I was looking for an eco-friendly alternative to installing new lights in the garden when I found these fantastic solar post lights. Let me tell you all about them.
I love my garden - and if you have been following my posts, you might be aware of the time and effort I put into it. I recently used outdoor post lights to light up the corners of my beautiful garden after dusk. However, I started noticing an increase in energy costs, which I needed to cut down.
That's when I began researching some energy-efficient and cost-effective options for outdoor lighting. I came across an interesting article in one of my favorite gardening magazines discussing the benefits of solar products.
Well, I got to work immediately. I looked into some of the best solar post lights and finally picked five that were best suited for my garden. In this article, I will review them and help you find the right ones for your home.
So, let's begin!
Best Solar Post Lights
1. Davinci Flexfit Solar Post Lights
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My first recommendation and the product I decided to use in my garden is the Davinci Flexfit Solar Post Lights. By definition, these lights are solar-powered, so I was saved the hassle of setting up annoying electrical wiring and worrying about energy costs. Here are the things I liked the most about this product.
Product Highlights
For starters, I was looking for a small, lightweight, and compact post light that I could install in my garden without much fuss. Since I was keen on making this a DIY project, I was excited that this product has such an easy installation process.
I loved the matte black outer body design as it is less likely to attract dirt, stains, and marks. Moreover, it is also relatively easy to clean and maintain. Since I decided to place these lights in the garden, I was well aware of how frequently I would need to wipe them down to keep them looking new and clean.
Next, I was happy with the brightness level it provided at 25 lumens. I was not looking to install extremely bright lights and would rather have a soft, warm light exuding a beautiful glow in the garden. Fortunately, the brightness level and color on this product were perfect.
What's There To Like About It?
I have an unusual outdoor light setting in the garden - two 6 x 6 inch and two 4 x 4 inch wooden posts. Installing the lights was very straightforward and comfortable on both, thanks to the absence of wires and electricity.
Another brilliant aspect is its IP44 weatherproof construction, making it ideal for outdoor lighting. Made of industrial-grade plastic, it is quite durable and features a UV fade protection coating as well.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Overall, these solar post lights are ideal for my garden and exude a beautiful, warm light that lasts about 8 hours every night. However, if I had to nitpick, I would talk about one slight design flaw.
I noticed that water would often seep into the solar grids, which could be dangerous for the lights in the long run. To rectify this, I purchased a bottle of silicone and used a toothpick to seal the grids.
Pros and Cons of Davinci Flexfit Solar Post Lights
Pros
Cons
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2. Sunwind Solar Post Lights
After testing the previous product for a couple of weeks, I was satisfied with my purchase and decided to get another set for my driveway. This time, I opted for a set of four solar lights with battery backup in case of emergencies.
Product Highlights
To begin with, I appreciate the innovative design and body that add a classy, elegant appearance to my driveway. These solar post lights are equipped with a 400mAh battery, giving it extra backup if they are not fully charged by sunlight.
Of course, the battery backup does not last all night, but it is an excellent feature nonetheless.
Moving on, these post lights come with two wall plugs and a set of stainless steel screws. I found the installation process relatively straightforward and convenient. However, you may have to purchase some tools if you don't already have them at home.
They also come with an excellent IP44 weatherproof rating. Since I installed them in my driveway, I was slightly concerned about UV damage and pollution, but I noticed that they were easy to clean and maintain over months of prolonged use.
What's There To Like About It?
I loved how easy it was to twist and remove the top of the post light. This makes it very easy to clean since the solar panels need to be kept clean to absorb sunlight efficiently.
Moreover, I liked the unique curving square design with rounded patterns on its surface. This, along with the internal reflector and LED lights, gives a beautiful and appealing amber glow to the driveway.
What's There Not To Like About It?
These post lights are designed to fit only 3.58" x 3.58" posts. However, since my wooden posts are 4 x 4 inches, the product wasn't a perfect fit and looked slightly awkward.
I would recommend measuring your wooden posts before buying these lights for your home. That being said, it can be relatively challenging to find 3.58" x 3.58" posts in most homes, so you might be left with a slightly awkward fitting product if you get this.
Pros and Cons of Sunwind Solar Post Lights
Pros
Cons
- Application: These Solar Cap Post Lights will Fit 4X4 5X5 base within dimension 5.15" x 5.15" Posts. They give off amber light, which shines from the combination of the LED light and an internal reflector. Perfect for anywhere that with wooden piles or fence.
- EASY DIY INSTALL: Included 2x wall plugs and stainless steel screws go horizontal through the base of the fixture and into the post. One warm white 5 lumens led and 1x 1.2v AA Ni-MH 400mAh battery are included in each lamp. Dimensions: 5.63” (L) x 5.63" (W) x 4” (H).
- Energy Saving & Convenient--No need any electricity. The outdoor post deck lights charged by sunlight for 8 to 10 hours can provide 6 to 8 hours illumination, realizing energy saving. And once they're in use, no need any operation anymore, they can automatically light up at night and turn off at dawn.
3. SunnyPark Solar Post Lights
Moving on to my next recommendation, I want to talk about the SunnyPark Solar Post Lights. I came across another fantastic find while browsing through online forums talking about the best solar post lights. I decided to install them in my entryway since the 'crystal ball' aesthetic looked excellent against my dark-colored door frames.
Product Highlights
Since I had already installed a couple of warm and amber lights, I was looking for a cooler shade this time. That is when I came across the SunnyPark Solar Post Lights. Several aspects attracted me to this product, so let me tell you about them one by one.
Firstly, I love the 'crystal ball' appearance that is both mystical and elegant in almost any setting. It looked particularly appealing in my entryway against the dark door frames, so that's where I installed them.
Secondly, the solar panels continually recharge the product's internal batteries, giving added battery backup in case of emergencies. Moreover, they are relatively easy to install but require a power tool for drilling holes. This can be slightly inconvenient for some users, but it also gives it strength and a more secure base.
Lastly, these lights can run for about 10 hours per night after a complete recharge and turn off automatically at dawn.
What's There To Like About It?
To be honest, I love its aesthetics since it looks relatively unique compared to other products. I also like how long-lasting it is, giving me about 10 hours of run-time on a full charge.
Although there are other color options, I chose the cool light as I thought it looked slightly different compared to my other lights. Moreover, they are just a tad brighter compared to warm-toned lights, in my experience.
What's There Not To Like About It?
I had to fish around a bit to find the power tools required to drill its base into the posts. Fortunately, I found my husband's toolbox and was able to complete the installation on my own. However, I do think that this might be slightly cumbersome for many users who would prefer a more straightforward installation process.
Pros and Cons of SunnyPark Solar Post Lights
Pros
Cons
- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: 10 pcs copper wire LEDs in each post cap light with an appealing crackle glass design, it makes your home stand apart. All the post lights are made by high efficient solar panels and high quality crystal glass.
- POWER SOURCE: This Solar Post lights work by using a solar panel to generate energy from sunlight, converting it into an electrical current which charges internal rechargeable batteries. These batteries then power the solar post cap lights.
- DIMENSION: 4.17" L x 4.17" W x 5.1" H good for 4x4 post caps or smaller.
4. Greluna Solar Post Lights
I was delighted with my previous purchases, but I had a couple of spots left to install new lights, like my garage and patio. Since I have a relatively small patio, I opted for the Greluna Solar Post Lights that came in a set of two. I was immediately attracted to its traditional aesthetics and installed it on the posts.
Product Highlights
These solar lights are perfect for 3.8 x 3.8 inch posts. Since the ones on my patio measure 4 inches each, this product was a near-perfect fit.
With a brightness level of 15 lumens, these LED lights are an ideal outdoor lighting option. Moreover, their traditional 'lamp' design gives an 'old school' look to my patio, which I was very pleased with.
These solar post lights have an excellent battery backup. The replaceable AA batteries charge during the day and offer about six to eight hours of run-time during the night. Furthermore, they have a 600mAh lithium battery, which offers 3.2V of energy.
Moving on, there is an 'on' switch located at the base of the lights, which allows you to turn it on or off at your convenience. Although they don't have an IP rating, I noticed that they are reasonably waterproof and weatherproof in mild conditions.
What's There To Like About It?
My favorite part about these lights is their traditional, classic design, which gives an elegant appeal to my patio. Moreover, they exude a beautiful, bright, cool light, which is perfect for lighting up the deck without being too overpowering or underwhelming.
With an excellent battery backup of 600mAh, these solar lights give about eight hours of run-time on a full charge, which is excellent. Furthermore, the absence of wires makes it an ideal choice for my requirements.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Overall, these lights are a good choice for most homeowners. However, I must mention that they might not fit posts larger than 4 inches and are too small for 5-inch posts.
Also, I noticed that these lights do not have an IP rating, which some users might not like. Its plastic body is prone to attracting dust and dirt; however, regular wipe downs with a clean cloth can help you maintain them.
Pros and Cons of Greluna Solar Post Lights
Pros
Cons
- ☀【 NEW VERSION】Upgraded Solar LED Lights made of hight quality plastic and bright with 15 LUMEN LED especially suitable for home outdoor safety/ convenience. This Solar Lights outdoor set is great fit for solar lamp post lights 3.8x3.8 or above
- ☀【 EASY TO INSTALL 】 This Solar Light Post are no wiring required, as long as you install it to place where you want - very easy to install/reinstall and provide a calming atmosphere at night. And as external wires are eliminated, the risk of accidents are minimized
- ☀【 ENERGY SAVING】These Garden Lights outdoor are powered by a solar charged AA battery (You can replaceable it). And fully recharges the battery, it can keep lighting your walkway or patio for 6-8 hours at night, completely save your electricity bill
5. Siedinlar Solar Post Lights
And now, for my final recommendation, I have handpicked the Siedinlar Solar Post Lights. I decided to install these just outside my garage to add some brightness and aesthetics to the surrounding area. Although these lights come in two colors, I opted for the black ones to match them with the rest of my solar post lights.
Product Highlights
One of my favorite aspects of this product is the option to choose between two color modes - warm and cool. A switch at the base of the lights allows you to change between the two modes easily. Honestly, I enjoy experimenting between the modes depending on my mood for the night.
Next up, this product is compatible with posts measuring 3.5 to 6 inches, giving me immense freedom of installation. Its versatile design looks aesthetic and has a perfect fit in various styles of posts, allowing you to install them in almost any outdoor setting you wish to.
Made of sturdy ABS plastic, this product is long-lasting under most conditions. Moreover, its IP44 waterproof and weather-resistant construction allows you to install it in any spot outdoors without worrying much about wind, sun damage, rain, or snow.
Lastly, these solar lights run a complete charge cycle within six to eight hours in direct sunlight. After this, they have a run-time of ten to twelve hours, which is excellent.
What's There To Like About It?
This is one of the few solar lights I came across that had two color modes, making it one of my favorite products so far. Furthermore, installation is relatively straightforward since the manufacturer provides all the hardware.
Also, I appreciate the long battery backup of these lights, giving me around twelve hours of run-time with a complete charge cycle.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Although I appreciate that the manufacturer provides all the hardware and installation tools, there is no manual or instruction leaflet. It took me a while to figure out how to install the mounting screws. However, this may not be the case with every user.
Pros and Cons of Siedinlar Solar Post Lights
Pros
Cons
- [2 Light Modes] Siedinlar solar post cap lights feature two lighting modes: Warm White (3000K) and Cool White (6000K). Equipped with 4 bright LEDs and a high-efficiency cone reflector, each light delivers 15 lumens of balanced illumination for decks, fences, gates, and railings.
- [Fits 4x4, 5x5 & 6x6 Wood or Vinyl Posts] Designed for standard post sizes including 4x4 (3.5" x 3.5"), 5x5 (4.5" x 4.5"), and 6x6 (5.5" x 5.5") wooden posts, as well as vinyl posts. Includes 3 interchangeable base adapters to ensure a secure and stable fit.
- [Efficient Solar Powered] Built with an improved solar panel and a 1.2V Ni-MH 1000mAh rechargeable AA battery. After 6 hours of sunlight charging, the solar deck post light can provide up to 24 hours of nighttime illumination depending on season and weather conditions.
Buyers Guide
Although I have made a list of my top five recommendations, you may be wondering how I narrowed down these choices. Well, for starters, I had a precise checklist in my mind about what I was looking for in these solar post lights.
Let’s face it; it always helps to know exactly what you are looking for. However, if you don't have a checklist yet, don't worry, I would love to share mine with you!
Consider these essential factors when picking the best solar post lights for your home.
1. The Size Of The Base
One of the first things you must consider (which most people tend to forget) is the base of your solar lights. Typically, these lights are designed to fit posts measuring 4 x 4 inches, 5 x 5 inches, or 6 x 6 inches. While you may come across a few universally compatible products, most of them are not.
Make sure to check the measurements so you get a product that has a perfect fit. Or else, you may pick an otherwise excellent light that has an awkward fit on your posts, giving it an unnatural look.
2. The Design Of The Lights
In my opinion, the design of the solar lights matters greatly. As you may have noticed, I narrowed down a few interesting choices. I especially loved the old fashioned retro lamp and the crystal ball design, which you can refer to in my list of recommendations.
When opting for an ideal outdoor solar post light, it is best to pick a design complementary to your outdoor décor. If you have opted for a contemporary, modern appeal for your garden or patio, it is best to opt for modern-looking solar post lights with sleek, sharp edges.
However, if you have gone with a vintage or old school appeal, you may opt for lights with retro designs. Of course, you may also make a bold statement by opting for a product with a contrasting appeal. This is entirely your personal preference.
3. Waterproof & Weather-Resistant Construction
Since solar lights work best when installed outdoors, you should be prepared to clean and maintain them regularly. Keeping them outdoors means that they are prone to attracting dust, dirt, pollution, bird droppings, and suffering from UV damage.
That’s why it is best to opt for a product that comes with a suitable IP rating. In my opinion, you should look for solar lights with an IP rating of 44 and above. These are typically made of durable, long-lasting materials that are waterproof, weather-resistant, and resistant to UV damage and fading.
That being said, it is essential to clean and wipe down the lights and solar panels regularly. Any dirt, dust, twigs, or bird droppings on the solar panels can reduce their efficiency, not allowing them to charge correctly throughout the day. This, in turn, will cause them to have a shorter run-time after dusk.
4. Budget
I always mention that it is vital to consider your budget when you plan on purchasing a new product. Fortunately, I found several budget options as well as more expensive ones on the market that were best suited for my needs.
I recommend having a budget in mind before you decide to purchase your new solar post lights. In this guide, I have listed products that are ideal for budget buyers as well as for those who may be willing to spend a little more on higher quality products.
I recommend going through the list closely and reading about the pros and cons before deciding on the best product for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, solar panels take about six to eight hours to charge completely. These lights will give you about eight to twelve hours of run-time per night on a full charge cycle. However, keep in mind that this duration might vary depending on the weather conditions and battery capacity.
You can place your solar post lights in any spot outdoors where it can receive at least six hours of uninterrupted, direct sunlight per day.
I would recommend cleaning the solar panels at least once a week. However, if you notice any issues with charging or run-time, you should clean the panels immediately to resolve the issue.
Our Final Recommendation
And with that, it’s a wrap! I hope you enjoyed going through my guide, and it helped you find the best solar post lights.
Before I take your leave, let me tell you about a few of my favorites from the list. Overall, the best solar post lights for most people would be the No products found.. However, those looking for different color mode options might prefer the Siedinlar Solar Post Lights.
I also liked the SunnyPark Solar Post Lights because of their appearance and design. You may choose the best product according to your specifications and preferences.
Take care!