Can you have solar lights in house?

Having solar lights installed in your home is absolutely possible and can be a great way to reduce your electricity usage and utility bills. Solar lights work by absorbing sunlight during the daytime and using that energy to power LED bulbs at night. They are a clean, renewable source of lighting that does not require wiring or electricity.

What are the benefits of having solar lights in your house?

There are several advantages to using solar lights in your home:

• Reduce electricity usage – Solar lights reduce the need to use grid electricity for lighting at night. This can lower your monthly electricity bills.
• Eco-friendly – Solar lights are powered by the sun, so they do not rely on fossil fuels. This makes them a greener, more sustainable option than traditional lighting.
• Cost savings – While the upfront cost is higher, solar lights pay for themselves over time through energy bill savings. There is no wiring required so installation costs are low.
• Independence – Solar lights function independently of the electrical grid, so they provide lighting even during power outages.
• Aesthetic appeal – Solar lighting often has a modern, stylish look that can enhance your home’s exterior design.
• Maintenance free – Solar lights don’t have bulbs that need replacing. Just an occasional cleaning of the solar panel is required.
• Versatility – Solar lighting comes in many forms like spotlights, pathway markers, and string lights. There are options suitable for landscape, security, accent, and task lighting applications.

What types of solar lights can you install in a house?

There are several common types of solar lights suitable for home use:

Solar spotlights

These are compact solar-powered spotlights designed to brightly illuminate targeted areas like entryways, gardens, or driveways. They turn on automatically at night and typically have adjustable heads to aim the light.

Solar path lights

Low-level path lights are used to illuminate garden paths, sidewalks, and driveways at night. Their short stature makes them easy to install along borders. The small solar panel is built into the top of the light.

Solar step lights

Step lights contain built-in sensors that turn them on when motion is detected nearby. They work well for lighting stairs, walkways, and decks for added safety and visibility.

Solar wall lights

Wall-mounted solar lights can provide security lighting on the exterior of your home. They are commonly installed by doorways, gates, and garage doors and have motion detectors.

Solar lanterns

Solar lanterns are charming lights that can be placed around gardens, patios, or entryways to cast a decorative glow. They come in varied shapes like globes, cylinders, and pagodas.

Solar string lights

Solar string lights come in strands of multiple small LED bulbs. They create a warm, welcoming ambiance around patios, trees, pergolas, and fences. Waterproof versions are available.

Where are the best places to install solar lights on a house exterior?

When planning your outdoor solar lighting, consider these key locations:

• Front doorway – Greet guests with a handsome solar lantern or spotlight by the entry.
• Garage and side doors – Solar motion lights help improve safety and visibility by side/garage entrances at night.
• Pathways and landscaping – Strategically place path lights to illuminate walking areas and steps. Use spotlights to highlight trees, gardens, or architectural features.
• Patio and deck – String lights overhead create a magical area for entertaining outdoors after dark. Place lanterns on tables.
• Driveway – Solar spotlights placed along the sides of the driveway provide visibility as you come and go.
• Backyard and shed – Use solar spotlights or motion lights to brighten up the yard and shed area at night.
• Steps and stairs – Solar step lights with motion sensors are extremely handy for safely navigating outdoor stairs at night.

What factors should you consider when installing solar lights?

Here are some important factors to think about when installing solar lighting:

• Sun exposure – The solar panels need direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours per day to fully charge the batteries. Install them in sunny locations.
• Mounting surface – Pick a spot that allows the panel to be angled toward the sun. Walls, fences, and posts typically work well. The lights themselves should illuminate the desired area.
• Distance from power source – Many solar lights contain small solar panels and batteries and are meant for installation up to 15-25 feet from an AC power outlet or junction box.
• Angle adjustment – Look for lights with adjustable heads so you can tweak the beam angle as needed. This lets you better focus the light.
• Light intensity – Brighter solar lights typically have larger solar panels. Assess your lighting needs to choose the right brightness.
• Wire gauge – If connecting to a junction box, choose an appropriate wire gauge for the run length.
• Appearance – Pick solar lights that match your home’s existing design/decoration for a cohesive look.

How much light do solar lights provide?

The illumination from solar lights is generally lower than traditional wired lighting, though innovation in solar technology has greatly improved output. Here are some estimates for light brightness:

Solar Light Type	Approximate Light Output
Small path/step lights	20-60 lumens
Medium-sized path/spot lights	60-120 lumens
Large spotlights	120-200 lumens
Extra-large spotlights	200+ lumens

For reference, a typical 60W incandescent bulb produces 800-900 lumens. So a single solar light generally won’t match the brightness of traditional bulbs, but installing multiple lights can meet your lighting needs.

How long do solar lights last?

With proper installation and some basic maintenance, solar lights can last 3-7 years on average. High-quality solar lights with weather-resistant components can have lifespans exceeding 10 years. Factors affecting solar light lifespan include:

• Solar panel quality – Lower-grade panels degrade faster.
• Battery type – Lithium batteries last longer than sealed lead acid ones.
• Housing durability – Cheap plastic housings break down more quickly.
• Weather exposure – Temperature extremes and moisture shorten lifespan.
• Charge cycles – Frequent charge/discharge cycles wear batteries faster.
• Physical damage – Damage from impact can occur.
• Overcharging – Too much sun exposure can damage batteries.

What maintenance do solar lights require?

Solar lights need very little maintenance, especially higher quality models. Here are some tips for keeping them working their best:

• Check periodically to remove any debris blocking the solar panel, preventing sun absorption. Wipe off dust with a microfiber cloth.
• In winter, remove snow buildup covering the solar panels so they can charge properly.
• Face panels toward the sun as seasons and sunlight angles change.
• For lights with motion sensors, check that sensors aren’t obstructed by branches or other objects.
• Wipe down housing and lenses to remove dirt and grime accumulation.
• Check housings annually for any cracks/damage that could allow water intrusion.
• Review manufacturers instructions for any bulb or battery replacement needed after certain runtimes are reached.

How much do solar lights cost?

The cost for solar lights varies greatly depending on the type, size, features, and quality. Here are some typical price ranges:

Solar Light Type	Price Range
Small path/step lights	$5 – $15 per light
Low-voltage spotlights	$15 – $50 per light
AC-connected spotlights	$50 – $200 per light
Small lanterns	$25 – $60 per lantern
String lights	$10 – $40 per 20-25 ft. strand

Buying solar lighting in bulk kits can help lower costs. Also consider long-term savings from reduced energy bills when evaluating solar light prices.

Conclusion

Installing solar powered lighting is an excellent way to enhance your home’s exterior while reducing your carbon footprint and electricity usage. With so many styles to choose from like spotlights, path lights, and string lights, you can creatively illuminate your outdoor living spaces with renewable solar energy. Place lights strategically around entryways, landscapes, patios and steps to improve aesthetics, safety and functionality. When shopping for solar lights, look for weather-resistant construction and high-performance solar panels and LEDs built to last. With very little maintenance required, solar lights can reliably brighten up your home’s exterior for years to come.