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Although most people
immediately think of a well-lit outdoor scene when they hear this
term, generally it is used to describe a particular breed of
self-powered footlights. Solar lighting fixtures get their name from
the fact that they use solar panels to power the bulbs at night,
essentially charging and discharging daily. Some of the finest
versions include dimmers and double-wide arrays to ensure they store
adequate energy even on foggy days. And the best versions come with
lengthy warranties on every part – testament to solar panel
manufacturing protocols that include some of the most modern
renewable materials.
Why would you want to opt for solar lighting rather than the
traditional kind? The simple answer is money. Outdoor lighting can
be notoriously expensive to run, particularly if you aim to
illuminate a wide swath of your property during the evening’s
darkest hours. Many homes require extensive lighting arrays to
maintain safety and deter criminals, and the cost of powering so
many bulbs can easily run to three figures a month. With solar
lighting, you get the energy for free, ensuring the entire property
stays lit at minimal cost – even if your neighborhood sees a
blackout. Consistency like this makes the higher installation price
seem well worth it.
Of course, energy isn’t the only way you save with solar lighting.
One of the major costs associated with traditional outdoor lighting
is the extensive electrical work required to keep everything up and
running. From digging and landscaping through installing
transformers and junction boxes, wiring your lawn can be a costly
process. The costs tend to multiply exponentially if there is
existing plumbing in the way – sprinkler systems in particular can
mean major expenditures. With solar lighting, there are no wires and
no technicians – the freestanding lamps are utterly self-sufficient.
In most cases, they can be installed in a single afternoon using
nothing more complex than a garden spade.
Another great advantage is safety, particularly in high-traffic
areas such as walkways and gardens. No wires means minimal
electrical risk – children can play nearby without having to worry
about injuries from an errant connection. Most of the modern
versions of lamps such as these can even withstand torrential rain,
nearby swimming pools and other spills without ceding their sky-high
safety ratings. Because they are entirely self-contained, the
devices never pose a risk to family pets and backyard visitors –
even concerted gnawing will not succeed in releasing a shock.
Larger solar lighting products work on similar principles,
essentially drawing in a far wider patch of sunlight and expelling
it with greater power. Streetlamps, floodlights and illuminated
runners all make use of similar solar panel technology – a bit
costly at first, but sure to pay for themselves over time. You can
even get solar panels for more general use on your home’s roof,
powering the lighting and other systems in a single elegant package.
Some of the more ingenious designs purport to reclaim some of their
own energy as well, essentially running on the spillover from their
own lighting elements.
Solar lighting is as versatile as it is inexpensive, offering
homeowners and CEO’s countless ways to save. If you are in the
market for something truly innovative, you may also want to check
out the new market for optic fiber lighting that pump the sun into
every room in your building. There may be no more natural and
pleasing light source in industry today. Whatever you choose, be
sure to stick with manufacturers whose efficiency ratings and
customer service have earned high marks from the conservation
community. |
