With advances in solar cells and the widespread use of LED lights, options for solar accents in the garden abound. Whether you are looking for lanterns, landscape lighting, fountains, or a patio umbrella that doubles as a mini-power station, solutions are both easy to find and economical.
A trademark of many gardens and patios is the solar lantern staked into the ground. While one of the first solar lighting products on the market, lanterns still remain popular and are available in an incredible variety of styles and materials. Many sets now come with a single and movable solar panel, which allow for lanterns placed in shadowy areas to still burn brightly at night.
Low voltage string lights are a natural evolution of solar power in the backyard. The solar panel can be placed in an area of maximum sun exposure, and the entire string will sparkle evenly long after sunset. Styles run from simple white holiday lights to large and colorful Chinese lanterns.
For landscape lighting of plants, trees and garden decor, directional solar lights can provide a convenient solution. Freedom from an outlet allows placement of a landscape light anywhere the sun can reach, with potential for lighting on all corners of a property.
For the sound of moving water in a garden, a solar fountain is a perfect solution. Gone are the concerns over using excess energy. Locating a fountain by a screen door or open window brings the water sounds inside the house for enjoyment during later hours. There is also a good chance that birds will adopt this water source.
Many are re-discovering garden decorations brought to life by the use of solar power. For example, kissing fairies once hidden after sunset now have their snowy faces illumined by the light of a glowing orb. Likewise, a trio of gnomes hold lit lanterns high to see the trail ahead. The whole yard can indeed be a wonder at night.
For the backyard connoisseur who must have it all, a solar patio umbrella provides both an attractive and practical solution. During the day solar cells gather energy as the umbrella provides shade; during the night LED lights on the underside of the umbrella provide light for meals and socializing. The system can be turned off at any time and the solar cells will continue to gather energy.
As a final note, it may be a good idea to check a website that features best products to see what others are buying. Taking a little time to solar-up the garden provides many seasons of enjoyment. One can indulge in light, motion and sound without concern for inflating the utility bill.
To further explore the solar lights and decorations in this article visit Robert Mann’s Solar Garden Center at http://www.solargardencenter.com.
Tags: garden decor, garden decorations, gardening, home, landscape lights, landscaping, lighting, outdoor lighting, solar lighting, solar lights