How to Install Outdoor Solar Lighting

Featured Pro: Eric Stromer
Category: Home Improvement
Time: 1:17


ERIC STROMER: Hey, I’m Eric Stromer. Here’s your GMC Trade Secret.

Outdoor solar lighting is a simple, economical and eco-friendly way to accent your home. Come with me. I’ll show you how.

Until recently, most solar lights emitted a dim light and were pretty much unreliable. But thanks to the brand new super-bright LED lights, as opposed to the old filament bulbs, these lights burn much brighter.

Now, the run time for the solar lighting can be anywhere from one to 10 hours, depending upon how much sun the light gets, and also the quality of the light depends on the quality of the circuitry; obviously the better circuitry, a longer, brighter-burning light.

For the best results, you will want to place the lights in an area where there is little shade from foliage or buildings and the panels will have the most exposure to sunlight. The solar cells should face due south and be positioned on an angle perpendicular to the sun.

Most solar lights have automatic on-off light sensors, so don’t place them near other bright sources that may cause them to turn off early.

When driving the spike that holds the light into the ground, be sure not to damage the threads. It’s best to use a rubber mallet for this purpose.

So there you have it, another efficient GMC Trade Secret, brought to you by the GMC Sierra hybrid. I’m Eric Stromer.