#Solar landscape lighting systems install
#Solar landscape lighting systems full
#Solar landscape lighting systems portable
#Solar landscape lighting systems Bluetooth

Types of Lighting The most common type of solar landscape lighting is path lighting, which comes in a variety of sizes and colors.

#Solar landscape lighting systems full

These solar panel/battery combinations are capable of powering LEDs for up to eight hours on a full day’s charge.

Image credit: Via Flickr by OregonDOT, Licensed under CC 2.0 Functionally, landscape solar power uses the photovoltaic effect to collect the sun’s energy throughout the day and then stores it in batteries that are used to power lighting at night.

Craig Reynolds of Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture says, “I use down lighting to put a puddle of light on a plant or particular plant that is best viewed from above, like a low spreading philodendron.Solar Power. Should you mix uplighting and downlighting? Yes, definitely.

#Solar landscape lighting systems install

There are plenty of low-voltage and solar spotlights on the market that are easy to install and don’t cost a fortune. A single bright light shining directly on the object can create harsh shadows. Place these at various angles and distances. If you wish to highlight a single item in your garden like a statue, gazing ball or fountain, consider using a few lighting fixtures with low-intensity bulbs. This is ideal for displaying the dark outline of a striking specimen plant or topiary or even a sculpture. A common lighting effect is silhouetting, which is simply placing a spotlight behind a feature to create an illuminated backdrop. Spotlights can be used to create special effects or highlight landscaping or your home’s architectural features. Hardwiring the hardscaping as it is being built is the ideal situation, but if that’s not an option, it is likely that low-voltage and solar lighting can be retro-fitted. So, it only makes sense that they’re going to integrate lighting into these structures. They’re building more permanent hardscaping like retaining walls, staircases, fireplaces and outdoor kitchens.

Hardscape lighting: Over the last few years homeowners are increasingly investing in their outdoor living spaces.

The DSA provides a list of manufacturers that sell dark-sky-approved products. When shopping for new lighting, look for the Dark Sky Approved seal. The International Dark Sky Association (DSA) suggests using lighting that is warm or a lower color temperature - no more than 3,000 Kelvins (the higher the Kelvin, the bluer it is). Blue lights brighten the sky more than any other color. Dark-sky-friendly lighting is shielded (points downward) and contains minimal blue light. Many communities are implementing dark sky initiatives and codes to regulate light pollution. Plus, too much artificial light can affect human health, wildlife and is a waste of energy.

Dark-sky-friendly lighting: Light pollution makes it impossible or nearly impossible to see the night sky in populated areas.

This type of lighting is more about being attractive and setting a mood and less about safety or security. It is most often placed high - about 20’ to 25’ - in a tree to cast dappled light through the tree’s canopy. Moonlighting is downward-facing floodlights that are meant to mimic natural moonlight.

Moonlighting: This type of lighting came on the scene a few years ago and is still gaining in popularity.

Smart LED color-changing lightbulbs start around $15 and can be installed into most existing fixtures. There are several low-voltage and solar path lighting kits, spotlights, outdoor lamps and even 100’ long LED strip lights that can be programmed to flash to the beat of your music.

#Solar landscape lighting systems Bluetooth

They are DIY friendly, often Bluetooth enabled and most operate off a remote or app.

Color changing lights: Lighting up your landscape in various hues for holidays and special occasions is easier than ever.

So, homeowners are splurging on more stylized lighting that makes a statement and heightens the home’s architecture.

High-end fixtures that look like fancy indoor lighting: Whereas a lot of landscape lighting is hidden, front porch lanterns, sconces and overhead fixtures are out in the open for all to see.

#Solar landscape lighting systems portable

Other portable options to keep an eye out for are floor lamps, table lamps and hanging lightbulbs - these are portable lightbulbs that you can hang on a hook, perfect for camping. Plus, they are waterproof so go ahead and place them poolside or in a water feature. Many of these lights run on smart technology so you can program timing, color and brightness. These glowing orbs and cylinders can serve as art or furniture as well as lighting. LED wireless “lamps” come in a variety of sizes and shapes - cubes, globes or oval river rocks are the most common. Portable lighting We’re talking more than just lanterns, candles and tiki torches.