The homefront: Solar stepping stones

Published 5:16 pm Wednesday, September 10, 2008

What: Yes, it’s true, the longest day of the year was nearly three months ago. Today’s sunset will be at 7:28 p.m., and it’s only going to get darker earlier. Drag, right? Well, at least it gives you an excuse to play around with gadgets like the Solar Slate Step Stones on your front walk.

Advantages:

Made from natural slate, the panels are billed as a way to add “ambience and safety” to your garden or patio. The lights brighten automatically in the dark using energy-saving LEDs. And since no wiring is required, installment only requires figuring out where to place them.

Limitations: The light from the tiles lasts eight hours. That is hardly enough to get you through Everett’s longest night, which stretches for about 15 hours and could send you stumbling for the morning paper. The tiles also use a rechargeable, replaceable battery pack to store the light they soak up. However, like the solar panels themselves, that battery will eventually burn out, adding an expense to the already pricey item.

Where:Grandin Road at www.grandinroad.com or 866-668-5962

Learn more:

www.grandinroad.com

Cost:

$99 for a twin pack

Product information and photos from Grandin Road

Text by Andy Rathbun