The majority of outdoor solar lights use LED bulbs for illumination. Why not fluorescent or incandescent? Well, LED bulbs will not burn out during the lifetime of the product! They are incredibly energy efficient and last for a long time. LED stands for "Light Emitting Diode" and contains a chemical inside its bulb that illuminates when electricity passes through it. Recent advances in technology have enabled LED bulbs to become much brighter so they can be used outdoors effectively.
The benefits of using LED's are clear – they generate very little heat for their size and draw a small amount of electricity. Advances in technology make them the perfect choice for solar products because they last for the entire life of the product. You will almost never have any maintenance cost with outdoor solar lights! Some LED's have even been tested to last 50,000 hours! Compare that to a traditional flashlight which lasts only a few hundred hours and the advantage is clear.
With low cost, no inconvenience, and added safety of outdoor solar lights, replacing your traditional lights is a good choice to save money and reduce your energy use. So how do you know how many LED lights you need? Use this simple guide to determine how bright your outdoor solar lamp or lanterns need to be.
- For simple lighting needs, like outlining the edges of a garden path or walkway, you may only need a solar light with 1-2 LED bulbs. This level of light will help direct you where you need to go but will not provide a clear view of the ground. A few LED lights will be about as bright as a night light.
- For accenting garden plants, statues, fountains, or other lawn ornaments, choose a solar light with 3-5 LED bulbs. This will provide much more light output and is perfect for accenting your patio or deck. Having an outdoor light with 3-5 LED's is the equivalent of a table lamp and are great for driveway markers, path lights, and outdoor lanterns.
- For increased lighting needs, choose a solar light with 6-8 LED bulbs. These lights are perfect for solar lamp posts or porch lights outside your front or back door. This level of light is comparable to a traditional porch light.
- For maximum safety and illumination, choose a solar light with 9 or more LED bulbs. Similar to a high-powered flashlight – or spot light if more LED's are used – these are used for security: spotlights, shed lights, and to brighten entire patio or deck areas.
A typical LED will give off the equivalent lighting of a 2 watt bulb. The advantage over traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs is clear. LED's are safer, more dependable, and last longer with no maintenance costs! If you are searching for deck, porch, or path accent lights, LED's are the best choice. Solar products provide a softer, more subdued accent lighting for your outdoor spaces which makes your garden or deck look stunning when the sun goes down.