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The bulbs don’t need electricitythey are powered by sunlight absorbed through the attached solar panels.
The Spruce
Solar lights' brightness is measured in lumens.
While all solar lights are volatile, we found these options to be the most reliable.
The durable plastic casing protects these lights from all weather conditions.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
During testing, they stayed illuminated for a full eight hours.
Simply designed, each light in this set has a power switch and two different brightness prefs.
We found they held up during our durability tests.
The Urpower Outdoor Solar Lights easily stake into the ground but you can also mount them.PHOTO: The Spruce
When installing each light, dig a shallow hole for the stake to prevent breakage.
Also, since they are small and low to the ground, avoid stepping on them once installed.
Despite these few drawbacks, we think these are a great low-profile choice.
The aluminum stakes also prevent breakage during installation.
While testing in our lab, these lights easily passed our rain and hail tests.
These solar lights come in a set of two, making them an investment to line a full pathway.
Despite the limited quantity, these solar lights are a reliable, quality pick.
We must note these weren’t the brightest lights we tested.
We plan to continue to use these lights daily through the winter.
If so, you might be interested in the Lerekam Solar Spot Lights.
Setting up the lights was also a breeze.
Keep in mind, however, that these lights are not motion-censored like ourbest set.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Instead, they switch on around nightfall, providing a continuous supply of light all night.
We liked that they have held up to several storms without any issues.
Solar lights dont absorb sunlight if the solar panel is dirty or covered with ice or snow.
When we dropped a golf ball on the Rayolon Solar Ground Lights, they still worked perfectly.PHOTO: The Spruce
Kunkle recommends checking the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning them.
Keep in mind that low-profile lights need more frequent checking.
The charge should last for up to 8 hours.
Two brightness prefs offer up to 200 lumens each, enough brightness to see the details of your yard.
you’ve got the option to switch between a bright spotlight and a dimmer pathway light.
We noted any hiccups we encountered along the way and how quick and easy the entire process was.
Brightness:To test the brightness in the lab, we attempted to read a book under the light.
After those tests, we noted any changes in appearance and checked to double-check the lights were working properly.
Effectiveness:We tested all of these lights overnight, evaluating how long they lasted when fully charged.
In the lab, we set up a camera to record the lights overnight.
Long-Term Testing:Many of these options were tested in our backyards for up to six months.
We evaluated how these products performed over time after being exposed to the elements.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
They can also be broken if stepped on.
A lower brightness, such as 5 lumens, is enough to make out your landscaping.
To see more details and colors in the evening, select a higher-lumen product.
The aluminum stakes on the Frontgate Solar Path Lights ensure they won’t break during installation.PHOTO: The Spruce
Some solar lights will feature adjustable light parameters, including a power switch and low- or high-brightness levels.
For best results, we always recommend fully charging your lights before installing them.
When you’re first setting up your solar pathway lights, a longer initial exposure may be required.
Our best overall pick, theUrpower Outdoor Solar Lights, stayed lit for a full eight hours overnight.
They also continued to work beautifully after months in the elements.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Other outdoor lighting stories by Fields includeoutdoor string lights,outdoor Christmas lights, andlandscape lighting.
Our Experts:
Ingress Protection (IP) Rating,International Electrotechnical Commission.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Daniela Galvez
You can extend these lights up to 7 extra inches to get the brightness and look of your choice.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dave DeCarlo
The Lerekam Solar Spotlights feature solar panels that provide impressive brightness.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: Home Depot
PHOTO: Amazon
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Choose a set like the Alfiot Solar Pathway Lights when lighting a long path.The Spruce
