Light up your garden at night

A few years ago, the idea of lighting up your garden would have been considered something only rich people could afford. It might well have been costly and complicated - not all lighting would be weatherproof and sometimes properties didn’t have outside sockets, and cords might dangle and trip up unwary visitors, or might even have to be buried.

In general, gardens were places for the daytime, but life has progressed and changed, and gardens are being used more after dark and need lighting, particularly since the invention of the BBQ amongst other things, or where security might be an issue. Lighting can be small with a limited lighting range, or bigger and brighter for a larger space.

Solar lighting is something to consider. It won’t affect your electricity bill, and the weather is perfect in Portugal to catch those rays during the day and use them at night. They work by having small panels to store light to be used later. They work best in direct sunlight, but can also work on cloudy days and even in partial shade. This is because they have photovoltaic (PV) panels that use particles of light, called photons, to generate electricity. Photons are present in direct and indirect sunlight, so solar panels can operate under both conditions.

Batteries required

The batteries in your solar lights use low-capacity rechargeable batteries but need replacing regularly every year or two, so are quite economical. More recently, solar lights will use 1.2V NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries. Regular batteries such as alkaline-based batteries are not a good choice for solar lights, mainly because they are not designed to recharge but to be disposed of when they run out of juice.

Timers

Some solar lighting will have a timer so you can set them to light up at a certain time, or be motion activated - you just need to check when you are buying. Both are good options, the first is good if you are away a lot and would like your home to look lived in, and the second is useful for a really dark garden where perhaps you just need your way illuminated temporarily, perhaps to light the path from the gate to your front door. For me, this is perfect for when I let the dogs out at night, so I can see where they are going!

Now the Nitty Gritty

While it had been widely criticised for being expensive or inefficient, solar energy has now proved to be extremely beneficial – not only for the environment but also for the economy. The most important thing is that solar energy is a truly renewable energy source - it can be harnessed in all areas of the world and is available every day. We cannot run out of solar energy, unlike some other energy sources.

One of the downsides is that the solar panels need cleaning regularly, as bird droppings, dust, etc. may build up to reduce their working power, and this could be an issue if they are positioned high up, making cleaning a problem. The best way to clean solar panels is by using a soft rag or biodegradable soap – don’t use harsh materials when cleaning solar panels as they could cause damage, whether you have a small one illuminating your prize roses or a selection of large ones on the roof for powering your entire home.

The second is the cost of the rechargeable batteries - it’s not prohibitive, but if you have a good few around the garden, the cost is something to take into consideration. Another downside is that low temperatures and shorter sunshine hours might reduce the usefulness of solar-powered fixtures.

Solar lighting has made tremendous strides not only for the garden but also for playgrounds, roads and security. When making your choices, look for solid assembly - lower-priced or gimmicky fixtures may pop together using twist-lock or press-fit assemblies which can become brittle (especially in weather extremes), loosen over time, or snap with repeated use. Choose fixtures that are put together using solid screw fittings or ones that have been riveted, soldered, or welded together.

Marilyn writes regularly for The Portugal News, and has lived in the Algarve for some years. A dog-lover, she has lived in Ireland, UK, Bermuda and the Isle of Man. 

Marilyn Sheridan