If you are looking to enhance the safety of your property by sustainably illuminating your driveway, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will dive into what solar driveway lights are, how they work, and what the advantages are. We’ll also share some different options for inspiration, as well as a guide on how to buy the best ones for your property.
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What are solar driveway lights, and how do they work?
Solar driveway lights are devices that you can easily place around your driveway. These lights harness the power of the sun to illuminate your property. As a result, you will always guide cars and guests to your home safely.
Like solar street lights widely used along modern roads, solar driveway lights also work by invoking the photovoltaic effect. The devices harness this effect through their most important component, the solar cell. These solar cells convert sunlight into a direct electrical current with the help of layers of crystalline silicon and various chemicals.
These layers form sections of negatively-charged electrons that become excited when sunlight passes through them. These excited electrons then are pushed into positively-charged spaces that transfer a direct current of electricity to the battery through connected wires. The built-in battery then stores this energy until the device needs it at night.
A photoreceptor embedded in the light detects whether it is day or night. It can automatically determine when the light should be collecting the sun’s energy and when it should be emitting light.
Advantages and benefits of solar driveway lights
The solar outdoor LED light market is growing. Nowadays, many people are choosing solar light posts for driveways over traditional wired options for two main reasons: they do not require complicated wiring, and they are better for the environment.
No wiring
You don’t need to connect solar lights for your driveway entrance to any power source in your house. You have the ability to position the lights freely. You also will not have to worry about the elements damaging your wiring, making solar lighting more weather-proof than traditional options.
Environmentally-friendly
Solar LED driveway lights get their power from the sun, which is a renewable energy source that does not require the use of fossil fuels. You can feel good about going solar because you won’t have to worry about contributing to the world’s irresponsible use of natural resources.
6 best solar driveway lights for your inspiration
Now that you have been introduced to the world of driveway path lights, here are several different types for you to consider as you think about making your purchase:
Style I: Sleek black staked driveway lights
Sleek black staked lights provide a great deal of light while giving off a modern look. This type is incredibly easy to set up because you merely have to push them into the ground.
Style II: Stainless steel staked driveway lights
If black isn’t really your thing, then stainless steel is also an option for you. This material may also make it easier for you to see the stakes in the dark.
Style III: Imitation lamps
If aesthetics are particularly important to you, then you might want to check out solar lights that actually look like ornate lamps. These gorgeous lights will easily fit into the style of any classic home.
Style IV: Flickering flame torches
If you want the perks of solar lights without their traditional looks, then you may want to think about flickering flames. The lead up to your home will look grand and impressive as if it were lined by torches.
Style V: Road-illuminating guides
Another option is small guiding lights that you can affix to the ground directly. These devices shine upward and can be quite powerful.
Style VI: Adjustable solar spotlights
Finally, if you are looking for an option that provides unmatched flexibility, then you might want to go with adjustable solar spotlights. You can reposition these lights depending on where you would like the light to shine the most.
*Note: Product photos above are from Amazon.
Bonus guide: how to choose solar-powered driveway lights
The length and width of your driveway
The design of your driveway may be easily lit with one type of light versus another. If your driveway is unusually wide, then you may need to opt for lights that have a more extensive range and can illuminate more ground. However, if your driveway is narrow, then lower intensity lights will likely be fine. Otherwise, they will be distracting to you and your neighbors.
If you have a long driveway, then you should think about how many lights you will need to line all of it. To maximize your cost efficiency, you may need to invest in stronger lights so that you will need less of them, or you can opt for cheaper ones if you might need more.
The power and height of these lights
The power of the lights will likely determine how much they will shine and for how long. You must think about how bright you need your driveway to be before choosing your lights.
Additionally, the height of the lights could affect their utility. Stake lights usually come in one to two feet off the ground, providing a wash of light around the base. On the other hand, lights that attach directly to the surface of the driveway may provide more illumination directly onto the ground.
The installation methods
While no solar driveway lights are particularly difficult to install, some models are still more straightforward than others. For instance, many variations only require you to place a stake into the ground surrounding your driveway. However, some may need the devices to be screwed into the driveway or affixed with adhesive.
Warranty
If the products you end up purchasing don’t meet your standards, you will want to be able to return them. Carefully look over the terms of each warranty so that you don’t find yourself out of luck if the lights you go for don’t end up working out.
Water resistance
Water-resistance will be of crucial importance for these lights as well as solar string lights because they will spend their entire lives outside where they will be exposed to the elements. You will want to ensure that the products you purchase are sufficiently water-resistant so that they last as long as you expect, and you get your money’s worth.
The appearance
Depending on your preferences, this attribute may or may not be especially relevant to you. If you care about your home’s aesthetic, then you may want to opt for a lighting system with a more decorative appeal, such as the imitation lanterns. However, if appearances are less relevant to you, then you likely will have more options available to you.
Price
No buying guide is complete without a discussion of price. When comparing prices for driveway lighting, it is imperative to pay attention to the product count. Some models may be as cheap as $20, but only include two lights. Other options may appear more expensive, but you will have to buy less overall. Be sure to determine how many lights you will need so that you can make an accurate order.
Final words
Solar driveway marker lights provide you with an environmentally responsible way to make sure that your family and friends can safely see where they are going when approaching your home. Do your research to match up with the perfect solar light style and features! comment↓
