Path Lights Will Make Any Garden Look More Expensive — I Found Ones That Don't Need an Electrician and Won't Disrupt Your Landscaping

As we slip into the summer months, there's nothing I look forward to more than lazy days spent lounging in my garden. But as the day drifts into the evening, and the sun retires for the night, my outdoor space can quickly start to feel slightly less welcoming. Although beautiful under the glow of the July sun, once the darkness sets in, so much of that appeal is lost to the shadows of the evening. This is why clever garden lighting solutions are the unsung heroes of summer nights.

But with the added costs to your electricity bills and the hefty installation price, they are an addition that can often feel slightly too daunting to even begin thinking about.

Which is why solar path lights have become my summer lifesaver. These solar-powered garden lights require absolutely no hardwiring or complicated installation, and their eco-friendly energy source doesn't just reduce your carbon footprint, it will also lower your electricity fees.

But if that's not enough to convince you, our outdoor living experts have plenty more to say on the endless virtues of our new favorite garden lighting idea.

What Are Solar Path Lights?

So, let's lay some groundwork first. What actually are solar path lights?

"Well, in simple terms, these lights utilize solar panels to harness the sun's energy and charge batteries to illuminate at night," explains Andy Wu, founder of Outdoor Oasis.

These clever lighting tools essentially power themselves, so you can sit back and enjoy the glow.

"Solar lights are fixtures powered by photovoltaic cells that absorb sunlight and store energy in rechargeable batteries," explains Arnold A. Kroeze from Bruss Landscaping, "They operate automatically from dusk to dawn and require no hardwiring."

The ease with which these lights can be installed is just another appealing aspect of these garden lights. As they don't need to be connected to any electricity, you can place them wherever you see fit, without having to worry about logistics.

As Tammy Sons says, "They're great for lining outdoor walkways and areas that get a lot of traffic, and will help cut down any electricity costs. These lights come on automatically when the sun goes down, after being charged by its rays, and are easy to position and reposition if needed!"

Unlike traditional lighting options, with solar path lights, you can continuously move and update your garden lighting, adjusting them to change with your garden through the seasons.

Why Choose Solar Path Lights?

Now that we've established what solar path lights are and how they work, it's time to get into why they're a good choice for your garden.

"The advantages are numerous," states Andy, "They're environmentally friendly, reducing your carbon footprint and energy costs in the long term."

As they are powered by green energy, you'll be completely free from all the additional costs and negative environmental impacts of traditional electric lighting options. So far, we don't see a downside.

Andy continues, saying, "They're easy to install, no trenching or electrician visit. They also need little upkeep, simply wipe the panels clean, and provide that warm, ambient light that beckons outdoor areas to be enjoyed."

The easy installation process also translates to yet another way to save costs, as no electrician or landscape designer's help is required.

So, no electricity fee, no installation costs, and it's good for the environment? They almost sound too good to be true.

How To Use Solar Lights in Your Landscape Design

The beauty of these lights is that they offer complete control to the individual, granting you the opportunity to use them as you see fit, positioning them to uniquely support your garden's design.

"You can integrate solar lights in many ways, like putting them in a pattern six to eight feet apart along paths to create what is considered 'pools' of light," suggests Tammy.

This evenly spaced lighting method is perfect for larger gardens, where illumination becomes a necessity, though these lights are equally as useful for creating dramatic focal points throughout your outdoor area.

"You can also use them to highlight any focal points, like garden art or special plants, with solar spot-style lights," Tammy recommends.

She continues, explaining, "The best types of solar lights to use have warm-white LEDs that make the illumination look more natural, and you can mix the stake heights or cluster them around curves for more of a visual rhythm or to create depth."

For a more encompassing lighting design, use these solar lights in conjunction with other styles of garden lighting.

"I think combining solar path lights with low-voltage uplighters or motion-sensor security lights is a great idea. Solar lights can be used to light the ground gently, while the main light fixtures provide brighter accent lighting where needed," suggests Tammy.

As the light emitted from the solar-powered path lights will be more diluted than what you could achieve with regular electric lights, pairing them together can create a garden with more depth and dimension.

"On its own or paired, it's all about what you wish to achieve," explains Andy, "On its own, solar lights provide a natural, subtle radiance, ideal for a serene, eco-friendly ambiance. But pair them with electric counterparts such as spotlights or string lights and that's where you introduce drama and depth, creating drama on trees while paths are softly illuminated. It's a flexible combination that's definitely worth taking into account."

If you're on the hunt for even more environmentally conscious updates to add to your home, it's time to get inspired by some of our favorite sustainable homes.