Thanks to advances in solar cell technology, LED lighting and rechargeable batteries, today’s solar lighting fixtures are almost comparable to the quality and illumination of traditional, “hard wired”, settings. In fact, many people prefer the luminosity of LED bulbs more than the glaring light of traditional bulbs, and no one can deny the importance of installing lights that require no electrical source in order to operate.

Aren’t solar lights just those small path lights or single lights that people install in areas without electricity? Actually, today home and business owners can find powerful spot and flood lights that operate strictly on solar energy. These lighting fixtures can be quickly installed and used to illuminate flag poles, signage, store fronts or even create an effective form of security around a property. The great thing about these fixtures is that they do not require any professional services to install. An owner simply drives the fixture’s stake into the soil or attaches it with the included hardware and places the solar panel in an area that delivers adequate sunlight, and that is it!

Of course some of these lights are triggered by motion and will serve in the exact same capacity as their electricity-consuming cousins. What all of these features really add up to is a lot of savings in time and money. The owner does the installation themselves in a matter of minutes and it will cost only pennies over the course of many years to maintain the lights.

There are also many fixtures that are perfect for yards and gardens, and these too are outfitted with the latest technologies, including dusk to dawn sensors, adjustable lamps, motion detectors and materials suitable for year-round installation. For example, there are solar lamp posts, pathway lights and porch and patio fixtures that deliver illumination equal to hard wired fixtures, but which never demand the type of professional installation or maintenance that they do.

Finally, it is important to point out one advantage that most solar lights have over traditional lights and that is that they are usually self-contained. Unlike traditional fixtures that can have cords deteriorate or which might fall victim to animals and vermin, solar lights have few vulnerabilities and are less likely to succumb to many environmental factors.

Of course there will always be a need for solar outdoor lighting and many dedicated gardeners love to illuminate portions of their yards and gardens after dark. So, the real challenge is finding earth-friendly ways of lighting a garden. Luckily, there are all kinds of solar powered lighting fixtures that can be easily installed throughout an entire property.

Solar lighting fixtures are an ideal “green” solution for the garden for many reasons:

They require no digging, wiring or electrical service to be installed. They can be placed almost anywhere within reach of their solar panels. They are available in a huge range of styles and formats suitable to any garden design. They can be used to illuminate pathways, add whimsical touches to the night time garden, or even serve as security measures in a darkened yard. They consumer no energy and save the planet’s resources.

Let’s take a look at how solar lighting could be used in the garden. Today’s solar lighting fixtures include torches that can make a patio or garden a comfortable and well-lit location after dark. They also include more traditional pole fixtures or flood lights that can be placed wherever necessary, for example a flag pole, ornamental bush or entry way can be brightly lit with only a quick and easy solar lighting installation. Of course, solar lighting can also convert a beautiful day time garden into a magical nighttime place with the use of such things as netting lights that can be placed over shrubs or bushes, terracotta “spheres” that can be used on porches, patios and pathways and single lanterns that can dance gently from a hanging hook.

The amazing number of styles and materials used to make solar garden and yard lights mean that any style of home or yard will have dozens of fixtures to choose from, and that will match the look of the day and night time space, and all while keeping a garden truly “green”.

Use solar garden lights to light up steps

You can use outdoor solar lights to shine light on steps. Use solar garden lights to light up front or back steps, deck steps, or a step to a doorway, garage or driveway. You could also place outdoor solar lights on each side of each step along a front sidewalk. Some solar garden lights are very long, flat and slim and they fit nicely into the base of steps. This type of solar garden lights, called solar path lights, shine light while being nicely tucked away into the bottom edge of each step.

Use outdoor solar lights to light up a front or back doorway or side of a house or driveway

Solar garden lights can be very helpful to light up a doorway. Outdoor solar lights that work well for this are solar security lights, which switch on when they detect motion. This is useful for you or for guests, and a solar motion light can light up the immediate area if there is an intruder. You can also use solar garden lights at the side of a house or driveway, either using a solar motion light, staked outdoor solar lights or some wall mounted solar garden lights.

Use outdoor solar lights to light up obstacles

For any obstacles or something that you or someone else could potentially trip over or run into in the dark, you can easily place some solar garden lights nearby to light them up. You can use outdoor solar lights to light up a short wall, a large rock, a dip in the ground, or put some solar garden lights by a low fence around a flower bed.

Place solar garden lights along a wall or fence

Outdoor solar lights can also be mounted along a wall or fence. Some solar garden lights have base attachments that are designed to be mounted right onto a vertical surface or column. There are also outdoor solar lights that can be mounted on top of fence posts, creating an appealing and unique look.

Use solar garden lights to light up a walkway

Outdoor solar lights can provide light along a pathway or walkway, making it an inviting and attractive place to walk at night, with less risk of tripping or running into something. It also adds an elegant touch to have some solar garden lights along a walkway.

There are many types and designs of outdoor solar lights to light up your landscaping and provide additional safety, since solar garden lights can shine extra light on key areas or obstacles after dark. With just a little effort and imagination, outdoor solar lights can really accent your yard and surroundings and solar garden lights result in a safer place to navigate in the dark ! Outdoor solar lights also do not require any electricity. They charge up from the free power from the sun.

First, you will want to find a location for your solar address sign and decide if you want a model that stakes into the ground or solar house numbers that will be mounted on a wall, gate, or fence. Look for a spot where the solar address sign will be easily visible from the front, facing the street. Choose a location for the solar house numbers so they are clearly associated with your house or building. If you have someone to help you position your solar address sign, have the person hold your solar house numbers up in that spot by hand, preferably after dark, so you can go to the sidewalk or street and see if the solar address sign can be easily seen and read from the street.

Make sure the solar house numbers are not in the way of anything

Make sure that the solar address sign is in a convenient location that will not be hit by anything nearby, such as a lawnmower, yard tools or a vehicle. You don’t want your solar house numbers to get knocked down or damaged.

Make sure the solar address sign will have enough sun

Once you have identified a good possible spot for your solar house numbers, check that location to see how much sun it gets. Look for objects, overhangs, downspouts, tree branches or anything that might cast shade on your solar address sign. Check the spot for your solar house numbers many times throughout a sunny day, to see if the sun will shine on your solar address sign as much as possible each day. Your solar address sign should get as many possible hours of sun per day so that its batteries will be fully recharged each day.

Put up your solar house numbers – staked

Now that you have found a good location for your solar address sign, if you are going to mount it staked, then attach the stakes to the solar house numbers and push them into the ground. Try to make sure that the solar address sign’s stakes are vertical, so that the solar house numbers are level, easily visible and facing the street. Push the solar address sign’s stakes into the ground by holding onto the stakes, not the sign.

Or – put up your solar house numbers – wall mounted

If you have decided to mount your solar address sign above ground instead, then make holes for the screws in the wall, fence or gate, making sure the solar house numbers are level and so that the solar address sign won’t jut out where you don’t want it to. Place the screws and securely mount your solar house numbers.

Congratulations ! You have now made it easier for people visiting your house and other houses nearby to identify your house number, since it has a bright, visible solar address sign on it ! Best of all, your solar house numbers do not require any wiring at all and are powered by the free power from the sun.

Placement of Your Solar Garden Lights

You probably already determined where you wanted to place your solar garden lights before you purchased them. Did you consider how much sunlight they would get during the day? The most common problem found with solar garden lights is that they do not receive enough sunlight to recharge the batteries for night time use. This reduces the lifespan of the batteries and may be why you would have one or two lights not lighting with the others. Batteries used in solar garden lights should last about 1-2 seasons, but you will get better results if you replace them at least once a year. If you have a couple of solar lights not receiving enough sunlight, you may have to replace the batteries more often. Instructions on how to change batteries in your solar garden lights can be found in your instruction manual.

Cleaning Your Solar Garden Lights

As your solar garden lights are placed outdoors, they do tend to get dirty. Dirt and grime covering the solar panel can reduce the amount of light needed to recharge the batteries. A clean damp cloth is all you should need to clean your solar garden lights. Commercial cleaners are not recommended as the chemicals could damage the solar panel of the unit.

If you have solar garden lights placed in your landscape, chances are they are getting sprayed with sprinkler systems. This is okay since they are designed to be water resistant, but do not immerse them into water. Water may seep into the unit damaging the solar power cell. Use a damp cloth to wipe off scale build up from the sprinkler system and place the solar lights back into the landscape.

Care for Solar Garden Lights at the End of the Season

If you live in an area that has a distinct winter season that receives snow and/or freezing temperatures, it is a good idea to remove and store the solar garden lights with other seasonal garden decorations. Although some makes and models – especially stainless steel solar lights – can withstand some snow and freezing temperatures, it can be a strain on the rechargeable batteries. The reduced daylight hours in winter months can reduce the amount of charge to the batteries, lowering their lifespan. If you decide to store your solar garden lights for the winter, turn off the power switch and clean the outside of the unit. In the spring, take the batteries out and recharge them in a household recharger designed for that purpose. That will ensure your solar garden lights are getting a fully operational battery to start the new season right. Look for more tips on caring for your solar garden lights or other useful information regarding solar garden decorations.

Getting Started

Before you start taking apart your solar garden light unit, you should consult the instructions or manual that came with it. Although the inner workings of these solar lights are essentially the same, the construction is usually different given the make and model. The instructions will also indicate the type of rechargeable battery provided with the unit, making it easier to locate the proper type of replacement battery. Under no circumstances should you replace the battery with a regular alkaline household battery. Alkaline batteries will damage the inner workings of the solar power cell and render the unit useless. Only use rechargeable batteries as replacements for your solar garden lights.

How do I change the batteries in my solar garden light?

Find a working area with good lighting and a place to set the pieces in order to reassemble it properly. As far as tools go, most units will require a couple of sizes of screwdrivers to take the unit apart and to put it together again. There are usually small screws, so have a small tray to hold these so you don’t lose any while working on the solar garden light unit. Place the pieces in order when taking them apart. This will make it easier to put it together as you would just reassemble the unit in reverse order from taking it apart.

Once you have reached the battery, remove it from the solar light. You can try to recharge it in a household charger designed for that type of battery. Sometimes batteries do not charge all the way, especially if the solar garden light is placed in an area that does not receive full sun. This can shorten the lifespan of the battery. If the battery cannot be recharged, you should replace it. If the battery does recharge, replace it in the solar power cell and reassemble the solar garden light.

Where Can I Find Replacement Batteries for My Solar Garden Light?

As rechargeable batteries are becoming more popular, it is quite easy to find replacements. You will find them at most electronic stores in the section that sells batteries. There are a few kinds of rechargeable batteries. Any kind is acceptable, but you may want to replace them with the same kind you removed from your solar light. Look for a battery that will hold its charge for a long time. Life expectancy for most rechargeable batteries are 1-2 years. Replacing the rechargeable batteries in your solar garden light each year is recommended to get the most value out of your purchase.

Look at other articles about solar garden lights for other helpful tips in prolonging the lifespan of your lights.

Solar flood lights

For dramatic effect that can be seen from across the street, solar flood lights are an excellent investment that can really show off any home that has great architectural features or landscaping. Since you won’t have to run yards of wiring from the house, solar flood lights make it easy to add flood lights to illuminate that gorgeous willow tree in the rear half of the yard. These outdoor solar lights are also a significant security feature, since they are bright enough to allow visibility from distances of several hundred feet. If you live in an area that has a home owners’ association, check with your covenants before installing floods, since there may be guidelines about the locations and wattage that are allowable.

Solar post cap lights

For areas that have decorative fencing or driveway entry gates, solar post cap lights are not only decorative, they’re functional. A post cap light is an easy and attractive way to add lighting to the gate area. Instead of adding a pole light which might add clutter and make the area look too busy, a post cap light is a harmonious extension that enhances the existing design.

Solar pathway lights

For gardens, solar pathway lights come in a variety of different styles and heights. If your garden path is bordered by low growing flowers and plants, you may want to use lights that are only a foot or two from the ground. If the landscaping that borders your path is taller, you may want to use waist-high lighting that illuminates your plants as well as the path. Consider ground-level outdoor solar lights if there is other nearby lighting from pole lights.

Solar Lights Explained

A solar light houses a solar panel that collects energy from the sun and then converts it into power for the operation of the light. A nickel metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable battery stores the energy. The battery is turned on and off by a sensor allowing it to come on automatically at dusk and extinguishing at dawn. An LED lamp emits the light.

How long the light last throughout the night depends on the size of the solar panel and battery. Usually solar lights will work for about 10 hours with a fully charged battery. The brightness of an LED lamp is comparable to a 2-watt bulb. It takes 12 volts of electricity to power a low voltage landscape light.
Solar rechargeable batteries last approximately 1,000 nights and are easily replaced when they stop charging.

Path, Garden and Driveway Solar Lights

Set of 2 Solar Lanterns – Create a charming welcome along walkways and flower beds with solar lanterns. The LED stays lit for up to 8 ½ hours. Select either soft amber or bright white light by actuation a button on the lantern. Set includes two 17-inch shepherd’s hooks for hanging the lanterns or you can stake them in the ground.

Solar Lights – Low profile, staked solar lights come in a stainless steel or copper finish. The lights lend a contemporary look to your driveway or travel path. A top solar panel gathers the light during the day allowing it to stay on for 12 hours at night. Lamp maintains a bright LED white light. Solar lights have an 11-½ inch post that sits on a 5-inch stake.

Solar Color Changing Lights – Add some color to the night. Place the solar lights around a pool to give it a magical appearance. The constantly changing colors are yellow, green, blue and red. One AAA rechargeable battery is included with the light.

Solar Driveway Light – Mark the end of your driveway with the sleek solar driveway light. Constructed from stainless steel and plastic, the durable fixture will stay lit for up to eight hours.

House Solar Lights

3 Way Solar Home Light – Versatility makes the 3 Way Solar Home Light an economical choice. Classic, square shape will go with any kind of house. Secure the light to the outside of the house, stand it on a fence post or keep it on the ground for pathway lighting. Wall mount, base and stake are all acquirable with the light.

Cordless Flood Solar Light – You are free to stake the flood light anywhere in your yard without cumbersome cords or the need for electrical wiring. All you have to do is stake it in the ground. Position the solar light to shine on decorations, garden features or home address. The floodlight gives you 12 hours of light.

Mini Solar Spot Light – The spotlight is perfect for those nights when you get home late. Use it to illuminate your home number, mailbox, or keyhole. The light continues all night until the morning.

Attach the light fixture with screws or double-sided tape.

Fun Solar Lighting

Solar Glow In The Dark Garden Lights – Delight passersby with beautiful garden lights that emit a green glow. Globes have a one-of-a-kind swirl pattern prefabricated from artist rendered glass.  The design is meant to resemble the spinning earth. Lights come in a set of three and are connected to a solar panel by a 10-foot cord. Stake the luminous solar lights in flowerbeds.

Solar Animated Flower Lights – Surprise visitors with these flower lights. The flower petals remain open all day so the solar panel in the center can capture the sun’s energy. At night, the flower closes and beams with light. The waterproof lights are packaged in a set of two.

Solar Tiki Torch – Give your backyard island flair with the solar tiki torch. The torch harmlessly burns with solar light. Light comes with mounting hardware.

Solar Lighted Toad and Turtle – Pay homage to our natural friends by placing a lighted toad or turtle around your landscape. No, they are not radioactive. They alter with a soft low light from sitting in the sun all day.  

It’s the energy efficiency, helpful lighting and atmospheric illumination that make outdoor solar lights a common sight in many beautiful properties.

Often times it is very difficult to design your garden because it is hard to find good ideas. You might very well know of some small garden designs that you like but you might find it a challenge to know where to begin. You do not have to make drastic changes to your garden in order to improve it, as small changes and innovative use of focal points can make all the difference in the world. One thing that might interest you is to have a solar garden installed. Solar garden lights can make the perfect focal point in the side of a rock or flower garden . A solar garden light can be as elaborate or as easy as you desire. For the small garden, building a small environment in one corner that consists of a sloping hill prefabricated of stone with some solar garden lights around it, can wage a lovely tiny shelter of your very own.

Small garden designs can also be things as easy as planting your flowers in rows, according to colour and type. Once grown, you will have created a very dramatic effect of contrasting colours. Use your creativity and plant the flowers following the contours of your flower bed for a more integrated look. Be sure to plant flowers that have similar lifespans so that all of the flowers last equally as long. You could add a few portable solar powered lamps that sit on spikes. You need to only near the lamps into the ground. In the evenings the warm glowing lights illuminating the flowers and plants will offer a very welcoming and serene feeling.

One of the most favourite types of small garden designs involves putting  a small wooden corner deck into one of the corners of your garden. You can select one with a railing or without and by adding a plateau and a couple of chairs, you have created a nice place to enjoy your morning coffee. Corner decks can be bought as kits and it takes just an hour or two to complete the job yourself. If you have a nicely designed garden, you will feel good about your entire home, as the garden is a nature-inspired living space located just outside your door.

Solar powered yard lights are extremely favourite and are one of the ideal ways for illuminating your landscape. These devices if used regularly can definitely decrease your electricity bills and in turn save your hard-earned money. By choosing sufficient fixtures, you can easily obtain an original, one-of-a-kind and beautiful design without taking the help of an electrician. Solar lights are a great way for enhancing the look of your garden and your home at a reasonable price.