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From saving on electricity bills to contributing (even if just a little) to the better good of our environment, going solar is a no-brainer. This is especially true with simple appliances such as pathway lights, where solar energy really makes sense. Imagine getting much-needed illumination in your front yard without having to pay extra on your electric bill.
These lights activate and deactivate automatically so it’s just a matter of putting them in the ground where you need them and then sitting back and letting them do their work.
It can be tricky to pick the best solar pathway lights for your home because of so many brands and models available. Below you’ll find my curated list of the best in the market. Plus, I’ve put in a buying guide to help you pick the best product for your needs.
The Best Solar Pathway Lights for Your Garden - Reviews and Guide
Best Overall - Beau Jardin Solar Light
In my opinion, this is the best overall option for solar pathway lights.
The quality is excellent. The stakes are made of stainless steel and ABS plastic while the globes are made of glass. Because they’re glass, they give off a bright luminosity and better protection against the elements. It’s an added bonus that the glass globes throw off an especially beautiful snowflake pattern on the ground when illuminated.
Beau jardin light pattern
These need about 6-8 hours to charge and operate for between 8-12 hours which should see you through to sunrise. These lights also have an IP65 waterproof certificate which instills confidence that they’ll hold up against the elements.
Dimensions: 4.72 inches (D) 16.54 inches (H)
Pros
Cool white light and pretty snowflake pattern on the ground
Made of durable materials
IP65 waterproof-approved
One-year warranty
Cons
Stakes may be on the short side for some
Value For Money - Sunnest Solar Lights Outdoor
Most solar pathway lights are available in sets of six or eight whereas this one comes in at a generous 12 units for half the price of most pathway lights. If you’re budget-strapped, then the Sunnest lights should be on top of your list.
Sunnest light pattern
The LED lamps take only 4-6 hours for a full charge, which is faster than most other solar pathway lights. They can light up for 6-8 hours. This may not be all the lighting time I’d need on a regular night, but I feel it would work for the “prime time” hours.
Dimensions: 2 inches (D) 14 inches (H)
Pros
12 units per package
Amazing price
Quick charging time
When illuminated, they make a striking star pattern on the ground
One-year warranty
Cons
Short operating time
Best Aesthetic - Gigalumi Solar Pathway Lights
I’m quite impressed with the design of these, and therefore, consider them the best for seekers of attractive shapes and sturdy materials. Each unit is a premium product with durable materials and bronze metal finish. Plus, I also like how the lighting unit is encompassed by a real glass lens that brings out a cool lighting pattern.
While the other lights with modern designs are pretty, I lean towards these more in terms of aesthetic as they give off an elegant Old World or Harry Potter-ish feel.
Each unit also comes in a substantial size with the glass lens measuring 5.3 inches in diameter. The package contains six pieces, each with a battery life of up to 8 hours on a full charge.
Dimensions: 5.3 inches (D) 19 inches (H)
Pros
Beautiful shape and design
Emits a warm glow instead of a cool white light
IP44 waterproof
One-year warranty policy
Affordable price
Cons
Lack of brightness—may not be the best choice for practicality
Best Operating Time - Brightown Outdoor Solar Path Lights
The simple, clean, and modern design of these lights is pleasing. When lit, each unit casts a pool of light on the ground.
However, what’s striking about these Brightown solar lights are the charging and operating times. At 5–7 hours for charging, they’re one of the fastest-charging solar pathway lights out there. This full charge should give an operating time of 10–12 hours, which is significantly more than a lot of products can claim.
These impressive features don’t change the fact that the Brightown path lights are an economical option. Each order comes with 6 lights, each with high lumens, at a lower price tag than other brands.
Pros
Weather-resistant
Hard-wearing materials (ABS plastic)
Fast-charging and long-lasting
Broad light coverage
Cons
Stakes may not be tough enough for harder grounds
Best for Large Areas - Gigalumi 6851 Solar Landscape Lights
These solar pathway lights are ideal if you need to accommodate a larger space. This set contains six units, each providing 10 lumens for a warm white light.
It also has a strong solar battery that keeps your pathway lit for up to 10 hours (full charge).
I appreciate their attention to create an aesthetic shape with an elegant design and a bronze finish to make this feel like a premium product. The lighting unit is also covered with a tier ripple glass lens of high quality and clarity.
Gigumi light pattern
Dimensions: 5.3 inches (D) 19 inches (H)
Pros
Long operating hours (10+ hours) with 10 lumens
Weatherproof
Beautiful star pattern on the ground when lit
Real glass globes
Responsive customer support
Comes with 2 extra stakes
Cons
Instances of a handful of units flickering
Pricey
Best for Subtle Lighting - Kingmazi Solar Floor Lamp
These are sturdy floor lamps with high lumens and a big package. They’re very easy to install, quick to charge, and last for a decent amount of time. You only need to top up for 6–8 hours and they should serve you for 8–10 hours.
I personally feel floor lamps are for areas where you want the decorations to pop, or to highlight certain ornaments or flowers without overpowering them with a big path light. This is why I picked it as the best option for those seeking subtle lighting. It provides ample brightness while taking almost no space.
Dimensions: 4.5 inches (D) 5.1 inches (H)
Kingmazi sunken solar lights
Pros
IPX65 waterproof grade
Have a nice warm glow; with 8 LED lights
Easy to install without the need for any tools
Efficient charging and operating periods
One year warranty and free replacement
Cons
Not suitable for areas susceptible to standing water
How to Install Solar Pathway Lights
As they don’t require wiring up, solar pathway lights are best in situations where you’ve already finished up the electrical infrastructure. Additionally, they save power by charging up during daylight hours then lighting up in the night.
Here’s a short demo on installing the best solar pathway lights:
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Solar Pathway Light
Each solar pathway light has its own set of pros and cons. The question is, what kind of pros are most vital for you, and which cons can you live with?
Function
The first thing to consider about your solar pathway lights is how you intend to use them. Do you want them to flood an area with light, or will their purpose be accent lighting? This will affect your consideration of the lumens.
As a general guide, based on total units for your area, aim for 100 lumens for pathway lighting, and 100–300 lumens for landscape lighting.
Another point is how many lighting units you would prefer to be in the intended area. Do you wish to light up the space with six or 12 units? The design you have in mind can change your decision. Perhaps a product with a larger number of units would suit you the most rather than the one with the highest lumens.
Weather Conditions
Mother Nature can affect solar pathway lights in a number of ways, with the most important being sunlight. If you live in areas where it’s usually very overcast, then perhaps you’ll need solar lights with a larger solar panel, or one that requires less time to charge.
Additionally, you must also take note of how severe your weather can become. Areas with a lot of snow or heavy rain can be unbearable for less durable products.
Therefore, if you live in an area with harsh weather, you should consider solar pathway lights that are sturdier and offer superior water resistance.
Budget
This is an obvious one, but since pathway lights come in a wide range of prices, the balance is quite difficult to make. Factor in how many pathway lights you need to light up a particular area.
While it might be the case that you end up paying more for more luminous pathway lights. They might actually be more cost-effective.
You’ll also need to consider the fact that the less expensive ones may break quicker, so you may end up paying more in the long run. It’s not a general rule that more expensive is better, but remember not to be put off by the price as long as the product is worth it.
Design Preferences
Solar pathway lights come in all different shapes and colors, pick the one that best suits your style of decoration. Some even have special light patterns, which is something you may wish to check out before deciding on the pathway light for you.
Charging & Operational Time
Pathway lights offer different charging times and a range of operating hours. A general rule is a minimum of 6 hours after a full charge for proper pathway lights.
You should also consider how long your days and nights are throughout the year. Make sure your solar pathway lights will be getting enough sun time to remain operational till dawn.
Warranty and After Sales Service
The best solar pathway lights make claims of being sturdy and durable, but being outdoor equipment, these promises may not always pan out. Those products that come with a warranty would have an undoubtable edge.
You should also take note of after-sales service. If you need to use your warranty, you’ll want to trust that the manufacturers will be friendly and easy to deal with.
Final Thoughts - Our Top Pick
As I’ve said, choosing the best solar pathway light depends on your preferences and the conditions of your home and area.
However, after much deliberation, I believe that the best of the bunch is the Beau Jardin Solar Light. They charge relatively fast (6–8 hours), and illuminate for a lengthy period (8–12 hours).
In addition to these excellent features, the Beau Jardin Solar Light has an IP65 waterproof rating and durable materials with a mix of stainless steel, glass, and high-quality ABS plastic. Furthermore, it has that one-year warranty I’ve been telling you about, which makes it my top pick for an outdoor solar pathway light. They are the most expensive on the list but they’re worth it.
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