Solar Lights

Lake Lanier covers 38,450 acres and has over 690 miles of shoreline. In many places where water meets the land, there are hazards just under the surface and the hazardous area markers can be difficult to see after dark. After member feedback indicated they would like boating at night to be safer, LLA initiated a project to install solar lights on the tops of selected hazard markers – that was back in 2013! Ever since, the LLA has been committed to regular service and maintenance of the solar lights to ensure safer night-time navigation. The program is supported through membership dues, individual donations and support from counties surrounding the lake. There are currently 300 lighted markers on Lake Lanier that LLA maintains and monitors.

Group of men working on the solar lights

Lighting Up Lake Lanier

Solar Light Program Update, from the Summer Kickoff '26 Newsletter

Lake Lanier Association’s spring survey identified approximately 75 solar navigation lights that are currently inoperative. While we would certainly like that number to be lower, it also means that roughly 225 of the lake’s 300 solar lights – about 75% – are continuing to operate as designed and provide valuable guidance to night-time boaters.

The Association has replacement lights in inventory, and our contractor is prepared to begin repairs. However, unusually low lake levels have created significant challenges for many of the needed replacements. In some locations, water levels have dropped so dramatically that light poles now stand as much as 20 feet above the water’s surface. Because the lights must be installed from the top of the poles, many repairs simply cannot be completed safely or efficiently. While some lights are being repaired currently, full refurbishment is not possible until water levels rise.

There is, however, one unintended benefit to the current conditions. The lower lake levels have exposed numerous shoals, rock ledges, stumps, and other hazards that are typically submerged. While these hazards remain a concern, their visibility provides boaters with a unique opportunity to identify and become familiar with areas that may present navigation challenges when normal lake levels return.

As we move into the busy summer boating season, we encourage everyone to exercise extra caution on the water. Lower lake levels can change familiar navigation routes and create conditions that require additional attention and prudence.

Safety remains one of our highest priorities. We will continue to monitor conditions closely and will replace inoperative solar lights as quickly as possible once water levels allow safe access for installation crews.