Solar light equipment has many benefits; not least the relative ease of fitting and setting up. Someone with basic DIY skills and a few tools can generally set them up without any problems. Options are available for fitting to a pole or on to a wall etc. Providing the solar panel is positioned in a view of good sunlight they can be fitted almost anywhere you want them.

Current versions of solar lights are made of weather resistant materials and are of a robust construction, designed to give long service. After the initial purchase cost there is little further cost during the working life of the unit. The rechargeable batteries unusually need to be replaced every two or so years. But with no need to pay for electricity they are extremely cost effective.

New lights will usually need 3 to 4 days deep charge to charge fully and then will provide several hours of light after the average day of good daylight. Many solar security lighting models can be adjusted to respond to a specific level of low light before switching on and those with motion sensors can be set to stay on for a set period. These settings help to get the best from the light, so that light is only emitted when needed.

No wires, no mains electricity, virtually no running costs make this the ideal solution to light up your porch or doorway.

This solar door / porch light is an eco friendly way to provide light at your front or back door, garage or shed. Eight super-bright white LEDs are powered via the integral solar panel, charging up automatically each day ready to work when the sun goes down. To conserve power, the light only switches on when movement is detected.

Visit Amazon now to buy your solar powered motion sensor porch light.

This decision is not as difficult as it might seem. The following are a few points to consider before making a choice.

Power output

The power output of the lights will be linked to the brightness and spread of the lights. Most domestic lighting requirements will need only low voltage equipment and much can be achieved with solar powered lights. However where particularly bright light is required or you need to cover a large area with light, full mains voltage lighting may be the better solution.

Power supply

Both full mains voltage and low or reduced voltage systems will need a suitable power supply to be installed, alternatively solar equipment can be set up without this complication. Solar powered equipment can normally be installed without professional help. Remember to use an electrician for your lighting installation when needed.

Required tone

Lighting the outside of your home can have a very positive impact on it; both aesthetically as well as the sense of security and convenience. Choosing the right kind of fitting can be important to this. Some modern shiny stainless steel outside light fittings may be more suited to a more contemporary building. A rustic lantern design could be very attractive around an old period building. Similarly paths around quiet areas of the garden and areas where you sit to relax in the evening need subtle soft tones of light. Choose the lights with care and you will create just the right effect balanced with practicality.

There are a number of lighting solutions to greatly enhance your garden and outside spaces. For instance lighting your BBQ area, a deck or patio; you may also want to light parts of the garden so that guests can walk around and enjoy it after dark. Additionally lighting can be used to create features around the garden that can change the whole look of plants and buildings compared to day time.

Obviously this lighting can also benefit you from the perspective of security and will be of use throughout the year. You will get plenty of value from your outside lights. Much of this lighting can be powered by solar energy which makes it even more cost effective.

So now you can install outside lights for the summer and enjoy the benefits in all seasons.

There are several brands and types of solar lights for sheds. We recon this one listed on Amazon is great value.

The solar ray solar Shed Light, has 36 superbright LED’s, and is movement activated.

The solar ray PIR shed light switches itself on when movement is detected, it will stay on until you leave your shed / greenhouse or outbuilding.
There is no need for a remote control or other switch!

It includes 36 superbright LED’s, providing plenty of quality light to clearly see in any shed or garage.

The powerful 0.6 watt multi-crystaline solar panel will charge the 3 X 750 maH Ni-mH batteries in any UK conditions including winter!

The PIR will detect movement up to 6 meters away; making it perfect for a whole host of purposes including a shed light, security light, pathway light or spotlight.

There is no need for a remote control with this solar powered shed light as it is automatically switched on as soon as you open the door to your shed or greenhouse, or when movement is detected.

Most reduced voltage systems are powered via a transformer putting out 12 volts. However if the cable run is particularly long, or there are a great number of lights on the same circuit, the voltage might be slightly higher.

photo credit: epSos.de

Installation of the low voltage circuit can often be carried out on a DIY basis, provided that the transformer is wired in by an electrician to the required regulatory standards. The cable between the fittings can be laid unobtrusively so that really only the light units are visible.

There is no shortage of different low voltage garden lights available and some very striking effects can be achieved in your garden and around the property. There is also no reason why you could not use the low voltage system where you need the extra light and put solar fittings in other parts of the garden; thus getting the best of both.

In the past we generally had to have a light left on all night to maintain security around our homes; then the motion sensor became more widely available, which both saved money and reduced unnecessary lighting.

Now we have the benefit of the motion sensor with the added benefit of solar power; we can now have lighting around our house at virtually zero running cost. Provided that the solar cells are positioned in a place of good light the system will charge up during the day to provide several hours of power.

There are many types of light available and the amount of light emitted is far greater than with earlier versions. Fitting solar motion lights is pretty simple and can usually be carried out by a competent DIY enthusiast.

The use of a solar wall lantern is a great way to improve the experience of moving around the outside of your home at night. Lantern style lights are very attractive and can add to the appeal of the appearance of a property.

Many wall mounted solar lanterns will provide up to 12 hours of night time light, depending on the light available during the previous day.

Stainless steel is a great material for the casing of the light; its low corrosion properties will keep it looking great for a long time. The best light output will be provided from bright white LED’s.

The simplest designs can simply be attached to the wall where required, the solar panel is built into the unit and no wiring is needed.

However it is useful to have some ideas to start with so here are some design techniques to work from.

Path Lighting: Lighting a path or drive makes using it much more convenient at night, also coming home and finding your way lit has a great welcoming feel to it. These lights should be laid out along the path or drive at or just above ground level.

Back Lighting: This can create a very attractive effect by high lighting features on your property at night. The light fitting is placed behind to that the feature you are lighting becomes the focus.

Up Lighting: Creates a similar effect to back lighting with the use of solar lighting at ground level pointed up wards towards trees, buildings, signs etc.

photo credit: rileyroxx

Down lighting: This is a very effective use of light to enhance a sense of security to your property.

Accent Lighting: Lighting is placed to further focus attention on features and objects around your property.

Novelty Lighting: Whilst we typically think of Christmas lights for novelty purposes, it can be very attractive and inventive to make use of novelty lighting features to decorate patios, decking areas, lawns or even an open porch.

Careful use of lighting can be used by all of us; it is not restricted to those with large gardens or extensive properties. Provided the lighting is kept subtle even small yards and balconies can be greatly enhanced with solar outdoor lamps.