Decorative Solar http://decorativesolar.com Solar gadgets for the home & garden Sat, 04 Apr 2009 18:11:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 DecorativeSolarhttp://feedburner.google.com Ceramic Solar Lantern http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DecorativeSolar/~3/o-4rnCNMf3A/ceramic-solar-lantern http://decorativesolar.com/solar-lighting/ceramic-solar-lantern#comments Sat, 04 Apr 2009 18:11:32 +0000 admin http://decorativesolar.com/?p=40 OK, this is a really sexy little application of solar panel and LED technologies.

If you've spent any time looking at outdoor solar applications, you're probably aware that a lot of manufacturers get a bit carried away. Some devices can be a wee bit tacky, in fact.

But the designer of this lantern - Smart Solar - tends to be more restrained and tasteful in its designs, and products like this ceramic lantern are the result. Purchase two or three and leave them out on your patio tables when you're entertaining. As darkness falls, they will begin to glow and help keep people mingling about outdoors.

]]> http://decorativesolar.com/solar-lighting/ceramic-solar-lantern/feed 0 http://decorativesolar.com/solar-lighting/ceramic-solar-lantern Solar Halloween Decorations http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DecorativeSolar/~3/dev_cVsiYfg/solar-halloween-decorations http://decorativesolar.com/uncategorized/solar-halloween-decorations#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:40:32 +0000 admin http://decorativesolar.com/?p=38 There's a ton of solar Halloween decorations available this year.  From headstones to gargoyles and jack-o-lanterns, it's easy to power night time creepiness with day time sunlight.

Why clutter your yard with cables and wires when you can simply stick a decorative element where you want it and then rely on it to light up automatically as the sun goes down? Tektrum and Malibu are leading the way with these seasonal solar novelties. Most of this stuff wasn't even available last year, so you'll be the first on your block to embrace the new "Green Halloween" trend.

My favorites are after the jump, or you can click here to see a comprehensive list of solar Halloween decorations.

 

]]> http://decorativesolar.com/uncategorized/solar-halloween-decorations/feed 0 http://decorativesolar.com/uncategorized/solar-halloween-decorations Solar Gnomes http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DecorativeSolar/~3/PiT1IW18cpI/solar-gnomes http://decorativesolar.com/solar-garden-art/solar-gnomes#comments Sat, 26 Jul 2008 05:43:51 +0000 admin http://decorativesolar.com/?p=36 Solar Garden GnomeAh, garden gnomes, the Hummel figurines of the outdoors. Love 'em or hate 'em, they're not only here to stay, they're going hi-tech.

Some, like the one at left, perhaps leave something to be desired.  Others, however, often cleverly and subtly implement solar and LED technology into quaint little garden figurines.

Just like gnomes in your yard, the advantages are pretty obvious.  Lights can be placed in a way that doesn't interfere in the decor of the garden, and in fact in a way that is consistent with it.  

After the jump, there are large variety of solar gnomes for you to peruse for your gnoming pleasure.


SOLAR GARDEN GNOME LG SUPER BRIGHT OUTSIDE LAWN DECOR SOLAR GARDEN GNOME LG SUPER BRIGHT OUTSIDE LAWN DECOR Paypal 0 Bid US $14.99 2h 37m
Small Gnome With Bucket Solar Light Small Gnome With Bucket Solar Light Paypal 0 Bid US $19.95 1d 19h 30m
SOLAR LIGHT GARDEN DECOR JOLLY GNOME HOLDING LANTERN SOLAR LIGHT GARDEN DECOR JOLLY GNOME HOLDING LANTERN Paypal 0 Bid US $24.95 1d 23h 2m
GNOME ON MUSHROOM SOLAR YARD LIGHT Garden Decor Patio GNOME ON MUSHROOM SOLAR YARD LIGHT Garden Decor Patio Paypal US $27.95 2d 20h 44m
Gnome Solar Address Light Home Garden Outdoor Statue Gnome Solar Address Light Home Garden Outdoor Statue Paypal 0 Bid US $24.99 3d 1h 51m
E-V Hiking Solar Gnome in Full Color E-V Hiking Solar Gnome in Full Color Paypal US $37.95 4d 8h 1m
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]]> http://decorativesolar.com/solar-garden-art/solar-gnomes/feed 1 http://decorativesolar.com/solar-garden-art/solar-gnomes Solar String Lights http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DecorativeSolar/~3/4W4PB4rt0-M/solar-string-lights http://decorativesolar.com/solar-lighting/solar-string-lights#comments Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:50:09 +0000 admin http://decorativesolar.com/?p=34 Solar String LightsLeaving your Christmas lights up all year long just got classy! Twinkling solar string lights can be woven into bushes or wrapped around tree branches to create a magical effect in your yard, all year round.

String lights use a single solar panel - usually included with the lights but check the item description - that must be placed in an exposed area.  Depending on the exposure and charge acquired through the panel, the LEDs may stay lit all night or just for 5 or 6 hours.

While advances in LED technology have made string lights brighter in recent years, you would need a large number of strings to illuminate your yard.  Think of them more as a decorative touch for the evenings.  However, if there's a dark spot or niche in your yard that doesn't need bright lights but could use a dollop of illumination, solar string lights might be a good choice.

Either way, they're pretty and you don't need to pay money to power them.

100 LED Solar Power String Light Christmas Fairy Multi 100 LED Solar Power String Light Christmas Fairy Multi Paypal US $34.99 41m
Solar Powered 20 led butterfly & leafage string lights Solar Powered 20 led butterfly & leafage string lights Paypal 0 Bid US $9.99 1h 36m
New Ray 50 CT Solar Powered String multi-color Light New Ray 50 CT Solar Powered String multi-color Light Paypal 2 Bids US $1.01 2h 49m
New Ray 50 CT Solar Powered String Light New Ray 50 CT Solar Powered String Light Paypal 3 Bids US $1.22 2h 53m
Solar Powered Outdoor 100 white led string Lights Solar Powered Outdoor 100 white led string Lights Paypal 0 Bid US $13.99 4h 56m
Solar Powered 60 LED 60LED Fairy String Xmas Light Lamp Solar Powered 60 LED 60LED Fairy String Xmas Light Lamp Paypal US $20.99 18h 38m
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]]> http://decorativesolar.com/solar-lighting/solar-string-lights/feed 0 http://decorativesolar.com/solar-lighting/solar-string-lights Solar Car Battery Charger http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DecorativeSolar/~3/bK895Mm6YZ0/solar-car-battery-charger http://decorativesolar.com/miscellaneous-solar-devices/solar-car-battery-charger#comments Sun, 06 Jul 2008 19:23:50 +0000 admin http://decorativesolar.com/?p=32 Solar Battery ChargerI was talking with a friend today who's a dedicated outdoorsman, and he mentioned that he'd been using a solar battery charger on recent camping trips. Like a lot of people, he relies on current from his car while out in the woods. In his case he's got a nice stereo set rigged to his tailgate and he plays music out of it during the day while his friends are sitting around talking and eating. Obviously an inconvenience if the battery ran dry, he leaves a solar battery charger plugged in while the radio's going, and the battery never drains out.

The device is really convenient for him, because he can leave it hooked up all the time.  It never drains the battery and it guarantees a start in even the most difficult conditions.  Perhaps in a few years it will be standard equipment on new automobiles, so this could be your opportunity to stay ahead of the trend curve.


SOLAR PANEL 12 VOLT BATTERY CHARGER CAR TRUCK BOAT RV SOLAR PANEL 12 VOLT BATTERY CHARGER CAR TRUCK BOAT RV Paypal US $13.90 2h 47m
2 SOLAR PANEL 12 VOLT BATTERY CHARGER CAR TRUCK BOAT RV 2 SOLAR PANEL 12 VOLT BATTERY CHARGER CAR TRUCK BOAT RV Paypal US $25.90 2h 48m
10W 18V solar panel power charger car battery laptop 10W 18V solar panel power charger car battery laptop Paypal 1 Bid US $6.87 4h 21m
5W 18V solar panel power charger for car battery laptop 5W 18V solar panel power charger for car battery laptop Paypal 2 Bids US $10.02 4h 22m
12-Volt Solar Battery Charger Car/Truck/Boat w/Cig.Plug 12-Volt Solar Battery Charger Car/Truck/Boat w/Cig.Plug Paypal US $24.95 16h 36m
SOLAR PANEL 12 VOLT BATTERY CHARGER CAR TRUCK BOAT RV SOLAR PANEL 12 VOLT BATTERY CHARGER CAR TRUCK BOAT RV Paypal US $13.90 22h 1m
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]]> http://decorativesolar.com/miscellaneous-solar-devices/solar-car-battery-charger/feed 0 http://decorativesolar.com/miscellaneous-solar-devices/solar-car-battery-charger Outdoor Lighting Feature http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DecorativeSolar/~3/TR8sy-AyTLM/outdoor-lighting-feature http://decorativesolar.com/solar-lighting/outdoor-lighting-feature#comments Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:29:55 +0000 admin http://decorativesolar.com/?p=31 The Las Vegas Review Journal takes on the issue of outdoor lighting and summarizes the options available. Solar garden lights are discussed first, but the author also gives attention to other options including low-voltage transformer lights and fluorescents:
Solar garden lights are powered by the sun's free energy and are the easiest to install. The solar charging panel, which is either part of the light unit or attached by a cord, requires sun to charge during the day. The light given off is soft, most commonly used along paths and stairs, and to gently highlight gardens. There has been a rapid advancement in bulbs, and it's now possible to get a brighter solar light using LED or low-voltage fluorescent bulbs.

In Las Vegas, which gets sunshine nearly every day of the year, it seems solar would be a no-brainer, but it's certainly true that you have more options if you're willing to invest the money in laying electrical cable.

[Lighting key to any design - Las Vegas Review Journal]

Sunforce 10-Pk. of Solar Garden Lights, Model# 86115 Sunforce 10-Pk. of Solar Garden Lights, Model# 86115 Paypal US $39.99 28m
6 PEWTER SOLAR LIGHT POST CAP NIB 6 PEWTER SOLAR LIGHT POST CAP NIB Paypal US $50.00 29m
24 NEW Malibu Solar Landscape Lights Model LZ417 24 NEW Malibu Solar Landscape Lights Model LZ417 Paypal US $25.99 34m
10 Inch Square Top Solar Lawn Light - VSE02144 X6 10 Inch Square Top Solar Lawn Light - VSE02144 X6 Paypal 0 Bid US $9.99 39m
100 LED Solar Power String Light Christmas Fairy Multi 100 LED Solar Power String Light Christmas Fairy Multi Paypal US $34.99 41m
Crystal 32 Inch Solar Light Set(6 Figures) VSE05021 X1 Crystal 32 Inch Solar Light Set(6 Figures) VSE05021 X1 Paypal 0 Bid US $5.99 43m
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]]> http://decorativesolar.com/solar-lighting/outdoor-lighting-feature/feed 0 http://decorativesolar.com/solar-lighting/outdoor-lighting-feature Improvements in Solar Lighting Technology http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DecorativeSolar/~3/z0jCd15x1Yw/improvements-in-solar-lighting-technology http://decorativesolar.com/solar-lighting/improvements-in-solar-lighting-technology#comments Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:50:12 +0000 admin http://decorativesolar.com/?p=30 The Detroit Free Press's Jim Dulley fielded a question from a homeowner about the practicality of contemporary solar lighting technology. Dulley writes, in part:

There have been significant improvements in the lighting performance, styling and overall quality of solar-powered lights. I use many of the attractive die-cast metal ones in my yard and gardens. They have greatly reduced the amount of time I have to use regular electric lights at night.

If you tried solar-powered light years ago, you will be surprised at how bright the new ones are. Instead of using mini-incandescent light bulbs, the best ones now use LEDs (light-emitting diodes). This is one of the most energy efficient lighting sources available today. These lighting devices have a life of 50,000 hours or more.

Another improvement has been in the efficiency of the mini-solar panels built into the top of the light fixture. They are less expensive now and are much more effective at converting the sun's light into electricity to charge the batteries during the daytime.

Dulley also describes the improvements in rechargeable battery technology that have trickled down into consumer devices. When you put the three things together - LEDs, improved solar panels and improved battery technology - you get a better outdoor light.

Check out the whole thing.

[Solar lights get a second look as energy bills rise - Freep.com]

]]> http://decorativesolar.com/solar-lighting/improvements-in-solar-lighting-technology/feed 0 http://decorativesolar.com/solar-lighting/improvements-in-solar-lighting-technology Solar Lights – How-to http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DecorativeSolar/~3/8lzOskHSszM/solar-lights-how-to http://decorativesolar.com/solar-lighting/solar-lights-how-to#comments Sat, 28 Jun 2008 17:24:26 +0000 admin http://decorativesolar.com/uncategorized/solar-lights-how-to The Providence Journal has a great article in its Sunday issue about solar lighting and important factors to consider when deciding what kind of lights to get and how to install them.

One of the critical parts of the article is the discussion about how important LED advances have been to solar lighting:

A brighter light: LEDs are five times brighter than the bulbs previously used in solar lamps, drawing about 45 milliamps. And, unlike conventional bulbs, they emit light but not heat when electricity passes through them. One LED emits roughly the same brightness as a two-watt bulb. Still, the light produced is about half that produced by a candle, which isn’t that much. As one expert notes, it’s enough light for you to differentiate your sidewalk from your lawn, but not enough to keep you from falling over your kid’s bicycle.

I know a fair amount about the topic but even I learned a bit.

Great article!

read more | digg story

]]> http://decorativesolar.com/solar-lighting/solar-lights-how-to/feed 0 http://decorativesolar.com/solar-lighting/solar-lights-how-to Solar Pool Lights http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DecorativeSolar/~3/GWlO6PVCGVo/solar-pool-lights http://decorativesolar.com/solar-lighting/solar-pool-lights#comments Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:57:05 +0000 admin http://decorativesolar.com/?p=26 Floating Solar LightsFloating solar lights are a great way to add evening ambience to any pool or water feature in your yard or garden. Made out of clear plastic or lucite, floating solar lights are typically unobtrusive and difficult to see during the day, but at night light up in any color you desire, casting a charming glow through the water and the air.

There are many different varieties, some disc- or orb-shaped, while others are shaped like frogs or fish. Generally they have a solar panel along the top, a white or colored LED within and they light up as the sun sets. Some LEDs are very colorful, whereas others are meant to resemble candle or torch light, glowing white or soft yellow. A handful placed in a pool or pond can really bring a water feature alive at night.


4 Solar Floating lights swimming pool SPA pond pump 4 Solar Floating lights swimming pool SPA pond pump Paypal US $44.99 1h 32m
Solar Floating Light - 6.3 Inch - Blue Solar Floating Light - 6.3 Inch - Blue Paypal US $25.10 2h 10m
4 Solar Floating lights swimming pool SPA pond pump 4 Solar Floating lights swimming pool SPA pond pump Paypal US $44.99 19h 14m
4 PK (White Blue Red Green) Floating Ball Solar Light 4 PK (White Blue Red Green) Floating Ball Solar Light Paypal US $29.99 23h 49m
4 Solar Floating lights swimming pool SPA pond pump 4 Solar Floating lights swimming pool SPA pond pump Paypal US $44.99 1d 1h 32m
Solar Floating Light - 4.3 Inch - Amber Solar Floating Light - 4.3 Inch - Amber Paypal US $22.90 1d 3h 24m
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]]> http://decorativesolar.com/solar-lighting/solar-pool-lights/feed 0 http://decorativesolar.com/solar-lighting/solar-pool-lights Solar Motion Detector Lights http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DecorativeSolar/~3/oGb8vnwcuKM/solar-motion-detector-lights http://decorativesolar.com/solar-lighting/solar-motion-detector-lights#comments Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:30:29 +0000 admin http://decorativesolar.com/?p=24 Solar Motion LightSo you'd like to place a motion flood light somewhere on your property but don't want to pay an electrician to run a wire? A solar motion detector light may be the best way to go!

These lights are made possible by three innovations: cheap solar panels, improved rechargeable battery technology, and low-power (but very bright) LEDs.  The can be mounted just about anywhere you think is necessary to maintain good security on your property.

Some models come with an attached solar panel that can be pointed toward the south, whereas others come with a separate mounting bracket and cable to permit placing the light in areas where the sun might never be terrible strong.  Typically the included cables are fifteen feet long, which in nearly all circumstances should be sufficient to place the solar panel in a well-lit position.  As an example, if you were planning to place the light under the north-facing eaves of your roof, you could run the cable up, out or around to a position where the panel could receive better solar light.


NEW Solar 36 LED Motion Activated Security Flood Light NEW Solar 36 LED Motion Activated Security Flood Light Paypal US $36.85 2h 53m
Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Solar Power Lights 2 LEDs Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Solar Power Lights 2 LEDs Paypal 5 Bids US $3.75 4h 3m
Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Solar Power Lights 2 LEDs Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Solar Power Lights 2 LEDs Paypal 8 Bids US $5.52 4h 3m
Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Solar Power Lights 2 LEDs Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Solar Power Lights 2 LEDs Paypal 3 Bids US $4.03 12h 9m
SUNFORCE Solar - Motion Outdoor Light SUNFORCE Solar - Motion Outdoor Light Paypal US $49.99 15h 6m
Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Solar Power Lights 2 LEDs Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Solar Power Lights 2 LEDs Paypal 3 Bids US $2.30 20h 9m
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