T-SUNUS Green Solar Lights Outdoor, 4 LED Solar Garden Lights, IP65 Waterproof, Auto-on/Off, 2 Bright Modes Security Lights Christmas Landscape Light for Garden Tree Yard Lawn Patio Stairs - 2Pack

Product Information

Brightening up your outdoor living area can drastically improve the way your garden or patio looks, and it might even inspire you to spend more time outside when the weather is warm. One great way to illuminate your outdoor space is with solar lights. If you happen to have a post or column in your yard, mounting this traditional lantern to the top will add an elegant touch to your space and a bright light to your lawn. We found that it was easy to read by the light of this Kemeco lantern, which is no surprise given it puts out an impressive 125-145 lumens. Plus, the dusk-to-dawn light remained lit for 8 hours and 6 minutes in our testing. Pathway lights are small, low-level lights designed to line walkways or driveways, providing safety and visibility. We added these fairy lights to our test in 2022 and they survived one of the coldest winters in recent years in our test garden. In general, though, installing solar lights is a simple and easy process that can be done without the need for electrical wiring or special tools. Simply choose the right location and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and you can enjoy the benefits of solar-powered outdoor lighting in no time.

When installing solar lights, you'll need to consider both where you need light during the night and where you receive direct sunlight during the day. "In general, the best places to install solar lights would be along pathways and for highlighting focal features—whether that be a structural plant in the landscape, a water feature, or a sculptural element," says Singleton. This article was written by Brittany VanDerBill, a freelance lifestyle and travel writer whose work has been published with several Dotdash Meredith brands. To find the best solar lights, she researched a variety of options like style, installation, lighting type, and more. She also consulted Sarah Jameson of Green Building Elements. For a simple spotlight, consider this set of two. Its three pieces are easy to assemble and can either be staked into the ground or mounted on a wall with the included screws. Once the light was fully charged, we moved it to a completely dark room and observed whether it turned on independently (for dusk-to-dawn lights only). We evaluated how bright each light was by attempting to read a book by the glow of its light. Solar lights can be as bright as traditional lights, but their brightness may vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the solar panel, the battery capacity, and the type of bulb installed.

These spotlights also stood out in our evaluations for their durability. With a weather-resistance rating of IP65, these solar lights sustained no damage after we poured water over them, dropped golf balls on them, and placed them in the freezer for one hour. Not all solar lights are suitable for coastal areas, as the salty air and high levels of humidity can cause damage to the light fixtures and reduce their lifespan. The corrosive effects of saltwater can cause rust and corrosion to metal parts, and the high levels of humidity can cause moisture to seep into the electrical components, leading to malfunctions or electrical shorts. We put 27 outdoor solar lights to the test in our testing lab in Des Moines, Iowa. Expert testers evaluated lights based on their quality, brightness levels, dusk-to-dawn sensors, and motion detection abilities, if relevant. We also put the lights through durability tests, placing them in the freezer, sprinkling them with water, and dropping a golf ball on them to see if they held up.

We appreciated that the light and the solar panel are located on one unit. The solar panel is less obvious. The light stood up quite well to our water and golf ball tests but flashed three times before turning off after we placed it in the freezer. With this in mind, we'd recommend bringing these lights indoors in winter if your location experiences freezing temperatures.If the solar light is not holding a charge or is not as bright as it used to be, the battery may need to be replaced. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the type of battery to use and how to replace it. We found the lights give off a soft, clear, pleasing light that makes them ideal for decorating a patio. The design is sleek and simple and quite similar to non-solar string lights. However, the strands of lights can't be connected to one another since each needs its own solar panel to charge. You can hang up multiple strings next to each other to give the appearance of them being connected, though.

Why You Should Get It: If you're looking for a durable spotlight that stands up to water and offers motion-sensing options, this is a smart choice. Solar powered lights are both simpler and safer to install as you'll have the freedom to put your lights wherever you want without the restraint of having to plug into a mains outlet. Solar lights can still work in indirect sunlight and on cloudy days, but they may not stay on as long. For best results, place your solar light in a location that gets several hours of direct sunlight each day. Why You Should Get It: These solar lights are perfect for those looking for a soft, ambient outdoor lighting option. They're also available in seven colors.One of the most unique features is the numerous modes, including sequential, waves, slow glow, slow fade, twinkle, and steady on, so you can switch things up from time to time or play around with them to determine which you like best. The Brightown LED Solar Powered Fairy Lights come in a set of two and are available in multiple sizes (ranging in length from 33 to 198 feet) and colors (like warm white, bright green, and multicolor). We carefully evaluated each light on its setup process, features, overall design, brightness, durability, and overall value. We ranked each light in each of these categories on a scale of one to five and used these insights to compile this list of the best outdoor solar lights.

The lights have two modes. The first is a non-motion-sensing, lower brightness (about half power) that switches to a brighter light for 10 seconds when motion is detected. Once motion stops, the light dims itself. The second mode keeps the light off when there's no motion then switches to a bright light for 25 seconds when motion is detected. We didn't notice a big difference between dim light and bright light modes, however. Solar lights, compared to low voltage and line voltage outdoor lights, are safer and more DIY-friendly since there's little to no wiring required at all," says Sarah Jameson, marketing director of Green Building Elements. "In most cases, there is no need to bring in an electrician to install it." During testing, we subjected the lights to our water, freezer, and golf ball tests—and they passed all three. They turned on upon impact with the golf ball but turned off afterward and worked as usual. Overall, these are the best solar lights if you're looking for ambient patio lighting.

We observed that the lights worked well, even after a stay in the freezer. They withstood the impact of a golf ball and resisted water damage. With a rating of IPX7, these have an impressive ability to resist water. This rating is generally given to lights that are waterproof and can even be submerged in water for a short time. In general, the batteries in solar lights last between 1-2 years with continual use, and the LED bulbs can last more than 10 years, depending on the quality and usage. However, if the solar light is exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as excessive heat or cold, or if the battery is not maintained properly, the lifespan may be shortened. Aside from their motion sensor feature, we also love their versatility and streamlined design. You can stake them in the ground or mount them on a wall with the included hardware. The light and solar panel are on the same unit and can be pivoted up to 90 degrees vertically (180 degrees horizontally), so you can angle the light exactly where you want it to shine. Also, we found that these lights withstood our water and golf ball tests without sustaining damage. But when frozen, they strobed three times before turning off.