Looking for an inexpensive, easy and eco-friendly way to light up your yard, or your driveway/pathways? You must think about solar garden lights! No wiring or digging trenches is required - simply stick the solar lights into the ground and you'll illuminate your yard, simple as that.

Compared with the faintly glowing models of past years, today's solar lights come in a wide range of designs, illumination levels and yes - prices! You can go with the traditional driveway or pathway posts, which you place into the ground. If you prefer more unique ambiance, consider stringing LED lights along banisters or over shrubs - much like holiday lights. There are even artistic focal lights or torch-like options, powered with solar energy.

Need I say it? The sky is the limit!

Why not unplug your outdoor lights and enjoy free solar energy from the sun?

It used to be that you had to visit a specialty store for solar lights for your yard. Today, these solar gadgets are so popular that you may even find them out of stock at Home Depot, Lowe's, or your local gardening store. Fortunately, there are many options online, too.

Prices range from $20-100, or more, depending on your taste and needs. Any one of these solar lights can help you make your landscape even more beautiful, and add soft ambiance to your "outdoor rooms." From traditional-looking lanterns to solar rocks or statuettes - even ground-flush models, there is something for every consumer. There is even a variety in the color of lights!

Instead of using grid-based electricity, outdoor solar lights operate by absorbing solar energy (more precisely UV light) during the day and then sensing when it gets dark. Then, the stored energy lights up the bulbs for a nice, soft glow. Later, they shut off at dawn.

Think that there is not enough sun where you live? You may be wrong! At our last home in rainy Seattle, Washington, we installed solar driveway lights, which illuminated each and every night.

Solar garden lights are generally compact units that include a panel, light sensor, battery and LED light. But, there are some models in which the solar panel is separate from the lantern itself. This allows you to place light in darker areas, drawing from energy coming from sunnier areas of your property.

But, perhaps you are concerned about brightness? No worries! There are garden solar lights that use a fluorescent bulb, or more than one LED lamp. This can increase the illumination to your desired level. Just ask questions before you purchase, and also double-check the return policy, in case you are unsatisfied.

I recently discovered a new (to me) solar lights vendor: Allsop Home and Garden. In Spring 2009, they started marketing and selling beautiful glowing solar garden lights. Gorgeous, artistic designs make this vendor's products unique.

You don't need a big yard in order to install solar garden lights, even a small patch of grass is enough. Or, you can line your patio, deck or poolside with solar lights. The best part is that you only need be concerned with the initial cost of the lights. They will power themselves for free, thereafter.

There are even solar powered patio umbrellas! As with other outdoor solar lights, sunlight shining on a solar panel charges LED lights during the day (you can install the relatively small PV panel on your patio or deck). The light fixture can fit standard and extra-large patio umbrellas. Some even come pre-fitted with solar lights.

Get creative in your yard this year. Don't just plant flowers and shrubs, stick a few garden solar lights into the ground too. Like candles on at a fine restaurant, you'll be surprised by the pleasing glow and ambiance. They'll light up, reliably, each and every day, and you won't have to worry about increased electric bills.

These solar lights are also relatively low maintenance. Because you don't need to wire or trench, they are perfect for an easy DIY project on the weekend.

Whether you line a pathway or driveway, or shine a spotlight on a favorite plant, solar garden lights make it easy to bring a little brightness to the outdoors.

We've wrapped a small tree with an LED light strand, and also have solar lights along our backyard walkway (it makes it easy to find the garbage can at night!)  Do you have solar lights in your garden or on your deck?  What do you like best - or least?