Solar Landscape Lighting Installation

Monitor the area. Go to the location where you want to install the solar lighting and monitor it for an entire day to ensure it receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight. Solar lights must have direct sun to recharge the internal battery.

Assemble the solar lights using the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Assembly involves inserting the NiCad battery, which is typically included, and securing a few screws with a screwdriver.

Determine proper spacing. Place a tape measure on the ground and measure the length where you intend to install the lights. For example, if you are installing them along a driveway, measure the length of one side. Divide the measurement by the number of solar lights you have to determine the proper spacing for each light.

Leave the tape measure on the ground and walk along it, placing one solar light at each of the proper spacings. Just lay them on top of the ground for now.

Return to the first solar light location and insert a plastic or metal tent stake into the ground using a rubber mallet. Drive the stake at least six inches deep, then grasp it with your hand and pull it out.

Insert the base of the solar light into the hole and push it down as far as it will go. Pour top soil or sand around the sides of the hole until the light stands upright on its own and feels sturdy.

Install each of the remaining solar lights in the same manner.