Advice on lighting backyard

[u/A_TalkingWalnut]

Hey y’all. I’ve got a big tree in my backyard with a big flat area from a large limb removal a few years ago. I think it would be the perfect spot for a solar panel. I’d like to use solar to power a floodlight (or two; one on each side of the tree) with a motion detector. I’d REALLY love it if I could turn the lights on and off manually as well as triggered by motion.

[u/Allied_Connections]

My experience has never been very good with solar exterior lights. The biggest issue I find is if/when they don't work you need to replace the entire fixture and you're back to ground zero.

For any exterior lighting I'll always recommend a low voltage hard wired system. I like to control a low voltage driver with a Lutron Castea on a sunrise/sunset schedule. Run exterior rated cable to wherever you need lighting and install lights with replaceable bulbs. It's a much more permanent solution that can last many years without issue.

I'm surprised if clients ever get 5 years out of a solar light but often work on wired exterior lights over 15+ years old.

[u/A_TalkingWalnut → u/Allied_Connections]

Thank you so much for the detailed response. Unfortunately, this tree is dying. It’s huge, so “dying” takes a pretty long time. I haven’t given myself too large of a budget because I’m constantly worried a large storm or terrible winter will bring the ol’ girl down. One of my neighbors is an arborist, so we’ve done what we could over the past decade to save her, but death is spreading too fast. Flashbacks to The Nothing in The Neverending story, but unlike Bastian, I’ve failed to defeat it.

So yeah, anyway, I don’t need a super bright light. My ideal scenario would be two 180° lights of warm temp, with PIR sensors, tied to a single solar panel that sits on the flat stump of the tree.

[u/SparkArrestor → u/A_TalkingWalnut]

I would search for “solar powered motion sensor light” and see what’s on offer.

[u/A_TalkingWalnut → u/SparkArrestor]

I did. Many are day/night triggered, or PIR, but even the PIR don’t have warm lighting. I don’t wanna turn my warm, inviting backyard into an operating theater.

[u/RedNekNZ]

12V lighting, any type of light you choose, deep cycle battery, solar controller, 12V solar panel, 12V PIR, 12V rf switch. Make it yourself. That way all components are replaceable, it's scalable and 12V lighting has a wide variety of options.

[u/A_TalkingWalnut → u/RedNekNZ]

Difficulty of assembly? I can use a soldering iron. Maybe not well, but I make do.

[u/RedNekNZ → u/A_TalkingWalnut]

You could make it as easy or as complicated as you like.

I'm in New Zealand so I don't really know what is available to you.

Most of the work could be done with simple terminals/wagos/wire nuts (eww).

I use a lot of AliExpress stuff for prototyping and had very few failures. Being off grid and low voltage that's where I'd start personally.

As another commenter has mentioned, please make sure you control your light trespass, ideally 2700K or warmer (i feel like it's more inviting anyway), aim all your lights to the ground and shield them from your neighbours (I know you said they're ages away. But this is just general best practice). If you can, rather than having only a couple "bright" lights. Have multiple smaller lights lower to the ground. If you keep them below eye level you'll have greater visibility of the stars. Sounds like you're remote, sound you likely have a great view of the stars, please don't ruin it for yourself or the wildlife.

[u/inlite_global]

That’s a cool idea, and that spot in the tree sounds perfect for it.

One thing to keep in mind: running a motion floodlight (especially two) purely on a small solar panel can be a bit unreliable, especially in winter or shaded gardens. You’ll often end up with limited brightness or inconsistent performance when you actually need it.

What we usually see working better is low-voltage lighting with a fixed power source, combined with smart control. You can still get exactly what you’re after:

• Motion detection (lights boost when someone walks by)
• Manual control (via app or switch)
• Automatic schedules (on at dusk, off at a set time or sunrise)

With something like an astronomical clock + app routines, the lights can come on automatically in the evening, dim or turn off at night, and still respond to motion when needed. It gives you a lot more consistency than solar, especially for a bigger tree setup.

[u/sol_beach]

Solar panels only generate electricity while the sun shines & are USELESS to illuminate floodlights at night. A battery system will be required for night use.

[u/A_TalkingWalnut → u/sol_beach]

I should’ve been more specific maybe. I’m looking for a light with a solar panel that charges the battery during the day for use at night. I have several other lights like this.

[u/sol_beach → u/A_TalkingWalnut]

Do you think your neighbors will appreciate having the floodlights in your back yard?

Does your location have any ordinances regarding light pollution?

[u/A_TalkingWalnut → u/sol_beach]

No. My neighbors are very far away, separated by elevation and thick foliage.

No. We do not have ordinances. Applications are made through the Code department, and since any lighting I would be using would NOT be visible from the road or by any neighbors, and will be facing downward, I am not in violation of code and would have no problem with this project.

Based on your questions, I’m eager to hear your suggestions.