Solar Power
These panels on top of solar lights convert sunlight into electricity.
What are photovoltaic (PV) cells?
This essential device steps down standard 120V or 240V house power to safe low voltage power.
What is a transformer, Power Supply Unit (PSU) or Driver?
This technique places a spotlight at the base of a tree pointing straight up.
What is uplighting?
These short, post-mounted fixtures point downward to safely illuminate walkways.
What are path lights?
This unit of measurement describes the color temperature of garden lighting.
What is Kelvin (K)?
This type of rechargeable battery is most common in modern solar garden lights.
What is Lithium-ion (or NiMH)?
This modern bulb type is preferred in Low Voltage systems for using 80% less energy than halogen.
What is LED?
This method mounts a light high in a tree pointing down to mimic natural light.
What is moonlighting?
These overhead, decorative lights are strung between posts or pergolas for a bistro look.
What are Festoon lights (or string/fairy/bistro lights)?
Gardeners use this color temperature range (2700K–3000K) to create a cozy, inviting glow.
What is warm white?
This internal component detects darkness to turn solar lights on automatically.
What is a photoresistor (or light sensor)?
Thick wires are needed for long runs to prevent this issue, which makes far-away lights dim.
What is voltage drop?
Projecting the sharp silhouette of a plant onto a flat wall uses this technique.
What is shadowing?
These directional fixtures offer a narrow, intense beam to highlight specific statues or trees.
What are spotlights (accent)?
This unit measures the total amount of visible light emitted by a garden bulb.
What are lumens?
Solar lights need this many hours of direct sunlight daily for a full night's charge.
What is 6 to 8 hours?
This is the standard buried depth required for low-voltage garden cables in most regions.
What is no legally defined burial depth in Australia?
This technique lights a wall behind a feature plant, making the plant stand out in dark contrast.
What is silhouetting (or backlighting)?
These flush-mounted fixtures are built directly into wooden steps or retaining walls.
What are wall (or step) lights?
This cooler color temperature (4000K–5000K) is best for simulating natural midnight moonlight.
What is cool white?
This weather rating system indicates how waterproof a solar light fixture is.
What is the IP (Ingress Protection) rating?
This is the Gardens at Night Power rating and type
What is 24V DC?
This term describes hiding a light source to wash a flat garden wall with smooth, even light.
What is wall washing?
These heavy-duty fixtures are buried flush with the ground to shine up without creating a tripping hazard.
What are well lights (or in-ground lights)?
This value (CRI) measures how accurately a light bulb reveals the true green and red colors of plants.
What is the Color Rendering Index?