Solar lighting is the most energy-efficient and cost-effective way to brighten your yard after dark. Solar-powered fixtures won’t increase your electricity bills and are eco-friendly. Because many people don’t have the luxury of hiring a landscape designer, it can be challenging to determine which lights to buy, where to place them, and how to maintain them. Get the most out of your outdoor space; here are a few uses of solar lighting you might consider.
Uses of Solar Lighting: Accentuate Landscape Features
If you have a sculpture, water fountain, or other interesting hardscape feature in your yard, you have a fantastic opportunity to accentuate it. Draw attention to your hardscaping after dark with solar lighting. There are two basic techniques, creating shadows or silhouettes.
To create silhouettes, place a spotlight behind the object you want to highlight. When the sun sets, you’ll only see the object’s outline, not the details. Place lights close to the ground pointing upwards for a shadowing effect. You’ll see the object clearly and cast a shadow on the area opposite the lighting. Both methods will help create a striking and dramatic look in your yard.
Illuminate Pathways
In addition to significantly boosting your home’s curb appeal, a well-lit pathway helps to keep you and your family safe. It reduces instances of tripping and falling and can deter intruders. Make your yard safer by installing lights along the walkways to the front door and through the back yard to the pool.
When installing lights, space them appropriately and ensure they provide enough light to illuminate the entire path. Too many path lights can look cluttered, while too few won’t provide enough light.
Uses of Solar Lighting for the Flower Garden
Do you have a garden with greenery or flowers? Draw more attention to it with solar stake lights. These lights illuminate your garden a night so that you can enjoy time outside even after dark. They are also helpful for safety because good lighting improves nighttime visibility.
String Lights
Another practical use of solar lighting is with string lights. String lights add a relaxed ambiance to your outdoor space. They are also affordable and straightforward to install, so you won’t incur the cost of hiring a professional. Hang them in the gazebo, on the front porch, around the deck, or beneath a patio umbrella. When using solar-powered string lights, ensure they are installed where the solar cells will receive plenty of sun.
Along the Fence
The fence surrounding your yard is also a great location to place solar lights. Mount them on the fence posts or attach them directly to the panels. Either way, they change the look of your yard and improve security around your home. Fence lighting brightens the yard in the evenings, highlighting the landscape, making your house less appealing to intruders, and reducing accidents.
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