Solar Lights Applications
Have you thought about adding some solar lighting to your home or garden, but are not sure what kind to get? Maybe you want to add some lights to your walkway for safety, or your garden to add a touch of ambience to your landscaping. No matter what you would like them for, if you are going to use solar lights, you need to know what kind to get.
Accent lights
Solar accent lights are usually used to emit a soft glow to “accent” an area, hence the name. These lights are not very bright, but they can last a long time on a single charge. Often these lights come with a separate solar panel, so that you can mount them where they are unseen, even in the shade, and route the panel to a location where it can get more sunlight. You do not want to use these on pathways, though, as they are not really bright enough for that application.
Path lights
Solar path lights are quite a bit brighter than accent lights. Though they do not give light for as long a time as a softer glowing light, they usually can stay on for at least 8-10 hours. These lights usually have the solar panel build right into the fixture, which makes them the easiest to install. Place these lights along walkways, driveways, or anywhere else that you need enough light to safely guide your way.
Spot lights
Solar spot lights are brighter than either of the two previous varieties and usually come with a remote panel. Spot lights are usually used to focus on more distant targets, like trees and tall bushes. These lights are usually placed well out of site and aimed at the area in which the light is needed. Getting them aimed can take a little while to get right, but the effect is usually well worth the effort.
Flood lights
Photo by r_nechesSolar flood lights are the brightest of all. They don’t shine for very long on a charge, but they are not meant to. Usually, you see these types of lights used as security lights. They most often have motion sensors built in to allow them, to turn on only when they detect nearby movement. Since they are only on when needed, they can usually easily retain a charge until the morning.
Hopefully this has given you some idea of the different kinds of solar lights that are available. This is, of course, only a small sample. The important thing to remember is that before you begin your first solar lights project you should always keep in mind the application. Then shop for the perfect light to meet that application.