Pays for lights (7)
I believe the answer is:
settles
This clue could be a double definition.
'pays' is the first definition.
(settling a debt is paying it)
'lights' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
'for' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for settles that I've seen before include "Comes to rest" , "Resolves" , "Pays the bill" , "seating" , "Becomes established in a place" .)