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One great way toilluminate your outdoor spaceis with solar lights.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
In most cases, there is no need to bring in an electrician to install it."
With batteries thatcharge via solar panels, the best outdoor solar lights can help your householdlower its carbon footprint.
The lights are more functional than stylish.
Credit: Amazon
Plus, thelights can detect motionwithin a 33-foot range.
We found switching between modes a bit challenging at first, but it became much easier with time.
Multiple strands of lights cannot be connected together; each requires its own solar panel.
But you’ve got the option to hang more than one strand next to each other.
Solar lights come in a variety of styles, includingstring lights.
The solar string lights are meant to be durable, with their shatterproof material and Brightech’s WeatherTite technology.
They’re also resistant to temperatures as hot as 122.
We found the lights give off a soft, clear light that makes them ideal fordecorating a patio.
The design is sleek and simple and quite similar to non-solar string lights.
The two “eye-shaped” lights resemble binoculars, which some may not love.
The Linkind spotlights come with an IP67 rating, meaning they’re waterproof and resistant to dust particles.
The lights have two modes.
Once motion stops, the light dims itself.
We didn’t notice a big difference between dim-light and bright-light modes.
Setup involves assembling three pieces, including screwing the light into the base.
Once assembled, we found the light to be simple and streamlined.
However, it did remind us of a pair of binoculars, which we didn’t love.
The lights are sturdy, though, and are a good optionfor a security lightor for illuminating sidewalks.
The solar panel sticks up from this light, a look which some may not like.
For a simple spotlight, consider the Urpower Outdoor Solar Lights.
The light is easy to use, but it doesn’t offer much in the way of aesthetics.
The solar panel sticks up and away from the light.
Its IP65 rating means it is a water-resistant solar light option.
Post-freezer, the lights still worked as well.
Ultimately, we found these to be a good deal for their price and practicality.
Its not as bright as a security light.
For a wall-mounted option, we loved the Winston Porter lantern.
With its simple, modern look, it complementsmany outdoor aestheticsand it providedcozy, ambient lightingduring our testing.
Since this solar light is wall mounted, there was some light installation required.
We appreciated that we could remove the light fixture itself from the mount if the weather was severe.
The Kemeco Solar Post Light looks like traditional lamp post with the energy benefits of solar power.
It comes in black or white, giving you style options.
The light is weather resistant with an IP65 rating, standing up well to our water tests.
The AloftSun Solar Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights are expected to last a minimum of 40,000 hours.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
The frame is made from aluminum and frosted glass, which gives it its attractive appearance.
The solar panels did not shatter.
With this in mind, we recommend covering the light if hail is in your local weather forecast.
We thought the lights gave off a beautiful glow, which was bright enough to read by.
The lantern is top heavy, so you’ll need to properly secure it to a post.
But the style and functionality will be worth it.
They’re also available in seven colors.
These don’t give off bright light, so you won’t get high visibility with them.
Adding ambient lighting to a patio or deck is simple with these solar string lights.
Available in a pack of two, the Brightown lights are 33 feet long and have 100 LED bulbs.
The bulbs light up in all directions and give off apure white glow.
No installation is required for the lights themselves, other thanhanging them up.
We found it simple to implement the solar panel onto the stake provided.
They turned on upon impact with the golf ball, but turned off afterward and worked as usual.
For simple lights that sit flush with the ground, the Rayolon Solar Ground Lights are a great option.
These are rated as IP65, or deemed water resistant to splashes.
There are sets of eight and 12 available, giving you some options.
They are only intended for accent lighting versus fully illuminating an area for visibility.
The Brightech Ambiance Pro Solar String Lights are designed to be shatterproof and weather resistant.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
The Tonulax Solar Garden Lights come in a two-pack, each pack comes with eight bulbs.
We found operating the lights simple and straightforward, as there’s only one on/off button.
Plus, they turn on automatically when it’s dark and off when it’s light.
The lights produce a warm yellow color and have a waterproof rating of IP65.
One thing to note is that the brightness and color of the light is not adjustable.
The lights should be brought inside during freezing temperatures.
They illuminate paths and nearby landscaping while lending visual interest and dimension to your space.
And they look particularly good against mulch and red brick.
We also timed how long the lights stayed on from dusk to dawn.
Pathway lights usually have stakes that you stick into the dirt next to your driveway or sidewalk.
Some solar lights that can be mounted, like theWinston Porter Krimhilde Solar Powered Mounted Lantern.
Others use solar lighting for its portability.
The former ranges from zero to six and the latter ranges from zero to eight.
The higher the number, the more protected it is.
Special Features
Some solar lights have on/off switches, timers, or motion sensors.
More advanced models like theBrightown Outdoor Solar String Lightsoffer different light parameters like a slow fade or twinkle.
However, one of the spokes fell off after the golf ball test.
After the light and water test, the lights still worked.
The Linkind StarRay Solar Spotlight has a focused 90-degree beam and a head that rotates 90 degrees horizontally and 180 degrees vertically.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Your Questions, Answered
Will solar lights still work in indirect sunlight?
Do solar lights work in every part of the country?
Are solar lights eco-friendly?
VanDerBill also consultedSarah Jamesonof Green Building Elements.
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
The IP65 rating makes the Urpower Outdoor Solar Lights a water-resistant option.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Ashleigh Morley
The Kemeco Solar Post Light stood up well to our water tests, even though the manufacturer doesn’t provide a waterproof rating.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
The Brightown Outdoor Solar String Lights feature 100 LED bulbs on a 33-foot string.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
The Rayolon Solar Ground Lights practically disappear during daytime thanks to their in-ground design.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Jeanne Geer
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Robert Dencklau
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Laura Miller
