Types of Solar Powered Christmas Lights

Christmas solar lights come in several forms, the most common being string and net lights. The string lights are quite versatile in where they can be placed. Wrap them around a stair railing or support column for a splash of color. You can also put them in standard locations like on the shingles. Attaching them to surfaces can be done using special light clips, many of which are adhesive and require no nailing.

Net lights are great for covering bushes and trees because they have a large surface area. Using string lights to fill in a large area can be a paint because you have to route it back and forth in a pattern. Net lights can be draped over plants to provide a quick fill of cover. They can also be placed on the ground to simulate snow.

Solar Technology

Each set of solar Christmas lights uses a single solar panel for power. During the day, this panel soaks up light photons and turns them into electrical power. The electricity is stored inside a battery pack which holds the power until nightfall. Once it gets dark enough, a light sensor tells the Christmas lights to turn on. Not only are these lights energy efficient, but they turn on automatically. The solar panel is usually housed in a stake which must be placed into the ground. Always place the panel in a sunny location so it can absorb the most energy. They stay on for about 6-8 hours depending on the set.

Colors and Styles

You can find solar Christmas lights in a wide variety of colors, including both solid and multi-colored models. The amount of bulbs on these sets range from 25 or so to 150 or more. Solar lights are not quite as bright as ones that plug into the wall. Manufacturers often spread the lights thin on the string to maximize length.

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Pole Mounted Umbrella Lights

One popular form of outdoor umbrella light mounts directly to the umbrella’s central pole. These disc shaped light fixtures have LED bulbs bordering their edges. They usually consist of two halves which are connected at a joint. After placing a flexible collar onto the pole, the fixture is clipped securely to it. The light can be adjusted up or down as needed. They are powered by rechargeable or regular batteries and typically last 30-40 hours before a recharge. The LED lights used in these systems have the advantage of using very little power yet being quite powerful. They have an average lifespan of around 100,000 hours. These outdoor umbrella lights usually have a range in what sized poles they can attach to. Measure your umbrella’s pole before selecting a light for best results.

Umbrella String Lighting

Umbrella string light sets include several strings of lights, each of which attach to the umbrella ribs on the underside of the umbrella. To install, users first clip each string onto an umbrella rib (umbrellas typically have 6-8 ribs). A central power terminal is attaches just under the canopy which each string attaches to. After routing the power cord down the pole, it is connected to the power source and installation is complete. String lights come in many colors and are fun to look at. Some hug the ribs tightly, while others dangle down carelessly. The umbrella can still be opened and closed as usual.

Advantages of Choosing Solar

The aforementioned umbrella lights all come in solar powered versions. Solar powered outdoor umbrella lighting uses a solar panel to gather sunlight during the day. When darkness takes over, the lights turn on automatically. Solar umbrella lights do not require external power, saving users money on utility bills. Also, there are no unsightly cords to route across the floor. The high quality models will have an on/off switch so users can manually operate the light. A dimmer switch is always handy for changing the intensity of the light bulbs.

Pre-Lit Umbrellas

If you are the kind of person who prefers not to hunt and install light fixtures, a pre-lit umbrella may be a better choice. These umbrellas have lights that are pre-installed at the factory. Just take it out of the box , plug it in and you are done. Manufacturers typically choose to install string lights instead of pole lights.

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Fence Solar Post Lights

Fences made out of square wooden beams can be accented with post lights on every post. These lights fit snugly over the top of the fence post and stay in place with a screw or two. They come in many designs ranging from traditional to contemporary. Colors can be matched to the existing fence as to appear that they are a part of the fence. Designer materials ranging from plastic to copper give these lights a stylish touch. Since fences border the outside of a property, they make the perfect mounting location for post lights. At night, the solar post cap lights turn on automatically and stay on for several hours, clearly defining the boundaries of your property. An opening on each side of the light allows the illumination to be visible in all directions.

Path/ Stake Post Lights

Path post lights consist of a solar powered light pole with a stake on the end. They can be placed into any soft surface such as soil or grass and are ideal for bordering walkways or gardens. These pole lights shine their light to the side and onto the ground to maximize visibility at night. Each light has its own solar panel built into the top which provides power to the unit. Since each light is independent of the other, they can be moved and adjusted as needed without disturbing the others. Stake lights work well bordering places such as: driveways, paths, garden edges and property limits. Their glow is not designed to illuminate an entire area, but to guide the way with power in numbers.

Full Sized Posts

Full sized outdoor solar post lights can be likened to a miniature street light in your own yard. Suitable for use in both front and backyards, these lights are tall and impressive structures. A tall light post holds up one or more lantern-like fixtures with a light bulb in each. They work well when placed next to an outdoor sitting area or prominent feature. Some post lights sit on a stand, while others install permanently into the ground with concrete. A removable solar lantern fixture perches at the top of the post, shining down below. Solar lamp post lights are the biggest light in the post style.

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Outdoor accent light fixtures come in many forms which have different uses around the yard. Path lights are a common and widely used type of accent light. Path lights are used to border walkways and line edges, increasing safety and providing a wonderful accent effect to a yard. These lights use a stake to sit securely in the ground. The light pod on top shines down to make interesting patterns below. Physical features like rocks, bricks or plants can be accented using path lights.

Flood lights are another type of light that can be used to accent physical structures in the yard. Flood lights project a wide beam of white light onto a specified area such as a patio or flower bed. They increase safety by making everything easy to see. Flood lights are a no-fuss type of light that is purely functional in nature. To use them for accenting, some people like to put them on the ground in their gardens and point them upward to create random pockets of light among the fauna.

Water features like ponds and pools can be accented with floating or submersible outdoor accent lighting. Floating lights are placed on the water surface where they float around with the current. A waterfall feature enhances this by pushing the light around in the ripples. Floating accent lights are safe to use in water because of their waterproof casing. LED lights project their light into the water, onto the sides of the water feature or in the form of a soft glow beyond a colored opaque cover. Submersible lights are used in ponds to light up features under the water. They usually consist of several wired lights in a set which are pointed upward from the bottom of the pond. Aquatic plants, fish and decorative objects can be accented with ease.

Outdoor accent lights such as the spot light can be used to target a specific area or object. Features in the yard such as a support column, palm tree, fountain or furniture piece can be accented using spot lights. Unlike flood lights, spot lights focus their light on a tight area. They are usually placed on the ground and pointed upward at the object.

String accent lights consist of a long powered cord with a series of light bulbs across their length. String lights are quite flexible in where they can be placed. They work well when hung from hooks or when wrapped around trees. String lights are a great way to add some quick and unexpected color to an outdoor space.

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Solar Technology

Solar spot lights are not only effective at lighting up the yard, they are easy to install and maintain. Inside every light is at least one bright LED light bulb. Solar lights don’t have the power that wired ones do, which is why manufacturers choose energy-efficient yet bright LED bulbs. The most commonly used color is white, but other colors like yellow and blue are available. A solar panel attached to the spot light captures sunlight and converts it into usable electricity. The power is stored in an on-board set of rechargeable batteries. Every day the batteries get recharged by the solar panel, working every night to provide several hours of light. A sensor on the mount tells the light to turn off at day and on at night, saving power for only when needed. Absolutely no wires or plugs are needed for these lights, making it possible to set the basically anywhere in the yard. The solar panel should receive strong light during the day for maximum lifespan at night.

Where are Solar Spot Lights Used?

A solar spot light can be used just about anywhere around the yard. Decorative uses include lighting up plants or fountains. Functional uses include illuminating outdoor seating and dining areas. Some people are confused as to what the difference between a spot and flood light is. Flood lights “flood” an area with light because they have a wide projection angle. Light can be shone on a large area without the need for multiple fixtures. The problem with solar flood lights is that solar technology is not strong enough to spread its light so thinly. Spot lights are better candidates for solar technology because they focus their light on a relatively small point.

Wall and Ground Mounts

Solar spot lights come in two different varieties- ground and wall mounts. Wall mounts attach to an exterior wall with a set of screws. The light, usually adjustable, shines down onto an area nearby. Since wall mounts can be placed at a high elevation, they can cover a large area. A common place to put a wall mount is at the top of a door entryway.

Ground mounts have a more decorative appeal because they shine from the bottom up. Placing them at the base of an outdoor structure such as a water fountain is a common practice. Gardeners like to shine them on their bushes and other plants. Lining them up next to each other can create a cool runway effect.

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Path/Walkway Patio Lights

If you have any confusion about where to start putting lights around your patio, a good tip is to start with your pathways. Paths can always use extra lighting so people can see where they are going. Paths made of brick and concrete are all viable candidates for patio path lighting as long as there is soft ground on either side to stick them in. These light fixtures consist of a light pod that sits on a plastic stake. Users can place the lights into the ground on each side of a path to clearly define the boundary. These lights also work great as driveway lights, bordering each side of the driveway at night. Any type of structure, corner or side in a patio can be accented with patio path lights. The fixtures can be made of either plastic or metal and come in many styles ranging from rustic to modern. Matching a style to your patio is one of the many ways solar patio lighting allows you to express your creativity.

Themed / Color Changing

To break free from convention and add some color to your patio, try using a themed and/or color changing light. Chances are you have a favorite kind of animal or plant. Many patio lights have themed light covers in the shape of animals and other whimsical things. fiber optic technology is often used in these fixtures to create a colorful color-changing light display. Color changing orbs are a hot ticket right now and look great when placed among shrubbery and flowers. The essence of themed lights is that they can be placed in random, fun locations to achieve an expressive look. Themes range from mushrooms and ladybugs to palm trees and flamingos.

Patio String Lights

A very flexible type of solar patio light are the ones that have bulbs on strings. String lights are easy to hang from just about any structure using nails or Velcro straps. Hang them on the edges of your patio awning to provide surreal lighting from above. String lights come in many themes to suit your fancy. A solar panel on one end of the string provides the power to all the LED light bulbs on the string. Light is usually filtered through a plastic or paper cover to make the bulbs change color. Express your creativity by wrapping them around a palm tree trunk or putting them in the branches of a small tree.

Spot and Flood Lights

Have you ever needed to light up an area with bright light at a night time event? When you need to see your surroundings clearly, such as around an outdoor dining set, a spot or flood light can be employed. Solar models are available, although they are not quite as powerful as those plugged into a wall. There is a distinct difference between solar spot lights and flood lights. Spot lights have a focused light beam that can be pointed in a specific location. Spot lights are used for both functional and decorative purposes. You can use them to light up a small table or point them on a decorative structure in the yard. Flood lights have a wider light arc, meaning that they can light up larger areas with the same bulb.

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Uses for Solar Driveway Lights

When an individual wants to increase visibility in their front yard, driveway lights can be used. These compact light modules are lined up in series on the sides of a driveway. Cars driving in and out of a driveway can see the boundaries much better, which is important for inexperienced younger drivers. Activities like playing basketball out front or watering the lawn at night are best accented with lights such as these.

Solar Technology

Solar driveway lights come in packs with multiple light modules inside. Each light fixture is separate from the rest and equipped with its own power source. A small solar panel on the top of the mount absorbs light photos and converts them into electricity. A rechargeable battery stores the energy until it is needed at night. Each light has a sensor which activated the light when it gets dark. Just about every type of solar driveway light uses LED light bulbs which are bright yet energy efficient. A waterproof yet decorative case keeps the technology safe from weather damage. The floor mounted lights are often string enough to be stepped on without breaking.

Ground Stake Driveway Lights

Ground stake lights are quite popular for people who want to show off a certain style in their yard. Ground stake driveway lights have distinct variations in style and color that can be shown with pride and matched to the existing decor of a home. During assembly, users attach the light pod to the stake and then stick it into any soft ground. Re-adjustment is easy being that they can be removed on a whim. One downside to these versions of solar driveway lights is that they can be stolen with relative ease. There is no reliable way to permanently mount them into the ground. However, they are quite flexible in that they do not have to be placed right next to the driveway.

In-ground Driveway Lighting

A more refined style of driveway solar light involves the use of ground-mounted light fixtures. These units are compact, flat and screw into the ground. The fixtures are small enough to where they are difficult to see until they light up at night. Some people prefer to keep their light fixtures hidden until they are needed. The lights can be mounted to most types of ground including concrete, brick and asphalt. Special drill bits are needed for this process.

Flush Mounts

Flush mounted driveway lights act like bricks  and are installed directly into the ground. They can be poured in concrete and asphalt in some cases. These units become permanent structures in your driveway. When setting brick edging, these mounts can be staggered within the bricks. They are strong enough to step and even drive on.

All three varieties of driveway lights can also be used as walkway lighting or borders.

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Path Patio Lights

One of the most popular types of solar patio lights are the ones used on paths and walkways. These light mounts provide the perfect opportunity to coordinate your lights with your patio decor. Path lights are made in many styles ranging from modernistic to rustic. The style and fashion of path lights make them easy on the eyes both in the day when they are visible and at night when they shine. Lights such as these are typically placed along walkways leading through a garden or up to a patio. The light beam shines onto the ground 360 degrees around the light pod. When lined up on each side of a walkway, they allow people to see where they are going as to not trip on obstacles. A solar panel on the top of the light pod captures light for power, so it is important that each mount be placed in a location that receives full sun. This applies to all forms of solar patio lights.

Lanterns, Sheppard’s Hooks and Wind Chimes

Solar technology is compact enough to be placed in just about any style of mount, including those styled from classical times. Using special glass and light bulbs, solar patio lights can be modeled to look like real candle light. Using flickering bulbs filtered through opaque glass or plastic, these lights are placed within lantern-style mounts that can be hung from Sheppard’s hooks in the yard. Lantern lights can be used to border pathways or placed at corners or entrances. Lanterns can be hung from hooks on a gazebo or placed on metal hooks that stick into the ground. A solar panel on the top provides the power, letting users place these patio lights anywhere that suits their fancy.

Interestingly enough, even wind chimes are not immune to the solar fad. Wind chimes of all varieties and shapes are being equipped with solar panels and lights, creating a musical light show. As you can see, solar patio lighting is truly all-encompassing and can be applied in every nook and cranny of a yard.

Patio Flood and Spot Lighting

There are some areas of a patio where functional light is needed. Areas like the patio itself, pool sides and food preparation centers require bright, ample light to see. Solar technology has you covered in this area too, as spot and flood lights are available. While not as powerful as wired units, solar spot lights can provide enough light to see. Patio spot lights are made to shine on a specific area and have a limited illumination angle. They provide focused light right where you need it and nothing more. Spot lights are commonly used to accent structures around the patio such as fountains, pillars and palm tree trunks.

Flood lights, while similar to spot lights, are designed to “flood” an area with light. These solar lights have a wider angle and are capable of illuminating larger areas. If you have a dining or conversational area that needs illumination, a solar patio flood light is the right choice. These forms of light fixtures do well mounted to the wall up high and can be turned to focus on the desired area. The location of the solar panel varies among models but is usually found attached to the mount or connected with a wire. Solar panels on a wire allow users to place their light mount in a non-sunny location and be able to put the panel in the sun.

Color Changing and Whimsical Patio Lights

If you are seeking an emphasis on color and visual appeal, color changing or whimsical light sources are the best choice. Color changing LED solar lights offer an appealing way to add color to a patio. Using a color changing LED bulb, these lights switch smoothly between bright colors. As expected, color changing lights are incorporated into a variety of whimsical light fixtures, often in the form of bugs, animals and plants. Whether you like mushrooms, ladybugs or dragonflies, you can find a whimsical patio light for your taste. These lights work well in places where conventional lights can’t tread, such as garden beds. When placed in unexpected locals, these lights truly shine and bring out the best in a patio.

Patio String Lights

Solar lighting is not limited to the ground. Lighting places above head level can provide a truly surreal feeling. String lights are similar to Christmas-style lighting in that they consist of a powered string with multiple light bulbs. Each bulb has a plastic cover which is modeled to a certain theme. Themes range from pink flamingos to Japanese paper lanterns, appealing to a wide variety of tastes. A patio awning provides the perfect medium from which to hang string lights. Hooks, nails or Velcro straps make it easy to get these lights mounted. Power is provided by a solar panel on one end of the string.

Floating Outdoor Patio Lighting

The most unusual and unexpected type of solar patio lighting is left for last. Floating solar lighting fixtures are waterproof and can be placed in pools and ponds. Because they come on automatically, users do not have to fish out the lights every time they want to turn them on. Some floating lights project vivid colors onto the pool floor, while other change between several colors. Bodies of water with a fountain cause these lights to bob and “swim” around, creating an impressive display.

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Solar Technology

A solar patio umbrella looks just like any other umbrella except for a few important details. Upon closer inspection, you will see that the veins underneath the umbrella’s covering are lines with LED light bulbs. These bulbs connect to a solar panel that is mounted to the top of the umbrella. During the day, direct sunlight hits this photovoltaic panel, converting it into electrical energy. This energy is then stores in a set of rechargeable batteries which provide power to the patio lights at night. A tiny light sensor tells the lights to turn on automatically at dusk, allowing for hands free operation. An on/off switch allows users to manually turn the light on or off if desired. The batteries for the solar patio umbrella lights only need to be replaced about every two years. The LED light bulbs in these systems have a practically limitless lifespan of 100,000 hours.

Colors and Styles

Choosing a solar patio umbrella is like choosing a new car- you might not know exactly what color or style you want until you see it first hand. Many retailers offer great pictures and descriptions on the internet so you can make a decision without making a trip. Solar patio umbrellas are featured in many colors. The fabric used in the protective cover can vary between manufacturers, but share the same trait of providing UV protection from the sun. Umbrellas come in both square and circular sizes and mount from a steel or aluminum pole. The square umbrellas are mostly used in free-standing mounts to cover seating area by the pool side or by the patio, etc. Circular umbrellas are commonly seen mounted to an umbrella-compatible table.

Uses of Solar Umbrella Lights at Night

Without adequate lighting on in our backyard, it probably won’t get used. Outdoor lighting options are often difficult to install, preventing people from turning their backyard into an enjoyable place to spend an evening. Patio umbrella lights defy convention by providing instant light exactly where you need it. Under the soft glow of the umbrella’s LED lights, users can enjoy a meal, watch the stars or engage in pleasant conversation. Because the light is positioned directly overhead, light encompasses the entire area below. Outdoor patio lighting can drastically improve the look and feel of any yard.

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Broaden your view of solar technology with solar patio lights.

Umbrellas aren’t the only things you can light up in your yard. Check out our guide on solar patio lighting for more information.

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Realism

These lights are not actually rocks at all, but are instead made from plastic resin that has been coated with paint. The resin has been made to look jagged and textured just like a real rock would be. When coated with an earth-tone paint, the rock comes to life. The paint used to coat the rock is resistant to UV light and water, allowing it to be used outdoors. A flat base allows the rocks to be placed on flat surfaces like concrete sidewalks or brick edging. When placed among real rocks of similar color, garden rock lights can become perfectly blended with their surroundings. Visitors will be perplexed at how your garden lights up “magically” from the rock beds. While there is a solar panel exposed on the top of these rocks, it closely matches the color of the paint and is barely noticeable in most cases. A spot light is also exposed, and should be pointed away from view to hide its presence.

Lighting Up the Yard

There are virtually countless ways to make use of solar rock lights in a yard. Gardeners often use them to illuminate plants that would otherwise go unseen at night. When multiple rocks are used, your entire yard can become pocketed with spots of light. For best results, the lights should be placed in strategic locations, including outdoor structures like water fountains and various fauna like palm trees and bushes. Targeting specific structures is the best way to accent and beautify a yard. These rocks come in various colors, including rust, slate, and marble. Rocks can be color matched with their surroundings to better hide the fact that they are electronic devices. Rocks can be used as path lights, bordering each side of a path at regular intervals. For best results, keep the light beam directed onto a structure and not pointing into the eyes of yard-goers, as these rock are essentially outdoor flood lights.

Maintenance

Because these lights are solar powered, they require very little maintenance. Solar rock lights do not require any wiring for power-simply place them in any location you choose. The spotlight on the front uses one or more LED light bulbs which are incredibly energy efficient and long-lasting. With a lifespan of around 100,000 hours, users will rarely if ever need to replace them. If, however, there is a defect in craftsmanship, the bulbs can be easily replaced by removing the front cover. The rechargeable batteries are accessed by a door on the bottom and typically last 2 years before needing replacement. Battery life will vary depending on weather conditions. If the rock or spotlight cover become covered in dirt, wipe it clean with a wet cloth. Scratched and dings in the rock’s paint can be hidden with a permanent marker of similar color.

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