Outdoor home lighting solar power generation

What are the best outdoor solar lights?

For an affordable lighting option that adds ambiance to your outdoor space, we recommend the 33-foot-long Brightown Outdoor Solar string lights. Available in seven colors (we tested white), these fairy lights survived all of our durability tests and were easy to install, with only two stakes needed for the solar panels.

How do solar outdoor lights work?

All solar outdoor lights draw power from the sun during daylight hours and store that power in a battery, or batteries, housed inside the lights. When the sun sets, the lights use that stored power to produce light. Some models come on automatically at dusk, and some can or must be turned on manually.

Are solar-powered outdoor lights a good idea?

Using solar-powered outdoor lights can set that glowing backyard ambiance in a more sustainable way, and eliminates the need for long, ugly cords or constant battery replacement. They're powered by solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity, which is then stored in an internal battery.

What are the different types of outdoor solar lights?

Outdoor solar lights fall into three general types based on their light output: motion-activated, dusk-to-dawn, and timer-controlled. Because of solar cell size and battery capacity, the gathered solar energy is a limited resource, so consider when you want the lights to shine and for how long.

Are solar lights a good option for outdoor space?

One great way to illuminate your outdoor space is with solar lights. "Solar lights, compared to low voltage and line voltage outdoor lights, are safer and more DIY-friendly since there's little to no wiring required at all," says Sarah Jameson, marketing director of Green Building Elements.

Are solar lights a good option for camping?

Others use solar lighting as a portable lighting option. "A lot of people who enjoy camping outdoors typically opt for solar-powered lanterns and bulbs as they are portable and self-sustaining for their power," Jameson says. Outdoor solar lights have a battery that can eventually be replaced if it stops working.