Thanks missingtheobvious, I did check out those old threads already about the "superior" solar lights. Those threads were helpful in that I did learn that the more light-emitting diodes (LED's) in a solar light fixture, the brighter it is, which makes sense. Also found out that the products that have rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries seem to work best. I did look into the solar lights at the two companies that were recommended on those threads, Frontgate and Grandin Road. They actually specify the wattage and number of LED's in their products on their websites. So far, most products from other companies that I've looked at on the net don't list the number of LED's in each fixture. Some web shopping still has room for improvement I think. Unfortunately, most of the products that I liked the look of from Frontgate and Grandin Road are a little out of our price range, as our budget for this project is less than $100. Something to save up for maybe for a future purchase. For now, I'm planning to take a look at an H.D. product in the store that I think may have at least two LED's in one fixture. The lights come in a set of two, and the set comes with four nickel-cadmium batteries, so it's possible that each lighting fixture has two LED's. Hard to tell just from the web, without looking at the box in the store. The product got good reviews on the website, and most of the reviewers were pleasantly surprised with how bright they are. Will post a photo if we end up purchasing the H.D. product and are happy with the brightness. Thanks again.

Makes a cute lighthouse! You need a little wooden sailboat with sail on nearby to complete the theme, maybe some blue flowers to represent water, & couple of small rocks to represent shore. Ha, I'm trying to put you to work!! Remember those sailboats about 12 in. long with rudder?? on bottom made of metal & single dowel sticking up with little triangle sail, you probably have 1 in basement or could make 1. Jan

The technology has improved considerably since we started buying them almost five years ago. There are many manufacturers and vendors. Sunergy (a wholesaler, you can't buy them directly) is one of the best. LEDs are not as powerful, but the bulbs last almost forever. Rechargeable disposable batteries are an improvement over the old proprietary, costly replacement battery types. Some thoughts: --For high-intensity lighting, use multiple LED lights. Check Frontgate.com for their high-end solar lights and you can see a photo that shows the difference. --If you don't have sun or at least very bright shade, you won't get much light from solar garden fixtures. Single light LED sets are cheap, but they really don't throw off enough light to adequately light an uneven path, for instance. Spotlights are brighter, but more expensive. --White is blue-ish white, as noted, and quite harsh. Think cheap white fluorescent and you'll get an idea of what we mean. Amber is gentler and more attractive, but much dimmer. It is also losing popularity fast, and so I have yet to see a multiple-LED amber solar light widely available, which is a shame. More recent LED lights are now available in a "warm white", which is an improvement over older lights. --They don't last forever. Either battery or (traditional) bulb wears out. Sunergy's lights are heavy-duty aluminum, which is much sturdier than the plastic most mfgs use. Knock those little adjustable solar panels around too much, and the connector tends to break, so the panel just flops loosely. Since these things are down around your ankles, hoses, feet, and tools WILL occasionally bump them around. I don't like the solar lights with the panel inset on the top that can't be adjusted...not as useful in any but the direct sun/all day locations. In general, if you can put in low-voltage lighting (the new stuff is much better than the old-style kits, and easier to install as well), do so. We did not, because in our situation, it would take a $2,000 electrical subpanel and another $1000 of labor and materials to light up our backyard. Instead, we installed 4 solar lampposts, one 12-LED solar garden lamp, 8 solar spotlights and six sets of 6-lite solar garden lights on short stakes. It isn't perfect--a flashlight helps on the shady paths--but it works pretty well for about $750. Some of the lights are going on four years old, but in general you should plan on no more than 3 years of use before a few will need replacement.

I seriously doubt you'll find anything solar that works dusk to dawn in zone 4b/5a. Even in zone 6, I can't locate any solar light that works that many hours, year round. You may attain more working hours at the height of summer, but in October, mine can be off by 3 AM. You may need to think about installing some low voltage lights on timers that activate only after the solars switch off.