Solar Garden Lights

String lights specially manufactured for the outdoors manage to create a mystique for your garden or add to the theme for your event. The wide variety of string lights available virtually guarantees that everyone will be able to find a string that suits him or her. String lights can be used to dress up a back yard or patio, to accent garden topiary, or as an accessory for an outdoor party. Three different types of string lights in particular will pique your interest.

Solar powered string lights offer several advantages. The primary advantage is that the locations in which they can be used are not limited by the availability of electricity. As long as the sun can reach the charging panels, these lights are bright and true, taking full advantage of LED technology. A gazebo at the back of the property or a tent at the beach can both be beautifully lit by solar lights, without using a long line of unattractive extension cords. Another advantage is that using them does not charge anything to the electric bill.

Novelty string lights are used to enhance theme parties. Some options available are animal (fish, parrot, flamingo), food and dining (steaks, chili peppers, grapes), drink (martini glass, beer bottle, soft drink can), sports teams (to include college sports), hobbies (racing or fishing), brand names (Coca-Cola or M&Ms), garden party (bees, flowers), or lantern strands. These lights will add pizazz to a tailgate party or a themed birthday party. Some of the lights, such as a flower, are surrounded by material so that a soft glow is emitted, but the mini-LED lights are cool enough so that the material will not burn.

Commercial-grade string lights are typically used at an outdoor location such as a marina or to gracefully illuminate the outdoor dining areas of restaurants. These lights generally use size C7 or C9 bulbs, which means they are rather heavy. They will require more substantial mounting brackets than regular string lights. Commercial lights are meant less for ambiance than to brilliantly illuminate areas where people will be walking. These are heavy duty lights and are long-lasting.

Outdoor string lights are great for lighting patios, yards, decks, courtyards, marinas, and restaurants. They add a dazzling array of color and light to any dark area, and are fairly inexpensive to purchase. Many may be purchased by the spool or can be cut to order, so any length can be had. So when you’re planning the next block party or BBQ, plan on adding some light!