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!

In the vocabulary of our modern world, the term “organic gardening” has become widely popular in gardening magazines, books, on the World Wide Web and in everyday conversations.
While growing without chemicals is trendy now, it has been around since ancient times. It was the only way to farm. After all, chemical fertilizers weren’t even a possibility until the 1840’s.
So, what exactly is organic gardening? And how is it beneficial to us?

Organic Rose Garden in California.

Organic strawberries grown in Escondido, CA.
Image by Your Solar Link.

In plain words, organic gardens don’t get fertilized with synthetics; only animal or vegetable fertilizers are used.
Natural pest control methods are used, as opposed to industrial insecticides. In other words only natural substances and beneficial insects are used to ward off pests instead of spraying with potentially harmful commercial chemical substances.

Tatiana Starines has been enjoying organic gardening for over 70 years.
And just look at the results!
Image by Your Solar Link.

6 major benefits of organic gardening:

1. The harmful and toxic chemicals that we spray on our produce also seep into the ground, thus affecting insects that are beneficial. These chemicals also find their way into the air, waterways, sewers, lakes and streams. Organic gardeners create a mini “eco-system” that will maintain a healthy balance of soil and contribute to the health of our planet by not putting long-lasting, toxic chemicals into the air, soil and watershed. This makes organic gardening beneficial for everyone.
2. Organic gardeners contribute to preserving diversity. The loss of a large variety of species (biodiversity) is one of the most pressing environmental concerns. The good news is that many organic farmers and gardeners have been collecting and preserving seeds, and growing remarkable varieties for decades.
3. It is no-brainer that the natural health of the soil will produce healthy fruits and vegetables for your table. Organically-grown food is more nutritious than food grown using conventional methods. In humans, healthy and balanced nourishment increases strength of the immune system and minimizes the risks of potentially deadly diseases.
4. There is evidence of physical and emotional human benefits with organic gardening. “muscle-power” rather than “machine-power” burns more calories. You definitely will be in great shape and stress-free (horticultural therapy), when you spend quality time in your garden.
5. Organic gardening greatly reduces your exposure to pesticides, which have been linked to many severe health problems.
6. Growing your own healthy produce saves your household money in the long run.

Another view of Tatiana’s organic garden. Spring 2010.

Organic growing is much more than not using pesticides or insecticides. It is a philosophy that stresses on increasing the natural health of the soil, choosing suitable plants that are appropriate for your area, and working with nature to create a healthy and productive garden.

Tatiana’s organic garden. Spring 2010. Image by Your Solar Link.

Tatiana’s organic garden. Spring 2010. Image by Your Solar Link.

It only makes sense to use appropriate and eco-friendly lighting, such as solar lights, in your organic garden. Solar lights are easy to install (no wiring) and they are charged by the energy of sun (free, renewable, eco-friendly energy). Solar lighting is ideal for areas where conventional electrical supply is not available. They are a simple way to accentuate your trees, pathways and flower beds!
With the latest solar technology developments, the solar industry has moved forward substantially. Now we have a cool variety of choices when picking appropriate solar lighting for your organic garden.

Some of them are really bright (solar spot light) and will accentuate the beauty of your trees or large bushes.

Solar Spot Light at night. Image by Your Solar Link.

Others release a soft and pleasantly scattered light that looks great around your pathways and flowerbeds.
A great selection of solar garden lights can be found here. While choosing an appropriate solar lighting solution for your garden, pay attention to the solar product descriptions to make sure you get what best suites your garden needs. See solar gardens image galleries HERE.

Starting and maintaining an organic garden is simple and easy with a little knowledge and patience.
Growing your own organic garden is something you can take great pride and pleasure in.

Organic gardener.

Organic garden. Spring. Image by Your Solar Link.

Visit the Organic Consumers Association to learn more.

Beautiful solar accent lights can be added to your landscape lighting design in a variety of styles. It is easy to get creative illuminating your patios, trees, shrubs or xeriscape garden with solar lighting. Solar accent lights can bring certain style and mood to your nocturnal landscape and add character during day time. But the most beautiful fact is that all the energy you will use is free and ecologically clean! You never have to worry about changing your light bulbs with your outdoor garden lights.

Try to choose the sunniest location for your accent lights to get the most benefit from the sun. Charges will last up to 8 hours. Your solar yard lights will also turn on and off automatically.

Today we would like to introduce this decorative Stainless Steel Color Changing Solar Light (Set of 2). It will effortlessly add bright colors to your front yard, driveway, porch or flowerbeds during night hours.

Color Changing Solar Lights – Day View. Image by Your Solar Link.

They seem to look like any other stainless steel solar accent light during the day time.

This Product Link.

But have a look at the magic transformation during night hours! The colors are pulsing and changing, creating unforgettable and mesmerizing landscape. It is difficult not to get under the spell of these hypnotic color changing solar lights.
A unique feature of these solar lights is that they can be set to change colors or, with the flick of a switch, you can set them to release a steady-burning white light.

Read more about special features of these Stainless Steel Color Changing Solar Light (Set of 2).

A solar-charged light might seem like just another green gadget to the average American, but for families in rural Africa, it could prove revolutionary.

One or two Solar Pebbles can provide enough light for one home, as houses in rural Africa are generally small.
Image from timo-aim.com.

Product design consultancy Plus Minus Design is trying to replace unsustainable and potentially dangerous lanterns in the homes of off-grid Africans with the Solar Pebble. Engineered with the economic constraints of developing-world citizens in mind, the Solar Pebble will provide one hour of LED light for every two hours of charge, and will cost only $2.70 to manufacture.

A fully charged Solar Pebble can provide up to 22.5 hours of LED light.
Image by Plus Minus Design.

Plus Minus Design, based in Leeds, U.K., was founded by three undergraduate students at the University of Leeds. While studying product design and engineering, Adam Robinson, Henry James, and Tom Eales were given the opportunity to work with SolarAid, a charity in the U.K.

SolarAid, which works to fight poverty and climate change, worked with the students to develop a solar-powered alternative to kerosene lanterns. Those lanterns, commonly used in rural Africa, draw 20 percent of an average Malawian family’s income, SolarAid said, and pose respiratory health problems, as well as create fire hazards.

Image from i.pbase.com.

The undergrads spent months researching life in Malawi to design a product that addressed the needs of rural families, but also took environmental, economic, and lifestyle factors into consideration. Local maintenance, potential for the development of children’s education, and adaptability to charge other devices were the team’s key requirements.

Though mobile phones and portable radios are common in rural Africa, individuals must travel to locations with mains power for charging. With this issue in mind, the engineers designed the Solar Pebble to charge phones and portable devices in addition to providing light.

Plus Minus Design was also able to address the need for local maintenance with a simply designed product assembled through snap-in parts and repairable with basic tools.

The Solar Pebble provides light and a means of portable charging, but its implications are even greater. The lamp will ship partially assembled, providing jobs for locals who would finish assembly. Furthermore, Plus Minus Design hopes the lamp will increase radio usage, providing rural African families with HIV/AIDS prevention information.

According to Robinson, the Solar Pebble will launch in Uganda and the U.K. by midsummer.

Article by Sharon Vaknin.
Read more at Green Tech.