solar powered lighting

solar powered lighting

Solar lights solve many challenges for housing subdivisions. This article describes simple applications of solar technology that homeowners’ associations can use to cut costs, increase security, and improve the aesthetics of their community. These applications include:

1. Solar sign lights for entrance signs and public buildings.
2. Solar-powered security lights to automatically light common areas as people approach.
3. Deck lights for use around pool, patio and tennis areas.
4. Landscape lights to highlight garden features and pathways.

Generally, solar systems save money in both installation and operation. They don’t need expensive wiring for installation and there is no need to connect to your local electric utility. The sun charges them every evening, and will automatically turn them on each evening.

Solar Sign Lights Most subdivisions have signs at their entrances, but these signs are typically far from the homes and utility connections. Rather than dig trenches and run wires to distant signs, solar sign lighting provides a cost-effective solution. They turn on automatically each evening, eliminating the requirement for a lamp timer. Smaller solar spotlights can even be used to mark street intersections or common buildings.

Motion-Activated Security Lighting Solar-powered floodlights come with motion sensors that automatically turn the light on as someone approaches. This capability can be used to improve security in dark areas around the complex, including entryways and walkways.

Deck Lights Many housing developments include swimming pools, tennis courts and common decks as part of their amenities. Solar deck lighting can be used to highlight these areas at night. Placed around the perimeter of a deck or walkway, these lights help guide residents to their destination and create a more festive atmosphere.

Landscape Lighting A wide range of solar garden lights are available to highlight landscape features around common areas. Most useful are solar pathway lights, which consist of decorative independent lights that emit a soft glow. These typically include an embedded solar panel so no wiring is necessary. All that needs to be done is stick them in the ground.

Help your homeowners’ association create an earth-friendly, low-cost and pleasant environment with solar lighting!

Maverick GL-03 Cordless LED Grill Light $22.00 Maverick Industries GL-03 Clip-on Lamp GL03 Portable Lights...

Solar Cordless LED Grill Light $29.99 Solar Cordless Grill Light eliminates guesswork from nighttime barbecuing. No electricity needed. Flipping burgers in the dark? Clip this Solar Cordless Grill Light to your grill to see precisely what you're doing and how your steaks, brats and chicken breasts are coming along. There's nothing to plug in, it takes just seconds to attach, and its flexible neck bends to any angle so you can zoom in ...

Mr Beams MB360 Wireless LED Spotlight with Motion Sensor and Photocell - Weatherproof - Battery Operated - 140 Lumens $20.65 ...

SE Wireless Motion Sensor Light - 10 Super-Bright LED $8.32 Instantly add motion-activated light for security and safety - indoors or out*Infrared technology senses both movement and heat for fewer false activations*Compact (3" x 3") and lightweight (4.3 oz) lets you install almost anywhere; easy-mounting slot *10 super-bright LED cast pure white light, last for 100,000 hours, sip battery power*Wire-free installation, operates for months on 3 AA batteries ...

Dorcy 41-1071 LED Wireless Motion Sensor Flood Lite $18.74 ...

The Light Garden Lighted Willow Branch ...

Moonrays 97143 4-Pack AA NiMh Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries for Solar Lights, 1500mAh $11.85 ...

Moonrays 47740SP Rechargeable NiCd AA Batteries for Solar Powered Units, 8-Pack $12.72 Moonrays 47740SP Rechargeable NiCd AA Batteries for Solar Powered Units, 8-Pack. Designed for solar lights. Rechargeable AA batteries. Long-lasting for year round use. Same batteries as before, now in larger quantity....

Solar Floodlight $80.00 Lighten up! Solar Floodlight for a shine anywhere! PRICED LESS! A brilliant, free-powered, no-wiring Light to brighten a flag, walkway, sign, landscape, shed... whatever you point it at! Here's the way to go with the glow: The 6" square solar panel generates the power, no external electricity. 15' of wiring cable lets you place the panel wherever works best; 6 bright-white LED bulbs. You can set i...

US Automatic 050520 Sentry Wireless Keypad Gate Hardware $81.00 Sentry Wireless KeypadUsed to open or close a Sentry 300 Series Gate by using a secure pre-programmed code. Up to 24 different codes possible.This tamper-resistant, weatherproof, programmable Multi-Code Wireless Keypad can be mounted outside your gate and offer convenient access without having to carry a transmitter....

Victor 1190 Compact Desktop Calculator 12-Digit Lcd Dual Solar/Battery Power Auto Power Off $25.49 Victor 1190 Compact Desktop Calculator 12-Digit Lcd Dual Solar/Battery Power Auto Power Off...

Ultra Bright Garden Dragonflies 5 Blinking LEDs Solar Lights $20.80 Add these energy-efficent flashing solar powered dragonflies to your garden decor or favorite outdoor setting. These Solar Powered Dragonflies are designed to flash continuously in a set pattern, the stems are adjustable and arrangable making them idea to fit any garden setting. A complete charge will provide hours of illumination as a sensor automatically turns on the light at dusk and off at daw...

Solar Powered Racing Car Kit $21.95 Let your child explore the wonders of Solar Energy by letting them build and create their very own solar car. The Solar Powered Racing Car Kit comes with everything you need to teach your little one about renewable energy in a fun and friendly way. This solar racing car is perfect for budding scientists and junior car mechanics....

Blue Ocean Political MOVA World Globe $135.00 Like our planet Earth, the incredible MOVA Globe rotates in space. Its clever drive system is powered by light from your room and the Earth's magnetic field. There are no batteries to replace and no unsightly wires or cords. Just place the globe on the included acrylic display stand and watch as it begins to rotate. The Mova Globe is a mesmerizing piece for a desk or tabletop, or better yet, a ric...

Goal0 14101 Luna Light $7.95 The Goal Zero® Luna 1-watt USB stick light is handy for illuminating anything from a keyboard to a tent. The Luna's low power draw makes it a long-lasting light solution....

Solar Portable Battery Pack with Flashlight and Lantern - Ideal for Charging iPhone, iPod, MP3, Droid, Smartphones, and Other USB Powered Devices - Unit Great for Camping, Hiking, and Other Outdoor Activites $29.99 Solar Portable Battery Pack with Flashlight and Lantern - Ideal for Charging iPhone, iPod, MP3, Droid, Smartphones, and Other USB Powered Devices - Unit Great for Camping, Hiking, and Other Outdoor Activites...

MAXSA Innovations 40218 Motion-Activated Dual Head LED Security Spotlight $89.95 Motion - activated Dual Solar Light burns bright at any movement! No wiring! Super-bright, dual-headed Solar Security Light mounts anywhere you need a little extra light. 180 detection "pops" on the light whenever movement happens in-range. Each adjustable head contains 4 white LEDs to provide maximum darkness-defeating shine to backyards, driveways, walkways and more. The included high-efficiency...

HYBRID SOLAR POWERED FLASHLIGHT WITH EMERGENCY BATTERY BACKUP BLACK (*2-pack*) $24.98 Hybrid Solar Powered Flashlight! Doesn't Need To Be Left In The Sun! Once Charged It Can Be Stored Anywhere And Holds A Full Charge For Over 3 Years! The Hybrid Solar Light uses revolutionary technology that generates power from sunlight and stores it. When fully charged the Hybrid Solar Light can hold a charge for years. It is environmentally friendly, durable and guaranteed for life*. Features: ...

Coleman LED String Lights $16.26 Rope some fun into your campsite with the Coleman(r) LED string lights....

d.light S10 Solar LED Lantern $15.95 d.light S10 is a bright and durable replacement for flashlights, battery-powered lanterns, candles, and kerosene lanterns. It is 3 to 5 times brighter than a kerosene lantern, and is built to survive tough conditions, including accidental drops onto hard mud or concrete, rainshowers, and intense heat and dust. d.light S10 provides space lighting for the home, workplace, or while traveling. It al...

Premium Solar Charger - Ultra Thin Solar Powered Backup Battery and Charger for Cell Phones, iPhone, iPod, and Most USB Powered Device - Also Includes Built-in LED Reading Light and Window / Windshield Suction Cups $27.99 The XTG Technology ultra-slim "Solar Portable Battery and Charger" is the perfect solution for emergency power and power on the go. The XTG-SOL1500 includes a built-in Lithium Ion battery that can be charged using the provided USB cable or using sunlight via the solar panel. The XTG-SOL1500 includes a USB output to charge your cell phone, smart phone, Mp3, Bluetooth headset and more on the go (u...

Driveway Patrol Sensor and Receiver Kit $12.89 Wireless Driveway Patrol alerts you the moment someone enters your property. SAVE BIG! As seen on TV! With the Driveway Patrol, you'll always have advanced notice that someone's on their way to your door. Compact, discreet motion-sensor unit installs on garage, mailbox, fencepost... nearly anywhere. And when triggered, it sends a wireless signal to the receiver unit, up to 400 feet away! When the ...

Outdoor Fake/Dummy Security Camera with Blinking Light (Color: Dark Grey with hues of Purple) $11.25 Gain peace of mind and deter theft or vandalism with this dummy Security Camera. When placed outside your home, business, or parking lot, even the most sophisticated criminals will think the premises are guarded by a high-tech surveillance system and go in search of an easier target. This is an actual surveillance camera in outdoor housing that has been modified into a "dummy" or fake security cam...

The Solar House: Passive Heating and Cooling $14.70 Passive solar heating and passive cooling—approaches known as natural conditioning—provide comfort throughout the year by reducing, or eliminating, the need for fossil fuel. Yet while heat from sunlight and ventilation from breezes is free for the taking, few modern architects or builders really understand the principles involved. Now Dan Chiras, author of the popular book “The Nat...

Solar Water Heating: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems (Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series) $16.00 Heating water with the sun is almost as old as humankind itself, and it is done all over the world. Yet there are strangely few resources on the topic in North America. Solar Water Heating fills this gap. It reviews the history of solar water and space heating systems from prehistory to the present, then presents the basics of solar water heating, including an introduction to modern solar energy ...

Solar Lights: Tips & Ideas For Outdoor Solar Lighting (Green Living) $4.99 With so many choices for solar powered lights for outdoors, it can be difficult to decide on the best options for your home. Of course, it’s important to find a style and design that you like, but there are other factors to consider.Table Of Contents:IntroductionTip #1 – Buying Solar Powered Outdoor LightsTip #2 – Buying Decorative Solar LightsTip #3 – Buying Solar Landscape Li...

Maverick GL-03 Cordless LED Grill Light $22.00 Maverick Industries GL-03 Clip-on Lamp GL03 Portable Lights...

Solar Cordless LED Grill Light $29.99 Solar Cordless Grill Light eliminates guesswork from nighttime barbecuing. No electricity needed. Flipping burgers in the dark? Clip this Solar Cordless Grill Light to your grill to see precisely what you're doing and how your steaks, brats and chicken breasts are coming along. There's nothing to plug in, it takes just seconds to attach, and its flexible neck bends to any angle so you can zoom in ...

The Light Garden Lighted Willow Branch ...

Moonrays 97143 4-Pack AA NiMh Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries for Solar Lights, 1500mAh $11.85 ...

Moonrays 47740SP Rechargeable NiCd AA Batteries for Solar Powered Units, 8-Pack $12.72 Moonrays 47740SP Rechargeable NiCd AA Batteries for Solar Powered Units, 8-Pack. Designed for solar lights. Rechargeable AA batteries. Long-lasting for year round use. Same batteries as before, now in larger quantity....

Goal0 14101 Luna Light $7.95 The Goal Zero® Luna 1-watt USB stick light is handy for illuminating anything from a keyboard to a tent. The Luna's low power draw makes it a long-lasting light solution....

Solar Portable Battery Pack with Flashlight and Lantern - Ideal for Charging iPhone, iPod, MP3, Droid, Smartphones, and Other USB Powered Devices - Unit Great for Camping, Hiking, and Other Outdoor Activites $29.99 Solar Portable Battery Pack with Flashlight and Lantern - Ideal for Charging iPhone, iPod, MP3, Droid, Smartphones, and Other USB Powered Devices - Unit Great for Camping, Hiking, and Other Outdoor Activites...

MAXSA Innovations 40218 Motion-Activated Dual Head LED Security Spotlight $89.95 Motion - activated Dual Solar Light burns bright at any movement! No wiring! Super-bright, dual-headed Solar Security Light mounts anywhere you need a little extra light. 180 detection "pops" on the light whenever movement happens in-range. Each adjustable head contains 4 white LEDs to provide maximum darkness-defeating shine to backyards, driveways, walkways and more. The included high-efficiency...

Mr Beams MB360 Wireless LED Spotlight with Motion Sensor and Photocell - Weatherproof - Battery Operated - 140 Lumens $20.65 ...

SE Wireless Motion Sensor Light - 10 Super-Bright LED $8.32 Instantly add motion-activated light for security and safety - indoors or out*Infrared technology senses both movement and heat for fewer false activations*Compact (3" x 3") and lightweight (4.3 oz) lets you install almost anywhere; easy-mounting slot *10 super-bright LED cast pure white light, last for 100,000 hours, sip battery power*Wire-free installation, operates for months on 3 AA batteries ...

Solar Bud by Luceplan $171 The Solar Bud, by Luceplan, designed by Ross Lovegrove in 1998, accompanies your footsteps in the dark by illuminating every step. Decorate areas that are difficult to see, such as a door entrance, pool area, or walk way. Solar powered batteries recharge themselves by the sun in five hours and provide up to fifteen hours of light! Founded in 1978 by three Milanese architects, Luceplan's strategy is grounded in design, respect for the environment and quality. The Solar Bud by Luceplan is available with a Transparent diffuser and Aluminum finish. The Solar Bud by Luceplan provides diffused lighting. It utilizes three LED's with a Solar-Rechargeable battery (not included). UL Listed. Shipping: This item usually ships within two business days. Expedited shipping may be available for an additional fee. Please call for more information. Dimensions: Overall Height 15 in. Diffuser: Diameter 6 in.

Bellino G- Tech Solar Laptop Backpack - Black $139.92 Bellino-A nylon solar powered laptop backpack that is both functional and environmentally friendly.

JBL TerraControl Solar - size: length 95 cm / width 65 cm $18.65 JBL TerraControl Solar is powered through a high-performance solar cell that needs very little light to function. No batteries are necessary making operation very environmentally-friendly. The JBL TerraControl Solar is a solar-powered digital thermometer and hygrometer suitable for all terrariums. Features of the JBL TerraControl Solar Swivelling solar-powered digital thermometer and hygrometer for all terrariums Power supplied by a powerful solar cell that requires minimum light Convenient mounting anywhere in the terrarium by Velcro tape Mounting plate that can be mounted on the left or right as desired Temperature range -30 to +50 °C Humidity range 20 - 99 % relative air humidity

JBL TerraControl Solar - size: length 95 cm / width 65 cm $18.65 JBL TerraControl Solar is powered through a high-performance solar cell that needs very little light to function. No batteries are necessary making operation very environmentally-friendly. The JBL TerraControl Solar is a solar-powered digital thermometer and hygrometer suitable for all terrariums. Features of the JBL TerraControl Solar Swivelling solar-powered digital thermometer and hygrometer for all terrariums Power supplied by a powerful solar cell that requires minimum light Convenient mounting anywhere in the terrarium by Velcro tape Mounting plate that can be mounted on the left or right as desired Temperature range -30 to +50 °C Humidity range 20 - 99 % relative air humidity

G-Tech Solar Auto Fan - SIlver $23.99 G-Tech-Stay cool when the temperature heats up in your car. This clever, solar-powered auto fan circulates the air to help reduce the temperature without the need for standard electricity.

Solar Floating Light-Color Changing Light - 4.3 in. $28.99 Add interest and illumination to your ornamental pond with Pondmaster's Solar-powered Color-changing Floating lights. These floating orbs will charge in the daylight hours by storing the sun's energy to produce a dazzling light show at dusk and into the night. The clear plastic orb houses the color-changing lights, and a weight on the bottom ensures maximum sunlight exposure. This color-changing Solar Floating light has a 4.3 in. meter. Pair with the larger size, or a variety of solid-colored solar lights, to create a unique show!

Solar Floating Light-Color Changing Light - 6.3 in. $29.99 Add interest and illumination to your ornamental pond with Pondmaster's Solar-powered Color-changing Floating lights. These floating orbs will charge in the daylight hours by storing the sun's energy to produce a dazzling light show at dusk and into the night. The clear plastic orb houses the color-changing lights, and a weight on the bottom ensures maximum sunlight exposure. This color-changing Solar Floating light has a 6.3 in. diameter. Pair with the smaller size, or a variety of solid-colored solar lights, to create a unique show!

G-Tech Solar Reading Lamp - SIlver $25.59 G-Tech-No electricity? No problem! Loaded with 7 bright LED lights, this solar-powered lamp never leaves you in the dark. It?s portable, compact, and easy to fold, and an additional mini USB port connects to your computer for charging when needed. A great piece for outdoor activities.

Sunshine Solar Eclipse Sun Shade $9.99 Sunshine Solar Eclipse Sun Shade

Oakley Arsenal Pack - Solar Green $80 Oakley Arsenal Pack - Solar Green

I’ve really had bad luck with the outdoor solar lights. They don’t light up as bright. The batteries often wear out quickly and worst of all, they don’t hold up with the weather.

I’d still advise going with some electrical “hard-wired” lights.