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We became solar light experts, if we do say so ourselves.
The Spruce
We also conducted some at-home testing across the country.
Another consideration is where you place your lights.
Some are staked into the ground, while others are mounted or hung on the side of your home.
PHOTO: The Spruce
Thesespotlights can detect motionfrom as much as 33 feet away, depending on the setting.
We love how this gives you options to suit your lighting needs and is simple to use.
We were impressed at how well these solar pathway lights held up during our durability tests.
We dropped golf balls on the AloftSun Solar Motion Sensor Lights and they still worked perfectly.PHOTO: The Spruce
We sprinkled water on them and froze them for over an hour.
After each test, the lights still worked just as well as before!
Once dusk falls, the light will turn on automatically and shut off when the sun rises.
When fully charged, it is designed to run for eight hours.
While very basic, we were surprised at the lack of directions included with this light.
At 55 lumens, this light is relatively bright and works well as landscape lighting.
However, we think a set of these lights would work even better at illuminating your yard.
The light still works perfectly through wind, rain, and intense sun.
It was even accidentally bumped by alawn mower, yet it suffered zero damage.
In fact, we think they are versatile enough to leave up all year!
This set from Brightech is 27 feet long, with no electricity required.
Also, these did not stay lit as long as the others we tested (6 hours total).
PHOTO: The Spruce
If you are mostly using them for decor or entertaining purposes, this shouldnt be an issue.
And although you cant connect multiple strands together (as we hoped!
), there is a 48-foot strand available if you have the space.
We love the large and adjustable solar panel on top of this light, so you can aim it at the sun.PHOTO: The Spruce
Just note that they are not a great option if you want to add bright light outdoors.
Be sure to place the solar light panels where they can receive light, which may limit placement options.
We tested both installation methods.
We found the light in both tweaks easy to put together with just two pieces.
While using the mounting base, however, we found it a bit top-heavy.
Despite the ripple glass, the light shines so brightly that we could even read around it while testing.
While it’s certainly still bright, this light isn’t bright enough to be asecurity spotlight.
In our real-world testing, we also haven’t noticed any issues with the light being damaged by storms.
Batteries in outdoor solar lights last 3 to 4 years before needing replacement.
Some manufacturers sell replacement batteries, while others require an entirely new fixture.
you might help increase the life span by cleaning the panels regularly and protecting them from harsh winter weather.
We tested both of the Linkind StarRay LED Solar Motion Sensor Landscape Spotlights' modes to suit your needs.
Aside from their motion sensor feature, we also love their versatility and streamlined design.
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.
We recommend it either for landscape lighting or for lighting pathways and security.
Once the brackets were installed, hanging the lantern on the hook only took seconds.
We did note after rainy and windy weather (although not extreme), the lantern never blew off.
When on, the lantern will go on and off automatically (dusk until dawn).
We also love the look of the lights, adding a modern flair to your front or backyard.
Even during the fall and approaching the winter, they still stay illuminated through the night.
They come in packs of four, six, or eight.
We were especially impressed with these lights' durability.
Through strong winds, rain, snow, and bright sun.
they never tipped over or suffered any damage.
One thing we noticed after six months was that the solar panels developed a white film.
While we couldn’t remove this, it didn’t affect how the lights function.
Plus, with motion sensor capabilities, they add extra security to your front or backyard.
However, we like the easy and intuitive controls.
We also love the Edison bulbs in these wall-mounted lanterns, which add extra elegance to your front porch.
Luckily, they survived big storms with heavy winds and rain without a scratch.
The lights are made of durable plastic, so we’re confident they can withstand outdoor elements without issue.
To turn the lantern on, use the switch at its base.
Still, this decorative lantern stood up beautifully to the elements.
Therefore, we love this lantern as a durable and attractive addition to your outdoor lighting setup.
Ease of assembly: We set up a timer and assembled each light according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
We noted if the instructions were easy to follow and if the hardware was included.
Solar Capability: After putting them together, we let all the lights charge in full sunlight.
Brightness: We attempted to read a book under each light to check out the brightness.
We then reviewed the recording, noting when each light turned on and off and any anomalies.
We also noted and tested any other features, including smart capabilities and other options.
If theyre designed to be wall-mounted, consider placing them up high, so theyre closer to the sun.
PHOTO: The Spruce
Your needs depend on your desired location and app.
During testing, we noted that not all products listed their lumen ratings on the package.
Why Trust The Spruce?
When bunched together, the Brightech Ambiance Pro Solar Non-Hanging String Lights, are bright enough to read a book under.PHOTO: The Spruce
Our Experts:
Getting The Most Out Of Solar Panels.
United States Department of Energy.
PHOTO: The Spruce
We wouldn’t use these as our sole outdoor lighting on dark nights, but we love the ambiance.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
With just two pieces, it was easy to assemble the Kemeco Solar Post Light on an existing pole in our yard.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
We loved the brightness of the Linkind StarRay Spotlight, even though every setting was similar.PHOTO: The Spruce
Even after rainy and windy weather, the Derynome Solar Lantern Outdoor Lights never blew off.PHOTO: The Spruce
We hung these lights in two spots in our front yard and loved the light they provided.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
When paired together, the Alfiot Solar Pathway Lights were bright enough to light our path.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
We appreciate the glow of the Cyhkee Solar Wall Lantern, but don’t think it’s bright enough on its own for safety purposes.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
We love the warm glow of the Lumabase Solar Lantern for ambiance but not bright lighting.PHOTO: The Spruce
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The Alfiot Solar Pathway Lights were a breeze to install- just stake them into the ground and press the on button.The Spruce
