Solar Deck Lighting Concepts

If you are considering lighting options for your outdoor deck, you may want to seriously think about solar deck lighting. Solar deck lighting uses the power of the sun to light your deck area while saving you a considerable amount of money on your monthly electric bill. Not only do solar powered deck lights save you money, they also help to conserve precious natural resources. So, by using solar powered lighting, you are also helping to save the environment.

Types of Solar Deck Lighting

When it comes to solar deck lighting, the types of available lights are almost endless. In fact, if you can find a regular hardwired deck light available for purchase, there is probably a solar powered light that is very similar. Solar deck lighting is available in standard wall mount designs, sconces, string lights, pole lights and even Tiki torches.

Cost of Solar Deck Lighting Fixtures

Generally speaking, solar deck lighting fixtures are not that much more expensive than standard deck lighting fixtures. Because solar light fixtures do come with rechargeable batteries and a small solar collector panel, they are usually priced a few dollars more than conventional deck lights. However, if you consider the amount of money you will save by using a solar deck light, then the difference in price is negligible. In fact, you could even consider the small price difference an investment that will usually provide a very nice return.

Potential Pitfalls

Of course, solar powered deck lighting does have its downside. In order to effectively use solar powered deck lights, the solar power collector panels will need to be installed in a place where they can receive direct sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours on most days. Therefore, if you live in an area that experiences a lot of rainfall, such as the Pacific Northwest, solar powered deck rights may not be a viable option.

Also, if you use your deck lights for more than a few hours every night, batteries for the solar powered lighting may not be able to maintain a charge that is sufficient enough to provide adequate lighting. However, if you live in an area that receives a lot of sunshine, and don't plan on using your lights more than a few hours on most nights, then solar powered deck lighting is an excellent option.

To be fair, however, you should be aware that there are more expensive types of solar powered deck lights that can hold a charge for up to 24 hours. But, again, these types of lights are usually considerably more expensive than conventional deck lighting fixtures.

Installation Considerations

Another thing to consider before installing solar powered deck lighting is that you will need to connect the light to a solar collector panel. This means, that you will need to run the wiring from the area where the solar powered deck light will be installed to an area that will receive direct sunlight. Although this is usually not a big problem, you may need to bury the wiring or run it along beams and joists in your deck so that is not noticeable.