Newbie looking to setup system of Solar-powered landscaping & Security Lights

Hello everyone!

My name is Mike and I am a new homeowner in norther NJ. I'm a pretty handy guy around the home, especially with renovation and woodworking, but I have to admit that I know very little about electricity and even less about solar. So I am very pleased to have found this forum.

I'm sure this topic may have been discussed here before and although I have read through the some threads on solar basics, I apologize if I haven't delved deep enough to locate what I'm looking for.

I am also sure that in order for me to receive the information I am looking for, I probably need to give specifics about needed output, device specifics, and such. But again, as a newbie and not knowing where to begin, I don't have that information. I am hoping that explaining my general "wants" will be good enough. So please excuse my ignorance.

As the topic title explains, I would like to set up a self contained solar system that powers approximately 20 to 25 low voltage LED pathway/accent lights, 4 higher output post-top LED lanterns or sconces, 8 - 10 small LED landscaping spotlights (the kind for back-lighting shrubs and small trees), 6 higher-output motion activated security LED spotlights, and possibly 2 or so high-output LED Patio/Room Work lights.

Not knowing much about it, I am assuming the path lights will be set up in series, as will some pairs of the others, but on different runs.

I would like for the path lights, backlighting, and lanterns/sconces to be able to illuminate dusk to dawn. Obviously the security lights and patio lights would be used as needed, but I would like the patio lights to last all night in case I throw an occasional "all-nighter" [smile]

So the big question is how would I go about this and what equipment will I need. I'd greatly appreciate anyone's recommendation on specific equipment and how to put/run it all together.

I'm sure I didn't mention plenty of other information on my requirements would be helpful. This is most likely due to the combination of me not having a clue of what is involved and I just didn't think of it, but I may be able to provide further simple generic information if needed.

Lastly, I know they have plenty of these lighting fixtures that have their own little solar panels and don't require anything else other than sticking them in the ground and making sure the panels get the necessary sun exposure. The problem I have is that most of my property is covered by municipal shade trees that I cannot touch or is in pretty much constant shade either from my home itself or the neighbor's trees. So getting sunlight exactly where I need to place the fixtures is impossible. I do however have a small 10' x 10' low-pitched (almost flat) house-addition roof that receives sun most of the day that is essentially located at the center of the property. From that roof the various lighting would be anywhere from 10' to 100' away. Also, as probably with most people nowadays, I'm on a rather tight budget (being out of work for the first time in 20 years). But I also know buying inferior equipment is just going to cost me more in the long run. So I would prefer purchase and install decent-quality equipment without going broke (if that isn't a pipe dream).

Again, thank you all in advance...and thank your for putting up with my ignorance of this topic.

Mike