I wanted to do outdoor lighting. I was wondering which is best solar or electric.?

Question

I notice a lot of people purhase those solar Malibus from Wal-mart they are independent and each have a set of rechargable batteries. You stick them into the ground and the sun charges them over time. Are they worth it......

Answer 1

I have both solar powered and electric lights in my yard. Since I live where temps can soar over 100 degrees in late summer, I note the solar lights are made better and don't crack or break with temperature changes. However, they don't last as long overall as the electric lights. For some reason, the little solar battery gives out after a few years and it cannot be replaced or recharged any more. The housing on the solar lights is fine, but they won't light up after dark. On the other hand, the problem with the electric wired lights is the connection cord which is strung light to light. Over time it simply goes bad. The good news is that you can replace the length of cord that goes bad, but you have to have the gizmo to find where that is. Hence, they each have their own unique problems and we just replace them every 2-3 years. Most of them are made in China and just like Christmas lights, they aren't made to be a lifetime purchase.

Answer 2

Don't know too much about that perticular brand...check some of the other stores as well. Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Orchard Supply!

I like Solar the best. Why pay for it when the sun can give it to you for free.
Costco has one right now that has the lights and the cords and one Solar light...that way if you have a lot of shade in your yard the one light generates the power in the sun and feeds it to the other lights in the shade!! Pretty clever!

SmileyCat : )

Answer 3

the solar lights work fine if you don't need all night lighting especially in the winter months when there is less daylight available. they tend to be a little dimmer than standard setups.
electric has the setup issues -since they have to be supplies with 110 from your home but if you want light whether or not the sun is out and if you require brighter lighting this is the way to go. you can make a simple trough with a shovel to run the electric( be sure to at least use UV resistant romex, a conduit would be best to fend off damage to the wiring, if you are familiar with electricity you can attempt to tap into tour home electric. I would recommend consulting an electrician to check your work before powering up. depending on your local codes electric may require you to have local permits before running wire. and always call before you dig to be sure not to damage anything that may be run underground. I hope this helps.

Answer 4

I had solar powered lights and they don't work well. some places I put them were only slightly sunny, couldn't help that because the sun moves.But even the ones in constant light did not last long at night. I'd go with electric. More work, but worth it

Answer 5

I've got solar and they work beautifully. Check around and get the ones that put out a "white" light and not a "yellow" light. I have Hampton Bay and I got them at Home Depot. My neighbors to the north have electric and they put out an anemic yellow light. The neighbors to the south have solar and theirs do the same. Mine put out a bright white light and I love them. When mowing just pop them out of the ground and go, then slip them back in...no trimming necessary. They come on at dusk and are still lit when I go out for the paper at 6am.

Answer 6

Solar is way more convieniant, easier to install and can be moved anywhere. Electric provides better illumination. Depends on how much light is needed. For the money I like the solar way better.

Answer 7

Guide To Solar Power : http://SolarPower.duebq.com/?NDb

Answer 8

Yes if you live in a place where the weather is good and the sun is out most of the time .