How to Replace an Electric Post Light with a Solar Post Light

UPDATE – Originally posted October 19, 2020

Going From Electric Outdoor Lighting to Solar: A How-To Guide

So, you’ve decided to replace an electric post light and upgrade to solar light. Congratulations! You’re on a path to sustainability, affordability, and never having to worry about the potential hazards and expenses of electrical wiring again.

Like any breakup, however, there are strings attached. The electric outdoor lights you already have won’t go away on their own. Fortunately, you have options as to what you might do with those lines, and we’ll walk you through your primary choices: Lamp head Upgrade or Lamp & Post Replacement.

Replace an Electric Post Light with a Lamp Head Upgrade

Solar lamp heads with fitter attachments can fit on top of most standard 3”-diameter lamp posts, making them perfect for repurposing and retrofitting existing gas or electric lamps. If you’re handy and feel up to the task, you can DIY this upgrade. For your safety, you must first have a licensed technician disconnect and cap the gas or electric line. 

Then, you can get to work.

Here are some examples of Gama Sonic’s beautifully designed Solar post Lights with lamp heads include to choose from:

1.   Orion Solar Post Light

Gama Sonic Orion Solar is a single headed solar lamp post that features a modern look with an urban industrial twist. This solar post light features the innovative “Morph” technology. By bending solar cells to fit curved surfaces, the light fixture morphs into a solar panel and creates a larger surface area to harness power from the sun. Thus, allowing more solar panels to fit onto the light fixture, resulting in a longer battery duration and brighter light.

2.   Orion Triple Head Lamp Post

Gama Sonic Orion Solar is a triple headed solar lamp post that features a modern look with an urban industrial twist. Similar to the Orion Solar Post Light – single lamp, this solar post light also features the innovative “Morph” technology. By bending solar cells to fit curved surfaces, the solar panel morphs into the light fixture and creates a larger surface area to harness power from the sun. Thus, allowing more solar panels to fit onto the light fixture, resulting in a stronger charge and brighter light.

3.   Triple Head Solar Lamp and Post Set with Planter

The Gama Sonic Triple Head Garden Solar Lamp is the perfect landscaping light for illuminating dark pathways, patios, or gardens. This outdoor solar Lamp post is entirely powered by the sun and equipped with an internal lithium-ion battery, which charges when direct sunlight hits the lamp’s solar panel.

4.   Pagoda Bulb Solar Lamp Post

Inspired by East Asian architecture, the Pagoda Bulb Solar Lamp Post will add a touch of elegance to any outdoor area. Features a rust-resistant, cast aluminum frame with automatic dusk to dawn activation, this solar post light will operate up to 25 hours on a full charge. This solar post light will operate up to 25 hours on a full charge.

5.   Polaris Double Head Lamp Post

The Gama Sonic Polaris Solar is a double headed solar lamp post featuring a modern look with an urban industrial twist. This solar light comes with installation anchors for mounting it anywhere where ample sunshine is available. Dusk-to-Dawn performance, weather resistant and rustproof.

Supplies & Tools You’ll Need

If you’re dealing with a lamp post you’d like to bring new life to, use:

• Sandpaper (for paint removal)
• A rust-resistant, surface-appropriate spray paint
• A screwdriver or drill for screwing/unscrewing the post light

You may also need a spray lubricant, a knife, or a hammer to extract any rusty screws.

*Note: when dealing with potential lead paint or spraying new paint, use correct personal protective equipment.

Once the post light has been removed, and the pole has been sanded and painted to your preference, choose the right solar post lamp for you that also fits within the pole’s diameter. While 3”-diameter lamp posts are a standard size, you can also purchase adapters that will give you more flexibility in choosing a lamp.

Solar lamp heads come in a wide variety of styles and features. You can choose from different light qualities (such as warm white light vs. bright white light) and added features. Gama Sonic’s Victorian Solar Light, for example, has motion-sensing technology, which will brighten the light when movement is detected.

Paint your chosen pole if desired, attach the light to it without any wiring needed, and voila. You will have the revamped outdoor solar light of your home and garden dreams.

For a modern look, choose something like the Modern Solar Post Light. For classic, traditional charm, something like the Windsor Bulb Solar Light  may be more your style (shown below).

Windsor Bulb Solar Light

Replace an Electric Post Light with a Lamp & Post Replacement

The second and most simple option is to replace the existing lamp post and lamp head. In this situation, you will be replacing the old light fixture entirely, choosing from many options of easily installable stand-alone solar light posts and lamps. These come in a variety of designs, light qualities, and added features. You can mix and match lamp heads and lamp posts that are sold separately, or you can purchase an all-in-one product that includes the lamp head and the post.

Gama Sonic offers solar lamp posts in a select range of coordinating styles, heights, and colors, like black and white. If you want to make your solar lamp into a double or triple style, you can use our double heads bracket kit or triple heads bracket kit to easily customize your lamp. Or you can choose from items like the Royal Bulb Single Solar Lamp and Lamp Post in single, double, or triple-headed options.

Royal Bulb Solar Lamp Post

Royal Bulb Solar Lamp Post – Double Lamps

Royal Solar Lamp Post – Triple Lamp post

Check out this blog post for more options that may help in choosing the right solar post lights to transform your outdoor space.

If interested in replacing an existing gas lamp with a solar post light, check out our blog “How to replace an Existing Gas Lamp with a Solar Post Light”