DIY: Solar Landscape Lights

Select solar landscape lights based on the location where you're planning to install them. There are two main types of solar landscape lights -- self-contained lights that each has a solar cell, which are best for sunny areas in your yard, and lights that are powered by a separate solar cell panel, which are best for shady areas. When you're making this decision, consider any shade in the area from buildings, landscape structures, trees, shrubs and plants.

Design the placement of your solar landscape lights. Solar landscape lights can help to light driveways, walkways or stairs, or you can use the lights to accent landscape features such as flower beds, gardens or ponds. Landscape lights can also provide lighting for outdoor recreation areas such as swimming pools and patios.

Install the solar landscape lights according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most smaller landscape lights are mounted on ground stakes that you simply push into the soil. If you're installing solar landscape lights that operate via a separate solar cell panel, install the panel in a spot that receives plenty of sunlight all day long.

Place the solar landscape lights as desired, and then adjust the lights after observing them at night when the solar cells are fully charged to achieve the lighting scheme you want. If you're designing a lighting accent for a flower bed, garden or large tree, try to space the lights evenly. If you're lighting a walkway or driveway, stagger the lights so that they aren't directly across from each other on either side of the path.