You may have recently moved to a new house and decided to add some twinkle to your garden, back yard, lawn or patio. Or maybe it is a place where you have spent all your life and now you’d like to do a few subtle or dramatic changes with outdoor lighting. It could be that you just want to add a bit of creative touch to your apartment balcony where you catch a breath of fresh air after a long day. Your neighbors across the yard have some nice string lights on their balcony and you are starting to think about doing something similar.
Where do you start?

Solar Path Lights. Image by Your Solar Link.

It can be a challenging and at the same time a fun process when looking into creating outdoor lighting for your home, yard or garden. The fun part of the process is that you are in control of creating a unique outdoor environment, inspired by your own imagination. You can create a comforting, welcoming mood with unique and eye-catching outdoor lighting.
However two challenges come to mind – finding a good bargain on the lights themselves, and the cost of hiring a licensed electrician to do the installation.

This is where solar powered outdoor lights step in. Solar lighting has become an increasingly popular alternative to the conventional and costly electric lights that currently illuminate our homes and living spaces.
Solar lights are affordably priced, simple and safe to install yourself (no digging ditches, laying the wire and attaching it to a junction box), and solar lights can be relocated easily, and above all else, you also save on electricity costs.

Solar lights use photovoltaic cells that absorb sunlight during the day and turn it into energy. Rechargeable batteries store the energy, making it available at night when it is needed. LED (light emitting diode) bulbs, which require little power and last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, provide the illumination. There is no wiring necessary to connect the lights to each other or to the electric grid.
Until recently, most solar lights emitted only muted light and were not all that reliable. With the latest developments in the solar lighting industry, this has changed and super-bright LEDs have replaced more conventional filament bulbs.
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) create light without producing the waste heat of regular bulbs, are very bright, and yet require a minimal amount of electricity to function. The result is a reliable, long-lasting light source that will typically work for the life of the solar light product.
Other progress in solar lighting technology has been made in the development of more efficient, affordably-priced photovoltaic cells, improved circuitry, and more efficient batteries.

When shopping for solar lights, it’s important to match the light to the function you want it to perform. Consider these three primary categories of solar lights for use in the landscape: decorative accent lights, path lights and spotlights.

Decorative Solar Accent Lights.

Solar Butterfly Lights with Amber LEDs. Image by Your Solar Link.

Solar accent lights create an enjoyable and inviting glow for your landscape. They are designed to mark a place. Solar accent lights can be used to mark landscape hazards, such as a step or a rock that could be a hazard in the dark. They also can be used as garden features themselves, such as decorative solar figurines.
This type of solar light is not used to intensely illuminate an object or light up a pathway. But they would be a good choice to softly illuminate shrubbery and low hedges. Due to their low light output, accent lights usually stay lit longer than other types of solar lights. A quality accent solar light can run many nights on just a single day of sunlight charge.

Accent solar lights typically use efficient multi-crystalline solar cells that allow them to charge even on a cloudy day or in partially shaded areas.
Some accent lights utilize amber LEDs to create a softer ambience. Some of them can change colors, blink or flicker to simulate candle light.

Color Changing Solar Accent Lights. Image by Your Solar Link.

Amber LEDs use less electricity than the white LEDs, meaning they are going to stay on even longer after a short sun charge.
Compared to the other types of solar lights, accent lights have the lowest light output and are among the most affordably priced.

Solar Butterfly Lights with Amber LEDs. Image by Your Solar Link.

Path Solar Lights.
Path solar lights are good for lighting paths, walkways, driveway perimeters or other regions around your home and in your landscape. They are often used in multiples to guide the way along a set of stairs or a dark walk.

Path solar lights. Image by Your Solar Link.

Path lights usually come with a choice of ground stakes, flange mounts and hanging hooks. This gives the user a wide choice of placing options.
They also have on-off switches, a feature that allows the homeowner to store the electrical charge for a special event and ensure the longest potential run time. Some models may offer options such as high-low power, colored lenses, or timers. Solar path lights are in the mid-range choice in terms of price and light output.

Motion Sensor Path Solar Lights. These Path Lights increase in brightness as people pass by.
Image by Your Solar Link.

Task Solar Lights (Solar Security Lights, Solar Flood Lights and Solar Spotlights).
These solar lights are the brightest group of solar lights and usually carry the highest price tag. They are designed to direct a bright beam of light on plants, statuary or entryways.

Solar Spot Light. Image by Your Solar Link.

Solar task lights and spotlights are usually designed so they can be mounted in a number of ways and can be adjusted to shine in any direction. Most often, the solar panel can be mounted independently from the light (the two connected by a wire), which allows you to place the panel in a position where it will get the sun, and the light where you need it to shine at night.

What to consider when choosing solar lights for your exterior lighting needs.

Step 1.
Decide if you need decorative accent, path or task solar lights.

Step 2.
Find out whether the battery needs full sunlight to charge. Some lights charge with partial sun and work great under trees or in areas with low sunlight. This type of solar light can also be charged on a cloudy day.

Step 3.
Consider the operating time. Usually solar lights perform year round and even charge the battery to provide operation during long winter nights. Some solar lights shine for several days before needing to recharge.

Step 4.
Check the type of light bulb the solar light uses. LED lights offer the brightest and most efficient light when it comes to efficiency, size, price and energy usage. Some accent solar lights use amber LED lights to create a softer glow.

Step 5.
Compare extra items like timers or an on-off switch to the cost. Colored lenses change the look of the solar lights without compromising the brightness. Some solar lights mount to your house, hang from trees or can be mounted to your patio rail.

Step 6.
Match the lighting to your landscape theme. Decorative solar lights (figurines) can create an interesting theme for a landscape or lawn, or while positioned next to shrubbery trimmed to your taste. Country style solar lanterns will add that special countryside charm to your garden. Hanging Japanese Soji lanterns on your trees or patio will bring an Asian flare to your outdoors. Modern stainless steel solar accent lights complement contemporary landscapes. An ultra bright stainless steel solar light will be a great choice to light up your flag pole.

The possibilities are unlimited!

You have come to the right place!

What could be better than to surprise your mom with a gift that is thoughtful, self-sustainable and eco-friendly? Not only will your mom love it, but the fact that you care for our planet’s well-being is priceless! After all, our entire planet is our common mother…

So, buckle up for an exciting ride while browsing through a diverse selection of solar powered gifts at www.yoursolarlink.com!

1. Your easy exit out – a Solar Gift Certificate.
A green gift of free choice! Tastefully put together, our Gift Certificates can be emailed to your recipient or printed out (if you decide to give it by hand or mailed out).
Choose the desirable amount, and with the click of a button you are done!

2. 20% OFF solar powered lights and solar gadgets! Shop smart! Browse through unique collections of solar items at this link: http://www.yoursolarlink.com/specials
Amongst the other intriguing items that you could find here are hot gifts such as:

Mobile Solar Charger – Juicebar Pocket Solar Charger.	Solar Lantern – Square Solar Lantern – White.
Amazing Garden Lighthouse Light – Large Solar Fiberglass Lighthouse Light.	Strings of Solar Bird Lights – Colorful Birds Solar Lights String.
Strings of Solar Maple Leaf Lights – Maple Leaf Solar Lights String.	And many more…

3. After all, only you know what your Mom might like.
Just browse the entire collection of green products at www.yoursolarlink.com and find what you’re looking for.
But here are a few hints:

Adorable Solar Light Pot that captures sunlight during the day and releases it at night.

The warm pottery color and texture of this solar lantern – Solar Light Pot (Cylinder shape w/ bubbles) makes it a great alternative to the usual candle holder. At night it releases a soothing soft glow. Its bubbles break light into a playful pattern.
Does your mom like to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea or just catching a breath of fresh air on the patio or balcony? This small, economical and eco-friendly solar light makes a great companion at her side.
This solar pot light can be used inside of your house. Just put it on your windowsill to charge the battery during the day and it will have enough charge to last all night.
It can also be very handy during power outages. No running around in the dark looking for candles and matches. It is also a great nightlight.

There are a few shapes and designs to choose from:
Solar Light Pot (Cylinder shape w/ bubbles)
Solar Light Pot (Cylinder shape w/ flowers)
Solar Light Pot (Round shape w/ bubbles)

Solar Lanterns and Solar String Lights!
We know our moms like these! Every time they walk by or look out of the window they will be reminded that you are there for them and care.
Place them on a patio, balcony or hang them next to a window. They look great during the daytime, and at night the real magic begins!
Charged by the sun, these economical gifts will work wonders for years to come.
See our videos below…

Japanese Solar Lantern – Blue.	Japanese Solar Lantern – White.
Butterfly Solar String Lights – Small.	Solar Butterfly String Lights – Large.
Yellow Sunflower Solar String Lights.	And many more…

Strings of Solar Bird Lights.

Strings of Solar Maple Leaf Lights.

Show your mom you care for her safety! Ultra Bright Sunsei Motion Security Light – 12 LED’s.

These safety helpers detect any movement (built in motion sensor which detects 50 degrees vertically and 90 degrees horizontally) and will send out a warning with bright LED light. The great thing about these is that you can hang them in places where there is no access to conventional wiring. They totally rely on the sun’s charge and are very easy to install. Read more about special features of Ultra Bright Sunsei Motion Security Light.

Pocket Solar Charger – Juicebar Solar Charger. This stylish, sleek and reliable pocket-sized Universal Battery Charger (Juicebar Solar Charger) will be your mom’s best friend in situations where a conventional electricity supply is not available or if she is trying to use eco-friendly renewable power supplies.

Your mom’s cell phone is out of juice? It is not going to be a problem if she has her own Pocket Solar Charger handy (maybe just charging in the sun on her car dash board while she’s driving, at work or shopping). In a few moments her mobile will be charged and ready to go! It is great as a solar phone charger for any type of mobile phones, iPhones, PSA, PDA, Mp3 Players, Satellite Navigation, and much more. You can find these pocket solar chargers HERE.

We offer 10% OFF on any of our Solar Powered Products for Mother’s Day. Just use this coupon number at checkout: f1fe2471c3 (One Coupon per Customer).

Good Luck with your Shopping and Happy Mother’s Day!

Image by Your Solar Link.
Did you know that there is a great alternative to your usual candle and candle holder?
The Solar Light Pot captures sunlight during the day and releases it at night.
The warm pottery color and texture of this solar lantern – Solar Light Pot (Cylinder shape w/ bubbles) makes it a great alternative to your usual candle holder. Charged with sunlight by day, it releases a soothing soft glow at nightfall.
Its playful bubbles break light into an adorable pattern.

Image by Your Solar Link.

Enjoying a cup of freshly brewed tea or just catching a breath of fresh air on your patio or balcony, this small, economical and eco-friendly solar light is a great companion by your side.
This solar pot light can actually be used inside of your house. Just put it on your windowsill to charge the battery during the day, it will have enough charge to last all night.
As we recently discovered, it can be very handy during power outages. Just two of them was enough to light up our living room. No running around in the dark looking for candles and matches. It is also a great nightlight.
There are a few shapes, designs to choose from:
Solar Light Pot (Cylinder shape w/ flowers),
Solar Light Pot (Round shape w/ bubbles),
Solar Light Pot (Cylinder shape w/ bubbles).