Choosing Outdoor Waterproof Solar Lights

For ambient lighting that isn’t harsh on the eyes we love the URPOWER lantern-style solar lights. They’re easy to set up (no installation required) and come with multiple modes.

They’re also kinder to wildlife than mains-powered lights, emitting a dimmer glow that’s less likely to disturb nocturnal animals. Many solar lights have varying brightness modes, so look for that feature if you’ll use them for a variety of purposes.

IP Rating

An important factor to consider when selecting solar lighting is its IP rating. In simple terms, an item’s IP rating tells you how well it will withstand different environmental conditions and weather elements. The first digit of the IP rating measures the equipment’s resistance to solid objects like dust, while the second digit relates to how much protection it has against liquids such as rain or cleaning solutions.

A good solar light will have a first digit of at least 6, which means that it is completely dust-resistant, meaning that it will not outdoor waterproof solar lights allow any dust particles to enter. The second number will vary between zero and nine, with the higher the number, the more protected the equipment is against water.

If you want to use solar lights around a garden, patio, or deck, look for a model with an IP67 rating. This will ensure that the device can be partially submerged in water (up to 3 feet for 30 minutes) without risking damage. If you need underwater solar lighting, you will need a device with an IP68 rating that is designed to be permanently submerged in water.

Unlike mains-powered lights, which can disturb nocturnal wildlife, solar LED lighting usually emits a dimmer glow that is more likely to leave nocturnal creatures undisturbed. In addition, some models of solar lights may come with a variety of brightness settings so that you can tailor the lighting to your specific needs.

Special Features

Depending on how you plan to use your outdoor solar lights, you may want to consider additional features. For example, if you want your solar light to act as a security feature, a motion-sensing design might be best. Alternatively, if you plan to set up multiple lights and want the flexibility of controlling their working times, a timer-controlled model might be more useful.

There are also options for adding a decorative touch, such as lights housed in lanterns that can be hung up and stood free on a table or patio. Some models come with a crackled-glass look that can add a charming aesthetic to your garden.

Other special features include options for lighting up steps or illuminating paths with LED bulbs spiked into the ground, designed to illuminate pathways and flower beds. You can also find solar lights that sit on fence posts and are ideal for lighting up a perimeter or creating an inviting spot to relax after dark.

Almost completely pre-assembled these stainless steel post lights come with the spike already attached, so all Outdoor Waterproof Solar Light Manufacturer you need to do is twist them into place and peel off the plastic sticker protecting the solar panel. They turn on automatically at dusk and have an on/off switch as well as a power-saving mode that doubles their running time. Another plus is that they emit a soft glow, which means they won’t disturb bugs or bats and are much kinder to wildlife than mains-powered lighting.

Installation

Using solar powered lights is a great way to save on energy costs and create a stunning outdoor space that will last for many years to come. However, just like any other electrical fixtures and appliances, they require a bit of care and maintenance to perform at their best.

The first step is to determine how and when you want the solar landscape lights to light up. Do you need them to provide full-strength lighting for security and display purposes or do you want the lights to provide softer ambient lighting? This will help you choose a model with sufficient battery capacity, solar panel strength, and light output.

You should also consider where you will install the lights. It is important to ensure that the area gets plenty of sunlight so that the solar panel can charge the batteries and power the lights at night. If you have plants, statues or other features that obstruct the sun from reaching the area, you should move them before you install the solar lights.

It is also a good idea to soak the ground where you are planning to put the solar lights a few hours before you plan on installing them. This will soften the ground so that you can push the stake into it easily without risking it breaking.

Maintenance

Solar lights use a small solar panel to collect sunlight during the day, which is thenZ used to charge a rechargeable battery inside the light. The battery then provides power for the light at night. The lights typically have a sensor that reacts to darkness, and the light turns on automatically.

Waterproofing protects the solar panels from water damage. But the lights still require some maintenance to keep them working well.

The solar panels must be kept clean to allow the batteries to absorb maximum sunlight. If they are covered with dust or debris, the batteries cannot fully charge during the day, and the lights may not turn on at night.

A simple cleaning with a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap can help. Soak the cloth in water and squeeze it out before using it to wipe down the solar panel, taking special care not to damage the delicate surface. Once the panels are dry, wipe them again with a clean cloth to remove any residual soap.

Solar lights that are exposed to a lot of rain may require some regular maintenance. They should be brought indoors during severe storms, and the solar panels should be rinsed off with clean water to make sure they are completely dry. The wires should also be checked for any signs of rust or corrosion, and they should be cleaned if necessary.