How to Install Solar Wall Lights Outdoor

Wall-mounted solar lights can add an ambiance to a patio, deck, or garden. They also provide a welcome glow for steps or pathways.

These lights have a sophisticated design and frosted glass that lends a welcoming look to any yard. They’re not bright enough to read by but do add a lovely glow and are great for entertaining outdoors.

Ease of Installation

With a few quick steps, you can easily install most mounted solar lights. First, drill solar wall lights outdoor a pilot hole using the mounting brackets as a guide. Use an appropriate bit for the material and slightly smaller in diameter than your mounting hardware. Next, screw the fixture into place and plug in the solar panel cord (Image 2). We found that securing the power cable along a piece of trim or the eaves helped conceal it. Finally, set your desired timers and motion control settings with the light’s controls or smartphone app.

For those who prefer a more decorative style, look for options with metal frames and unique shapes, like the Gama Sonic Farmhouse Solar Wall Light 130010 (GS-130). This pick combines traditional and modern styles in a sleek silhouette, so it works well illuminating garden paths or flanking front doors.

During our testing, we also found that this bright outdoor wall mount shined a strong beam when triggered by a motion sensor. However, it didn’t automatically turn off when no activity was detected.

If you want to add security or other features, be sure the solar lighting you choose has smart capabilities that will integrate with your existing system. Check the product page and packaging to find a detailed description of these capabilities and how they work with each specific model.

Brightness

As solar lighting systems evolve, they’re becoming more powerful and brighter than ever. Using the sun to power these lights means that they don’t add to your electric bill and can be used for a long time without needing new batteries or bulbs. These lights range from simple pathway marker lights to pole-mounted patio and high-beam security lights. Some are self-contained units with a solar cell panel, while others require a separate solar cell panel that can be placed in a sunny location and is connected to the light by a cord.

Some of our favorites include the Ring Solar Floodlight, which can be integrated into your smart home system for customizable controls and compatibility with other Alexa-enabled devices. You can set up motion alerts, adjust the brightness, and schedule your lights. This option is perfect for tech-savvy homeowners who want a smart lighting solution for their outdoor space.

Another of our top picks is the HMCity Outdoor Mounting Solar Light, which has a simple design that’s easy to install and provides ample brightness. It has three settings: a security mode LED Downlight that activates when motion is detected, a permanent on setting, and a dim mode for ambiance. Unlike many other solar lights, this one isn’t designed to be decorative and is ideal for areas where you need security.

Weather-Resistant

Solar wall sconces are designed to be weather resistant and can be used in many different outdoor landscapes. They are often a good choice for illuminating steps and stairways and can also be added as decorative accents to landscape retaining walls, wood fences, or even residential home exteriors. Some models feature a unique water glass design that adds a modern and elegant look to any space.

The “nightly run time” listings on these lighting systems are based on specific sunlight conditions, so operating times may be reduced in winter or if the solar cells are shaded by nearby landscaping features. The most popular use for these types of lights is to illuminate pathways, wall-mounted signs, and freestanding lamp posts. Other uses include high-beam security lights and patio lighting.

Special Features

The lights you choose can really set the tone for your garden. They may be lanterns, spotlights, or floodlights that illuminate pathways or create focal points. Others, such as string lights and fairy lights, have bulbs dotted along long cables that can be draped across shrubs or trees for dramatic effect. These often come in different colours and can be controlled via a remote, rather than fiddling with the on/off and mode buttons on the solar panel.

While it depends on what your personal preferences are, some of the more popular options include motion sensors that light up when they register movement (these help conserve energy) and smart brightness control, where you can set a lower permanent on/off option but turn them brighter when they detect motion, which is perfect for security or guidance. Another useful feature is a timer, where you can set exactly how long you want the lights to stay on.

Finally, some of the more technologically advanced models can be integrated into a smart home system and are compatible with devices like Ring doorbells and Echo devices. You’ll likely need to purchase a separate hub to get this feature working, but it can be a great way to add extra functionality to your outdoor lighting without having to go out and buy more gear.