Lights.com—Outdoor Solar Lighting
Solar-powered lights are an excellent solution for outdoor lighting needs--for several reasons. The biggest reason people choose solar-powered light is because of its inherent energy efficiency. Rather than paying as you go for coal-fired electricity from hundreds of miles away to operate standard electric lights, you pay the energy costs for solar lights when you buy them. Well-made solar lights are designed to be long lasting and relatively maintenance-free.
Another reason people choose to install solar lighting has to do with the autonomy of many solar lights. They are not subject to power outages and many of them can be individually programmed with timers and sensor settings. Some critics claim that solar-powered lights are too dependent on the weather but, if you buy the right set, this is simply not true. Quality, modern, solar cells are nearly as sensitive as the human eye. Even in rain and cloudy conditions, such cells can draw on solar power.
Another concern some people have is with the dependability of such "new" technology. Solar power has been in development for decades, and many of the problems people experienced in the early days have been addressed in newer systems. If you spend the time and money to purchase a quality set of solar lights, you should be very pleased with their operation and reliability. Look for sets that include a robust warranty. (Some solar light sets are guaranteed for ten years or more.)
Solar Lighting's Biggest Issue
Solar lighting is still tied to the weather. Above the Arctic circle, solar power is useless in winter. At the Equator, it is exceptional year round. Its efficacy for you will depend on the relative climate in your area. Dependable solar lighting is more expensive in areas with harsher climates because the cells must be larger, the batteries must be larger, and the controls must be more sensitive. Solar power is not a universal solution, but the farther you are from the Poles the better it is for you.