Best Solar Lights for Yard

Sep 20, 2022 03:32 PM ET

Lighting your home with solar lights is the most practical, economical, and sustainable way. Solar energy is a renewable resource with low greenhouse gas emissions. It is perfect for illuminating homes at night. 

Solar yard lights: how do they work?

They have panels with photovoltaic cells fitted at the top. The cells in the panel convert energy from the sun into electricity for charging an inbuilt battery. Solar yard lights have batteries that store energy for lighting or decoration purposes. When it is dark, a photoresistor in the solar light can sense the absence of light and trigger an LED light. 

How to install solar lights in yard?

Solar lights for yard are very easy to install. First, you need to prepare the soil where you will plant the lights. Once done, you place the panel of the lights in places with direct sunlight. Most yard lights do not require digging a channel in the ground to bury the cables. You should pass the cables in a plastic tube to protect them from damage or rodents.

Also, when placing them, it is important that you line them up close to walkways to highlight them perfectly. It would be ideal if you also place the lights away from busy areas like driveways to avoid them becoming obstacles. 

Before placing the lights outdoors, charge them first. You should also set yard lights solar in sunny places if they have inbuilt panels. The panels must be kept separate if they are detachable. 

Where to place solar lights in yard?

Solar lights for the yard can be placed in any part of your outdoor spaces. You can set them to light a pathway as part of your landscaping ideas. They can also be set as a highlight to specific features of your home, like placing them next to an ornamental tree. The lights can be set at the base of the house against the façade to create a perfect look.

For the best impact, integrate the solar lights into the flower beds to make the outdoor place look glamorous. However, you should keep in mind that a high conversion rate in solar-powered yard lights can only be attained in open places with direct sunlight. 

How to clean solar yard lights?

  • Clean solar yard lights using soap, water, and a clean, soft cloth. 
  • Use a bristle brush to get rid of mud and stuck dirt. 
  • Remove all the soap to prevent an accumulation of more dirt.
  • Cleaning should be done early when the panel has not heated up. 
  • Clean every 2 to 3 months to keep the lights in high performance.

How to make solar lights brighter

Get a quality brand with top-rated systems, a longer battery life, and a superb solar panel. Aside, smart yard solar lights should be maintained regularly by changing bulbs and the solar panels and replacing the batteries when they are worn out. The initial installation should be done properly, and the components should be cleaned regularly. Lastly, brightness in solar lights can be achieved by positioning the panels to face the sun directly.   

Can outdoor solar lights stay out in winter?

Yes. The best solar yard lights, rated outdoors, can work perfectly well during winter. The performance is guaranteed as long as they get sufficient sunlight. Cold weather, snow, or rain, affect the performance of the solar lights. 

How to choose the best solar lights for yard?

Purpose

Decorative solar lights for yard serve a crucial role in security, apart from creating a glamorous atmosphere in your outdoor space. You can choose from different colors, like yellow, warm white, and blue, among others.   

Brightness

Large yard lights for yard are brighter and can light larger areas. Their brightness level is equivalent to that of a 50 watts light bulb. They are either small or large, depending on the make and brand. Brighter options are available in the market, but overall, their brightness depends on the weather set-up and daylight exposure to the sun. 

Batteries

Small and large solar yard lights have different power storage capacities. Depending on their settings, those with larger battery strength have longer lighting times. The batteries may be due for replacement whenever you experience a shorter lighting time. You should replace them every two years to enhance their performance.

Lighting range

Solar lights for yard come fitted with LEDs that feature different lighting ranges. You can choose them depending on the duration you want them to last. The range of most solar panels is between 2-200 lumens. Those meant for decoration purposes have a lower range of between 2-50 lumens. You should dispose of the lights when they are worn out and replace them with new ones. 

Solar yard lights benefits

Easy to install

Solar powered outdoor lights do not involve mains electric installation or any form of electric grid wiring. With solar lights, there is no risk of wires being accidentally cut when working in your backyard. 

Placement flexibility

Solar lights are easy to move from one location to the other. That way, you can move them where there is sufficient sunlight. When you plan to keep the lights indoors, ensure that their batteries are fully discharged. Also, ensure you charge the lights once a month. 

Affordable

Solar powered yard lights are very affordable compared to the electrical types. To start with, their initial installation cost is low. The longevity of the components like solar batteries makes solar lights very economical. They are affordable and add to the overall savings of the units. As technology advances, decorative solar yard lights will be even cheaper and more efficient. 

Environmentally friendly

Solar lights for yard are eco-friendly. They emit no fumes and use free renewable energy from the sun. It is the most sustainable source of energy for lighting outdoor spaces. 

Save money on electricity

Apart from creating a warm atmosphere in your outdoor space, solar lights have long-term monthly savings on your electricity bill. 

Best solar yard lights

Below is our top pick for the best solar yard lights in the market. The review is based on legit customer feedback. 

KUXY Modern Solar Lawn Lights

KUXY Modern Solar Lawn Lights

Specifications:

  • Size: 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches
  • Weight: 7.94 pounds or 3.6 kgs
  • Light body material: metal 
  • Lampshade material: acrylic 
  • Color type: white 
  • Product kit: column lamp
  • Power output: 3.6V 700mAh 

Reasons to buy:

  • KUXY Modern Solar Lawn Lights are the most versatile and useful lights for indoor and outdoor spaces 
  • They emit very glamorous lights, making them perfect for decorative purposes and lighting
  • The lights are made of hard-wearing materials that can last for a long time
  • KUXY Modern Solar Lawn Lights are a stylish design, look, and feel
  • The lights are easy to install and require no form of electrical wiring 

Reasons to avoid:

  • KUXY Modern solar lawn lights are installed vertically and can fall over if not done properly
  • They can also become obstacles in your backyard
  • During cloudy days, the lights have a low energy conversion rate

Features

  • KUXY Modern solar lawn lights are made of IP55 waterproof rating, making them watertight. 
  • They have an LED chip light source that illuminates perfectly. 
  • They can light an area of between 5 to15 square meters. 
  • They come fitted with an in-built lithium-ion battery pack for energy storage.

Check price KUXY Modern Solar Lawn Lights

Kuluzego Solar Lotus-Flower Yard Decoration Lights

Kuluzego Solar Lotus-Flower Yard Decoration Lights

Specifications:

  • Material: iron 
  • Floral Solar lantern imitating a real flower
  • Product kit: 2 solar-powered lantern

Reasons to buy:

  • They are the brightest solar yard lights that are designed to be waterproof
  • The lights are equally heatproof and shockproof
  • They are very easy to install with no tools required in the process
  • They are beautiful and can be presented as a gift to a friend

Reasons to avoid:

  • Kuluzego Solar Lotus-Flower Yard is relatively fragile due to its tiny parts
  • The product has a low level of lighting energy production compared to electric lights
  • The lights are affected by gray weather, making them less useful in cold climatic areas

Features

  • Kuluzego Solar Lotus-Flower Yard has an automated charging and lighting system. 
  • They are made from an IP65 waterproof casing.  
  • The solar string lights for yard have wide solar panels that increase their energy absorption rate. 

Check price Kuluzego Solar Lotus-Flower Yard Lights

ZQDDBA Outdoor Solar Garden Lights

ZQDDBA Outdoor Solar Garden Lights

Specifications:

  • Size: 11.5 x 73 cm 
  • Material: stainless steel, ABS material 
  • Solar panel material: monocrystalline silicon  
  • LED lights: 6,8,10 pieces bulbs 
  • Voltage: 1.2V
  • Light color: warm white

Reasons to buy:

  • ZQDDBA outdoor light is one of the most long-lasting large solar lights for yard available on the market
  • They are efficient, energy-saving and can switch on and off depending on the light
  • The lights are perfect for use in lawns, gardens, and backyards
  • They have a longer run time, with a full charge attainable in 6-12 hours 

Reasons to avoid:

  • The foldable wire is likely to easily wear and tear
  • The solar lights do not work under strong light sources; their lights switch off in areas around streetlights
  • The lights perform poorly in places with low sunlight

Features

  • ZQDDBA outdoor light is made from an IP65 waterproof grade material. 
  • They come with an auto-sensing control that sets its charging and lighting.  
  • They are made from agile materials, enabling them to swing with the wind and create a nice impression. 
  • They are fitted with a solar panel and a perfectly enclosing lampshade. 
  • LED lights automatically change color in a range of 6 different lights. 

Check price ZQDDBA Solar Garden Lights

MQSHUHENMY Solar Garden Firefly Lights

MQSHUHENMY Solar Garden Firefly Lights

Specifications:

  • Size: 75 x 34 x 1.6 cm 
  • Product kit: 2,4,6,8 pcs lights 
  • Material: ABS plastic
  • Color: warm

Reasons to buy:

  • MQSHUHENMY solar garden firefly lights are made with a weather-resistant material
  • They do a good job in energy conservation and are environmentally friendly
  • They have a long lighting time of between 8 to 15 hours when fully charged. They take about 4 to 6 hours to complete a full charge
  • They require no cables or wiring during installation and are only powered using solar panels
  • The hanging solar yard lights are great for decorating outdoor spaces

Reasons to avoid:

  • The solar system, LED bulbs, and battery have a short lifespan
  • The lights have low power productivity compared to their electric components
  • Their charging and lighting capacity depends on the weather conditions

Features

  • The solar lights are fitted with an automated on and off switch that detect the amount of the surrounding weather conditions. 
  • They are cheap solar lights for yard that have a waterproof solar panel and lampshade. 
  • The supporting frame is a soft swinging wire that brings beautiful motions when in action. 
  • They have a light control system, switching off at dawn and on at dusk.

Check price MQSHUHENMY Solar Garden Firefly Lights

Lsotier Solar Garden Lights

Lsotier Solar Garden Lights

Specifications:

  • Size: 10 x 37.5 cm
  • Net weight: 0.1kg
  • Material: ABS+PC
  • Color light: white 
  • Source of light: 2 LEDs
  • Product kit: 1 solar lawn lamp 

Reasons to buy:

  • The smart yard led solar pathway lights have a longer lighting time of between 8 to 10 hours
  • They are perfect for creating an ambient outdoor atmosphere
  • They are made of weather-proof material that protects the internal system
  • Their installation is seamless and requires no tools

Reasons to avoid:

  • They have low solar energy storage capacity compared to other solar lights in their category
  • Their performance is dependent on the weather patterns
  • It is not easy to find replacement parts for solar lights

Features

  • Lsotier Solar Garden lights have an IP55 waterproof rating. 
  • They are fitted with a toggle switch that must be turned on for the unit to function. 
  • They come with an intelligent light control system that turns on when it is dark and off during the day. 
  • They have a light button that is programmed to switch between different colors, which is ideal for decorations. 

Check price Lsotier Solar Garden Lights

WallDector Solar Metal Lotus Garden Lights

WallDector Solar Metal Lotus Garden Garden Lights

Specifications:

  • Material: metal 
  • Height 90cm 
  • Color: blue 

Reasons to buy:

  • WallDector Solar Metal Lotus garden lights are perfect for decoration, highlighting footpaths, or general outdoor lighting 
  • They are easy to install by planting them on the ground and switching on the lights
  • The lights are lightweight and extra-durable
  • They are powered by the sun’s energy

Reasons to avoid:

  • It isn't easy to find replacement parts
  • The lights have a lower level of energy production compared to other solar energy in their category

Features

  • WallDector Solar Metal Lotus garden lights are made from waterproof material.  
  • They are fitted with a solar panel and a battery. 
  • They have a switch. Once you buy solar yard lights, you must turn them on before using the unit. 
  • The garden lights have an in-built battery, no external battery required. 

Check price WallDector Solar Lotus Garden Lights

Homlpope Solar Iron Flower  Landscape Lights

Homlpope Solar Iron Flower  Landscape Lights

Specifications:

  • Material: wrought iron 
  • Product kit: 2-solar LED garden lights
  • Imitate flower shape 

Reasons to buy:

  • They are designed as colored solar yard lights that are appealing to the eye and perfect for outdoor lighting
  • They are made of water-resistant materials that are very durable
  • The led yard lights solar is perfect for adorning outdoor spaces  
  • They have a long lighting duration of between 8 to12 hours when fully charged 
  • They are made from weather-resistant materials

Reasons to avoid:

  • Homlpope Solar Iron Flower landscape lights have a slow charging time 
  • It is hard to find replacement parts for the yard lights

Features

  • Homlpope Solar Iron Flower landscape lights are IP55 waterproof.. 
  • The solar lights are fitted with an auto-sensor that turns lights on and off day and night. 
  • They havea solar panel that is optimized to absorb the most from solar energy.
  • The product comes with an inbuilt battery system that perfectly stores electric energy. 

Check price Homlpope Solar Iron Flower Lights

Summary

Once you get the best solar yard lights, you can save a lot of money on your electricity bill. It is the most practical and sustainable way to light your backyard on a tight budget. The units are durable and mostly made from strong stainless steel. One thing that stands out with the light is their ease of installation. They need no wiring as with their electric counterparts. 

Before buying a solar light, check the size of the space you want to illuminate. For larger spaces, a bigger and stronger battery will do the trick. Overall, solar lights are very affordable and economical. They help save on your monthly electricity bills with the free energy from the sun. They are made from durable parts, and you don’t need to keep replacing them. As the innovation in sustainable energy gains momentum, better solar lights will keep hitting the market.


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