Initially these solar lamp post lights were used by homeowners to illuminate a driveway or darker area of a yard in the evenings. They provided an inexpensive way to allow these areas to be used in the evening without adding to a monthly electricity bill. In recent years larger commercial versions of these solar power lights are being installed by local power companies for use in lighting streets. Because they are solar powered, they are much less expensive to operate over time than conventional streetlights. The savings can be substantial enough that they can pay for themselves in a few short years based on the electricity they save. Over time these solar lamp post lights will eventually replace most of the standard lights that are currently in use. This will lead to even greater savings for local townships as they are able to provide the lighting they require using nothing more than sunlight to power them.