Outdoor Solar Lights – Tips For Getting the Most Out of Them
Place your outdoor solar lights in a sunny enough location. This may seem obvious, but outdoor solar lights require enough hours of sun per day so that they are able to recharge their batteries sufficiently. The number of hours of sun that an outdoor solar light requires per day depends on the quality and design of the outdoor solar light, the size and type of the solar panel that is a part of the outdoor solar light, the number and strength of the light bulbs that the outdoor solar light has and the number and type of batteries that it has. An Outdoor solar light with a larger solar panel relative to the light that it produces may shine for a longer time and require fewer hours of direct sunlight.
Carefully consider the potential location of your outdoor solar lights. Look to see if anything might be shading them from direct sunlight. This could include trees, bushes, plants, pillars, posts, buildings, house eaves or overhangs, steps, walls, vehicles, or anything else that blocks direct sunlight from shining on the outdoor solar lights. Look at your potential location for the outdoor solar lights during several times of day and see how much shade there is at different times. If there is too much shade in that spot for too long during the day, then it may be better for you to to select a different location for your outdoor solar lights.
If possible and if it is adjustable, then make sure that the outdoor solar light panel is facing south. Solar spotlights, for example, have an attached solar panel that can be turned toward the sun. If you can adjust the angle of the mini panel, then the panel should be angled at an ideal angle for your geographical location. The idea is to have the panel facing as flat as possible relative to the angle of the sun for as many of the direct sun hours as possible.
Depending on your geographical location, the angle of the sun and the number of hours of direct sunlight will change during the summer and winter. The sun may be less strong, at a lower angle and shine for fewer hours during the winter. On the other hand, there may be fewer leaves on surrounding trees during the winter, which may mean less that is blocking sunshine onto the outdoor solar lights during the winter.
Take the weather into account. Cloud, rain, falling snow and fog all decrease the strength of the sun that reaches your outdoor solar lights’ panels, which affects the ability of your outdoor solar lights to recharge. On a day that has been very cloudy all day, outdoor solar lights will not be able to charge as effectively as they would on a sunny day.
Keep the solar panel on the outdoor solar lights clean. Rain, dust, dirt, ice or snow can accumulate on them. If you check and wipe their solar panel areas off occasionally, then your outdoor solar lights will be able to receive sunshine better and charge more effectively.
If you keep these tips in mind, then you will have a better experience with your outdoor solar lights and you will get more out of them.
Outdoor Light Bulbs For Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor Light Bulbs for outdoor lightings are specially made to take moisture and take the variation of temperatures. But not all outdoor lighting needs require that you use light bulbs that can take direct moisture. In fact many lighting fixtures allow you to use regular halogen and incandescent light bulbs.
Here we’ll talk about the areas of need you may have in your outdoor lighting and how to tackle those needs.
Bug Repelling
Yellow bug repelling (or non bug attracting) light bulbs are a safer and more environmentally friendly option than using pesticides to rid your yard of bugs. The yellow tinted bubs that are made don’t really repel the bugs but do not attract insects like the clear or white light bulbs do.
Landscape Lighting
There are a couple of main needs when it comes to landscape lighting. Many folks have post lights or light fixtures that are on the top of posts or attached to walls or fences. Then other yards will have outdoor floods and spots that either highlight your home or a prominent feature like a beautiful old tree or a walking path.
Most outdoor post lights will be covered. What do we mean by covered? A fixture that is encompassed by glass such that the rain doesn’t make direct contact with the light bulb is a covered post light. You have more options with light bulbs when replacing a covered post light. Here there are many incandescent, halogen or compact fluorescent light bulbs that can be used.
Outdoor spots and floods generally need light bulbs specially designed for that purpose. You should look for PAR light bulbs for these applications. PAR light bulbs are made in incandescent, halogen or compact fluorescent versions. It’s important to know that some compact fluorescent light bulbs can not be used outdoors because they won’t ever come on in really cold conditions. Some just don’t like cold temperatures. Many spot fixtures that are enclosed may use MR type bulbs and these are primarily used for walkway lighting. You can find MR light bulbs that are halogen and now LED.
Deck Lights
When it comes to deck lighting, there are some cool new LED options out there. You could also have some post lighting needs around your deck or entertaining area. We’ve already explained how to light post lights. The main areas you want to light on decks are the steps and edges of the deck. Small puck size lights can be used for these areas. They don’t flood the area with light but will insure that no one gets hurt if they are walking across your deck in the evening hours. Philips has a really cool DIY kit that you can install after a deck is built and works off a remote.
Swimming Pool Lights
Light Bulbs used for swimming pools are also ideal for use in waterfall lighting, fountain lighting and reflection pools. It is crucial that specialty light bulbs be used for these applications. The bulbs will be made with hard, shatter-resistant glass that withstands thermal shock and vibration.
Your swimming pool installation company will more than likely design your swimming pool lighting plan. All you’ll need to do is pull out an expired bulb and replace what you’ve found. If what you have doesn’t exist any longer, the types of bulbs currently available in the Philips family that are made especially for swimming pools are the following: G-30, PAR-56, R-20 and R-40. These range in width from 1 ½” to 7″ in diameter and are used in either 12 or 120 volt applications. All are incandescent light bulbs.
Sconce and Covered Lighting
What do we mean by sconce and covered lighting? Anything that falls under the eve of your home, would be covered lighting. If you are wanting to light a sconce, probably beside your front door, you have lots of options. There are incandescent light bulbs, halogen and compact fluorescent options. It’s important to measure the space you have inside the fixture. Know the height, width and size of screw in base you need (medium base or candelabra base).
Another type of lighting you will probably need under the eve of your home is some sort of spot or flood light. If these are under the eve and don’t get direct rain exposure, you have a lot more options to choose from. If your fixtures are on the corners of your roof and get direct rain fall, you’ll want to use PAR light bulbs like in landscape lighting. Because of their hard glass lens, these light bulbs are made for the weather.
Outdoor lighting can be a little intimidating to tackle. Bottom line, all incandescent light bulbs and all halogen light bulbs can be used outside. Most in covered fixtures and any PAR can be used in an area that gets direct rain or snow. Some compact fluorescent light bulbs can be used outdoors but will need to be specially made for outdoor lighting applications. Armed with the knowledge of what light bulbs you can and can not use in each application will make the job a great deal easier.
Related posts
The Different Types of Outdoor Lighting
Walk through a neighborhood on a weekend afternoon and you are likely to see homeowners outside tending to their yard. The hours that go into maintaining a yard can be exhausting, but they are necessary to keep everything looking it’s best. Often times, people look for additional ways to accentuate the features of their yard, without creating additional maintenance. The best way to enhance the look and feel of your yard is by using outdoor lighting.
There are two basic functions of outdoor lighting. First, outdoor lighting allows areas to be well-lit, making them safe and functional for homeowners and their guests. This is the most practical use of outdoor lighting, as these lights make it possible to have late night grilling, bonfires and get-togethers. Outdoor lighting can also light up driveways and walkways, making it safe for visitors or coming home late. For warm summer nights, outdoor lighting can provide a soft glow for swimmers or those who are fishing off a dock.
The second function of outdoor lighting is to enhance the natural beauty of your yard. You can direct attention to trees, shrubs or a garden. Outdoor lighting is also a great addition to add to your front yard, making it look crisp and clean.
Choosing the outdoor lighting that is right for you can be overwhelming since there are so many different types to choose from. Deciding if you’re using your lighting for functional or imagery purposes will help you decide which type of lighting is right for you.
One of the most practical, easiest outdoor lights to use are solar powered lights. These lights use the sun’s rays as their power source instead of electricity. Because of this, solar powered lights can be placed just about anywhere in your yard, making them the most practical of the bunch. Just remember to put them in an area where they will have regular exposure to the sun.
Floodlights and spotlights are also quite popular and give off a strong beam of light. Because they are so low to the ground, they work great to accentuate the natural features of trees and shrubs. The only difference between the two is that floodlights have a wide beam, while spotlights have a narrow beam.
If you’re looking for safety, then motion-sensor lights are the way to go. These lights can be set to different levels of sensitivity. They startle strangers who may be wandering onto your property or cast a beam of light when an animals passes through. Motion-sensor lights are also great ways to light up your entrance for a late night out or unexpected company.
Many people find themselves spending an excess of time lounging in outdoor areas such as a gazebo or enclosed deck area. For these purposes, light fixtures are a must. Outdoor lighting can be tricky in these areas, so it’s best to hire a qualified electrician to work with this type of lighting. These lights can be high or low voltage, each one having their differences. High-voltage lights work well to light up a room and require an additional circuit. Low-voltage lights are easier to work with and can provide soft glows of light while illuminating handrails or outdoor seating.
For those of us who enjoy being in the water after dark, submersible lights add a soft glow to the water. Not only can submersible lights be used in pools, but they can also be put in ponds, fountains or hot tubs. They do a great job of illuminating the depths of the water, making it possible to see underwater where you normally could not.
The best part about outdoor lighting is that it is an affordable, easy way to update your outdoors. Most outdoor lighting is inexpensive and can be quickly installed. There is little maintenance, except for the occassional straightening of a light that has toppled over after a long winter. They come in a variety of colors and styles, making it easy to find the perfect match for your home or garden.