The Best Fence Post Solar Lights for a Classic Look
When it comes to enhancing curb appeal, lighting is one of the most impactful and functional details you can add. We recently installed solar post cap lights along our fence line… not only are they functional and energy-efficient— they also add a timeless aesthetic to our backyard and existing fence. Today, I’m sharing the exact lights we used, how I installed them, and why these fence post solar lights are a favorite for classic, traditional exteriors. Whether you’re looking to boost your home’s curb appeal, add ambiance to your yard, or simply polish off a fencing project, solar post lights are a quick update that make a big difference.
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I previously shared where to install outdoor DIY solar landscape lighting, and I have to say… adding lights to our fence posts has made me a believer they should also be included in exterior lighting plans. It’s a really beautiful way to illuminate your yard in a soft, linear way.
Why Install Solar Fence Post Lights?
These lights aren’t just for curb appeal- they’re awesome for completing your exterior landscape lighting plan. If you’re looking for functionality and soft illumination, don’t skip the fence posts! I wish we would have thought of these for our previous backyard. You can set them and forget about them. Here are some of the reasons I went in this direction…
- No wiring or electrical required
- Cost-effective and energy-saving
- Auto-on feature at dusk
- Classic design that complements traditional homes (like our colonial)
- Weather-resistant and low maintenance
Before Images
We actually have two types of fences at our house… a classic wrought iron fence in the backyard, and a white vinyl privacy fence we share with our neighbors in the side yard. The white fence was looking rough. It was missing most of the smaller finials (pictured below), and the larger post caps were cracking and yellowed. It was an eyesore that had been on my must-update list the past few summers.
My Top Picks
Rather than replacing the entire fence (because the posts were still in good condition), I really wanted to match the existing finials and order solar lights for the large caps. These were some of the classic lit options I considered. Most can be toggled from warm to cool light, depending on your preference!
Click directly on each item below to be redirected.
I landed on the simple Reliabilt Solar LED Post Cap Lights from Lowe’s. They’re under $12, blend beautifully with our existing white fence, and offer just the right amount of soft illumination (5 lumens) to highlight the side yard without overwhelming the space.
Where to Install Fence Post Solar Lights
Obviously fence post lights are made for the fence… but should they exist on every post? I used large finial posts on the ends and used the lit caps on the inner sections of our fence. However, you could also evenly space them to give your yard a subtle glow, on a budget. Here are a few ideas on ideal spots for installation:
- Along the perimeter of your backyard or side yard fencing
- On gate posts or entrance columns for added visibility
- Around a deck or patio to softly light entertaining zones
- On outdoor stair railing
- On a mailbox post
- In garden or raised bed corners for a pretty, ambient touch
Styling Tips for a Timeless Outdoor Plan
To keep our yard cohesive and elevated, I selected solar lights with these design principles in mind:
- Stick to a single finish. I chose white to match our existing fence for a clean, uniform look.
- Keep it symmetrical. Even spacing goes a long way in achieving a designer feel- just be intentional with placement.
- Layer with other lighting. These pair beautifully with ground lights, pathway lighting, flood lights, landscaping lighting, etc.
- Match your hardware. Coordinate with fence hardware or gate latches for a polished contrasting look.
My goal? Timeless and functional. These little upgrades make your outdoor living space feel intentional and complete!
Installation Tutorial
These lights are DIY-friendly… they took me all of five minutes to install. Here’s how to install them…
- Measure your posts to confirm the size (many conform to fit multiple post widths).
- Clean the top surface to ensure proper adhesion or fit.
- Secure using included screws or adhesive- mine came with screws and arrived ready to install.
- Let them charge fully in sunlight before the first use.
FAQ: Fence Post Solar Lights
They automatically turn on at dusk and typically stay on 6–8 hours depending on sun exposure. They switch off at dawn.
Yes! These are weather-resistant and built for outdoor use year-round. I’d be happy to share an update next spring, once they’ve survived our harsh Utah winter!
They emit 5 lumens— a soft, ambient light that’s perfect for accent lighting, not flood or task lighting. It’s the perfect warm light! I’d say my photos are pretty accurate… hopefully they’re helpful in getting a read for the color or temperature.
Related Outdoor Living Posts & Curb Appeal Ideas
Looking for more outdoor living inspiration, project ideas, and designer recommendations? I’m going to link some favorites for you below…
- How to Build a Custom Outdoor Sofa
- My Go-To Spring Gardening Essentials from Lowe’s
- 25 Neutral & Beautiful Outdoor Area Rugs for the Patio
- Outdoor Kitchen Reveal
- How to Easily Tile Over an Existing Concrete Patio
- How to Choose The Best Garage Door Style & Color For Your Home
- Choosing Timeless Exterior Lighting (A Designer Guide)
- How to Dress Up Your Door With a Classic Door Knocker
- Where to Install Outdoor DIY Solar Landscape Lighting
- How to Choose a Timeless and Durable Outdoor Dining Set That Will Last
Sometimes it’s the smallest updates that have the biggest impact. These solar post cap lights added the perfect finishing touch to our side yard… bringing a little warm glow and plenty of charm to our property line. They were budget-friendly, easy to install, and fit seamlessly into our timeless exterior aesthetic. If you’re looking for a simple outdoor lighting solution that delivers both visual appeal and function- I definitely recommend giving these a try. Let me know if you’ve tried post cap lighting in your own yard— I’d love to hear how you like them!