The fence line and the front gate are the parts of a yard a wire almost never reaches. They are also where light matters most: finding the latch, seeing who is at the gate, not tripping on the way to the trash cans. Here is how to light them with nothing to wire.

Why solar fits a fence

Running power to a fence means a trench, conduit and usually an electrician. A solar wall light carries its own panel and battery: two screws into the post or the boards, and it charges during the day. Nothing touches your home's wiring, and if you rent, there is nothing to undo when you move.

Where to put them

• At the gate: one on each post, or one on the latch side if you only want one.
• Along the fence: every few posts is usually enough to mark the line; the aim is to show the edge of the yard, not flood it.
• Facing the sun: the panel needs direct daylight for a good part of the day. A post buried in shade all afternoon will struggle.

What to expect from solar

We would rather tell you up front: solar lights are for marking and accent, not for lighting a whole patio like a porch light. How long they run each night depends on how much sun the panel gets and the season, which is why we do not print a runtime number we cannot stand behind.

Three looks, three fixtures

• Lumitierra Onice — a clean solar wall light for a post or the side of a gate, black or white. From $44.95.
• Lumitierra Farol — with a lens that focuses the beam onto the path. 4 or 8 LEDs. From $52.95.
• Lumitierra Levante — throws light up and down for the facade effect. From $54.95.
• Lumitierra Chispa — 200-LED copper wire string light to run along the fence top. From $24.95.

More ideas in our no-wiring garden lighting guide. Free U.S. shipping over $49 · 30-day returns.