Solar Powered Shed Light


A solar powered shed light is a great answer to the problem of how to get lighting into a shed or other outbuilding with out installing an electrical supply.

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.

 

low voltage garden lights


There are still situations where low voltage garden lights are preferable to solar powered lights. It maybe that you require a more constant and brighter light source, or possibly need to control the whole network of lights from a central point.

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.

Magic Water Fountain Light at Night Garden
Creative Commons License 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.

 

Solar Motion Lights


Solar motion lights are fast becoming common place on the outside of our homes. They are a fantastic way to provide the security of lighting without the high cost of a mains voltage light.

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.

 

Solar Wall Lantern


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.

 

Solar Outoor Lamps


There are a huge range of uses for solar outdoor lamps. Ultimately you can use your imagination to create just the effect you would like combining different types of solar light fittings over your home and garden.

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.

Hotel Garden At Night
Creative Commons License 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.