It's not only ecologically sensible and popular to use alternative energy sources for a great many purposes, it can be a real money saver and even an answer to some technical problems. Solar yard lights are one such use that can benefit many people, some of whom may not have previously even thought about solar powered outdoor lighting options.

Landscape lights have several uses. Not only do they make yards attractive and enjoyable, but these lights heighten visibility to create a safer atmosphere. By lighting yards or building exteriors, you can both discourage potential intruders and make your driveways or walkways better lighted, and thus safer. Other, more aesthetic benefits include using lighting to display garden items like statuaries, fountains, and special plants.

There are many advantages that come from lighting your yard with solar powered lights. The most obvious is that every bit of electricity required to light your yard will add to your electric bill, and solar-powered lights consume no electricity. Many years ago, expensive solar lights redeemed themselves over several years by saving homeowners money. Now, however, solar-powered lights are no more expensive than conventional electric lights. Once your solar light is installed, you will never pay another cent to use it until it is time for the light to be replaced.

Another advantage of lights that use solar power is that they are simple to use, without any hassle. Once you choose a site that gets ample sunlight, attach your light or sink a pole and support and you're finished, unless the light comes with a switch. Solar lights collect energy throughout the day and store it in batteries. They do not require any wiring. Traditional lighting, on the other hand, requires carefully hidden and protected wiring, and sometimes even needs to be installed by an electrician.

A drawback is a site that is in complete shade all day may not get enough sun to properly charge batteries and for those few locations solar yard lights may not work. Check with a landscape expert, or even just places selling solar lighting to know how to assess a location for suitability. There's also good news because advances in batteries and other storage devices as well as the solar cells themselves are making the requirements easier to meet and will likely continue to improve.

Another area of concern is how long a fully charged light will function, and how much time you will leave the lights on every evening. Lights are rated by these criteria; look them over carefully and decide which one best suits your needs. There are many online resources that can help you in this search. Take advantage of these and comparison shop when looking for solar yard lights. Some examples of places you may look are department stores. Lots of solar lights are available in department store chains at great markdowns.