When you’re ready to purchase some outside lights, you might want to consider choosing fixtures that are Energy Star compliant. If you find lights that are approved by compliant, you’ll know that you’re getting fixtures that use less energy and are more efficient than other, similar lights. Not only is that good for the environment, it’s also good for your electric bill. If you want to install a dusk to dawn light or some sort of lamp post that’s going to be on for several hours each night, Energy Star compliance can save you money. Getting an appliance that uses less energy can shave quite a few dollars off the energy bill at the end of the month.

Of course, solar outside lights are an option. The biggest problem with using solar lights for something like lampposts or security lights is that it’s probably not going to shine all night. Even with LED lights, which use less energy than standard bulbs, a solar light has a limited glow time. Even if the light is in full sun for several hours, you can’t count on it glowing from dusk until dawn. Fortunately, most homeowners don’t need the type of lighting. But a business or establishment that needs to be well lit at night is not going to be able to rely on solar powered lights that are designed for evening lighting outside of a home.

If you’re just looking for ambient light or something to light up walkways for a few hours after dark, solar is an excellent choice. But don’t forget about unique fixtures like outside lights that use a candle. Candle lanterns and lamps can either hang or stand independently if you purchase one on a base. These provide a flickering glow that adds to the atmosphere of your outdoor gathering, all without using electricity. Candle lanterns also generally cost less than solar lighting because there’s no actual fixture, just the lantern itself.