Evening hours of sunshine may be limited in the UK but that doesn’t mean nights in your garden can’t be enjoyed after dusk. Solar garden lights are an attractive and easy way to brighten up your outdoor area – whether that be a garden, patio, yard or balcony.
Solar lights are simple, smart devices that, when placed in an area exposed to sunlight, work by capturing energy from the sun on an integral or wire-connected solar panel, which is then converted into electricity and stored in batteries. The stored electricity is then used to power an LED lamp which illuminates as it becomes dark. Solar lights are built to withstand the sun, rain, snow, strong winds, and other harsh elements.
Easy installation and low maintenance make solar garden lights appealing to both amateur and professional gardeners: they’re an environmentally-friendly, cost-effective way of creating ambience – a perfect evening glow for admiring your garden. As more and more people are turning to this green, self-sufficient technology, solar-powered devices are getting more sophisticated and increasingly efficient.
Overview
Solar garden lights remove the need for long power cords or labour-intensive installation of power cables, which often disrupts and spoils the very garden you’re trying to enhance!
There is a wide range of solar light styles available for your outdoor area including stake lights, fairy lights, string lights, lampposts and even novelty-themed lights, with brightness levels ranging from a subtle twinkle to lights capable of illuminating whole pathways or garden features.
If you’re shopping on a budget and so going for a fairly basic model, you’ll probably find yourself with just one setting – a manual on/off switch, although there are more sophisticated models available with more advanced technology such as adjustable brightness control and even the option to change the direction of where the light is being thrown. Depending on battery power, solar lights can stay illuminated for anything between 3 and 10hours.
In terms of looking after your solar lamps, they require very little maintenance. You won’t have to worry about snow, rain, frost, or UV exposure since solar lamps are weather resistant. The only job you need to concern yourself with is giving them the occasional wipe down.
So, if you’re looking to add fun, character and ambience to an outdoor area; provide security lighting; or simply project light onto a part of your garden which previously you feel has been overlooked due to its lack of exposure to natural light, solar garden lights are sure to prove a useful addition to your garden.
Solar Vs Electrical
Installing power lines in order to have a power source for outdoor electrical lighting is rarely straightforward. Often running the power lines actually disrupts and ruins the very garden you’re trying to enhance! The installation will need to be carried out by a qualified electrician, which often proves expensive, then there’s the ongoing costs and level of maintenance required to keep an outdoor electrical system running effectively and, most importantly, safely.
It’s no wonder sales of outdoor solar lights have rocketed in recent years: consumers opting to go for the greener, cheaper, and more efficient way of lighting up their garden. With no power lines to run, no energy bills to contend with, and reliable illumination, it doesn’t take a genius to see why solar garden lights are becoming increasingly popular by the day.
Types of Solar Lights
- Decorative Solar Lights
- Solar Wall Lights
- Solar Lamppost and Lanterns
- Solar Path Lights and Spotlights
Battery Life
Naturally, as with any battery-operated device, batteries with long-lasting power are the first choice – those that run for lengthy periods before they require a recharge. As is the case with solar lamp settings, solar battery strength also tends to be reflected in the price. Basic models may only last for as little as a few hours, while the more up-to-date, pricier modes can operate for much longer, as they will likely use the latest LED technology – in some cases up to around 10 hours with a full charge. Solar lights with such a strong battery are recommended when being used for security purposes – the light they produce is bright, bordering on harsh, deterring any unwanted nocturnal prowlers whilst you get a good night’s sleep knowing your solar lights will remain illuminated until morning. If you’re investing in solar lights just to add ambience and warmth to your outdoor area, rather than for security, then a more modest battery strength should be sufficient, providing you with gentle, warm illumination to enjoy your garden by night.
Settings
If you’re shopping on a budget and so going for a fairly basic model, you’ll probably find yourself with the one setting – a manual on/off switch. However, there are more sophisticated models available with more advanced technology such as an automatic on/off switch (useful if you’re not always home or have bought in bulk), which will turn the light on at dusk, and off at dawn; adjustable brightness control; and even the option to change the direction of where the light is being thrown.
Buying in bulk
If you’re looking to illuminate long pathways or the full perimeter of a large garden, then you’ll need to outlay for a large number of lights to get the coverage you want. The overall cost of getting multiple lights often puts homeowners off, however in today’s highly-competitive solar lights’ industry, it’s common to find generous discounts/multi-buy offers, with many companies offering value packs to those customers wishing to buy in bulk.
Which Solar Garden Lights should I buy?
We’ve scoured the internet, read the reviews and used our own knowledge and experience and we’ve found a number of solar garden lights that stand out from the crowd..
Our Top Pick – Kilponene Solar Security Lights (2 Pack)
![Solar Lights Outdoor 180 LED, [2500mAh High Capacity Super Bright] Kilponene Solar Security Lights Motion Sensor 270º Solar Powered Lights Wall Lights Waterproof with 3 Modes for Outside (2 Pack)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51AM5t58hFL._SL160_.jpg)
- ღ【3 Intelligent Modes】The newest solar lights come with 3 smart modes for your choice: ① Strong long light mode,②Dim light sensor mode,③Strong light sensor mode. This latest solar lights are more sensitive and has a wider range of effective sensors, meet your different requirements
- ☼【High Capacity Super Bright 180 LED】Compared with most similar solar lights on the market, Kilponen solar security lights with 180 super bright LED lights which is much brighter and powerful, and the design of 270° Four-Sided Lighting which can provide excellent illumination
- ϟ【Waterproof and Durable】Waterproof coefficient IP65, not afraid of outdoor dust and rain. The solar lights can work well even in extreme weather conditions
- √【Easy Installation】No annoying wires or adapters needed, the installation is super easy and can be done just in minutes. Simply find a place with sufficient sunshine and fix the light with supplied screws onto it
- ☺【Warranty 24 Months】The solar lights provide 24 months warranty and 24 hours professional after sale service. In case of problems, do not hesitate to contact us, friendly regards
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Our Budget Pick – Bawoo Solar Lights
- ✔ Upgraded Solar Lights- We have increased the battery capacity, which means that the Bawoo lights will last longer than before. They charge for 4-6 hours in full sunlight and light for 6-8 hours.
- ✔ Automatic Turn on/ off- They absorb sunlight so will automatically charge all day in the sun and turn on at night. Require no electricity or wires, no need to worry about dead batteries.
- ✔ Easy to Assemble- Turn on the switch at the base of the top, then install each parts together and insert each light into the ground. ( Please do remember to switch on the lights before first use)
- ✔ IP65 Waterproof- These solar lights are made with stainless steel and are water resistant. There are 2 holes under each lampshade to let water out, you never need to worry about rainy or snowy days.
- ✔ Reliable Service- The warranty covers 6 months, if you have any questions, you will have a new set or a refund within 24 hours.
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Runner Up – iihome 50 LED Solar String Lights
- 60 high quality LED crystal ball string lights and 36ft cable enough length for your to decor your home and garden excellent for party wedding home window bathroom shows restaurant hotel yard garden patios
- 1800 Mah solar batteries tech ensure 17% energy conversion rate and batteries can be charged in the Winter or Rainy weather Charging the lights during the day for 8 10hours hours can provide 12 16h hours lighting at night
- 8 Mode and two switch buttons one is mode switch stability and 7 flashing modes） one is the Power On/Off switch button Keep the power switch on "ON" the lights can keep charging during the day and coming on at dark
- IP65 Waterproof ensure this solar string lights can be normal use at your garden or other outdoor occasions With waterproof function this solar string light may work for 12-16 hours a time and be used for 30 000 hours
- It is easy to decorate your indoor and outdoor space with this string lights without any other electric wire needed Expose the solar panel to direct sunshine and make sure the solar panel faces directly to the sun
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Runner Up – Solar Lights Outdoor, Yacikos
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Runner Up – FLOWood 8 Pieces 8 LEDs Solar Floor Lights
- LONG WORKING TIME: Each solar garden light is equipped with a 600 mAh battery that charges with solar energy during the day and provides power for the 8 built-in LED lamps at night. After 8 hours of full charging, the solar lights outdoor can work for 8-10 hours from dusk to dawn, and bring you brightness more than 50,000 hours totally.
- IP65 WATERPROOF & SUPER DURABLE: Made of high quality stainless steel and plastic, the compact solar ground lights are IP65 waterproof and corrosion free, well adapted to various weather conditions like rain, snow, frost etc.
- WIRELESS DESIGN & EASY INSTALLATION: Simply connect the lights with their underground spikes, then push the switches and insert these solar powered outdoor lights into the ground. There is no cable hassle and a beautiful garden secenery can be created by these ∅11.5 x 13 cm solar ground lights.
- PERFECT DECORATIONS OF THE GARDEN: These solar lights outdoor garden with powerful LED lighting are fabulous decorations for your garden, yard, lawn, patio, pathway etc. With the integrated light sensors, they switch on automatically at night and off during the day.
- WHAT ELSE WE PROVIDE: We accept 1 year return and replacement of these garden solar lights. Any problem or question of our lights or brand, please tell us at anytime and we will solve it for you within 24 hours.
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the battery/batteries in my solar lights last?
Batteries in solar lights typically last a couple of years.
Will my lights still charge if it isn’t sunny?
Grey days are less effective for charging but still manage some charge.
How do I look after my garden solar lights?
You won’t have to worry about snow, rain, frost, or UV exposure since solar lamps are weather resistant. Keeping them clean is important as residue on the solar panel can affect charging.
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