I’ve bought and sold more than 20 properties since 1982 — single-family homes, multi-unit rentals, and more than one for myself — and each one needed indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures. I bring you this article and others like it, for you to use as you choose economical lighting solutions that will improve your quality and safety of life for years to come.
A Magical Nighttime Retreat With The Power Of Solar Lighting
Picture this: it’s a summer evening, the sun is setting, the stars are out. You’re outside in your backyard sanctuary. Later in the evening, the sun sets below the horizon. As the darkness envelops you, it seems like all the fun outside must end, too. But it isn’t so, o ye night owls! Let us illuminate the way for you to turn your outdoor living area into a magical nighttime haven using the technology of solar lighting.
What’s not to love about the great outdoors; apart from the fact that it’s dark pretty much as soon as the sun sets? Think you leave fun behind once Mother Nature puts the clock forward? Think again. If you want to venture back into the great outdoors when the sun has disappeared, solar lights could be exactly what you’re looking for.
You might be saying, ‘Solar lights? Aren’t those just for hippies and tree-huggers?’ But hear me out. In the past few years solar lighting has reached a new level of style and energy efficiency. Today, outdoor solar lighting can make nearly any patio, walkway or garden shine with a warm light that makes you regret turning everything off in the first place. So let’s get down to business and chat a little bit about solar lighting.
But what will happen if there is no sunshine?’ There is indeed a risk: many solar lights are designed to harvest and save energy during the day so they remain lit throughout the night and even on overcast days. What is more, for the frugal-minded, there is the additional advantage that, as the lights do not require any electricity, they are cost-free.
But first, let’s imagine what truly good light might be like. Imagine walking across your backyard at night. The path glows softly. There are enchanting accents in the garden, like trees wrapped in starlight and fountains wearing halos of light. There are glowing patio nooks where you can settle down with a good book. Or maybe there’s a candlelight dinner for two set up under the lantern-lit pergola, and there’s wine resting in a cooler by the glass, keeping it perfectly chilled. And when you’re ready to head back to the house, the steps are bathed in light. Now, let’s figure out how to make that happen.
So the question is — how do you set about creating outdoor solar lighting? It is you and me my friend … for the lighting up of your own outdoors. Here is the modest step-by-step guide:
1. Walk the grounds, going around the exterior of your house and grounds, noting where you could consider lighting — like pathways, seating areas, garden beds, and architectural features.
2. PICK THE RIGHT LIGHTS: There are dozens of solar lighting products to choose from, including pathway lights, string lights and spotlights. Pick lights that are right for the space and style. Think about brightness, design and use.
3. Light Placement Matters: Now that you’ve decided on your lights, the next step is to strategically position them in your outdoor area so that they draw the eye to focal points while providing the proper amount of light for safety and mood.
4. Keep your solar lights in the sun: Place your solar lights in areas of full sun exposure so it can harvest energy from the sun during the day. Don’t put them in the shade of trees or other objects that block sunlight from charging your lights.
5. Maintenance Matters: Lastly, keep your solar lights in perfect shape by maintaining it to keep it glowing. Brush the solar panels regularly, change batteries when required, and store lights at home during any harsh weather to increase the life of your lights.
So there you have it: your handbook for shining up the nights and lighting up the outdoors of your life with solar lighting fixtures. Why sit patiently waiting for the stars to show up when you can summon your own starry realm at any time in your back yard? Lights. Camera. Action. The night is yours!