Landscape Lights: Solar Kits & Lights, they any good?

**Crazy Acura** · 07-20-2004, 6:11 PM

Anyone have these, how well do they work?

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS...D=9876&pos=n19

Moog-Type-S · 07-20-2004, 6:23 PM

Most solar landscape lighting I have seen Sucks! They only light up, but they do not illuminate a large area at all. Sorta like white christmas lights if you get my jist. Buy the powered stuff.

joeshmoe · 07-20-2004, 6:27 PM

I haven't used those but solar kits usually suck ass. I have a 12 volt system along my sidewalk and I plan on getting more. They run off of one 250 watt transformer. They give nice, bright light and are only about 15 watts each.

SMR Type S · 07-20-2004, 8:32 PM

I have had two different brands of solar lights, and neither was any good. None of them lasted more than a year, and none of them put out enough light to be useful. My neighbor bought a set of rather expensive stainless steel solar lights, and they look good, but don't put out much light either. I now have a low voltage light set (Malibu brand from Lowes) they are very inexpensive, and put out at least twice as much light with only 4-watt bulbs. In my opinion, dont waste your money on solar lights. It is so easy to install low voltage lights, you can bury the cable just about one inch deep, or if you put them in flower beds, just lay the cable on top of the ground,and cover it with mulch.

**Chief F1 Fan** · 07-21-2004, 5:41 AM

put the dimmer down on a set of lights in your house almost all the way off and that's what you'll have with those suck ass lights. waste o' cash dude, don't do it.

**fuzzy02CLS** · 07-21-2004, 8:44 AM

I bought a set off of ebay. They were cheap enough. They suck!

**Scrib** · 07-21-2004, 8:46 AM

OK...

I just went through this whole ordeal, so I may be able to comment.

First, the July issue of Consumer Reports has a whole review on 120 volt vs. low-voltage vs. solar. I can scan a copy when I get home and post it, or check your local library... They may have it. Or any place that sells magazines... $4 though.

Anyhoo... I'd avoid 120 volt lights unless you want to hire an electrician, and basically make your house look like a landing strip for a 747.

Low-voltage are nice, but you have to tap into some kind of power source, like a security system. But you have to run wires, bury cable, etc... And if you ever want to move a light, it could be tricky depending on how you ran wire...

I went with solar. Why? 1) I didn't want a TON of light. People here hit it right on the head. They don't give out much light at all. But that's OK. I don't want to attract anything with a lot of light. 2) I just wanted accent lighting, around the plant beds and up the walkway. They look nice, get staked in the ground, can be moved at any time, and don't eat electricity. Mine stay on the entire night; 8:15pm to 5:00am. Run on a simple rechargeable battery.

It all boils down to what you want. If you're just looking for a "little" light, solar is the way to go. They work just fine. If you want to accent trees, shrubs, etc. Go with a low-voltage source, but be prepared to spend some time installing, cutting into wires, etc.

The ones at Home Depot by Hampton Bay were rated highly by CR for solar powered lights. Definitely go with a metal construction. The metal, 3-tiered lights are on sale it seems for $44.25 for 6. This is basically what I got, just a different manufacturer.

BTW... When they say "bright white", it really looks blue.

Good luck.

**Scrib** · 07-21-2004, 8:49 AM

My neighbor has these, and they're fucking awesome. 2-bulbs, great construction. I was going to buy them, but wanted to put money into other outdoor stuff.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...314514924&rd=1

**GreenMonster** · 07-21-2004, 8:53 AM

Nice reply, Scrib

I like reading about this stuff here instead of having to search the 'net.

**Scrib** · 07-21-2004, 8:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenmonster

Nice reply, Scrib

I like reading about this stuff here instead of having to search the 'net.

If the weather cooperates, I'll try to take a pic or two this evening.

EdgarFanCLS · 07-21-2004, 9:44 AM

My neighbor has a solar set that he uses to accent his walkway which looks nice.

The only thing that scares me about these are theft. What exactly prevents someone from just walking up and pulling them out of the ground?

**Scrib** · 07-21-2004, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdgarFanCLS

My neighbor has a solar set that he uses to accent his walkway which looks nice.

The only thing that scares me about these are theft. What exactly prevents someone from just walking up and pulling them out of the ground?

Nothing... But one could say the same thing about all the plants and shrubs you plant? Or breaking a window? Stealing your mail?

EdgarFanCLS · 07-21-2004, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrib

Nothing... But one could say the same thing about all the plants and shrubs you plant? Or breaking a window? Stealing your mail?

In terms of time invested vs. payoff for a petty thief, these lighting sets could appear very attractive. We knew someone who had their entire set stolen about a week after they put it in, hence my concern.

But there's probably measures one could easily take to prevent theft. Like cementing them in or something.

**Scrib** · 07-21-2004, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdgarFanCLS

But there's probably measures one could easily take to prevent theft. Like cementing them in or something.

True... But cement makes them almost permanent, and a bitch to move in a pinch.

My theory... Let those fuckers take em'. I'll take good health and happiness any day.

**GreenMonster** · 07-21-2004, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdgarFanCLS

But there's probably measures one could easily take to prevent theft. Like cementing them in or something.

Or moving to a better part of town...

I grew up in the "rough" part of my city, so I've got the "nobody better touch my stuff" mentality. Now that I'm in the suburbs, I tend to keep every thing "locked down", but there really isn't much need too.

I would get to aggressive trying to secure $100 worth of lights.

**Crazy Acura** · 07-21-2004, 3:45 PM

wow thanks for the info Scrib, all im looking for is accent lights for the curved driveway. Try to take pics if you can

**GreenMonster** · 07-21-2004, 3:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout

wow thanks for the info Scrib, all im looking for is accent lights for the curved driveway. Try to take pics if you can

Jesal, Buying grilles, lights for the driveway... No wonder your parents keep you around

**Crazy Acura** · 07-21-2004, 3:53 PM

**Scrib** · 07-21-2004, 3:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout

wow thanks for the info Scrib, all im looking for is accent lights for the curved driveway. Try to take pics if you can

Aye aye captain.

**GreenMonster** · 07-21-2004, 4:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout

Don't be embarrassed. I meant that as a compliment

**Scrib** · 07-21-2004, 4:01 PM

**Jonesi** · 07-21-2004, 4:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrib

The ones at Home Depot by Hampton Bay were rated highly by CR for solar powered lights. Definitely go with a metal construction. The metal, 3-tiered lights are on sale it seems for $44.25 for 6. This is basically what I got, just a different manufacturer.

BTW... When they say "bright white", it really looks blue.

This is exactly what I bought about 2 months ago.. I love them.. But I wasn't looking to get a huge amount of lighting out of them.. Just to accent a walkway.. I plan on buying a few more.. Talk about a easy no hassle sloution..

**Scrib** · 07-21-2004, 8:46 PM

Here are some pics. I'll take some later tonight when it's dark.

**GreenMonster** · 07-21-2004, 8:58 PM

Looking good Scrib

The lights look great.

The lilies are coming up, you've even got grass now

Someone has to do something with the rest of the gravel and the edging that is just sitting there at the top of the driveway

**Scrib** · 07-21-2004, 9:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenmonster

Looking good Scrib

The lights look great.

The lilies are coming up, you've even got grass now

Someone has to do something with the rest of the gravel and the edging that is just sitting there at the top of the driveway

Grass???

Weeds, my friend.

07-20-2004, 6:11 PM	#1
Crazy Acura Moderator Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Chicago Burbs Age: 28 Posts: 31,551	Landscape Lights: Solar Kits & Lights, they any good? Anyone have these, how well do they work? http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS...D=9876&pos=n19 __________________ 1994 Acura NSX 2008 BMW 328i

07-20-2004, 6:23 PM	#2
Moog-Type-S The sizzle in the Steak Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Southern California Posts: 35,785	Most solar landscape lighting I have seen Sucks! They only light up, but they do not illuminate a large area at all. Sorta like white christmas lights if you get my jist. Buy the powered stuff.

07-20-2004, 6:27 PM	#3
joeshmoe My Home Planet Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Columbia, MD Age: 31 Posts: 3,498	I haven't used those but solar kits usually suck ass. I have a 12 volt system along my sidewalk and I plan on getting more. They run off of one 250 watt transformer. They give nice, bright light and are only about 15 watts each.

07-20-2004, 8:32 PM	#4
SMR Type S Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: PA Age: 46 Posts: 76	I have had two different brands of solar lights, and neither was any good. None of them lasted more than a year, and none of them put out enough light to be useful. My neighbor bought a set of rather expensive stainless steel solar lights, and they look good, but don't put out much light either. I now have a low voltage light set (Malibu brand from Lowes) they are very inexpensive, and put out at least twice as much light with only 4-watt bulbs. In my opinion, dont waste your money on solar lights. It is so easy to install low voltage lights, you can bury the cable just about one inch deep, or if you put them in flower beds, just lay the cable on top of the ground,and cover it with mulch.

07-21-2004, 5:41 AM	#5
Chief F1 Fan Mega Moderator Join Date: Jan 2001 Age: 48 Posts: 7,689	put the dimmer down on a set of lights in your house almost all the way off and that's what you'll have with those suck ass lights. waste o' cash dude, don't do it.

07-21-2004, 8:44 AM	#6
fuzzy02CLS Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: South FL Age: 33 Posts: 12,686	I bought a set off of ebay. They were cheap enough. They suck!

07-21-2004, 8:46 AM	#7
Scrib Administrator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Northwest IN Age: 31 Posts: 23,555	OK... I just went through this whole ordeal, so I may be able to comment. First, the July issue of Consumer Reports has a whole review on 120 volt vs. low-voltage vs. solar. I can scan a copy when I get home and post it, or check your local library... They may have it. Or any place that sells magazines... $4 though. Anyhoo... I'd avoid 120 volt lights unless you want to hire an electrician, and basically make your house look like a landing strip for a 747. Low-voltage are nice, but you have to tap into some kind of power source, like a security system. But you have to run wires, bury cable, etc... And if you ever want to move a light, it could be tricky depending on how you ran wire... I went with solar. Why? 1) I didn't want a TON of light. People here hit it right on the head. They don't give out much light at all. But that's OK. I don't want to attract anything with a lot of light. 2) I just wanted accent lighting, around the plant beds and up the walkway. They look nice, get staked in the ground, can be moved at any time, and don't eat electricity. Mine stay on the entire night; 8:15pm to 5:00am. Run on a simple rechargeable battery. It all boils down to what you want. If you're just looking for a "little" light, solar is the way to go. They work just fine. If you want to accent trees, shrubs, etc. Go with a low-voltage source, but be prepared to spend some time installing, cutting into wires, etc. The ones at Home Depot by Hampton Bay were rated highly by CR for solar powered lights. Definitely go with a metal construction. The metal, 3-tiered lights are on sale it seems for $44.25 for 6. This is basically what I got, just a different manufacturer. BTW... When they say "bright white", it really looks blue. Good luck.

07-21-2004, 8:49 AM	#8
Scrib Administrator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Northwest IN Age: 31 Posts: 23,555	My neighbor has these, and they're fucking awesome. 2-bulbs, great construction. I was going to buy them, but wanted to put money into other outdoor stuff. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...314514924&rd=1

07-21-2004, 8:53 AM	#9
GreenMonster Mega Moderator Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Swansea, MA Age: 42 Posts: 32,491	Nice reply, Scrib I like reading about this stuff here instead of having to search the 'net.

07-21-2004, 9:44 AM	#11
EdgarFanCLS Masshole Join Date: May 2002 Location: Massachusetts Age: 30 Posts: 3,399	My neighbor has a solar set that he uses to accent his walkway which looks nice. The only thing that scares me about these are theft. What exactly prevents someone from just walking up and pulling them out of the ground?

07-21-2004, 3:45 PM	#16
Crazy Acura Moderator Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Chicago Burbs Age: 28 Posts: 31,551	wow thanks for the info Scrib, all im looking for is accent lights for the curved driveway. Try to take pics if you can

07-21-2004, 3:53 PM	#18
Crazy Acura Moderator Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Chicago Burbs Age: 28 Posts: 31,551

07-21-2004, 4:01 PM	#21
Scrib Administrator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Northwest IN Age: 31 Posts: 23,555

07-21-2004, 8:46 PM	#23
Scrib Administrator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Northwest IN Age: 31 Posts: 23,555	Here are some pics. I'll take some later tonight when it's dark.

07-21-2004, 8:58 PM	#24
GreenMonster Mega Moderator Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Swansea, MA Age: 42 Posts: 32,491	Looking good Scrib The lights look great. The lilies are coming up, you've even got grass now Someone has to do something with the rest of the gravel and the edging that is just sitting there at the top of the driveway