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A good answer to both simple and complex garden lighting problems is solar lights.

Solar lighting has been around longer than many people realize, but with the high cost of today’s energy it is being appreciated now more than ever. The ability to provide light in a garden area has never been easier or more economical.

The savings are not just in monthly charges for electricity, which is zero, but also the cost of installation. Outdoor solar lights are completely independent from an external power source allowing them to be placed anywhere they are needed. Solar lighting not only removes the problem of having to dig up the garden to place wires and power supplies, it also redefines the concept of maintenance and repair.

There is no longer the chance that wires will be damaged by routine garden maintenance or the usual garden problems of moisture and pests damaging connections. Add this to the fact that once installed, any future expense is practically nonexistent, with only the need for an occasional replacement of bulbs or the rechargeable batteries.

Solar garden lights have all of the options available with any low voltage lighting system. They can cut on and off at dusk or dawn, and can be programmed for more complex operations. With so many sophisticated systems available the possibilities are limited only by the imagination.

Their reliability has already been proven by municipalities, and highway engineers, who have incorporated their use into numerous areas from warning lights to traffic cameras. A quick glance around many public locations will reveal solar panels providing a dependable power source for lights and other applications.

The development of smaller and more powerful solar cells has made them more practical than ever. Full sunlight is not needed to charge their batteries, so cloudy days are not a problem. The money saved by not needing external wiring, or a power source other than the sun, makes them a perfect solution for numerous lighting situations.

Most of the solar garden lights on the market are styled in a way that their solar power cell is undetectable to the untrained eye. The styles vary from antique to ultra modern, with their candlepower also available in varying degrees. Size is also a variable that knows no limits. Whether on top of a large street light fixture, or an accent light for a small plant, decorators have an unlimited variety of options for their selection.

Underwater illumination is another area where solar lighting has met the challenge. With the addition of fiber optic technology, designers have put their numerous variety of applications to use, both above the ground, and below the water.

Available in multiple colors, they are also an excellent choice for seasonal lighting and decorating. With the ease of portability afforded by having no wiring or external power source they can be easily moved about to suit the occasion. Adding more or less solar fixtures can be done in a matter of minutes, making it possible to decorate and design as you go.

Solar lights may sound like something in the future, but they are available for decorators and gardens now.

Homeowners who compliment their landscaping with garden lighting will really enjoy the benefits. This extra lighting at night is not only pleasant for the family to enjoy, it’s also safer for visitors and provides a fantastic deterrent for intruders. Once you make the decision to add lighting to your yard and gardens, you will realize that you have many options to choose from. You can go with the reliability of electric, the convenience and money saving features of solar, or you can combine the two. You will want to carefully review the pros and cons of both before making your decision.

Electrical outdoor lights offer brighter lights that can be on as long as you desired, as opposed to solar garden lights that will only run as long as their batteries allow. However, electrical lighting can cost you more money in the long run. You will also need to take into account the time and skill needed to run electrical lines for these lights. With initial costs of purchasing the lights, electrical and solar lights are actually comparable in price to each other. But it is important to realize that you will be adding at least another $200 to the bill for electrical lights because you will need to purchase a 12v transformer. The great convenience of a solar garden light is that there is no additional equipment needed, no lines to run, and therefore you will have the option to place them anywhere in the yard.

Solar lights can be moved around from time to time for added interest, whereas electrical garden lights will require careful planning and their installation will be more permanent. If you are using electrical lights, you will also want to take into account other electrical components already in place on or near your property. You may find that there are other power lines that will be an obstacle as you work, requiring that you either move those other lines or change your planned lighting layout. With solar lighting the only issue you will need to keep in mind is being sure that the light will receive enough sunlight throughout the day to charge the battery. With solar garden lighting the only decision you have to make is picking the perfect spot for your light and then placing it in the ground.

If you are using electrical garden lighting, it is ideal to begin by lighting your front entrance and any pathways that lead to that entrance. Once those lines are laid you can begin working outward into the garden areas or side walkways. Landscaping features like pools or ponds look truly gorgeous at night with lighting strategically placed to reflect on the water, and it would be ideal if you had enough power supply for your electrical lights to accomplish this. The last thing you want is to have a series of extension cords running through your yard as this can be unsightly and dangerous. Some homeowners decide to install these lights themselves, while others will decide to hire a professional to run the power lines and install the lights. Keep in mind that if you are looking to save money and time, then solar lights may be the way to go.

It is also important to note that if you are using conventional garden lighting, you will need to dig trenches for the wiring and there will be cable connections involved. Once the proper power supplies are run and the lines buried, changing any part of your electrical lighting arrangement will require extensive work. Solar lights, however, are quick to install and just as fast to rearrange at a later time.

Obviously, outdoor garden lighting offers many different options and so decisions should be made with great care. However, one great benefit of electrical landscape lights is that the light will be stronger, brighter, more consistent and you can set it on a timer to truly come on and off when you desire. Some people prefer electrical landscape lighting for these reasons and would not consider anything else. However, other people prefer solar lights for their convenience of installation, ease of rearranging, and power conservation features. When you are considering your garden lighting options, weight up the information discussed and decide on what best suits you.