Do Solar Garden Lights Really Work?

When you consider powering your home with solar energy, the cost of solar panels may seem daunting. But what are some low-cost ways to use solar energy? With solar landscape lights, you can illuminate your outdoor space without being connected to a power source (other than the sun).

Solar landscape lights are both easy to use and environmentally friendly, and are a great way to add illumination to the exterior of your home. However, be sure to consider the possible disadvantages of solar landscape lights to determine if it’s the right choice.

How can landscapes use solar energy?

Imagine how solar panels operate on the roof of a house: By capturing energy from the sun’s rays and converting it into electricity, solar panels can help keep interior lights on, as well as meet other power needs. Solar landscape lights work in much the same way, just on a smaller scale.

Landscape lighting can help improve a home’s security, illuminate pathways, illuminate outdoor living spaces, and complement overall landscaping. Solar landscape lights can do all of that, with the added benefit of reducing utility costs and not relying on an electrical connection.

Advantages of Solar Landscape Lights

No Electrical Connection Required

Because solar landscape lights are powered by solar energy, you don’t need additional wiring or electrical connections. This is not only convenient in terms of installation, but it also makes landscape lighting possible in far corners of the yard where electrical wires are inconvenient. This also means you don’t have to worry about accidentally cutting power to your landscape lighting while you’re digging in the ground.

Easy Installation

If you want to install solar landscape lights, there’s no need to call an electrician or solar installation company. Instead, the installation process should be as simple as assembling the lights and then putting them in place, such as anchoring them in the ground or hanging them. Because solar charging takes a while to complete, you won’t be able to test the lights right away. However, depending on the device and the amount of sunlight that day, wait a few hours and you should be able to enjoy your new lighting effects.

Disadvantages of Solar Landscape Lights

They Require Sunlight to Operate

The biggest disadvantage of solar lighting is that these units rely on sunlight to work. Since the solar panel is usually built into the light itself, this means that you can only rely on consistent lighting when the light is placed in a sunny area - meaning dark corners, covered patios, etc. may not be suitable for solar lighting.

Inconsistent Lighting

As most of us know, sunlight is also not consistent from day to day. This means that on stormy days or days with shorter daylight hours, you may not be able to get enough power; once the lights go out, you’ll need to wait until the next day to charge them again.

Maintenance Required

To keep solar landscape lights running, the solar panels need to be clear of debris, including leaves, snow, and dirt. While the lights themselves have a long lifespan, this means you’ll need to check them regularly if you want to keep them in working condition.