How to Choose the Right Solar Lights for Walkways

A well lit walkway leading to the home is very important and solar lighting just might be the perfect answer to night time illumination. The advantages with choosing solar powered walkway lighting are numerous. The convenience of not having to run electricity from the home to the walkway is probably the biggest advantage. Many traditional walkway light installations involve hefty electrician labor costs and potential for an additional circuit to be added to the home's electric panel. There are some 12 volt sets that can simply be connected with buried electric wire though they will eventually have to be plugged into a very unsightly large blackbox affixed to the homes outdoor outlet. These inconveniences can be avoided by going with solar powered walkway lighting. There are numerous solar lighting products available today that will accommodate just about every landscape budget.

As fun and easy as solar lighting is, there is a definite lack of brightness compared to the traditional 12 volt electric lanterns. The solar lighting simply cannot compare in brightness, though may still emit just enough light for your walkway to be safe at night. Before purchasing your desired walkway light design, but absolutely sure you are willing to forgo a little brightness to satisfy your green tastes. With the decision to purchase solar lights comes the difficult task of deciding which types of fixtures work best.

Surface Lighting

One popular option for walkway lighting includes the solar light built within a paver brick or stone. These lights are very easy to install on patios, paver walkways, and even driveways. The installation process involves substitution of a few to a dozen existing bricks with the illuminated bricks every few feet. This walkway upgrade will definitely be noticeable in the evening. These types of lights usually run much more expensive than other options as there will not be any battery substitution as the lights will be permanently embedded into the ground next to the other pavers.

Post Mount Solar Lighting

The post solar lights are the most common and are usually sold in groups of four, six, or even eight to a pack. The quality, cost, and brightness vary within this product line. I recommend purchasing a set that includes the larger separate solar panel that is wired into the set of lanterns. These particular lights will capture more solar rays which will provide better illumination for the walkway. The installation is simple as the lights are staked into the ground next to the walkway and they are good to go. Some fixtures do have on/off switches that need to be switched to the "on" position.

Step and Deck Solar Lighting

Flush mounted step and deck lights are a great way to illuminate walkways whether being adhered to wood, brick or stone. These small clip solar lights also include small LED bulbs and a rechargeable NIMH or NiCD battery. The more exposure that the flush mount gets to the sun the longer the batteries will stay charged. These flush mount lights provide good quality light for stairs and walkways.

Styles

Everyone has his or her own personal taste when it comes to yard decoration. Solar lighting is no exception to this rule. Solar light fixtures come in such design as antique, mission style, country, contemporary, and a variety of other whimsical styles. Try and choose a color that will complement the yard, garden, walkway, and home.