Solar Lights and solar technology have never gone out of fashion. As the world becomes even more conscious of environmental factors, energy efficiency, and global warming, equipment like solar bulbs, solar lamps, solar panels, or solar light have become increasingly popular.
Solar lighting can be used on your pathways to the yard or in the garden. Installing outdoor lighting can pose many challenges. In addition to the cost of the lights, it's usually necessary to hire a licensed electrician to do the installation.
Solar-powered lights are an increasingly popular alternative. They are affordable, easy to install yourself and can be relocated easily. You also save on electrical costs.
When choosing for solar lights, it's important to match the light to the function you want it to perform. Here is some advice that will help you make the best selections for your home.
Types of Solar Lights
There is an array of solar lighting available in the market. These categories are primarily dependent on the requirement and location of the solar lights in the house. Here are some of the top choices:
1. Decorative solar lights
If you are one of those people who are attracted to cute lights as decor, these decorative solar lights are for you. These solar-powered lights will not be your regular primary light source, but we can assure you of a dazzling new look to your house and garden.
Of course, the lights are decorative, so you might not get high brightness with them! You can find this solar lighting in an array of shapes, sizes, and colors. We believe that everyone has a different pick in terms of light, and you should go ahead and buy them in the same way.
Tip: Try to pick decorative lights that match your atmosphere. For instance, you might be looking for a lamp or lantern-type decorative solar light to give an artistic atmosphere. On the other hand, you can also find decorative lights in the form of string lights.
The best part about these decorative solar lights is that they will achieve a warm glow which gives a pleasant vibe to the entire place. You will mostly utilize these lights for outdoor spaces.
Moreover, if you plan on going camping, decorative solar lights are a hit as lanterns!
2. Solar String Lights
As far as solar string lights are concerned, they usually have a long cable that is used to connect several bulbs. These bulbs in the solar outdoor lighting could be of various shapes, starting from full-size bulbs or fairy lights.
Generally, outdoor decorative led string lights look good when you drape them around a specific area or focal point. Due to this central place, you will be able to see the aesthetic look from the garden beds to the patio. These string outdoor solar lights have been created for a visual effect on the area compared to being a practical light source.
3. Solar Path Lights
Solar path lights are those stake lights or string lights with stake accessories meant to be pushed into the ground to light up the way. You can use them to illuminate the pathways in the yards or gardens.
Generally, solar path lights give off a relatively soft glow which provides a romantic and lovely vibe in the night.
4. Solar Step Lights
Stairs are more than often a significant part of your property. These LED rope lights are attached to the sides of the steps and easily light up the area to prevent someone from tripping.
You can also include some really pretty solar yard lights for this purpose as well!
Use
Everything you purchase has a certain use or function. Solar lights can also be used for an array of purposes. Figuring out your need is the first step towards buying these lights. If you’re planning to decorate your garden area and attain an aesthetic vibe to your conversation area, you should choose subtle outdoor lighting.
On the other hand, if your agenda is to prevent thieves from robbing you, a brighter light such as a floodlight is the perfect fit.
Plus, if you are looking at solar lights that can work in multiple scenarios, then you should find multifunctional lights. Many brands in the market now provide you with different modes which can be altered according to the need.
Light Quality
Light quality is a make-or-break factor as you choose the best solar lights that fit well with your house or business.
The security light is meant to be brighter than the other simpler or decorative lights. This brings up a discussion regarding two main categories of lights: The LED ones or the lighter hues.
Brightness
The next important thing to consider is the brightness provided by the solar lights. Usually, the intensity of brightness provided by the solar light is measured in terms of lumens. Different solar lights are designed to provide different lumen output. The lumen level range varies from 12 to 1500 or above. You have to choose the brightness level based on your purpose or requirement.
Battery Type
Batteries used in solar lights come in four different types – lithium ion, NiMH, and NiCad. If you want powerful solar lights, then you should choose lithium ion batteries. Because they have the highest capacities compared to others. Lithium ion batteries are the popular choice as they have higher capacities and still have a small size.
Recharge Time and Run Time
Charge time represents the time duration required for solar lights to get charged completely for powering up the lights. You have to choose a model that can charge efficiently even on a gloomy day. Once the lights are installed, you have to wait for a day or two for completing the charge.
When it comes to run time, it represents the time duration solar lights can provide light continuously during the night. You have to choose a model that can illuminate the home for a longer duration. Make a note that run time is usually affected by the amount of solar energy the solar panel can harness during the day.
Along with that, both charge time and run time vary based on the locality and time of the year. We recommend choosing a model that has an efficient charge time and run time. Mostly, batteries can be charged completely during the day. Batteries that have low capacity are suitable for areas with bad solar exposure. This will ensure that battery will have a higher chance of getting charged regardless of the less solar exposure.
Usually, 6 to 7 hours of charge time is ideal and when it comes to run time, 10 to 12 hours is suitable.
Accessories
Most of the manufacturers provide screws, anchor, extension hinges and user manual along with the lights. These accessories make the installation process much easier. You can install them easily on patio, barbeque deck, pool, or garden.
Price
While considering this factor, you should analyze whether the price of the light and quality match together. Sometime, people tend to choose cheaper model without considering the quality and other features. Before making the purchase, you have to narrow down the options that come within the budget. By following this, you can save more time and avoid wasting time on products that don’t match the price requirement.
Warranty
Sometimes, we may purchase a product that turns out faulty after using it for couple of months. In such cases, warranty can be very helpful as you can get it repaired or replaced during this period. Most of the brands give you warranties ranging from 1 or 2 to 3 years too which is great for outdoor lights. Indoor lamp-based lights may not be as fruitful to have warranties.
Conclusion
While those were our picks, we are intrigued on what you think? You liked our list? Did we miss out on anything? Or do you have any questions for us? If so, feel free to write to us in the contact section and our product team will write back to you as soon as possible.
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Post time: Sep-03-2022