5 Steps to Optimizing Your Solar Light Fixtures in Your Outdoor Space

One of the easiest ways to enhance the aesthetics of any garden is to light it. For many years, gardeners have been doing just that. The customary method has been to use standard fixtures and low-voltage systems. Standard fixtures are those that operate on regular 110 volt household current. These require professional installation and with that comes extra costs. Low voltage or 12 volt systems are perfect for the do-it-yourselfers. The cost of these methods can quickly run into the thousands of dollars range. There is no getting around the fact that landscape lighting can dramatically alter the use of an outdoor environment, but it does not have to come at such an extensive cost. If you have ever considered outdoor lights for your garden, but worried about the price or hassle of installation, then outdoor solar lighting and solar garden lights is your solution.

What steps do you need to take to optimize your yard with solar powered lights?

1. Choose the area of your garden that receives the most sunlight during the day. It is important to take note here the position of the sun as it changes from season to season. Areas that are cooler in the summer will receive more sun in the winter for example. It all depends on what you want your lights to do. Do you want your walkway lit in the winter when it is icy? Do you want a special flag or memorable bush lit up? Take note of where the sun hits the most to optimize your solar lights.

2. If you do need solar garden lights in a shaded area, you can install a solar panel on your roof or in a nearby location where a lot of sunlight is received. This is going to cost a little more than standard solar garden lights, and you will need to run a wire from the solar panel to the lights. But if you have a special spot you want to emphasize, but the sun is just not cooperating, then it is doable.

3. Decide what type of fixture you want to use. There are as many out there as there are ideas on how to use them:

• Solar spot lights: These will accent an intense light on a specific object
• Low fixtures: Contains light near the ground and is perfect for borders and driveways
• Tall Fixtures: Spreads the light over larger areas and useful in patios or walkways
• Tier Lights: Directs light to the ground and minimizes glare thus making them ideal for walkways and steps
• Motion Sensors: Lights an area for a few seconds when motion is detected. Good for security purposes.
• Hanging Lights: wall mounted for entranceways.
• Decorative Pieces: Come in a wide variety of styles and statues to add a personal touch to your garden

4. You now have to choose the finishes for your fixtures, taking into account any climate or weather issues in your region. Popular finishes are copper, stainless steel, and plastic. You also want to choose fixtures that will blend into your landscape or garden.

5. Now position the lights in a line or a circle by placing them closer together. This will create the most effective lighting system. You can either simply push them into the ground or attach them to your patio or wall depending on the style you have chosen.

It's really that simple! You can now enjoy the many benefits of a solar powered garden system.

Solar powered lights do not offer the flexibility of electrical systems as they rely on solar technology. This means they need to be placed in sunny locations, but when placed optimally, they can give off as many as ten hours of continuous light in the evening. The only maintenance they will require is occasional lens cleaning to remove debris. If you have been thinking about lighting up your garden, consider solar lights. They may be the perfect solution to your gardening lighting needs. And they rely on a renewable energy that is going to be around for quite a long time.