An easy, cheap way to start out in solar is by putting in solar lighting in your yard. For about $20 you can get a solar light with a variety of mounting options. Some solar light kits come with a built-in stake so that all you have to do is to stick it in the ground.

Most solar power light kits are one-piece. The PV module is on top of the light itself. You just put it in the ground where it gets lots of sun during the day and you are good to go.

The solar power light kit you choose should not blink or change colors if you are looking for background lighting. The best location for the spotlight variety are around porches, driveways, and walk ways. These are areas where people will be walking. I have even seen a light placed near a garbage can so that it is no longer necessary to flip the light switch anymore when taking the trash out at night.

You can also get solar power lights that are connected to motion detectors.

A word of warning: avoid the cheap solar power lights. You know it's cheap if the housing of the light is made out of flimsy plastic. These lights cost less but they don't last for very long. Aluminum is good. Heavy black plastic is good. You can tell if a solar light kit is good by how much it costs, avoid the really cheap ones. The good quality ones go for about $60 for 6 matching solar lights.

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