OUTDOOR SOLAR LIGHTING
THE SENSIBLE FIRST STEP
OUTDOOR SOLAR LIGHTING
THE SENSIBLE FIRST STEP
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, nearly 20% of residential electricity is used for lighting. A significant portion of this is outdoor lighting, which is on for many hours daily – often up to twelve, causing constant CO emissions. Switching to solar means getting that electricity from a renewable, clean source. This single step can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
Aside from the environmental benefits, the financial savings can also be impressive. While powering your home with solar panels will often involve a financial outlay that will take time to recoup, solar lights are relatively inexpensive. Their constant usage ensures that they will pay for themselves rather quickly, and thereafter provide continuous savings on your electric bill by using free solar energy.
And the best thing is that these benefits are available to anyone – absolutely no technical or solar knowledge is necessary! Solar powered lamps are incredibly easy to install. Since there is no wiring involved, they do not require a licensed electrician or professional experience. By simply following the manufacturer's instructions, you can have your solar lamp lighting up your garden in no time.
Light fixtures powered by the sun also require very little maintenance. The LED (light emitting diodes) light bulbs that they use can last for decades, and the rechargeable batteries, which store the sun's energy, can last for 1-2 years before losing efficiency.
There are also practical benefits to powering your outdoor lights with solar energy. The placement of conventional outdoor lamps are limited to where electric wiring can easily reach. Not so solar powered lamps. These can be installed at the precise location of your choosing, as far as that may be from any source of artificial energy. You can now illuminate any part of your landscape, placing the lamps at the most strategic locations.
Another benefit is obvious - your lights will continue to shine in the event of a power outage! Using solar powered lamps will save you money, while reducing carbon emissions. They give you the liberty of creativity in designing your outdoor space, and freedom from the hassle of installation. They are the perfect first step to take in liberating yourself from the electric grid.
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