My solar spots have an on and off switch in the back.
As far as remote on and off it can be done .
I haven't found it in the spots yet .
I imagine if the remote operates the panel and not the solar stakes it can be adapted.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.ebay.com/itm/REMOTE-CONTROL-SOLAR-STAKE-LIGHTS-SET-OF-4-REMOTE-CONTROL-SOLAR-STAKE-LIGHTS-/291091559481?_trksid=p2054897.l4275

Wow, thanks Forboystoo! Is there a brand name on the box they came in? Maybe these people make spots.

I attached the link...
I emailed the seller but they are out 'till mon.

I emailed a different seller who has a shed/barn/camping with remote, and she's exploring other options.

I found this one in Australia.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190912868112?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I did find a $599 version, but I'm not sure that's less than what an electrician and digging labor would cost.

The solar lights I've seen are not that bright as to make a difference on exterior brightness, I wouldn't think. The only time I see them is if I look directly at them...they seem too dim to actually throw much light.

I'd suggest looking at low voltage LED lighting. They use very little power and are easily controlled with a timer or a switch. The low voltage wiring need not be buried deeply...just under the mulch is fine...and they throw enough light to be noticeable when on. They will also work if you've had several days of rain or clouds vs. the solar which will run out of juice.

We have 2 LEDs raking the stone gable and we have an LED spot on the front gable over the porch.

Your front area looks nice, Annie.

I will pursue that if I decide to spend and hire diggers. The tree is some distance from my rear screen porch, and the route would be under grass, plantings, and possibly even the patio; this isn't a simple "tuck under the mulch" situation. As of now there isn't even an outdoor outlet at the back of the house.

I think the Australia spot I mentioned above would be bright. He won't/can't ship because of the battery. I don't see the battery for sale on line, but I haven't called Batteries Plus yet.

A bonus to using a portable solar spot is that I could move it to the front to light a holiday wreath in the winter.

I'm sure it's just a matter of time till what I want is available. They have very bright solar spot lights that are motion activated. An ebay seller found me one that is remote controlled but the solar panel is not remote. Everything I want is totally available, just not in one product in this country, I guess, except the commercial one for $599.

try this solar spotlight with remote

https://www.ebay.com/itm/10W-Solar-Power-LED-Flood-Light-Spotlight-Lamp-Remote-Control-Waterproof/122757776344?_trkparms=aid%3D777003%26algo%3DDISCL.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D47301%26meid%3Dbbfeeb8fb668481da571a4726b74bdc6%26pid%3D100012%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D291091559481%26itm%3D122757776344&_trksid=p2047675.c100012.m1985