A Contributed Post: Outdoor Solar Lights Are Easy to Install

Buyer’s Guide for Solar Lights Outdoors

Buying a set of outdoor solar lights is a great way to add landscape lighting to your property quickly and easily. Whether you want to light up your patio, driveway, deck, or simply provide accent lighting to a few trees, shrubs, or flowers on your property, you can find a set of solar lights that will do the trick. Compared with low voltage and other forms of lighting they’re easier to install, lower maintenance, and won’t cost you anything on your electrical bills.

Are you ready to get started looking at some outside solar lights? Me too. Here are some things to consider when you’re making your purchase.

Intensity of the Light

The first thing that you’ll need to look at when you’re buying solar lights for outdoor areas is the intensity of light that the fixture puts off. If you’re buying online instead of looking at the light personally, check the amount of LEDs that the light has in it or the lux output of the light. Both should be stated on the packaging.

The amount of light should match the task that the light is designed for. Path lights should have a fairly low level of light attached to them, same with solar spot lights used for accent lighting, although they should be a little more intense. If you’re thinking about using the lights as security lights or as a replacement to floodlights though, make sure that the fixture has a large light output, accompanied by several LEDs built in.

Size and Location of the Solar Panel

Another thing that you need to look for in outdoor solar lights is the size and location of the solar panel. Lights that have the solar panel attached to them, with a few exceptions, will usually need to be placed in areas where they have access to direct sunlight. In fact, this is the main reason for solar garden lights not working. If the solar panel is not attached, then you will have a little more leeway on where you place the light fixture, so long as the solar panel itself is in the sun. The size of the solar panel is also important. If you’re buying large solar yard lights, make sure that it comes with an accompanying large solar panel. A small solar panel like the ones found on path lights simply won’t be able to power the fixture and will result in it having dull light or worse, not working when you need it the most!

Do Installation Materials Come with the Light?

Finally, check the packaging to see what else you might need to buy to get the light properly installed. Nothing is worse than having to make another online order or trip to the local hardware store because you forget a piece you need for installation! Most solar powered lights that are meant for use as accent lights will come with stakes that you just need to hammer into the ground. However, other lights, like solar lamp posts, that need to be attached to your roof, poles, or railings, might require a few screws or a mount for installation. Make sure that the packaging comes with this.

Solar lights provide you with the lighting you need for areas outside your home. Whether you’re using them as path lights, driveway lights, patio light, deck lights, or even accent lights, these lights will make your home safer, more attractive, and even more secure. If you’re ready to get started installing some great looking lighting on your landscape, visit Solarequipmentworld.com today to read our in-depth articles on solar energy equipment.