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Advantages of installing solar path lights
Eco-friendly: During the day, solar powered LED path lights use a multi-layered crystalline silicone solar panel to transform direct sunlight into electrical energy through photovoltaic mechanism. This electrical energy is stored by a rechargeable battery and later used to produce LED (light-emitting diodes) light when the built-in intelligent sensors detect darkness, therefore substantially reducing the carbon footprint created by non-renewable sources of energy.
Energy-efficient: Since solar LED lights do not rely on electricity, they provide a cost-effective solution that lowers your utility bills. They also turn off the lights automatically during the day to conserve energy. The only additional cost would be the replacement of batteries after a while, but it is still minimal because they are rechargeable.
Varied designs: These lights are available in a variety of styles, sizes and light patterns to help you find the right solar garden path lights for your needs. They also differ in their brightness levels and their core functionality; some emit bright white lights for adequate illumination of large areas while other models designed for ambience produce soft white light with a subtle glow and attractive effects.
Low-maintenance: Solar lights have less operational costs than conventional lights because they use sunlight and rechargeable batteries with adequate capacity to power the lights for a few years before they need replacement. Just ensure that the solar panel is not blocked from sunlight by debris. Otherwise, the best outdoor solar path lights are made of sealed, weather-resistant material that keeps the lights clean and protects them from damage.
Continuous operation: As long as you charge the battery under direct sunlight, it conserves power and turns on the lights automatically to illuminate your space as soon as dusk sets in. It is a reliable power source where outages are a non-issue and there is no need to plug in or to wire cables.
Convenient installation: Solar lights can be installed anywhere where there is access to direct sunlight.
Affordable: In addition to being low maintenance, solar LED lights also have little initial cost. They are offered at different competitive prices and you can get a model with advanced features at less than 50 dollars.
Safer alternative: They eliminate the fire hazard risk posed by unsupervised candles, lamps and other indoor traditional lights.
Features to consider when choosing a solar path lights
Below is an in-depth analysis of the features that define the best solar powered path lights.
Design
The best rated solar path lights come in different types with diverse shapes and styles to suit a wide range of individual preferences.
Their design may play a role in optimizing their performance and output.
Solar landscape lights such as sidewalk and garden lights feature frosted covers, flickering flames, amber-colored accents, cutouts, and patterns that diffuse light and cast aesthetic shadows and effects on the ground. They are not as bright as security lights because they produce low-key soft white colors with a mild glow for ambient lighting. Examples include TomCare Solar Lights with lifelike flickering flames and Azirier Solar Lights’ starburst pattern.
Lights designed to illuminate porches and pathways for security purposes flood the outdoor space with a vibrant bright white light. They excel at clarity and light reflection. GIGALUMI Solar Pathway Lights features clear tier ripple glass globe that produces 10 lumens of light. Security lights may also come with motion sensors that switch the lights on immediately upon detecting movement.
Runtime after the recommended charging time
You should take the runtime into account before making a purchase to confirm that your intended solar powered LED path lights can operate continuously throughout the night, or as required.
Manufacturers indicate the time it takes to charge the battery fully in direct sunlight and the subsequent working time before the charge runs out. This information is found in the specifications or the seller’s website. For instance, Homeimpro Garden Solar Lights take 8 hours of charging in direct sunlight to gain up to 6 hours of nighttime operation. On the other hand, Beau Jardin Solar Lights last for up to 12 hours after 8 hours of sun exposure, making the best quality solar path lights for nightlong use.
Remember that charging time may be influenced by the current weather and the level of sun exposure. This is why it is advisable to install the lights where there is no shade or obstruction to the sun by other buildings. Position the lights where there is optimal sun exposure for effective charging and maximum output.
Apart from the level of sun exposure, runtime is also affected by the capacity of the battery. A high-capacity rechargeable battery would extend the time of operation.
Brightness (Lumens)
The brightness of a particular is measured and expressed in lumens. Brighter lights have higher number of lumens.
The best outdoor solar path lights should have adequate brightness for clear visibility, especially if they are security lights. You should be able to see where you are walking or driving along the driveway. GIGALUMI Solar Pathway Lights which generates bright white light is rated 10 lumens while our pick for the best solar garden path lights, GardenBliss Solar Lights, has brightness rating of only 2.4 lumens for a subtle amber foliage glow and a cozy atmosphere.
As you can see, the level of brightness would be dictated by your intended purpose.
Materials used
Outdoor solar path lights are made of durable and weatherproof material that can hold up to natural elements. Depending on the waterproof rating, some lights with IP65 rating like Beau Jardin Solar Lights can withstand low-pressure water jets while others have sealed components for maximum protection.
The construction material includes ABS plastic, glass and metals like aluminum and stainless steel.
ABS plastic is the most common material found in solar garden path lights. It is a form of hard plastic used to make stakes that are driven into the ground.
Stainless steel is used for the exterior because it is sturdy and resistant to rust. It is often treated with a finish to protect the surface and extend its longevity.
Globes are made from glass which could either be clear for optimal reflection of light or frosted to diffuse light and create hues and other light effects.
Height
Look for solar powered LED path lights with height adjustment capability and extenders so you can customize the shaft to your yard or garden.
Quantity in the pack
Depending on the brand and model, you may get a single light fixture or a pack of several lights that you can combine to brighten up your sidewalk and create exquisite patterned effects that transform your space. A pack with several lights offers you more options for installation and they cost much less than buying each of the lights individually.
If they are easy to install
Some models are mountable on the wall or fence but the outdoor solar path lights we have featured come with stakes that are installed into the ground. They include all the necessary tools for quick assembly. Since majority of the stakes are made from plastic, we recommend moistening hard ground or digging the hole beforehand to reduce the chance of them breaking. Remember to turn on the switch and to check the panel of the solar powered LED path lights once in a while for any blockage from sunlight.
Extra features
Auto on/off: This function monitors for surrounding ambient light to determine whether to switch on the solar LED lights. The best rated solar path lights come with built-in sensors that turn on the lights automatically when it starts getting dark and turn them off at dawn to recharge and conserve the battery. For this reason, the lights may not work if there are other adjacent light sources. Some sensors can detect movement and switch on the lights immediately.
Color temperature: The higher the color temperature, the cooler the color of the emitted light. Consider a lower rating if you want yellow and orange tints.