Solar garden and pathway lights are fixtures that use solar panels to rein in the sun’s heat and light to power integrated LEDs - a very economical way to light up dark corners of a garden or yard without the hassle of wires and electrical connections.  With the latest advancements in technology, today's solar outdoor lights come with a self-programmed on/off feature instead of having to purchase extra timers, which make solar lights a convenient, energy-efficient, and portable solution to bringing extra light to your outdoor spaces when and where you need it most.. 

How Solar Energy Works
Solar energy is a renewable energy resource that uses power from the sun’s radiant light and heat to create electricity.  Solar power technologies provide electrical generation by means of heat engines and photovoltaic technology, a field of technology and research associated with the utilization of solar cells for energy by converting sunlight directly into electricity.  Every minute of every day, enough of the sun’s energy reaches the earth to meet the world’s energy demand for an entire year.  To capture this energy, solar panels are made up of many solar cells containing both a positive and a negative layer, which together generate an electric field.  Electrons are created as the sun’s energy is absorbed by the cells, and then travel toward the bottom of the panel and exit through a connecting wire. This flow of electrons produces electricity, which can be used in the same way as electricity generated by other non-renewable energy resources. By using this captured solar energy to recharge batteries within solar powered landscape light, the fixture receives enough energy to last throughout the night.  The main drawback of a solar powered outdoor light fixture is its limitation with modest battery capacity.  Fortunately, when used in conjuction with energy efficient LEDs, the rechargeable battery of a solar landscape light can store enough electricity to keep the LEDs lit for as long as 12 hours.

What is an LED?
Solar landscape lights use LEDs to produce light - but what exactly is an LED?   LEDs (which stand for Light-Emitting Diodes) are illuminated by the movement of electrons in a semiconductor. A diode is the simplest semiconductor, which works by bonding materials containing electrodes and causing their fixed orbits to jump – producing extra energy as a photon, or particle of light. LED lighting is specifically constructed to emit a larger number of photons than ordinary diodes, and are housed in a plastic bulb which concentrates the light produced in a focused direction. The brightness of the light depends on how many LEDs are contained within the light's design. Only recently has technology advanced enough to make an LED's light output bright enough to use as an independent light source. LEDs are incredibly efficient, producing a tremendous amount of light for their size, and consume less than 0.1 watts to operate. LEDs also have a lifespan of 100,000 hours (in comparison, a regular incandescent bulb's lifespan is about 1,000 hours), and produce almost no heat to operate - making them the safe, low-maintenence, and efficient choice for outdoor applications.

Location Counts
When placing solar powered fixtures throughout your outdoor space, be sure to take into account the layout of the landscape. Do not place in a cluttered, dark location, but rather find a place with good exposure to the sun’s rays to optimize the charging of its batteries.  The more sunlight received during the day, the longer the light will operate at night.  Adverse weather and short winter days do affect performance, reducing charge time resulting in a reduction of run time. 

What's Your Style?
Solar landscape lights are available in a wide variety of stylish designs to enhance the look of your yard or garden.  Using path lighting not only lights your course, adding an ever important sense of safety, but you can also use them to add value to your home by revealing hidden potential and enhancing its curb appeal.  If subtle is what you are going for, create an understated passageway with a traditional fixture that blends in with the surrounding scenery.  Accenting your pathway with a simple path light will create the mood and illumination you need without overpowering its environment.  Inconspicuous pathway lighting can be used to make a statement as well when a more modern approach is taken.  Another option is to make a statement with your choice of path lighting.  Using a decorative or whimsical fixture is sure to add that visual impact you are looking for.  Develop your home's exterior to its fullest potential with proper outdoor lighting that accents or enhances your overall taste and style.  With choices ranging from solar powered strand lights to solar powered landscape urns, you can use your imagination to make your landscape into a masterpiece.

The Benefits of Solar Energy

• Cost – Investing in solar powered landscape lighting, while increasing visibility and safety in your outdoor areas, will also decrease your electric bill because of their energy efficiency.  Solar energy is by far one of the most economical, reasonably-priced energy solutions available. Low equipment maintenance over the long run makes it an especially good choice to add to your home.
• Resources – The sun’s light is a free, unrestricted, and renewable source of energy.  Users aren’t affected by shortages, prices, or production limitations, seeing as sunlight’s only restriction is nightfall.  Fortunately, technological advancements have enabled solar equipment to consistently operate even on cloudy days. 
• Environment - Solar energy production does not directly emit fumes, create greenhouse gases, carbon emissions, or yield noise pollution.  It is unquestionably one of the most eco-friendly energy alternatives.
• Convenience - Solar power offers all the convenience and dependability of standard energy resources, without the financial or environmental costs. A single solar panel can charge several individual solar landscape lights and an automatic on/off switch frees you from setting and coordinating complicated timers.  Because there are no electrical wires or extension cords to deal with, solar landscape lights are extremely portable and can be used almost anywhere in your yard.