5 Ways to Use Solar Landscape Lights

Landscape lighting covers all the necessary bases — safety, security, and splendor. But why choose solar lights over traditional electric ones? They’re weather-resistant, energy-saving, cost-efficient, and only need direct sunlight as a power source.

In this article, we will cover five ways to use solar lights around your home:

1. Light a pathway with solar stakes
2. Set a mood with string lights
3. Increase security with floodlights
4. Showcase your landscape with spotlights
5. Illuminate outdoor spaces with wall lights or post lights

5 Ways to Use Solar Lights in your Landscaping

Here’s how to choose the best types of solar lights to illuminate different areas of your property.

1. Light a pathway with solar stakes

Besides increasing nighttime safety for you and your visitors, solar pathway lights can also boost curb appeal after dark.

Benefits:

• Allows you to enjoy outdoor activities long after sunset
• Reduces the chance of injury
• Increases security
• Solar LED lights can last 20 to 25 years
• Weather-resistant 
• Eco-friendly and easy to install
• Adds decorative beauty to garden paths and front walks
• No need to place it near the electric outlet

Details: Solar path lights come in many varieties and should be located in areas that receive full sun. This will allow your landscape lighting to store up enough energy to emit light come nightfall. As these tend not to shine as bright as electric lights, consider buying more than you think you may need to achieve the right intensity.

• In-ground and faux garden stone styles available
• Flickering flame solar torches like these
• Bright white light and color changing options 

Cost: Depending on the number of lights you plan to purchase and whether they’re white lights or colored lights, prices range from around $20 to more than $100.

2. Set a mood with string lights

Bathe your back patio in soft light to create romantic vibes, or hang multicolored string lights to encourage a more party-like atmosphere.

Benefits:

• Reduces carbon footprint/saves energy
• Weather-resistant 
• A breeze to set up
• Solar LED bulbs can last 20 to 25 years
• Can provide around 10 hours of light when fully charged
• No need for electricity; runs on rechargeable batteries powered by the sun

Details: Hang string lights in an area that receives full sun during the day, so the rechargeable batteries can be energized by the natural light. There are a number of different styles to match whatever vibe you’re going for.

• Umbrella lights like these from Amazon
• Raindrop-style white lights or colored lights
• Copper wire string lights in warm white or colors
• Fairy lights or petal-shaped lights, too

Cost: Prices can vary depending on style and amount; plan to spend between $20 and $60.

3. Increase security with flood lights

Whether it’s for your home or business, LED flood lights make your property safer for visitors and help keep your energy bills low, all at the same time. Here’s how:

Benefits:

• Low voltage still emits super-bright light/conserves energy
• Deters crime/improves nighttime safety
• LED bulbs are not easily broken; can last 10 to 20 years
• Great for remote locations; only needs direct sunlight for power
• Helps other security devices, such as cameras, catch clearer pictures

Details: For optimal security, use an LED flood light equipped with a motion sensor. This also helps save energy, as the light is only triggered when something moves within its field of view. Install these near doors and above your driveway. Options include:

• Wide-angle lighting with three different modes
• Wedge-style security light like this one
• Remote-control solar LED flood lights

Cost: Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $300.

4. Spotlight hardscapes and flower beds

Have a garden design you’re particularly proud of? Want to highlight your favorite statue or shrub no matter the time of day or night? Opt for a solar spotlight. 

Benefits:

• Easy to install, affordable, energy-efficient
• Durable and weather-proof
• Can double as security lighting; also perfect for lighting up the pool area
• No need for wires, sunlight provides power
• Adjustable light coverage can be trained on specific items or larger areas

Details: Solar spotlights are also great during the holidays. Shine one on entryways to accentuate festive decor, such as wreaths. A few to try:

• Spotlights with built-in solar panels
• Multi-season lights that don’t have to be brought in during winter
• LED flagpole spotlights

Cost: Prices can range from $10 to $70.

5. Illuminate outdoor spaces with wall lights or post lights

Maximize your outdoor living spaces, such as decks, patios, and front porches, with solar lights that turn on after dark. Host evening soirees or enjoy a solo retreat well into the night.

Post lights can easily fit over deck railing posts, while wall lights can be mounted on the exterior of your home.

Benefits:

• Wire-free; only needs the light of the sun to charge
• DIY installation is simple
• Eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and weather-resistant 
• Also works for porches, garages, and fences

Details: Solar post lights and wall lights also come in a multitude of colors and styles:

• Solar sconces
• Lantern-style wall lights
• Post cap with a stained glass look
• Flickering flame lights with lattice design

Cost: Depending on the type and number you’d like, prices range from $15 to more than $100.

FAQ About Solar Landscape Lighting

How do solar lights work?

Landscape lighting that’s solar powered works when these lights are placed in areas that receive direct sunlight throughout the day. When energy from the sun brings the batteries inside the lights to full charge, nightfall triggers the lights to “turn on.”

What are lumens and how many do I need for outdoor lighting?

Lumens describe how bright a bulb will shine — the greater the number of lumens, the more light a bulb will emit. For security lights and spotlights, you’ll need a higher number of lumens than path lights and postal lights.

This handy guide can help you determine the right amount of lumens for your landscape lighting projects.

When to Hire a Landscaping Professional

Installing solar outdoor lighting is an easy DIY project. But a landscape pro can help if you live in an area with more shade than sun.

These experts can help by setting up a separate solar panel for the lights on top of your roof or in another area of your yard that receives more direct sunlight.

No matter where you live, you’ll be able to reap the benefits of solar power.

Main Photo Credit: Geraldas / Adobe Stock

Andréa Butler

Andréa Butler is a writer and editor who loves crafting witty turns of phrase and informative, compelling copy on various topics. She especially enjoys sharing her knowledge of landscaping and pest management to help others create the outdoor spaces of their dreams.

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