Downsides To Solar Lights You Should Know About Before Using Them In Your Yard & Garden

When considering ways to add greener forms of energy around your property, solar lights are undoubtedly contenders. They work by powering up during the daytime when they get energy from the sun rather than being wired with electrical cables. There are many reasons why you might consider outdoor solar lights for your yard, including lower home energy costs, safety, easier installation, and less maintenance. On the flipside, there are also downsides of outdoor solar lighting to consider. Before buying and installing solar lights in your yard or garden, keep in mind that they can cost more upfront, and they may not be as reliable as traditional wired lights, which could leave you with dark areas in your landscape.

Solar-powered items do save money on energy costs in the long-run because they use free energy from the sun, and solar landscape lighting is no exception. It's important to be aware that the units themselves are more expensive compared to conventional electricity-based versions. The costs can go up even further if you invest in "smart" versions that are equipped with more features, like smartphone compatibility, color changes, and sensor adjustments. These types of products certainly offer benefits in terms of energy and customization, but if budget is your top priority, then you may want to reconsider them. Or, at the very least, you may not want to buy them for a larger landscape project if there are budget constraints.

Unlike traditional landscape lights that are wired with cables and receive power from your home, solar lighting relies on adequate sunlight. This means that you won't have the freedom to place these lights anywhere you want. Instead, they must be installed in areas that receive direct sunlight and not in shady spots. If there are several days of overcast or stormy days, or if you live in a generally cloudy climate, there's also a risk that the lights may not work as well. Such impacts to the functionality of solar lights make them too inconsistent for some people. As a final consideration, despite the eco-friendliness of solar yard lights, keep in mind that artificial lighting of any kind, especially in excess, is considered harmful to surrounding wildlife and plants.

Before you give up on the idea of solar lights for your yard, there are ways you can help remedy the possible downsides so your outdoor walkway lighting ideas can add ambiance and make your yard safe. First, you can choose solar lights that have backup battery mechanisms so the lighting can remain more consistent. To offset initial costs and days of low sunlight, consider adding a combination of traditional and solar lights. That way, your yard will always be lit when you need it to be. Whichever method you do choose, be sure to carefully read all the manufacturer's instructions on how to install lighting in your garden to optimize how the lights work.