Installing Solar Pole Light Panels

Adding a solar pole light to your yard to light up that pole is not only energy efficient, but is a very simple process. Here, we will take a look at some of the basic methods of installing solar pole light panels.

Step 1 – Choosing Your Lights

There are three types of solar lights that you can buy to light up your pole. You can choose between pole mounted solar lights, wall mounted solar lights, or solar lights that stake into the ground. Beyond there, there is a fairly wide array of styles of light fixtures that you can by, though stainless steel and aluminum are by far the most popular.

Be sure that you choose solar LED lights. There are other types of bulbs out there, but LED lights generally take much less energy to stay powered up than other bulbs, and last a great deal longer if fitted in a high quality fixture.

Step 2 – Pole Mounted Solar Lights

These are extremely easy to install. The light features a clamping system that attaches it directly onto the pole. For the solar panel, they are typically attached directly onto the back of the light. More often than not, they are attached via a pivoting joint so that you can angle the panel to receive the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day, regardless of where you pole light is positioned.

Step 3 – Ground Solar Lights

Ground solar lights are an equally basic installation, and are probably the most common type used. These lights are often staked into the ground and pointed up at your pole. For the solar panel, occasionally you will see them attached (usually in a similar manner to the pivoting joint on the pole mounted light), but it isn’t uncommon for the solar panels to be a separate piece entirely. This is a good advantage to have if the best position for shining the light happens to put it in the shade during the day. With these, you can simply mount your solar panel elsewhere in the sun, and run the cable from the panel to the light.

Step 4 – Wall Mounted Solar Light

These are the least common types of solar pole lights, but they are out there. They are also the hardest to install, though still usually a simple ordeal. The exact process will depend on the material that you plan to mount it on. Mounting on wood is the simplest, as you only need to drill and screw it in. For walls with siding, you may have to cut that section of siding away to mount your light. Brick or other stone walls will need a special drill bit to cut a mounting hole into it.

Like the ground solar lights, these also commonly come with a separate solar panel and cord, since the side of a building rarely gets good sunlight.

Whatever type you decide to go with, be sure that it is appropriate for your needs.