From times immemorial the importance of solar power as a source of energy has been recognized. In earlier days, reflectors were used for interior lighting during day time. At the same time, daytime lighting also involved the proper design of windows and doors to allow light and fresh air. In so far as lighting during night time is concerned, we normally depend on electric power. But in these days of rising costs, everyone attempts to save as much as possible. One of the items which call for savings is the electricity bill. So an alternate source of power is required.
Benefits
Solar power saves money
Solar power involves tapping the solar rays to produce the energy required. The energy so produced is stored, and it is used during the night time. It can be used for lighting homes, offices, street lighting, lighting the gardens, etc. In fact, its use as a source of lighting the garden has been receiving prominence recently. The main requirement for lighting using electric power is wiring. The power travels through the wire, and it lights the bulb. In solar lighting, the wiring of an individual light point is not required. Each lighting point is fitted with a solar cell, battery, LED, and sensor. So the solar cell draws the solar energy. The battery stores the energy. The sensor switches the battery when it is dark and switches it off when it is light, and the LED glows to give light. So there is no use of electric power, and this brings savings on the electricity bill.
Useful in lighting the gardens
The expensive portion of lighting the garden is wiring. It has to be through cables. This is because the wiring is done underground, particularly when lighting the fountains, pathways, etc. Underground cabling is quite expensive. Since each of the solar power light is independent of itself, it does not require any wiring. So this saves the cost. At the same time, since solar energy does not require electric power, it does not cost anything on the monthly power bill.
Other advantages
It allows for change of lighting arrangement at any point of time as none of the lighting points is connected by cables or wires. Further, it can be used for both internal and external lighting of the gardens. It is quite safe because it is shock proof. With minimum sunlight, it stores enough power to glow during the night time and so it can be effectively used during cloudy days also.