Solar Outdoor Lighting an Attractive Alternative to the Grid?

Answer 1

How to Install Solar Outdoor Lighting

Free to Operate

Outdoor solar lighting has a number of advantages over traditional wired lighting fixtures. Because they use natural sunlight to generate electricity, solar lights don't cost any money to operate. By using high efficiency LED light bulbs, even the tiny photovoltaic panels found on outdoor light fixtures produce enough electricity to run lights for eight hours or longer.

Simple math reveals just how large those savings will become over a year. Provided with an average energy cost of $0.11 per kWh, a single 4-watt path light will cost about $1.60 a year to operate. Larger lights can cost $20 or more to run at night. Solar lights, on the other hand, are completely free to operate.

Other Savings

Because there are no wires to worry about, outdoor solar lights save on installation costs, and you can place them in any location that receives a moderate amount of sunlight. Solar lights won't work as well in shady or dark areas, so make sure you put them in well lit locations.

Safety and Security

Regardless of your choice between wired and solar, outdoor lighting improves your home's security. Extensive research shows that robbers and vandals are much less likely to break into a well lit home because of the increased risk of being caught. Pathway lights also allow you to find your way around at night. If you come home late after a night out with friends, you can easily find your way to the front door with outdoor lighting guiding your way.