden Outdoor Solar Light Manufacturer lights with detachable solar panels that can be moved to sunny spots when they’re not needed. Some models even have a USB port that lets you recharge your batteries. This is especially helpful if your area gets a lot of rain or snow.
Cost
Solar lighting systems are relatively inexpensive, but you’ll want to consider how many lights you need and where they will be placed. In general, you can expect to pay between $3 and $40 per light. You may also want to consider extra features, such as motion-activated or timer-controlled solar lights. These features can be helpful for security and navigation purposes, respectively.
Some solar lights have their solar cells built into the lights, while others have the solar cells separate from the lights. You’ll need to keep this in mind when determining which kind of solar lights you need, since the cells will need to be in a sunny place for optimal performance. You’ll also need to keep in mind that the batteries used in solar lights can run out over time.
The best mounted solar lights are easy to install and provide enough light for safety around the house. The Alcott Hill Barn-Style Light is one such option, with a minimal design that can blend in well with most home styles. It has a durable finish and is weatherproof, making it ideal for use in rainy climates. The only drawback is the wire that connects it to the solar panel, which may be a bit long for some homeowners. Fortunately, this can easily be fixed by using cable brackets.
