They are aluminum frames containing rows of solar cells (batteries) which are made of semiconductor material — usually silicon (the second most common element on this planet). Solar cells collect heat from the sun and convert it into energy. Technically this process is called the photovoltaic effect, and a solar panel is a photovoltaic array. Up until recently, because each solar cell can only collect a certain amount of energy at a time, it has been necessary to have many solar cells in a large panel array. The International Space Station uses gigantic solar panels; so does the Hubble Telescope and the probes we have sent out to explore other planets. More recently, rechargeable batteries and LED lights have made it possible to use much smaller panels. “Solar shingles” are becoming available, although they are more expensive than ordinary panels.

There a number of benefits to installing solar lighting for your home.  Starting with the outdoors which is probably one of the easiest ways to start.  Replacing landscaping lighting in and around the yard is a rewarding experience and a money saver too.  These days their are many types of outdoor solar lighting options available.  From solar tiki torches to solar pond lights, and the more common solar post lights.  Outdoor solar lighting can even provide a certain amount of security, since the lights come no even when your not at home.

Solar security lighting is also now available in the form of a motion sensored flood light.  When shopping for solar security lighting make sure you find the type with 10 to 100 LEDs, or 4 to 5 for the fluorescent bulb type.  This will ensure that the lights will be bright enough for security purposes.  Normal accent solar lighting uses only 1 to 3 LEDs.

The advantages of solar lights are many.  Renewable energy source from the sun, no emissions, lowers your energy cost, easy of installation, and low maintenance are just a few of the benefits of solar lighting.

More exposure in the media and in home improvement stores is the answer to normalizing alternative energy. Until recently, solar lighting was dismissed as a fad. Even some very knowledgeable scientists did not take seriously the idea that human use of fossil fuels could make a difference, citing periods of natural global warming in the past. However, it is now generally acknowledged that the need to “go green” is a reality, for no other reason than to cease depending on foreign oil. As solar lighting becomes more efficient and affordable, it will gradually cease to seem outlandish and will become part of the consciousness of Middle America.