The Best Solar Outdoor Lights

Buying Guide

Outdoor lighting can do a lot for a house. Accent lights along the path to the front door can provide a subtle and safe welcome home, and the right string lights can turn any patio into a party. They can even be a literal lifesaver when used for home security.

But that comfort isn’t always free. We’ve all had a groan at our power bill the month after those outdoor holiday lights come down. Imagine that all year round, and you can see why outdoor lighting is considered a luxury — unless, of course, you get a good set of solar-powered lights.

If you don’t know anything about solar power, outdoor lights are a good place to start. This kind of lighting solution might cost a bit more upfront, but you’ll continue to save over the years. A good set will soak up the sun during the day, then use that energy to light up your exterior, without an extra penny on your own electricity bill.

Most solar light kits consist of the lights themselves and a photovoltaic panel. This PV panel should be placed and angled in such a way that it absorbs the maximum amount of sunlight, which is what will power the lights. If you live in a sunny part of the country, you can expect a full night’s worth of power (and then some) out of the power that PV panel generates during the day. If you’re in cloudy or rainy climates, you’ll want to invest in bigger or more advanced PV panels, though even the cloudiest days should produce a few hours of light with most modern solar rigs. A large nickel-cadmium battery can also mitigate some of this with its ability to store more power for a longer period of time.

The next thing to consider is what kind of lighting you’ll need outdoors. If you’re looking for walkway lighting, there’s not much need to worry about power. All you usually need is a dim glow in the first few hours of the night, and most any rig can handle that. Some walkway lights will even have the PV panel built right into the light itself, making installation a breeze. On the other hand, you want to make sure that the lights are durable and waterproof, since they will usually be placed low to the ground. One great feature that most walkway lights have is a timer that makes sure they only light up when the sun goes down, or a motion sensor that turns them on as needed.

Patio lighting will need to be a bit more powerful, and these kinds of lights usually come with a bigger PV panel to accommodate that. When in doubt, get a few more than you need.

Security lighting will need to be bright, first and foremost. You want something that a potential intruder won’t be able to ignore, so look for something that puts out at least 700 lumens, or 300 apiece if you’re using multiple lights. This usually won’t be sustained, all-night power, so most solar kits will be up to the task even if the weather hasn’t been cooperative.

No matter what you get, rest assured in knowing that you’re saving money in the long run. And thanks to the power you conserve, you’re helping the planet as well.

Because you won’t need to hook up your solar lights to your home electrical system, maintenance is relatively easy. Still, there are a few things you should check periodically to make sure your lights are operating at their full capacity.

• First and foremost, check your PV panel for dirt and grime every once in a while. If your lights aren’t getting power, the panel might be obstructed with pollen, leaves or other debris. A quick wipe can make a world of difference.
• Next, check your battery about once a year. While the sun can provide unlimited power, that doesn’t mean your battery can hold it forever. If it runs down, it can typically be recharged or a replacement can be ordered from the manufacturer.