sample content, will be replaced
Energy 101 Lighting & Fixtures Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor Lighting

Many homeowners have realized the benefits of replacing their home’s interior light bulbs and fixtures. However, for many Americans, outdoor lighting also represents an easy and cost-effective option for reducing electricity use. In addition to energy efficient bulbs and fixtures engineered for the outdoors, solar path lighting and solar systems are now available for residential use. The benefits of outdoor lighting are numerous; not only are the aesthetics of your home enhanced, but the security of your family and the ease of access to your driveway and walkways are both improved. With a wide array of new solar solutions, any homeowner can find a cost-effective solution to light the exterior of their home.

GO TO:    > Quick Facts    > How It Works    > Low Cost Savings Tips   

Product Types


How It Works

Solar lighting systems are classified by “nighttime run time”, which depends largely on the adherence to the manufacturer’s usage guidelines. The individual lights or the solar panel (in the case of a system) must be placed in an area which receives adequate amounts of light. This light is then converted to electricity by solar cells housed in the unit or the panel. Batteries are typically made of nickel cadmium or lead acid and store the electricity and release it during the night. Beyond the placement of the solar cells, the performance of the system can be affected by the amount of sun in a given day, any sort of obstruction or shade that blocks sunlight, and the season.

Low Cost Savings Tips:

  • Clean your solar lighting units, especially where the solar cells are located—the cleaner they are, the more light energy can be converted to electricity.
Medium
  • Many solar systems are completely self-contained and can be placed directly in the ground. Other types of systems are powered by a panel wired to the individual fixtures. Both types require relatively little maintenance.  
  • Solar systems are available to work in most every region of the U.S. It is important to consider both geographic (latitude) and site-specific (shade vs. bright run) characteristics when choosing your model.
  • Operational time is determined by the number of hours the panels are exposed to sunlight and can vary across seasons.