Solar street and flood lights are built to light large areas such as driveways, parking areas, barns and yards. Be careful with headline wattage numbers: lumen output and battery capacity are better guides to real performance.
- All-in-one street lights combine panel, battery and lamp in one head. They are simple to install but the panel must face the sun.
- Split flood lights separate the panel from the lamp, so the light can be placed in shade or under eaves.
- Battery. LiFePO4 batteries handle heat and repeated cycles better.
- Controls. Remotes, timers, motion sensing and dimming schedules extend runtime through the night.
- Mounting. Pole height affects spread. Follow the manufacturer's spacing guidance for driveways and lots.
Commercial and municipal installations may need to meet local lighting codes. For homes, see motion and security lights.