Solar power has made some recent debuts at high-profile venues such as NFL stadiums and the Pentagon, but new technology is making it increasingly affordable, efficient, and accessible for the average homeowner looking to cut energy costs. If you’re looking for solar solutions, here are a few options.
Sun Tubes
Also known as tube lighting, tunnels, or tubular skylights, sun tubes provide many of the same benefits as skylights, but with better heat insulation and greater flexibility for indoor use. Tube lights are especially bright additions in rooms where the natural light from windows or skylights is minimal. The technology captures natural light through a reflective dome on a roof, then transfers it back through a tube to illuminate a dark room. When installing, take time to pick a path from the roof to the ceiling where you won’t hit wires, plumbing, heating ducts, or other obstacles.
Deck Lights
These add a little glow to an outdoor deck or patio. Most models turn on automatically around dusk and will keep going strong for about 8 hours if they’ve received a full day of sun. Besides lowering your energy bill, the best part of solar deck lights is their design. The market is full of string lights, decorative sconces, and even owl and tiki torch models. Some deck light sets include a remote collector panel that should be placed in the area that gets the most sun. More popular versions, though, have built-in panels, and those individual lights should be scattered in similarly sunny areas.
Stair Lighting
Similar to deck lights but less conspicuous, stair lights illuminate steps that might otherwise get too dark at night. Installation is simple: The light fixtures often come with small mounting screws that are built to fit all staircases. Just make sure you’re putting these lights on a set of steps that gets direct sunlight during the day.
Rope Lights
Light up a walkway, pool area, fence, or railing with a simple string of rope lights. An energy-efficient alternative to holiday lights, these often come in white or multicolored strings of 30 to 50 lights. They require almost effortless installation. Just make sure they’re hung in a spot where they can receive direct sunlight.
Path Lights
Dot these small lights around a garden or walkway for an extra outdoor glow. Make sure tall plants, trees, or long stalks of grass don’t overshadow the lights. You want them to soak up as much sun as possible.
Floating Pool Lights
By day, these floating orbs in the shapes of flowers, colorful balls, or transparent spheres soak up the sun and decorate a pool. By night, they shine and reflect off the water to create a natural, sophisticated glimmer. For every hour of sun they get during the day, they’ll typically last about an hour at night, so keep them outside as long as possible if you’re planning on an all-night pool party.
Security Lights
Solar-powered security lights can flash on to alert homeowners about suspicious movements outside their homes, but they do so without the electricity and energy costs. Since there are no wires involved, installation is easy compared with other floodlight and security options. If possible, mount it in a southward-facing spot for maximum sun exposure.
Before You Buy
Take a few key steps before installing any of these technologies in or near a home. First, check with local tax laws to see if there are tax breaks or sales tax exemptions for purchasing solar technology. Many cities, states, and utility companies are now offering incentives to make the switch to solar power. Then, research potential products. Durability is the No. 1 concern when it comes to solar technology. Check to see whether the manufacturer has offered a guarantee for when harsh UV rays, winter weather, or thunderstorms threaten to shorten a product’s life span. Taking a few precautions before installation will ensure extra years of affordable, eco-friendly light.
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