Solar Garden Lights are functional and can add beauty to your garden – highlighting your hard work.
I think wandering through a beautiful garden at night, while soft path lights illuminate it, is magical. String lights also make the outdoors “otherworldly, and you can find out more about outdoor solar lights in this article that includes string lights.
There are many reasons for solar garden lights.
- Highlighting the beauty of your garden
- Safety – illuminating the space
- Work – working in your garden after you come home from work is very relaxing
- Fun, lighting for kids
- Creating a magical space to disconnect
This article will provide my favorite options for solar lighting and consumer feedback on performance.
Table of Contents
My Favorite Solar Garden Lights
There are many types of solar garden lights, and making a choice can be difficult. So, I’ll explain how they work and help narrow down your options.
Ultimately, solar garden light choices often change how they look, and I’ll provide a few of my favorites.
Following my “Favorites List” is more information on what a solar light is, how it works, and what to look for when deciding on the light that works for your garden.
Solar Garden Light Choices
Solar garden lights come in all different shapes and sizes. They are used for many reasons, and in many cases, people choose what they want based on personal preferences.
Whether you want beauty, functionality, or fun, there is no lack of choices.
- Colorful Fairy Lights
- Pink Flamingos
- Simple Soft While Lights
- Colored Flowers
The list goes on and on!
Before describing each type of light and highlighting some top products, let me briefly explain what solar light is and how it functions.
What is a Solar Light?
A solar light receives light during the day when the sun is out, stores it in a rechargeable battery, and releases the stored energy at night as light after the sun goes down.
A solar light does not need to be connected to a power outlet and does not need its battery often replaced because it usually comes with a rechargeable battery. However, in some instances, the manufacturers build the batteries into the lights, which cannot be replaced.
Simply put, solar light provides light for you at night when the sun is down with little or no maintenance.
How Do Solar Lights Work?
Solar lights consist of 3 main parts.
- A solar panel
- A rechargeable battery
- A load – Light Source (LED)
Photovoltaic cells in the solar panels absorb sunlight during the day, charging the battery and lighting the bulb at night.
How to Choose a Solar Garden Light
Regardless of the type of light you choose, there are basic requirements you should consider before making a purchase.
Battery Power – Regarding battery power (mAH), the higher the mAH, the better the battery. What you want to know is how long your light will stay on after it gets dark or how long a full charge will last you.
Brightness – Every manufacturer will tell you they have the brightest solar light. Check the lumens. Other than Solar String Lights, they should be listed. Point of Reference – 40 lumens = 400 watt light bulb.
Your choice will depend on where you use the lights, but below are some general guidelines.
- Step lights: 12-100 lumens
- Hardscape lights (on walls): 50-185 lumens
- Landscape/Garden lights: 50-300 lumens
- Path/Garden lights: 100-200 lumens
- Landscape spotlights: 120 lumens
- Lamp posts: 120-180 lumens
- Pond/pool lights: 200-400 lumens
- Motion sensor lights: 300-700 lumens
- Floodlights: 700-1300 lumens
LED Bulb – Most good outdoor solar lights use more efficient LED bulbs. These produce a bright white light so consider tinted glass or a cover. In addition, larger bulbs and high-quality photovoltaic cells have better light.
Charging Rate (Watts) – Solar panels are rated in watts, and higher is better. If your lights don’t fully charge during the day, it does not matter how long they hold a charge at night. If your lights are shaded, place a solar panel in a sunny area and wire it to the lights.
Weather Resistance – Many manufacturers claim their lights are waterproof or weather resistant. Look for standard ratings – IP44, IP65, IP66, etc. The higher the rating, the more resistant the light.
For more information, use this IP rating checker.
Conclusion
Solar Garden Lights provide safety, ambiance, and beauty to any yard. You can provide subtle touches of color or light-up areas where you need access and visibility.
With so many options and the cost-effectiveness of many options, there is no reason you should not consider Solar Garden lights. These lights provide beauty, fun, and safety for your whole family!
FAQ
This depends on how you use them. If decorative, you can place them amongst your plants. If you need light and safety, locate them alongside paths and dark areas.
There are so many good brands now that the best thing to find the lights you like the most and then study the reviews before making a choice. I chose my favorites based on their look, reviews, and desired specifications.
Check the lumens on the light. The higher, the better. Also, decide if you want a “white” LED or a “soft white” LED light. The regular white bulb will give off a brighter, slightly more harsh light.