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Best Garden Solar Lights
When shopping around for any garden lights you need to highly consider solar lights. As their name implies, they use solar energy gathered from the sunlight to power them. Solar energy has loads of consumer benefits, not the least of which is a reduction in your electricity bill. Simply put, your garden, and you, deserve solar lights.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Durability
Most lighting products that you invest in will be for indoor use, generally speaking. If not, though, such as when you are investing in garden lights, you need to specifically prioritize both the durability and weather-resistance of the solar light. Let’s talk about the latter first as it is arguably the single, most important design feature that a garden solar light can have. Unless you plan on uninstalling the light every night, which would completely defeat the purpose of owning it, it will be exposed to Mother Nature and all her mood swings. One way of knowing the waterproof level of any product, including solar lights, is to analyze their IP rating.
An IP rating is consistent with two numbers and the second one is its resistance towards water. The higher the number, the more resistant it is (the scale is from zero to eight). But, waterproofness alone is not enough as the construction as a whole is also vital. Garden solar lights with an ABS hard plastic housing, or tempered glass, or even solid stainless steel are sure to withstand more than one that is designed with cheap plastic.
Effectiveness
The entire purpose of investing in a garden solar light is to illuminate your garden in times where you can’t see it otherwise. If it can’t perform this function, then it is nothing more than a complementary piece of décor; which is not a total waste, all things considered. What you need to answer, though, is do you want several solar lights or just one that is capable of mass illuminations? Some manufacturers will include more than one light in their package, maybe two, four, or eight. In this instance, you can install several lights around your garden to create proper lighting. But, how do you determine what kind of light they can produce?
This is where lumens come into play and this is the primary metric used to measure the output of light. For example, a solar light that can output 1000 lumens will be significantly brighter than one only capable of 100 lumens. Yet, again, if you have a pack of four solar lights that can each output 100 lumens, you can have four separate locations have 100 lumens of lighting.
Features
Be prepared, there is a lot to cover in this section. There are a plethora of design features that you should be aiming to look for when investing in a garden solar light. Given that extra lighting is not going to be necessary for the middle of the day, one of which is automatic on and off feature. With this integrated, your solar lights will automatically turn on in the darkness and turn off at sunrise. As this light is not needed, this can end up saving battery in the long run. In addition, sometimes, solar lights are designed with specific modes of operation. For example, motion sensors.
Oftentimes, in fact, solar lights will have motion sensors integrated into their design (meaning they can’t be shut off). As their name indicates, whenever they detect movement within a specific range (which will differ) they will automatically illuminate. Lastly, some designs will separate the solar panel and the light. In this instance, you may be able to separately adjust them to properly situate the solar panel so it gets optimal sun exposure.
Battery Life
Unlike any other device in the world of technology, the battery life of solar lights is going to vary from person to person. Not from light to light, even though it will, but each individual person may experience a different lifespan on one charge. Why is this so? It all comes down to how solar energy operates. With a traditional charging method, you would merely plug your USB device into a USB adapter and into the wall. From there, you would wait for your device to be fully charged. But, solar charging is a bit more complicated than that. Certain factors, such as the weather outside and the direct line of sunlight, can affect charging and subsequently the battery life.
On a cloudy day with little to no exposure from the sun, solar panels can still gather energy but they will do so without their normal efficiency. Ideally, a full charge will be achieved on a bright and sunny day. If this is the case and the battery life is still questionable (assuming the solar panel has access to direct sunlight), then you have a beef.
Ease of Use
Solar energy only requires energy from the sun, this you already know. Because of this, wiring is not required and you do not need to plug a power source into one of your outdoor outlets. Instead, in regards to the installation, you need to conclude what type of solar light you are seeking for your garden. Do you wish to have one that is inserted directly into the ground or one that is mounted on a wall or surface? Not all, but some, will come equipped to handle both. However, this will not always be the case.
Basically, if your garden is a decent length away from your home, you may want to opt for solar lights that get staked into the ground. Yet, mounting a solar light on an outdoor wall could suffice if your garden is close enough. Of course, you can also go for something completely different such as a lamp post or lantern. It really is your preference.
Top 10 Picks
1. NekTeck Spotlight
The NekTeck Solar Powered Garden Spotlight is a great source of light for your garden. These lights are great for accentuating a specific garden feature, putting a spotlight on it to highlight your favorite area.
Read moreDurability
Get ready for an impressive build design. NekTeck designed their spotlights to be durable, weather-resistant, and long-lasting.
Effectiveness
With the light source of 200 Lumens, the NekTeck has amazing solar panels that are extra large to absorb more light so they will stay brighter, longer.
Features
When light is not desired, you can merely toggle the Victorian off with the integrated on/off switch. Also, you can manually control the brightness (with the options of high or low).
Battery Life
Because of the solar panels, you won't be changing batteries any time soon. Depending on their exposure to direct sunlight, the NekTeck Spotlights will provide bright warm light for 6 to 10 hours.
Ease of Use
Due to the use of solar energy, no electrical wiring is required for setup. Instead, for stabilization, place the spotlight in the ground pointed at your desired feature.
Overall
This is one of the highest performing solar lights on the market. It's good to know that the light may be affected by wintry or rainy conditions that make the solar lights not function to their best.
2. URPower Waterproof
To provide you with a bit of user preference, URPOWER designed their waterproof solar lights to be installed in two different ways. Either, you can stick them into the ground for surrounding light for your garden or mount them on the wall.
Read moreDurability
With a waterproof rating of IP64, these lights should be able to handle all kinds of weather year-round. While they are not suitable for submersion, splashes of water will have no effect.
Effectiveness
In each solar light, as this is a two-pack, there are four LED light bulbs. Each bulb is capable of outputting 50 lumens and if you do the math, each light has 200 lumens of light.
Features
Thanks to the integrated automated switch, you can program these lights to turn on automatically at night and shut off at sunrise. But, you can also separately adjust both the solar panel and the light angle.
Battery Life
A built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery, 2200 mAh, powers these lights and when it is fully charged from the sun (which can depend on various factors) it is rated to last six to nine hours.
Ease of Use
If you are aiming to merely install these lights around your garden, it is as simple as sticking the stakes into the ground. However, with the included screws, the option is there to mount them on a wall.
Overall
One aspect that users were disappointed in was that the light head and solar panel only pivot up and down. Yet, what is so impressive about this design is its eloquent combination of convenience and durability.
3. Litom Lights
Litom’s solar lights are not only masterfully constructed, being completely weatherproof, but they also have three built-in intelligent modes of operation. Unfortunately, though, changing between those three settings must be done on the back.
Read moreDurability
Two layers of inner loop, that have been tightly-sealed, practically guarantee that these lights are not only waterproof but also weatherproof.
Effectiveness
Each light in this pack, which comes with four even though you can opt for only one, has eight integrated LED lights. Each solar light can output 176 lumens but if you get the pack of four, you can amplify this based on how you install them.
Features
Why Litom designed their modes to be changed on the back of their light is another question. But, the modes themselves are fantastic. There is an integrated dim light sensor mode, strong light sensor mode, and strong long light mode.
Battery Life
Depending on the design mode you use, the battery life is going to vary. Granted there is no constant motion, with the modes that use sensors to detect movement, it could last all night.
Ease of Use
Installing these solar lights is not the issue, as it only requires a few screws. Yet, if you ever want to change the design mode, you will need to remove the screw on top every single time.
Overall
Due to the design, it is wise that you find your favorite intelligent mode and stick with it. Removing the top screw every time is not that much of a hassle, but an unnecessary one, nonetheless. No matter, everything else is top-notch.
4. URPower 20 LED
URPOWER presents yet another solar light and this time, they designed it to be installed on a surface. Thanks to the stainless steel construction and waterproof design, you can take comfort in knowing your garden can be lit even during rainfall.
Read moreDurability
It is never bad when a product is designed of solid stainless steel. In addition to this, this design is certified to IP64 standards of waterproofness making it suitable for rainfall.
Effectiveness
In each of their lights of this design, URPOWER integrates 20 LED lights. When something moves inside of its three-meter radius, they will then be activated and turn on.
Features
Yes, these are motion sensor solar lights and as soon as they detect motion they will turn on automatically. When the motion stops, they will stay on for up to 20 seconds before turning off again.
Battery Life
With a full charge from the sun, you can expect the incorporated lithium-ion battery to deliver up to 10 hours of continuous illumination.
Ease of Use
Everything is included for you to instantly install these lights around your yard and no wires are required. All that is needed is to screw the light on a surface of your choosing (the screws are included).
Overall
Perhaps where you can install this light could prove to be problematic for some, but that solely depends on the layout of your garden. If the design works for you, though, this is a fantastic choice due to its motion sensor and waterproofness.
5. Drawgreen
From top to bottom, this is one of the most impressive designs on this list. DrawGreen has designed their solar lights to withstand the uncertainty of Mother Nature, while also implementing an energy saving mode to preserve the stored energy.
Read moreDurability
An aluminum-alloy case provides the protection this light needs and its freezeproof, heatproof, and waterproof construction means you can rest easy when inclement weather approaches.
Effectiveness
For a singular light, DrawGreen certainly designed it to pack a powerful punch. While the PMMA lens ensures an even brighter light, it can output 1400 lumens.
Features
As light is typically not necessary in the middle of the day, for energy saving reasons, this has been built with a photocell sensor. As such, during the day the light will shut off and will then consequently turn on at night (in its dim-light mode).
Battery Life
With an advertised battery life of 30 hours on a full charge, this sports one of the most impressive batteries on the market. Add in its energy saving functionality and it becomes clear that optimal battery life was prioritized.
Ease of Use
As the on/off button is beneath the panel, turn on the light before you install it. While the installation process is straightforward, do not make this classic mistake.
Overall
This is as powerful as it gets for a solar light. Granted there are a few design elements that could be improved, the battery life, insane construction, and immense light output all combine to form a fabulous solar light.
6. SolarGlow
Maybe you are not looking for just one light or to mount a light on the wall for your garden. Perhaps, you desire to make a lighting pathway for your garden and if so, SolarGlow is the way to go.
Read moreDurability
The LED lights are protected by a rugged ABS plastic construction which happens to be all-weather-resistant. Indeed, worrying about rain or snow is not necessary.
Effectiveness
While each LED bulb for each light fixture only outputs 15 lumens of light, when they are combined in a pathway, the illumination will cover a large distance.
Features
With their built-in technology, SolarGlow designed their solar lights to automatically turn off at dawn (after at least eight hours) and turn on at dusk.
Battery Life
The general consensus seems to be that the battery life is solid, but nothing overly impressive. Yet, some users have reported that one light in the bunch has a shorter life.
Ease of Use
In terms of what is required on your part for installation, it does not get much easier than this. As the sun performs all the charging, merely insert the stakes around your garden and you are good to go.
Overall
Is each light in this set going to astound you with its lighting prowess? Probably not but as a total package, these lights form to create a terrific pathway for your garden. Plus, they literally can be installed by a six-year-old.
7. Black Lemon
One of the best design features of this next solar light is that you can separately adjust both the solar panel and the light. As such, you can direct the solar panel in the sky and the light to your path.
Read moreDurability
Though plastic may not be the first material you would think of for durability, this hard plastic construction is both durable, waterproof, and weather-resistant. One reviewer claims that his lights saw triple-digit heat for 12 days and these lights didn’t suffer at all.
Effectiveness
Four LED bulbs are integrated into this light and it is highly capable of lighting up your garden and even your pathway if you were so inclined to do so. There are two brightness modes and it has been noted that the lowest setting is quite bright on its own.
Features
As was previously mentioned, you do have the ability to independently adjust the solar panel and the light by 180-degrees. In addition to this, there is an auto-off by day and auto-on by night feature.
Battery Life
Depending on the brightness setting that you choose, but this light is said to last for 10 hours after a full charge. This light uses energy from the solar panels, as well as a lithium-ion battery which operates at 2,200 mAh.
Ease of Use
Much like the previous solar light, this is built with a stake that is designed to be inserted into the ground. Once you find a logical location in your yard, insert it in the ground and let the sun charge it up.
Overall
It may sound cliché at this point but what a terrific combination of durability and convenience this is. Despite the claims against the battery life, this solar light is the real deal.
8. Sunforce Motion
Unique is the best way to describe this next motion light because as compared to the rest, it features a separate solar panel that is attached to the actual light via a charging cord. As such, you can position the solar panel separately for optimal sun exposure.
Read moreDurability
In the case of a windstorm or rainstorm, the weather-resistant design should hold up well (depending on the severity of the storm). For enhanced durability, the LED lights are protected in an ABS plastic housing.
Effectiveness
Inside of this lone light source are 60 ultra-bright LED lights. What this delivers is a highly impressive lumen output of 850.
Features
There are three different adjustable design settings for you to select from; UX, which determines the level of darkness required before the light turns on, SENS, which is a motion sensor, and TIME, which determines how long the light stays on once it detects motion.
Battery Life
While there are no specific claims of the battery life, one impressive feat is that the amorphous solar panel does not require direct sunlight to charge.
Ease of Use
The light needs to be mounted and because the included hardware is not galvanized, you may want to spring for your own. However, the solar panel is connected via a power cord and this allows you to place it separately.
Overall
When it comes to design features, this solar light stands above most of its kind. Yet, the issues with the included mounting hardware and suggested problems with the light triggering in daylight prevent it from ascending.
9. Brightech Ambiance Pro
While this design of lights may only speak to some people, we couldn't exclude them from our list. Each strand contains 12 Edison-style lightbulbs that will provide elegance and ambiance to any space.
Read moreDurability
These lights look delicate but are indeed very strong. They can be left up year-round and feature weathertight technology. One customer commented that his Brightech Ambiance lights survived up to 50mph winds. A durable plastic encases the 12 two-inch bulbs on a 27-foot strand.
Effectiveness
Each bulb has one watt of brightness and a color temperature of 3000k. While this isn’t the brightest lights on our list, they will provide an extra bit of sunlight for the flower pots on your back porch.
Features
You can manually switch off the lights with the integrated on/off switch feature, which is a nice touch. The lights also automatically turn off after 6 hours so you don’t need to worry about turning them off before bed.
Battery Life
Certain elements, such as the intensity of the sunlight and the weather, will affect the battery life somewhat. Yet, expect up to eight hours of illumination with a full charge. One important feature to note is that the panel switch must be in the on position during the day to retain the solar power.
Ease of Use
The most difficult thing about these string lights is deciding where to put them. After this, you will need to provide your own hooks and batteries and then you’re ready to go. The solar panel can be postioned in the sunlight using either a stake or clamp, both of which are included.
Overall
For those who are looking for ambiance, to use less electricity, and to provide a bit more light to the garden, these lights are perfect. Enjoy your next sunset barbeque with the soft illumination of these string lights from Brightech.
10. SolarDuke Lantern
Truth be told, if the sides of this lantern were made up of anything but thin plastic this could have easily been higher on this list. After all, it emits seven different colors at one time and is both water and corrosion-resistant.
Read moreDurability
While this is indeed resistant to corrosion and water, the build quality, as a whole, leaves a lot to be desired. Given the plastic sides, they may be torn apart by violent wind storms.
Effectiveness
Unlike any other solar light on this list, this solar lantern emits seven different colors automatically. The result is a rainbow spectrum that will give your garden a new sense of style.
Features
When night time approaches, this lantern will automatically turn on and as it charges in the daytime, this circle will automatically repeat itself.
Battery Life
The LED lights inside of this lantern have been rated to last up to 100,000 hours.
Ease of Use
Given that this is a hanging lantern all that is required of you is to find a suitable location to hang this from; that is it.
Overall
Much like the lamppost that started this guide, a hanging lantern will not be everyone’s first choice for a garden light. However, unlike any other light source, this specific design shows off your garden in a unique way.
Sources
- , Buyer’s Guide: Solar LED garden lights, Lighting Blog
- , How to Choose a Solar Garden Light, Gardening Blog