LIGHT THE night
Adding solar lighting to your outdoor areas is simple and convenient. BY CLAYTON TRUTOR
W
hen it comes to illuminating your outdoor spaces, solar lighting is a bright solution. Because it’ s both effective and environmentally friendly, the demand for it has grown in recent years, as have the many elegant, contemporary options available.
Fun and functional
Solar lights are available in a variety of formats. Think wall lighting, tabletop lanterns, spotlights and a range of outdoor lighting options. Some even offer the choice between warm natural light and cool white light. There are products available to help illuminate pathways, serve as accent lighting or provide functional lighting for outside the home.“ There are no cords. You stick it wherever you want and let the sun do what it does,” says Costco member Bentley Chelf, president of Costco supplier GTX.“ The products combine safety, security and ambience.”
Bentley says many customers drawn to the aesthetics of solar products end up focusing on the free energy lighting they provide. GTX holds a patent on its long-lasting LED light bulbs, which can stay bright for years.
Costco member Tim Alpan, director of sales for California-based Alpan Lighting Products, describes the installation of solar products as hassle-free.“ Since our solar lights are self-contained units with
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
Once installed, most solar lighting units work automatically. Sunny days are optimal for collecting solar energy. Fortunately, most units can collect energy from the sun even on cloudy days. It is best to place your solar lighting unit away from trees or other objects that block out the sun.
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32 | SEP / OCT 2026 COSTCO CONNECTION