It is a well-known fact that solar lights are an eco-friendly way to illuminate your home and garden. But with so many options, it can be difficult to choose the right ones for you. This guide will help you narrow down the choices by providing buying tips on how to find the perfect solar light set for you.

Solar light sets are more expensive than regular outdoor lighting options, but they last longer because they don’t require electricity to power them. This means you won’t have to change out bulbs and batteries as often, which saves money on buying replacements or hiring an electrician.

How Do Solar Lights Work?

Solar lights gather energy from the sun and store it in a battery to illuminate your home or garden at night. Solar light sets include solar panels that capture sunlight, an inverter that converts electricity into direct current (DC) power for batteries inside the unit, and lighting fixtures with LED bulbs. A higher-quality solar panel will help provide a higher quality light.

What Should I Consider When Buying Solar Lights?

How Easy Is It For Me To Install?

Solar light sets come with a variety of installation features. There are kits that include everything you need for simple installs and step-by-step instructions for those who want to do it themselves.  

There is also an option to hire a professional solar installer. There are lots of places online where you can find the Best Outdoor Solar Lights for your needs. If DIY isn’t your strong suit, you can also buy from someone else who has already installed the system. Find one that comes with stakes so they can be securely placed in the ground without damaging your lawn.

The Position Of The Sun

The sunnier the location, the more energy your solar panels will collect and store during daylight hours to power your lights at night. Search for a place where you can install them that receives full sunlight throughout most of the day without shade from trees or buildings.

That said, while the amount of sun exposure will influence how much energy is stored, your lights do not have to be placed in direct sunlight. Solar lights will work without having a line of sight with the sun. This means you can install them in places where the solar panels don’t receive direct sunlight, like over your garage or on a covered porch.

How Many Hours Your Solar Light Will Be On At Night

Solar light sets come in all shapes and sizes, so you can choose how long your lights will be on. A solar light set’s battery life is dependent on the size of its solar panel and the wattage that each bulb uses to shine. The larger the solar panel, the longer they’ll last during night hours but buying a large system is a larger initial investment.

Do You Want A Dim Glow Or Bright Illumination?

Most of the solar light sets these days to offer both brightness settings, so you can choose how bright or dim your lights will be. If you want a gently lit area for an atmosphere of safety and security, opt for low-brightness lighting, while high brightness is ideal for illuminating larger spaces. Choose between LED bulbs or low voltage halogen bulbs for brightness and color temperature.

Additionally, figure out how many solar lights you need. If you don’t want to spend too much money on buying solar lights, it’s important to figure out how many panels are optimal for your space. You can purchase a smaller system and add more light fixtures if needed. However, buying larger systems means buying fewer units with higher wattages because the price will scale accordingly.  

How much do I have to spend?

Solar light sets range in price from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on the size and quality. As a rule, solar panels are initially more expensive than traditional lighting. They will save you more money over the long run, though, as they do not contribute to your electricity bill.

Do You Want To Automate Your Solar Lights?

Look out for fixtures that come with a built-in timer to turn off automatically after a certain amount of time has passed. If you have a solar light set that doesn’t come with these features, buying an external timer is the next best option.

Check For A Warranty Or Guarantee On The Product 

It is always good to be protected in the event that anything goes wrong. With solar lights, this protection comes from buying a product with one of these two options.

Check Your Accessories

Ensure that all of the parts are included with your purchase, including batteries and chargers if needed.

Solar lights can be a good option for homeowners who want to reduce their energy bills. If you consider using solar lamps,  consider factors such as the sun’s position and how much light you need. It will help determine which type of lamps work best for you.​