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Dienstag, 24. November 2009

Bring Your Garden to Life with Solar Decor

By Robert Mann

With advances in solar cells and the widespread use of LED lights, options for solar accents in the garden abound. Whether you are looking for lanterns, landscape lighting, fountains, or a patio umbrella that doubles as a mini-power station, solutions are both easy to find and economical.

A trademark of many gardens and patios is the solar lantern staked into the ground. While one of the first solar lighting products on the market, lanterns still remain popular and are available in an incredible variety of styles and materials. Many sets now come with a single and movable solar panel, which allow for lanterns placed in shadowy areas to still burn brightly at night.

Outdoor string lights have long been a favorite for holidays and parties. Solar-powered string lights allow for constant use without a switch or a plug. Some strings are designed to accommodate pre-made or original Chinese lanterns; others take the form of a rope light.

Adjustable solar landscape lights provide an elegant touch by highlighting trees, statues and walls. Any section of a garden or property that receives afternoon sun is eligible for lighting after dusk, without the need for wiring.

There is something magical about the running water of a fountain being powered by nothing more or less than the sun high above. These soothing garden sounds can be enjoyed minus the guilt of pulling excess electricity from the grid. Placing multiple fountains by doors and windows brings the sound of running water inside the house.

Many are re-discovering garden decorations brought to life by the use of solar power. For example, kissing fairies once hidden after sunset now have their snowy faces illumined by the light of a glowing orb. Likewise, a trio of gnomes hold lit lanterns high to see the trail ahead. The whole yard can indeed be a wonder at night.

To satisfy the backyard over-achievers, there is the solar-powered patio umbrella. Solar panels on top of the umbrella harness the sun's energy to recharge the batteries by day, and by night LED lights provide light for outdoor activity. The system can be left on for automatic use every night, or lights can be turned off to store energy for special occasions.

As a final note, it may be a good idea to check a site that features products by sales rank to see what others are buying. Taking a little time to solar-up the garden provides many seasons of enjoyment. One can indulge in light, motion and sound without concern for inflating the utility bill.

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