The Advantages Of Solar Patio Lights & Lanterns

April 11, 2012 By

With the environmentally friendly initiatives spreading across the US and Europe, solar technology is rapidly increasing in popularity, with innovations in technical aspects and design evolving in accordance with the increasing demand. For that reason, a host of new solar patio lights are now gracing the indomitable shelves of the world wide web. Still, solar technology is more costly than the alternatives. Is it worth the price, or is it better to wait a bit longer?

There are some indisputable advantages to using solar patio lighting. Changing to the new technology with a solar patio light means: no more wires running across the deck, and no more batteries. Solar powered devices recharge their own batteries, which only need changing every 2 years or so, entailing a significant reduction in hassle/danger.

Solar power is more environmentally friendly for the same reason that it is more economically friendly to you. Because these devices use their own, natural power source, they do not require ‘feeding.’ The amount of money required to power a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours is anywhere between 5 and 10 cents, so a solar outdoor lighting system can save you a number of dollars per month.

Solar powered patio lights are also high-tech and trendy. While this may actually be a disadvantage for some consumers, depending on the style of the backyard, it is an important asset among younger crowds who value environmentally-friendly thinking and initiatives. Solar-powered appliances tend to imbue their owner with a progressive, distinguished, sharp air, the use of which should not be underestimated at social functions.

Most models use photo sensors to turn on automatically when the sun has set. This feature makes them extremely easy to use, as well as a deterrent to crime. Battery charge typically lasts between 8 and 10 hours after nightfall, which continues the luminescent display until sunrise, or close enough to it to ensure that all unsavory activity has ceased. There are solar spot lights that are particularly geared for these purposes.

But there are some disadvantages associated with solar power, though the market is in the process of adapting to them, lessening their impact, etc. For example, previously, solar power patio lights employed the use of bulbs that broke frequently. Now, however, almost all models use LED lights, which conserve power and have extended life-spans. Another perk of using LED lights is not attracting insects to the sources of light.

Another historical problem has been the fragility of solar panels, which were not designed to withstand the elements. Now, however, most outdoor solar patio lights incorporate the solar panel into the light itself, rather than having an attachment that sticks out at an odd, unwieldy angle. These innovations have made solar power as durable as the alternatives.

The market has, at this point, expanded to such an array of devices that each has a unique purpose, whether it be for the patio, tableset, pool, yard, path, or flower patch. Many of these more specific models cost quite a bit more than their counterparts, but there are basic models available at cheap prices that will cover all of a consumer’s basic needs.

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Patio String Lights: A Comprehensive List Of The Different Types

April 11, 2012 By

When first deciding to buy lights for any occasion, Christmas, a wedding, or halloween, it can be difficult to find the lights you are looking for, just because there are so many different varieties of outdoor patio string lights. Browsing on the web can be difficult if you do not know what patio lights you are looking for, so please find below a list that describes all of the major tools in the patio/party decorators luminescent entourage.

Miniature Light Strings: Christmas, Icicle, and Net

Miniature lights are typically the size and shape of a candle flame and can be found on Christmas displays everywhere. Coming in multiple colors or plain white typically, these patio string lighting displays are historically the ‘bread and butter’ of Holiday decorations ($1 for 10 lights). The icicle and net varieties may be found, as well, though are not as common. Icicle lights, as the name implies, resemble icicles (a number of small strands are connected to the main line, hanging down under an awning or wainscot, like icicles; ($1 for 2-3). Net lights similarly are what they sound like – a number of lights splayed out in a net ($1 for 10).

Stock Holiday Lights: C7 and C9 LED Lights

These are the acorn-sized patio light strings that are most often seen around the holiday season. People drag spools from their closets and go about the task of testing each strand to see which bulbs need to be replaced. The bulbs retail for around $1 each, more for C9 bulbs, and the spools are sold for about $1 for each 3 sockets. The frequency of sockets is variable as are the coloration of the bulbs.


Globe Party Lights: G40 and G50 Lights

This category of patio string light is the next step up in size, with bulbs a little larger than walnuts. Clear bulbs or those of any color are available on a variety of differently colored cords. Sets retail for approximately $1 for each light and typically come in strings of 15 or 25. As shapes vary considerably, they may be used for various occasions, including weddings, parties, halloween, and so on.

Rope Lights

Also found quite often around the holiday season, rope lights are used to wrap around trees or to form outlines of figures, such as Santa’s sleigh and reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, etc. Most come with removable sections and will list the length of each of these sections – i.e. “Cuttable every 5 ft.” Prices vary, depending on voltage, dependability, cuttability (<$1 per foot), and whether it is chasing or not. Chasing rope lights are much more expensive ($2-$5, depending on programmability), and are designed to give the impression of movement along the rope.

Floralytes

The odd-light-out in this collection of string lights are floralytes – they are not strung, but rather involve independently battery-run lights which may are used most often for weddings in floral arrangements (as the name suggests). They are fairly expensive ($3 per light) and are often disposable, which is why they are most often used for once-in-a-lifetime events. Some of the higher-end models are even submersible, for use in pools, ponds or vases.

Refer to this resource whenever brainstorming for any patio string lights display, be it for personal use or a party/event.

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