Landscaping and Solar Energy

Lighting

• Solar lighting is available in most department and gardening stores. Light fixtures can be as inexpensive as $3 each for small accent lighting for paths. More expensive units can provide spot lighting for landscaping features and flags. Most lights come with a built-in solar panel and a stake for easy installation anywhere in your garden.

Water Pumps

• Solar power offers several benefits when used with water pumps in fountains, ponds and other water features. Solar systems tend to operate at a lower voltage than household systems. This offers a measure of safety, especially when in proximity to water. Solar water pumps are often lower pressure pumps which fit the needs of most garden water features.

Ambient Sound

• Solar radios can provide ambient music or sounds throughout your garden. Small solar radios can be very inexpensive. Higher cost models will accept a iPod or other electronic device and provide high quality, wireless sound.

Other Considerations

• There are several benefits gained from using solar power for landscaping accents. Most solar systems are self-contained. The solar panels are either part of the fixture, such as with lights and music systems, or they can be installed without the need for an electrician. Even systems that do require an electrician will require much less work as the need to connect features and appliances to the household electrical system is eliminated. Lights and water features can be placed anywhere they are desired. Solar power means that wiring will not need to be routed around gardens or pools. Also, adding gardens later is safer as you will not need to worry about accidentally cutting through power cables.