How to Landscape With Solar Lights

Solar landscaping lights are recharged by the sun, a renewable energy source.

Solar lights operate with an LED (light emitting diode) light source, solar panel and rechargeable NiCad battery. Solar lights are a renewable light source and their use promotes green energy usage. You can landscape with solar lights as long as there is sufficient direct sunlight to recharge their batteries. The amount of sunlight needed for recharge will vary depending on the type of solar lights purchased. Some fully charged solar lights can shine up to 15 hours though 8 to 10 hours is more typical.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Solar lights
• Screwdriver (possibly)
• Wing nuts (possibly)
• Stakes

Instructions

1. Make a diagram of your landscape, and mark the areas you want to illuminate with solar lights. You may choose to shine lights on walkways for safety or to accent statuary, trees or parts of your house. Keep in mind that the area in which the solar lights will be installed should be in full sun (receive at least six hours of sun) to recharge each light's battery.

2. Choose from one or more types of solar lighting for the proper illumination. Solar lighting options include include spot lights to direct at an architectural feature or a tree; landscape lights to cast soft beams of light at a walkway or to establish a border along planting bed; post/pole lights to cast higher level lights over fountains, seating or walk-ways; or stepping stones with a center light for up-lighting.

3. Purchase the solar lights with a plan to space the landscape lights approximately 3 feet apart on pathways. Walkways can be illuminated from each side by alternating the position of the lights. For example, after setting the first light on the right side of the walkway, move forward about 2 feet and place a light on the left side. Move forward another 2 feet, and place a light on the right side. Continue moving forward in 2-foot increments as you alternate which side of the walkway receives a light. The same technique can be used along a driveway.

   Purchase spot lights in groups of three for each object that you want to accentuate. Purchase post/pole lights to set next to a gate, bench, statue, pond or beginning of the walkway, or to flank both sides of the driveway.

4. Assemble the lights. Some lights use wing nuts to attach the light to the mounting stake, while others require a screwdriver to screw the two pieces together.

5. Switch on each light just before pushing the stake into the ground. Position the solar panel so it is focused toward the sunlight. For adjustable solar lights, position the light toward the object you want to accentuate.

6. Read the manufacturer's instructions to determine length of time needed to charge the batteries of the solar lights. Once the lights have charged and you can see their effect at night, relocate them as necessary to best illuminate the desired areas.

Tips & Warnings

• Winter means shorter periods of sunlight, so your solar lights may not completely recharge. Rainy or snowy days can also affect recharging due to sunlight being blocked by clouds or snow on the solar panel. In such conditions it may be best to switch off solar lights, and store them indoors.

References

• Sol Light: Solar LED Technology
• YCA Solar Light Store: Types of Solar Lights

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish