D-i-yers take shine to solar deck lights

f\o-rr-vouRSELFERs looking to I-f quickly and easily light up their decks without having to run wire are going solar.

Solar deck fixtures contain a scientifically designed solar collector panel that converts sunlight into electrical energy, which is stored in highly efficient rechargeable batteries. Solar lights are equipped with LEDs, which reportedly never have to be replaced.

Although solar is usually not as bright as other forms of outdoor landscape lighting, improvements in solar panel and LED technology are closing the gap with hard-wired alternatives.

The types of solar lights on the market are growing just as fast: being introduced, however, with detachable solar panels, so the fixture itself needn't be placed in a sunny location.

Flush-mounted lights are screwed directly into the surface of the deck, deck steps, risers, or railing posts, for a sleek appearance.

Stake lights can be placed along- side ground-level decks.

Hanging-style lights are another convenient option, available in multiple formats. Individual fixtures, in styles such as lanterns or even a mason jar, can hang from a hook or from a rod mounted either in the ground beside the deck or along the railins.

Deck post lights slide right on top of deck posts, to replace existing post caps. Lighted caps accommodate standard post sizes (4x4, 5x5, 6x6), but can also be combined with an adjustable base to install on off-sized posts.

Post cap lights are the most popular type of solar deck light, thanks to their distinctive look, easy installation, and raised positioning for maximum access to sunlight. Fixtures are

Lanterns

Rope lights and solar string lights come in a long line of lightbulbs, similar to a string of Christmas lights. A built-in light sensor is attached to the end of the string, along with an automatic on/off switch. The tiny solar panel is then unobtrusively staked in the ground nearby.

For homeowners who like the sound of chimes when the wind blows, hanging chime-style lights hang like a normal wind chime, but contain a lightbulb hanging among the chimes, as well as a hidden solar panel.

Today, your d-i-y customers don't have to be professional contractors, landscapers or electricians to add lighting to their decks.