Outdoor Living: One Garden’s Quest for Solar Lighting

The other day I was in a client’s garden and was struck by an outdoor fixture I had never seen before, it was a solar spot light. The spot light was positioned within a beautiful round planter containing an architectural looking succulent. The fixture stays-put because it is designed with a stake at its’ base but the lamp itself can be swiveled to adjust to the desired position for washing light up upon the succulent. The solar panel is attached to the head of the fixture.

This fixture, I noticed was positioned in a sunny spot; essential for powering a solar light fixture. At dusk, the spot light should go-on because a sensor within tells it to do so. Darkness will spark the sensor to switch the spot light on, dawn will turn it off. Each day the process continues provided that there is enough sunlight to power and charge. It is best to have direct sunlight for stronger light.

To achieve a bright floodlight effect, this solar powered spot light contains several LED bulbs (light emitting diode), about 7 or 8 LED's within the lamp. For power there is a solar panel along with several replaceable and rechargeable batteries.

Solar stepping stones

But that’s not all. A recent clearing for a curvaceous pathway through a planting of California Natives has stepping stones that weren’t there the month before. I know, because I created the path but wasn’t involved with the pavers. My client had mentioned an interest in safety lighting for this area because it’s pretty and beckons for night-time meandering, but no one wants to see a friend or family member trip and fall. The solution was to buy solar light powered pavers made from slate. The solar light, again LED, is located within the center of each paver, and lights-up making the pavers a visible path at night.

If additional lighting is needed, several solar pathway lights would do the trick, and these are on the list to buy for summer. Fortunately, most of this garden space receives really good south west exposure and is located on the top of a hill. This makes it a perfect spot for solar lighting.

With a growing supply of solar lighting products, there is, (in this situation) little reason to harness electricity from the state grid. To the benefit of this client, ample sun exposure has made solar lighting an appealing way to go. This lighting is not only green, it is free.

Solar Stepping Stones
Illuminate garden pathways with solar powered lighting