lighting trends

Garden Lighting Trends

Using the Sun at Night.
Solar lighting has undoubtedly gained popularity in recent years. The lights come in a rich variety of forms; short pole mounted pathway lights, feature highlighters, fairy lights and illuminated house numbers. There are even lights that change colours if you desire to have something a little different to your night time garden. These lights rely on the power of the sun to charge rechargeable batteries that supply power to illuminate high intensity low powered bulbs which provide the light source. With solar lighting, there is the disadvantage in having to install it in areas that receive plenty of Sun to allow them to charge. Another disadvantage of this form of lighting is the lights emit very dull illumination and will not illuminate a very substantial area, or for that matter any area very brightly. One danger with these lights that many people don't consider is that the batteries can degenerate and release acid that is not only toxic, but can additionally stain anything it comes into contact with.

Energy Efficient Lighting
Metal halide lighting and high-pressure sodium lights are a better option for outdoor lighting because they are 3 to 4 times as efficient as incandescent lights. Metal halide is the best choice when you want lighting that produces natural colours. If colour doesn't matter, choose high-pressure sodium lamps. They produce a yellowish light, but they are one of the most efficient types of lamp and they also have the longest life.
Photocells turn lights on when it is dark outside. They work well for controlling individual lights and are cheaper than time clocks. Be sure to shield photocells from other nearby lighting sources that could cause them to turn off during the night. Time clocks are more expensive, but can often be the best solution for controlling large groups of lights. Be sure to choose one that compensates for seasonal day-length and doesn't need to be reset after short power outages.



Outdoor Solar Lighting
Garden solar lighting is an environmentally friendly and economical way to dramatically enhance the beauty of any garden area. They come in a wide range of styles and designs. Solar lights require no wiring as they charge through the daytime from the sun's rays (they require a sunny position, although will gain some charge on an overcast day). Solar lights generally come on automatically at dusk, although some have a manual over-ride switch. Solar lights are ideal for marking pathways and garden features with a gentle glowing light (either amber or white), but do not provide bright surrounding light.

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Conclusion

In recent years trends for gardening lighting have changed from using battery and main line power into using sustainable resources to light gardens. Solar power is the most common garden light used today; this is because it is now very easy to get solar powered lights in many different designs in most garden shops. However other sustainable energies are not even mentioned such as wind power and other ways of gathering energy from the sun during the day. This may show a niche in the market.