Blueskyplumb

Guide

Planning your yard lighting

A short, honest guide to laying out solar garden lights — no wiring, no inflated promises, just what works.

1. Map the moments, not the whole yard

Start with the places people actually move through after dark — the path to the door, the steps, the patio table. Lighting those well does more than scattering lights everywhere.

2. Put panels where the sun lands

Solar lights charge best with several hours of direct sun. Lights with detached panels (like our string lights) let you place the panel in the open and run the glow into shadier corners.

3. Layer heights for depth

Combine low step and pathway lights with taller bollards or hanging lanterns. A mix of heights gives a garden a calm, layered feel instead of a flat line of dots.

4. Mind the weather rating

Check each product's IP rating against where it will live. A splash-resistant IP44 light is fine under an eave; near sprinklers or open ground, look for IP65 or higher.

Match lights to the setting

Understanding IP weather ratings

RatingWhat it means
IP44Protected against splashing water from any direction. Good for covered or sheltered spots.
IP54Limited dust ingress and splashing water. Suitable for general exterior walls.
IP65Dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets. Good for open ground and rain.
IP67Protected against temporary immersion. Used for our floating pond lights (surface use).

Ratings describe tested resistance, not a guarantee against all conditions. No outdoor light is fully waterproof or storm-proof.

Battery care