Landscape Lighting With Solar Outdoor Lighting Fixtures is a Great Way to Save Money on Decorating

Would you like to save some money on electricity? Your first step would be to have a serious look at Solar-powered lights. This is especially true when it comes to installing landscape lighting around your yard and home. landscape lighting is available in hundreds of differently-designed fixtures and is extremely effective when Solar applications are used. Technology has evolved over the years and so has Solar lighting. Solar outdoor lighting fixtures use LED (light emitting diode) lamps and are a much more powerful light than the Solar cell, which was its predecessor.

Although Solar lights are not as powerful as electrically-powered fixtures, they are well suited for decorative lighting in and around your yard. These outdoor lighting fixtures feed directly off the energy of the sun and collect what they need from the sun's rays during the day through Solar cell panels. When night falls, your Solar landscape lighting fixtures illuminate by releasing the Solar energy and thus illuminating your yard. The panels use NiMH rechargeable batteries or NiCad technology to store the power collected from the sun.
Outdoor lighting fixtures are remarkably easy to install, compared to the more traditional landscape lighting. When it comes to regular landscape lighting, you will need a professional electrician to do all the work. Solar lighting is fast to install and there is no underground wiring required, either. All you do is put the posts in the ground. Make sure that your Solar landscape lighting fixture is placed in an area that receives lots of natural sunlight so it can be adequately charged for the task at hand. You will find that the amount of light given off is directly proportional to the amount of sun absorbed during the day. From each fixture you can expect nine to 10 hours of light per night. You can purchase Solar landscape lighting to illuminate pathways, decks and pool areas. Have fun saving money today with your Solar landscape lighting alternative!

What To Consider When Buying Solar Landscape Lighting

Solar landscape lighting and the use of solar outdoor lights can dramatically increase the aesthetic value of any landscape project. They are environment friendly and enhance the beauty of the gardens. Solar landscape lights lights are designed for accenting driveways, pathways and steps. Made of quality components and durable materials the array of solar lights are more productive than the conventional ones. These are perfect for security and safety, reliable and are easy to install. They are operational at considerably low energy cost, are versatile and can be installed practically anywhere.

Considering the various benefits and advantages of solar lighting system, many would be inclined to purchase such units. But prior to buying and installing solar landscape lights, certain aspects need to be taken into account.

It is important to consider location and the geography of the surrounding area when selecting the appropriate lighting system. The key factor for a light application is that the Photovoltaic solar Panel used to charge the battery is to be placed in an area which receives abundant sunlight. Shading of the solar panel by landscape features or other obstructions (such as trees, buildings etc.) negatively influences the battery charging and consequently hampers functioning. If the yard is full of trees or does not receive sufficient sun light due to surrounding buildings, the solar landscape light will not function for the specified duration.

Solar lights generally function for 8 to 10 hours. But during winter season, its operational timing varies. The Photovoltaic solar panels are sensitive and produce electric current when exposed to sun light. Even on overcast days, when there is very little direct sunlight, the charger often picks up enough power to produce light. The intensity of the battery charger can be maximized by optimizing the tilt angle of the panel in relation to sun. In the northern hemisphere the solar panels should face south while in the southern hemisphere, the solar panels should face true north. For proper set-up of such a system it is advisable to consult experts and take their suggestions and guidelines for a trouble-free installation. If possible, a drawing of the area and the objects for lighting should be sent to the technicians in advance for proper recommendations on installation.

Flexible solar panels are recommended as they are light weight. They are inexpensive, are highly portable and can be installed at locations where space is an issue. Many manufacturers integrate the PV cell to the light fixtures. This will not work if the fixture is placed under the shade of a large tree or under a bush. Models having separate PV modules allow them to function better by getting maximum sunlight.

Buying low priced solar landscape light system should be avoided as they offer poor light. Bulbs in these fixtures burn out quickly and do not produce sufficient light. The lead acid batteries are difficult to recharge and have short life expectancy. It is advisable to go for Led light bulbs and nickel - cadmium or nickel - metal - hydride batteries. The led bulbs produce brighter light, use less energy and lasts longer than the old incandescent bulbs. The new batteries take and hold charge much better than old lead acid units.

Another important aspect to contemplate is the availability of replacement bulbs and batteries from the store or the manufacturer from where the purchase was made. It is useless to install solar lighting system that can not be successfully maintained for sustained operation. Selection of fixtures which blend with garden or landscape needs to seriously planned and decided.

The purchase price should not be the deciding factor of such lighting system. The quality products come with good accessories, are long lasting, are backed up by warranty against malfunctioning and most importantly, they are supported by competent technical specialists. The low priced solar landscape lighting systems may lack the benefits and advantages of highly priced quality

Outdoor Landscape Lighting Increases Property Value

If you ride through any neighborhood during the late evening, the home that will stand out the most is the one that is adorned with properly designed outdoor landscape lighting. People spend untold amounts of money ensuring that the landscaping of their property is just perfect. Then when darkness falls no one sees it. If you are installing landscape materials on a new property or you are updating your present landscaping be sure to include lighting in your overall landscape plan.

When most people think of lighting the outside of their homes, they usually just consider safety and security. Both of these considerations are definitely necessary and must be addressed. However, they can both be incorporated into a outdoor lighting plan that also adds to the aesthetic beauty of your property. The lighting of steps, paths and walkways will make the grounds of your property safer to wander on by lighting some of these common trip hazards. This outdoor lighting will also increase the security of your property by eliminating dark areas that could conceal intruders.

Now that you have considered and accounted for the safety and security of your property, you can work on developing an outdoor lighting plan that will highlight those special features in your architectural and landscape designs. In order to help you see some of the possibilities for lighting the outside of your home, drive around the more upscale neighborhoods in your area one evening and take notice of some the ways people have incorporated lighting into their landscape plan. Look at the way the lighting is directed at the different elements they are attempting to feature.

Think of how you may utilize the different types of general lighting fixtures such as floodlights, spotlights and path lights. The floods and spots can be directed in several different ways in order to obtain unique effects and personalize your outdoor landscape lighting design. For example, you may use a spotlight and aim the light directly at a specimen tree you would like to highlight. Or to change the effect, use the spotlight at the base of the tree and aim it up through the branches. This is known as up lighting. Some of the other effects are known as down lighting, cross lighting and spotlighting which is what you did when you aimed the spotlight at the specimen tree. These different effects can also be done utilizing floodlight fixtures as well.

As you can see, the possibilities when using outdoor lighting are only limited by your imagination. Spend some time in your yard at night experimenting with spotlights and floodlights and then sit down and develop a plan that will enhance the night time beauty of your property. Better yet, consider hiring a professional to develop the plan and oversee the installation of your final design. Whichever way you choose to go, a well designed and implemented outdoor landscape lighting plan will not only make your property safer and more secure, but will increase your homes property value as well.

Checking Into Low Voltage Landscape Lighting For Your Home

Low voltage landscape lightingcan give your house the look that you want. What is that you wish to achieve? Sit down and make a plan for your outdoor lighting. You will receive a lot of benefits and enjoyment. Here is outdoor lighting information to consider.

You will increase the security of our property with outdoor lighting. Suppose your front and back yards are beautifully lit at night. Other houses are dark. Someone wants to burglarize a house. Whose house are they likely to choose?

You and your family may sleep better at night. You will know that your home and property are secure. The right lighting can prevent anyone from hiding on your property, also. This is another way to keep your home safe and secure.

You want everyone to be safe. The proper lighting may help to prevent accidents. It may not be easy to see at night. When your landscape is properly lit, tripping is less likely. You can enjoy more time outdoors in the evening. This can make parties and gatherings more fun and enjoyable.

Your house can have better curb appeal. This is a good feature for selling a house. It will also add value, if you wish to stay. The right landscape lighting can make your yard stand out from all of the others.

Low voltage lighting is safe. There is no danger as with high voltage. It will be easier to install. You will not have to worry about children or animals being injured or shocked. Most people can install this type of lighting. You do not have to be a qualified electrician. This makes installation much cheaper also.

Some lights may come in a kit with the needed transformer. If you have a larger project, you will need to use a transformer. A transformer plugs into normal house current. It is then reduced to Lower voltage for your lighting. Add up all of the watts of your lights. This will tell you the size of the transformer to buy. You may also wish to have a photo electric cell, too. This will turn your light on at night and off in the daytime.

When you design your outdoor lighting you will have several types to choose from. You may wish to have lighting for a pool area. Maybe it will be a pathway. It could be a long circle driveway. You might also have ponds or fountains. Take the time to examine and explore all of the many styles. This could take a while. If you have the money, you might consider consulting a lighting or landscaping specialist. They can advise you on the most effective method for your project.

Is the project large and detailed? It may be best with a professional installation. This can make a huge difference in the way your property presents itself. Professionals will work with you to make your place beautiful. You will also save a lot of time and energy with the installation process.

Summary

Low voltage landscape lighting can add value and beauty to your property. It is safe to use and operate. It can make your property safe and secure at night. Simple projects are easy to install. Complex ones may be best done professionally. You can add a lot of enjoyment to your outside entertainment this way.

Exterior Landscape Lighting - How To Create a Beautiful and Functional Lighting Design

An exterior outdoor lighting design takes some thought and knowledge. It actually is a combination of beauty and function. There are different lights for different purposes. The goal is to have the lights serve both purposes.

Lighting your pathways is one of the most important things to accomplish. This is for the safety of both you and your guests. It can be dangerous not seeing your way around at night, particularly in bad weather. Therefore, path lights should be installed along your walks.

The amount of light that is given off by fixtures is called foot candles. This tells you how wide the circle of light will be that is cast from each path light. If this diameter, for example, is 10 feet peer light, you would place the lights slightly further than ten feet apart. Ideally, the light should over lap a bit so there are no gaps created.

As far as placement goes, I like to alternate the lights on either side of the path. They do not have to alternate along the entire path. It should be done so that it looks natural. Placing the lights on only one side creates a "runway" effect.

Path lights should be placed in planting beds. There are two reasons for this. The first reason is that placing the lights in the lawn creates a situation where the lawn mower may hit them. In addition, when lights are placed in planting beds, they blend in more with the outdoor lighting. These are usually placed at the base of ornamental trees, where they are aimed upward toward the tree, creating light on interesting branching, leaves or flowers. Depending on how much light you prefer, you can use two or three lights per tree. If you have numerous trees throughout your property, be selective in which trees you choose to light. Your lighting design should look balanced. You do not need your entire yard lit up like a Christmas tree!

Up lights can either swivel or be stationery. Those that swivel provide more opportunity for adjustments as the tree grows and changes in form.

These can also be used as accent lights. Perhaps you have a pretty sculpture or a water feature that would be eye-catching if lit up at night. A pretty waterfall lit showing the movement of the glistening water is beautiful.

Down lighting casts light down towards the ground and is often placed high up in large trees. This is also know as moon lighting as this is what the light is similar to. Down lighting can supplement path lighting. However, up lighting is used more for effects.

You can choose either 120v, low voltage or solar lighting for your landscape lighting system. Low voltage is a good choice. It is less expensive than 120v. It is also easier to install. The fixtures are connected to a transformer which is placed on the house. Depending on how many lights you are using, you may need one or more transformers.

Solar lights get there energy from the sun. Eight hours or more of sunlight are needed for them to function. That being said, there are solar lights available now that have solar panels which work in low light and even some shade. They have a super-bright bulb with a mirrored, glass lens to provide good illumination.

To summarize, you can use various types of landscape lighting power sources. You can select path lights, up lights and down lights to balance your lighting design and create the lighting that you need on your property. Your design should be both functional and aesthetic.....and subtle.