Solar patio lighting is an easy, practically labor free home improvement project, with a low price, and options for everyone. Once you have done the work of finding your perfect set of lighting fixtures, all that remains is to place them outdoors, and wait for the sun to go down! So, which are the very best solar patio lights out there!
- Look, first of all, for lamps that carry an Energy Star rating. Energy Star is an international rating standard for energy efficient products that was developed in the early 1990’s in the United States. It became so popular as an easy guide to consumers and government officials that it has since been adopted by Canada, Australia, Japan and many other countries in the European Nation. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.
- Since you can almost disregard any worries about installation, look now to your areas
That need to be lit, and determine the mood you want to set. Do you intend:
- Light to work by?
- atmosphere creation?
- Area definition (light scaping)?
- Construction – Open the box. You need to see and feel each lamp to get a good sense of its quality. Plastic is the material I like best for any item that will live its life outdoors. Good solid high density plastic will give years of service, with its beauty lasting far longer than many other products. In addition to overall feel of the product, look closely at the attachment of the solar light gathering panel to the unit. It should be firmly attached, not loose, or appearing to want to become loose.
Home depot’s line of Hampton Bay lighting products are low cost, high efficiency options that you can put faith in. Check out the offerings here, if link won’t activate, copy and paste into your search line.
For workspace illumination (near the grill, or other food preparation area) consider the wall mounted fixture, easily found online, product number 202352431.With durable plastic construction, it is an attractive antique bronze unit that spreads soft lighting in a semi circular area. Placing these on a wall, about six to ten feet apart will make your outdoor cooking area attractive and safer. And the price point can’t really be beat! Each unit is under $20!
Lowes, HD’s major competitor in the US carries a similar line of company branded products, you can check out their offerings and prices here:
http://www.lowes.com/pl_Outdoor+Landscape+Lighting_4294857795_4294937087_
Their Post Lamps are lovely to look at, with many options as far as appearance. The Tiffany Mission Treated solar , internet model #81067, is graceful, and presents a soft, diffuse light that imitates the look created by light streaming through stained glass. Pricing is again, very inviting, as they are under $35 each.
Solar patio lighting for decorative purposes is likely the most fun project to work on, at least it is for me!
There are many options on the market, and all of the home improvement retailers of good repute offer them. Here is my ‘short list” of options for you to consider for painting your patio and outdoor areas with solar powered light:
- Rope lighting-can be draped around windows, attached under railings, twined around umbrella poles.
- Under umbrella mini’s-these go down the spokes that support the fabric of the umbrella, and resemble the small “Christmas” tree light.
For some fun ideas, check out these sites:
http://deckdepot.com/deck_lighting.aspx
http://www.solarilluminations.com/?gclid=CIaJl8Wa0aoCFYJx4AodDW_80w
Finally, the most commonly used outdoor solar lighting option….pathway lamps.
Both of these examples, and other creative solar lamps can be seen at;
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/03/wip_solar_path_1.php
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHICHEVER YOU CHOSE
Again, open those boxes, PLEASE do this carefully….remember if you do not decide to buy this product, the retailer needs to sell it to someone else, and if the packaging does not look new, well, would YOU buy it?
You are looking for solar light collection panels that are firmly attached, and don’t look as if they will detach quickly.
Body construction should be a dense plastic, not metal (rust), with no visible seams, or very low key ones.
Make sure to purchase more of the walkway lamps then you think you need. Less then plenty just looks bad, and trying to match items after your initial purchase can be very hard.
Finally, look for Energy Star rated products, they have been rated and reviewed by a trustworthy Government group, and usually give 20 to 30% longer life, better illumination, and reliability.
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