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.

Hi chemocurl, thank you for the link. Why didn't I think of that? I checked some of those out and did find some commercial solar flood lights that would be great around the home and garden, although they are quite a bit more expensive, $300 compared to $80 for the domestic models. They are rated at being as bright as 100w to 150w, which is fantastic and way more than the domestic variety. I guess you get what you pay for!

By the way I like the header pic on your page, it reminds me of my male Bodark or Boisd'ark tree out back. He is an old guy split down the middle and about 4' in diameter. He only has about 4 girl friends that drop horse apples. You now have two outlets in the front and one in the back all three are on one breaker most likely a GFIC breaker to protect anyone from getting electrocuted. When you plug items into these three outlets at the same time the electrical load from all those items is now going through that one 15 amp breaker. The average homeowner will never end up tripping that breaker because they will never hit the limit of 15 amps, but the GFIC may be tripped every now and then. I would ask your builder to show you where all the GFICs are and what they control. In most homes if the outside outlets are on a 15 amp breaker then the outside outlets are on the same breaker that the garage outlets are on. Please talk to your builder and get the lowdown on what is on what circuit. Please do check around your HVAC unit to see if there is an outlet there. There should according to National Electrical Code: {(Article 210.63)within 25 feet of any HVAC equipment.}. This outlet may or may not be on a separate circuit. If you have this outlet this is where I would put the transformer for the landscape lighting as long as you have a rout to both the front and backyard that is not blocked by hard-scape, sidewalks or driveway. Please, you have a new home, put in quality landscape lighting, do not get anything from a home improvement store. If you want to do it yourself I will gladly discuss what you need and put it all together for you and have it shipped to your home. Better yet once you identify the fixtures you want I will set it up so you can pick it up at our distributors stores in your area. One transformer for all the lights is what we do. Some installers will say that you need one for the front and one for the back but we have means by which we can give you the same flexibility that two transformers gives you but with just one. For an LED system a FX Luminaire PX-300-C-SS POTENZA X will cost you $350.00 but is will last longer than you even if you are only 20 years old now. This transformer is 300 watts much more than you will need for both front and back but for the most part is the smallest transformer available and worth the investment. Lighting fixtures, we work with about 6 main manufacturers and over all about 20. If you contact us via email we will send you a list based on what you want to do. I will need some additional information but we can do that privately. The key is copper/brass/bronze, no aluminum with few exceptions. These three metals will last forever!!!!!! In addition Attraction Lights, they are listed here in Houzz, is an excellent brand that makes stainless steel and aluminum fixtures, their aluminum is aircraft quality which is acceptable. So digest all this and then talk to us some more and we will get you on the right track. JP sales@alfrescolighting.com

I suspect you're unlikely to find what you want. Why? Based on my observation of solar-powered lights on bicycle paths, the solar panels have to be large (to generate enough electricity to charge the battery during the day) and the batteries have large (to store enough power to operate the light all night). With all this, you'd have an ugly residential pathway light! Fortunately, there are some great low-voltage path lights made or sold by Tech Lighting and Ylighting (and others, I'm sure). I'd get Dark Sky lights to illuminate only the area needed, avoid shining light in anyone's windows, and reduce light pollution.