How to Use Solar Powered Lights for the First Time

Decide how much you want to spend on solar-powered lights. A typical light can range from $4 to $20, as of December 2010. Most major superstore retailers, electrical stores, home improvement stores and pool stores will carry a variety of solar-powered lights. Shop around to find the best deal on lights that fit your specific needs. Like regular light bulbs, solar-powered lights will vary in brightness. In general, choose brighter lights for areas that will be occupied and less bright lights for lining driveways or sidewalks.

Plan where you will place the lights. Choose one outside area that you can convert to solar power. Solar-powered lights come in all shapes and sizes. Many are installed on ground spikes allowing you to use them around gardens, sidewalks and driveways. Others are meant to be installed on top of end posts for usage near patios, decks and pool areas.

Figure out how many solar-powered lights you will need to sufficiently illuminate the area. Take into account how bright the lights are (this should be indicated on its package), the size of the area you are illuminating and how you are mounting the lights. For instance, if you are installing lights on deck posts, you may only have the posts to install four lights. If you are lining a sidewalk or driveway, a light every 6 to 8 feet should be sufficient.

Purchase your lights and install. Installing solar powered lights is incredibly simple. Since they are all powered by their own solar cells, there is no wiring to be done. Install lights on ground spikes by pushing them into the dirt. Install lights meant for end posts or wall installation by drilling them to the surface. Most lights will come with the necessary screws. Pre-drill the screw holes in order to prevent splitting the wood. The solar-powered lights should begin working the first night after a full day of sunlight.