Take the First Step to Reducing Your Electric Bill - Energy Efficient Lighting

Have you been clutching your chest when you open your electric bill? Do you worry about your personal impact on global warming? Sometimes it seems overwhelming to consider changes to our households to cut down on energy consumption. However, installing energy efficient lighting is a great way to start. Solar lighting is one of the best ways to painlessly reduce your carbon foot print. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that approximately 22% of electricity produced is used for lighting.

Most people think of outdoor lighting when they think of solar lighting. Although this is a great option, solar indoor lighting is also available. There are several ways to approach both lighting systems. You can do it yourself by putting together a stand alone system without wiring so that you don't need to use electrical contractors. Stand alone solar lighting can replace your lights that are currently grid connected. By using LED and fluorescent lighting, you will have lights that last up to twenty times longer than halogen or incandescent lighting. Solar LED lights use photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity. The energy is stored in high capacity batteries; therefore they can be used regardless of location or power outages. Not only do they provide a great way to cut down on your electric bill, but they can be used in a cabin or RV that is not connected to a grid.

Before purchasing a light for indoor or outdoor use, make sure that you are satisfied with its performance. Some lights are designed better than others. You don't want to take home a system and set it up only to find that the light is too dim or burns out too quickly. By doing your homework, you can find a system that meets your needs so that you can save money over a long stretch of time and feel satisfied with its performance.