# I’d like an illuminated, solar powered house number - doable? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 16, 2024, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726 "2024-12-16T19:45:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2024, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726/1 "2024-12-16T19:45:29Z")
Old house, wiring is difficult to change. I’ve had delivery people tell me they couldn’t see my unilluminated house number. Is there such a thing as a solar powered house number? I’ve googled and not found anything, but that could just be my Google (non)skills. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2024, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726/2 "2024-12-16T19:53:12Z")
They do exist, eg: Solar Address Sign, House Numbers for Outside, Lighted Address Plaque Outdoor Waterproof, Illuminated LED Address Numbers for Yard Home [Amazon.com: Solar Address Sign, House Numbers for Outside, Lighted Address Plaque Outdoor Waterproof, Illuminated LED Address Numbers for Yard Home : Tools & Home Improvement](https://a.co/d/9fLY5pD) No experience with them though. ---
**Author:** ![MindsEye\_Watering](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mindseye_watering/32/3619_2.png) [@MindsEye\_Watering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MindsEye_Watering)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2024, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726/3 "2024-12-16T20:23:31Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > Is there such a thing as a solar powered house number? Sure. [Here’s one.](https://www.amazon.com/Address-Numbers-Outside-Waterproof-Illuminated/dp/B0C6CZ5ZDZ?crid=3VCYJUHOHKHG0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.j1uIQEc1pHUJpZYb09fEOS6Wv0hSJaSZKO1zNUEXe9AwuNI52aQkG0akWIEnW8RGM362qXqGtQqJ4PBpmbNTfNgDQzBdFhCW9_Y-uA0pDQma8_1aQIXDmIyXAqH3NNBmPgXy78MYJG6_Knb8PQtLjJG2uewi3jIPbDiuekvfRNJJJwP6mwm0zIqExPVK0Mq3-brvasZCQMCWPdCpVddAFBLUtqxbS6CNcX2GU6ctXzZkLEqpuELRnQ8GJuvzaimm5lJZzhIqQJe5WqQKfc_Uoep02cQRTGUzcdgKCLGKo9VFB9SXryu6IE_fgTAdl3jkFMo5ma8Bb-S6cMD0mHD8tKwep9rN97Dmz8-iRkagqnColaTRy-7256xIyes8Vp3MVfwhAqi3rtlmZ26ie32vDULIOjFIF-AoAW2GAgZ03N8QmoTNTbLGXwEOZ9dJscqh.88zo2zr8AK4tPrq_rJ2AO38DEPQcCxmDDKOF2Yp26E4&dib_tag=se&keywords=lighted+house+numbers+for+outside&qid=1734380419&sprefix=lighted+house+numbers%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-5) [And another.](https://www.amazon.com/Address-Lighted-Outdoor-Waterproof-Illuminated/dp/B0BHSMSMK4?crid=3VCYJUHOHKHG0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.j1uIQEc1pHUJpZYb09fEOS6Wv0hSJaSZKO1zNUEXe9AwuNI52aQkG0akWIEnW8RGM362qXqGtQqJ4PBpmbNTfNgDQzBdFhCW9_Y-uA0pDQma8_1aQIXDmIyXAqH3NNBmPgXy78MYJG6_Knb8PQtLjJG2uewi3jIPbDiuekvfRNJJJwP6mwm0zIqExPVK0Mq3-brvasZCQMCWPdCpVddAFBLUtqxbS6CNcX2GU6ctXzZkLEqpuELRnQ8GJuvzaimm5lJZzhIqQJe5WqQKfc_Uoep02cQRTGUzcdgKCLGKo9VFB9SXryu6IE_fgTAdl3jkFMo5ma8Bb-S6cMD0mHD8tKwep9rN97Dmz8-iRkagqnColaTRy-7256xIyes8Vp3MVfwhAqi3rtlmZ26ie32vDULIOjFIF-AoAW2GAgZ03N8QmoTNTbLGXwEOZ9dJscqh.88zo2zr8AK4tPrq_rJ2AO38DEPQcCxmDDKOF2Yp26E4&dib_tag=se&keywords=lighted%2Bhouse%2Bnumbers%2Bfor%2Boutside&qid=1734380530&sprefix=lighted%2Bhouse%2Bnumbers%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-6&th=1) Both with very good reviews. ---
**Author:** ![md-2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9d8465/32.png) [@md-2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/md-2000)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2024, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726/4 "2024-12-16T20:59:06Z")
IIRC, batteries won’t charge if below freezing. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2024, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726/5 "2024-12-16T21:07:38Z")
Would larger, ordinary numbers in a different location on your house work? For example, I put house numbers on our house near the garage about 12 years ago. They are still visible, but are rather small and are shaded at night from the street light by a tree (that we planted 10 years ago). So I put much larger numbers near the bottom of the front steps, with nothing shading them, and they are very visible. The old numbers were about 3 inches, the new ones are twice that, and there are bigger ones available. As well as cold temperatures (assuming that is true) solar batteries may not charge well in cloudy weather, or for the half day that the cells are not facing the sun. So if you do go for solar, make sure they will get maximum exposure when the sun is shining. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2024, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726/6 "2024-12-16T21:21:09Z")
I don’t think lighting house numbers with solar lights will work all that well. The lights will be dim and unreliable. And remember, it’s not just delivery drivers who need to see the number. Emergency vehicles also need to see the number to respond as quickly as possible. One option is to get a plaque with your house number and install it someplace that the porch light illuminates. If you feel comfortable swapping out porch lights (it’s pretty easy), get one with a motion/light sensors and dual light levels. These kinds of porch lights will come on when it’s dark. They have the light at a low level normally, but go to full brightness when motion is detected. The low level will typically be fine to illuminate the number plaque. You can leave this porch light on all the time. Something else you could do is have the address painted onto the curb in front of your house. Go out at night and see if there’s a place on the curb that’s illuminated by street lights. I would recommend getting a service to paint the numbers rather than doing it yourself. I’ve tried it myself and found it surprisingly challenging to do a good job. ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2024, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726/7 "2024-12-16T21:35:57Z")
> [@filmore](#): > > I’ve tried it myself and found it surprisingly challenging to do a good job. But if you are interested in doing it yourself, local hardware stores often have stencil and spray-can kits. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2024, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726/8 "2024-12-16T21:42:11Z")
Yeah, I used the stencil numbers, but I couldn’t get the lines to be sharp. It was hard to find a way to get the stencil numbers to stick tightly to the curved concrete curb. The edges would peel away a bit and paint would drift under there. I tried spray adhesive on the stencil, but it pulled up the paint it was in contact with. But I haven’t really done much stencil spray painting, so perhaps someone with more experience could do it better. If it doubt, practice first. ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2024, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726/9 "2024-12-16T21:50:57Z")
> [@filmore](#): > > It was hard to find a way to get the stencil numbers to stick tightly to the curved concrete curb. Ah. I used chopsticks to push down on the stencil next to where I was spraying. You could use your fingers if you don’t mind painting them. Hold the can close to the target and spray cautiously to not over paint. If it’s dripping, it’s too much. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2024, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726/10 "2024-12-16T21:53:19Z")
> [@filmore](#): > > Something else you could do is have the address painted onto the curb in front of your house. But a car or even a garbage can could hide the house numbers on the curb. I think putting the numbers on the house itself is better. Perhaps in more than one spot. And yes, a big reason for this, aside from delivery people, is emergency services. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2024, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726/11 "2024-12-16T23:58:56Z")
Thanks for all the links and suggestions, everyone. Will take a look. The painting on the sidewalk, however, won’t work. The numbers would be covered by packed snow for four or five months. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2024, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726/12 "2024-12-17T00:18:09Z")
How about [photoluminescent house numbers](https://www.itglows.ca/collections/glow-numbers)? Made in Canada, too. (The ultimate, IMO, would be tritium self luminous numbers. But I could only find tritium “EXIT” signs.) ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2024, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726/13 "2024-12-17T11:27:10Z")
I’ve got a solar powered light on a 4x4 post with my address on it. It’s at the intersection of our driveway and the ‘road’ It’s nice. Not that we ever get visitors at night. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2024, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726/14 "2024-12-17T23:00:16Z")
Getting legible house numbers is surprisingly hard. We tried several things in different places, and people still had trouble finding our house. We rebuilt the retaining wall recently, and had a large stone engraved with the house number embedded in the wall, right by the street light. It works great, but that’s not a practical solution unless you have some other compelling reason to replace the retaining wall. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726/15 "2024-12-18T04:10:52Z")
> [@Reply](#): > > They do exist, eg: > [@MindsEye\_Watering](#): > > Sure. [Here’s one.](https://www.amazon.com/Address-Numbers-Outside-Waterproof-Illuminated/dp/B0C6CZ5ZDZ?crid=3VCYJUHOHKHG0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.j1uIQEc1pHUJpZYb09fEOS6Wv0hSJaSZKO1zNUEXe9AwuNI52aQkG0akWIEnW8RGM362qXqGtQqJ4PBpmbNTfNgDQzBdFhCW9_Y-uA0pDQma8_1aQIXDmIyXAqH3NNBmPgXy78MYJG6_Knb8PQtLjJG2uewi3jIPbDiuekvfRNJJJwP6mwm0zIqExPVK0Mq3-brvasZCQMCWPdCpVddAFBLUtqxbS6CNcX2GU6ctXzZkLEqpuELRnQ8GJuvzaimm5lJZzhIqQJe5WqQKfc_Uoep02cQRTGUzcdgKCLGKo9VFB9SXryu6IE_fgTAdl3jkFMo5ma8Bb-S6cMD0mHD8tKwep9rN97Dmz8-iRkagqnColaTRy-7256xIyes8Vp3MVfwhAqi3rtlmZ26ie32vDULIOjFIF-AoAW2GAgZ03N8QmoTNTbLGXwEOZ9dJscqh.88zo2zr8AK4tPrq_rJ2AO38DEPQcCxmDDKOF2Yp26E4&dib_tag=se&keywords=lighted+house+numbers+for+outside&qid=1734380419&sprefix=lighted+house+numbers%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-5) > > [And another.](https://www.amazon.com/Address-Lighted-Outdoor-Waterproof-Illuminated/dp/B0BHSMSMK4?crid=3VCYJUHOHKHG0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.j1uIQEc1pHUJpZYb09fEOS6Wv0hSJaSZKO1zNUEXe9AwuNI52aQkG0akWIEnW8RGM362qXqGtQqJ4PBpmbNTfNgDQzBdFhCW9_Y-uA0pDQma8_1aQIXDmIyXAqH3NNBmPgXy78MYJG6_Knb8PQtLjJG2uewi3jIPbDiuekvfRNJJJwP6mwm0zIqExPVK0Mq3-brvasZCQMCWPdCpVddAFBLUtqxbS6CNcX2GU6ctXzZkLEqpuELRnQ8GJuvzaimm5lJZzhIqQJe5WqQKfc_Uoep02cQRTGUzcdgKCLGKo9VFB9SXryu6IE_fgTAdl3jkFMo5ma8Bb-S6cMD0mHD8tKwep9rN97Dmz8-iRkagqnColaTRy-7256xIyes8Vp3MVfwhAqi3rtlmZ26ie32vDULIOjFIF-AoAW2GAgZ03N8QmoTNTbLGXwEOZ9dJscqh.88zo2zr8AK4tPrq_rJ2AO38DEPQcCxmDDKOF2Yp26E4&dib_tag=se&keywords=lighted%2Bhouse%2Bnumbers%2Bfor%2Boutside&qid=1734380530&sprefix=lighted%2Bhouse%2Bnumbers%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-6&th=1) Thanks, but not delivered to Canada. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726/16 "2024-12-18T04:12:51Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > How about [photoluminescent house numbers](https://www.itglows.ca/collections/glow-numbers)? Made in Canada, too. Those look interesting, but my numbers apparently aren’t in stock at the moment. I’ll keep checking it. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726/17 "2024-12-18T05:14:18Z")
That would’ve been helpful to know upfront 🙂 Do any of these work? [Amazon.ca : solar house numbers](https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=solar+house+numbers) ---
**Author:** ![MindsEye\_Watering](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mindseye_watering/32/3619_2.png) [@MindsEye\_Watering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MindsEye_Watering)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726/18 "2024-12-18T12:18:32Z")
> [@Reply](#): > > Do any of these work? [Amazon.ca : solar house numbers](https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=solar+house+numbers) That’s one of the same ones that I suggested upthread. Again, it’s got great reviews. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726/19 "2024-12-18T14:36:20Z")
Yes, but from the Canadian site, and offering shipping to at least _some_ Canadian postcodes. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2024, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726/20 "2024-12-20T20:08:16Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > The ultimate, IMO, would be tritium self luminous numbers. Perhaps @Northern_Piper knows someone with a workshop? > **[Hand Made Address Plaque With Glowing Numbers & Secret Compartment!](https://www.instructables.com/Hand-Made-Address-Plaque-with-Glowing-Numbers-Secr/)** > > Hand Made Address Plaque With Glowing Numbers & Secret Compartment!: Springs coming and for me that means that it's time to start sprucing up around the house.  One thing that had been on my to-do list for some time was to create a nice big...