Upgrading your backyard can be a great way to raise the resale value of your home as well as increase the usability of your outdoor living space. Choosing solar upgrades will not only take advantage of technology but will also save you some money on the electric bill and make you eligible for certain tax breaks.
Forget about faulty power lines cutting your energy source and instantly improve a space with these solar upgrades for your backyard:
1. Pathway Lighting
Invite guests to enjoy your extensive garden with a pathway that is automatically lit up at night. Installing solar pathway lighting couldn’t be easier as they are placed directly into the ground with a simple push. The solar top collects the sun’s energy during the day and then produces light at night in order to keep your pathway safe. Many different styles are available to choose from making this option a beautiful one even during the day.
2. Outdoor Weather Station
Installing an outdoor weather station is one of those items that you didn’t know you needed but once you have it you can’t live without it. Your own personal outdoor weather station will allow you to easily see what weather conditions are right outside your door making it an important part of your everyday life. Solar powered weather stations can not only calculate the temperature and humidity but also the wind speed and collect rainwater as well. A synced transmitter for the inside of your home will make weather updates even more accessible.
3. String Lighting
Many homeowners are choosing to add string lighting to their backyards in order to create a cozy night time atmosphere. Consider hanging solar powered string lights that won’t be cumbersome to plug in or add to your electric bill. There are many different colors and styles available in order to perfectly compliment the exterior of your home. String lighting brightens up a space and is best used along fence lines and over seating areas in order to provide the perfect amount of light to still enjoy the stars.
4. Wireless Speaker
Upgrade your backyard by providing soothing music for a romantic night in or for a party with your best friends. Using a solar powered speaker easily pairs you and your guests devices to the speaker in order to play your favorite playlist. Solar speakers also don’t require any extra wires making this the ultimate choice for those homeowners who like to host backyard parties and cookouts.
5. Railing Lighting
If your home includes a deck or patio railing consider adding solar railing lights to instantly upgrade the overall look of your backyard. Railing lights are easy to install and don’t take up a lot of space. They are great to use around a seating area to provide extra lighting while also adding to the overall atmosphere of the space. Railing lights are also very useful in providing extra safety for guests along stairways so that stairs are properly lit.
Technology has provided many more options for backyard solar upgrades. Consider adding more light to your outdoor living space with pathway, string, or railing lighting that won’t add any more electric consumption to your home’s overall footprint. Other great solar options include an outdoor weather station to make sure that conditions are great for entertaining as well as a wireless speaker to keep the party going. Consider these simple solar upgrades that will instantly raise the overall look and feel of your backyard.
By: Rachael Baihn
Rachael Baihn is an avid gardener, both indoors and in her backyard sanctuary. She can often be found exploring the Austin greenbelt or enjoying the company of neighbourhood dogs.
