According to lighting Africa, an innovation of the World Bank, solar heat lamps have proved beneficial for hatchlings, kids, calves, and other newborn or young animals. It is important to provide them with sufficient heat, especially in the colder seasons.
Solar heat lamps come with solar panels which harness energy from the sun during the day through photovoltaic technology. This energy is then converted into electric energy which then provides warmth and light in a bulb.
One of the benefits associated with solar gadgets as sited by The United Nations Foundation, is their multi-functionalism. A solar heat lamp can be used for both light and heat, and this helps you save up on electricity costs and installation expenses for two separate functions.
One of the most important factors to consider, when purchasing solar heat lamps, according to SolarSena,a top solar engineer, is the size of the enclosure you have and the number of animals in the same. Another important thing to consider is the price of the solar heater lamp, especially because they come at different price points.
To determine the best solar heat lamp in the current market, we tested 19 samples over a period of 10 days. Each lamp was allowed to run in a chicken coop for 96 hours, and within this period, we identified each lamp’s features, advantages, disadvantages, efficiency, longevity, and battery capacity. Our findings are documented below.
Best for Indoor and Outdoor use: Aqonsie Outdoor Solar Pendant Light
Things we liked;
✓ 4 lighting modes
✓ It is warm and bright
✓ Comes with remote control
✓ Efficient energy conversion
Things we did not like;
✘ The cable is too short for larger spaces
The Aqonsie solar heat lamp is designed and built to handle both indoors and outdoors. At its brightest, it can light your spaces amply. Since it comes with different levels of warmth, it offers the versatility to regulate the amount of light, according to personal preferences.
When we installed it indoors, its 4 lighting modes worked exceptionally, and we could adjust the light to cover our chicken coop well.
Additionally, it is a portable device that is easy to carry around and install. It is also a highly efficient gadget to use in cloudy weather.
The intensity of heat increases when the brightness level is increased. In contrast, the intensity of heat decreases when the brightness level is decreased. This makes it possible to control the temperatures while using. The main drawback is that the cable with which it comes with is a little shorter. You might need to improvise to increase the cable length.
Best for Longevity: LOTOFIT Solar Outdoor Pendant Light
Things we liked;
✓ The lamp is weather resistant
✓ Lasts up to 40 hours on a single charge
✓ 4 brightness levels and 3 color changes
✓ Comes with remote control
✓ Can be charged using a USB
What we did not like;
✘ The provided cable could be longer
When we tested this lamp in the chicken coup, it lasted for 10 hours. However, this lamp has the potential to last for 40 hours, depending on how much charge it gets throughout the day and the level of brightness used.
The lampshade of the LOTOFIT is made from stainless steel, which translates to longevity, even in extreme weather.
Another reason why the LOTOFIT solar heat lamp wins, is that it is an excellent source of light and heat, and has a delightful warmth to it. It is one of the few lamps in this review that has a stylish design that stands out as an outdoor and indoor home decor.
The main drawback to this solar heat lamp is that the cable is a little short, and outdoor installation can be a bit challenging.
Best for Smaller Spaces: Afoskce Solar Light Bulb for Outdoor Use
Things we liked;
✓ Comes as a twin pack
✓ Dual charging capability
✓ Very affordable
✓ Fast charging time
Things we did not like;
✘ Lasts only a short time
Even though there are several other models that perform better than this solar heater lamp twin pack, one of the reasons we picked this model is because it is great for smaller spaces. We installed it in our small gecko terrarium and it worked really well to provide both heat and light for the reptiles. Its size allows it to deliver just the right amount of warmth and light for the small animals without getting too intense.
To achieve a full charge, this solar heater lamp takes 6 hours. The bulbs can stay on for 3 to 4 hours depending on how much charge is available. Also, this solar heat lamps is very affordable.
The main downside to this lamp is that it lasts just a short time, with the bulb also not being waterproof and has to be installed in dry conditions.
Best Portable Solar Heater Lamp: KK.BOL Portable Solar LED Light Bulb
Things we liked;
✓ It is versatile
✓ Lightweight and easily portable
✓ Multiple charging capacity
✓ Highly efficient solar panel
✓ It is affordable
Things we did not like;
✘ The battery does not last
When we tested this solar heat lamp, one of the things that stood out the most is how light and portable it is. We could bring it camping without feeling its weight or bulk. Since it can easily fit into luggage bags, you do not have to worry about packing fewer essentials to accommodate it.
The solar panel is a considerably efficient gadget that harnesses light fast and charges up the batteries with which it comes. For this reason, the small 7W solar heat lamp can stay on for an average period of 5 hours which, even though not the best, is quite good, considering its size.
Apart from using it as a solar heater lamp, it can be used as a source of light in a small barn, kitchen, and gecko terrarium. With a brightness level of 10 lumens, it produces enough light, and can also be used to produce warmth in the kitchen. The main downside to this solar heat lamp is that it has a short run time, and in some occasions, it can go for a measly 2.5 hours, especially with cloudy weather and low sunlight.
Best Weatherproof Heater Lamp: JACKYLED Solar Shed Lights for Indoor and Outdoor Use
Things we liked;
✓ Efficient and powerful solar panel for fast charging
✓ Weatherproof – Can withstand rains and extreme sun
✓ Large capacity battery
✓ Comes as a set of two
✓ Can be used in multiple environments
Things we did not like;
✘ It is an expensive solar heat lamp
What stands out the most about JACKYLED lamps is their sturdiness. They can withstand heavy winds, and they are also great for dusty places. The bulbs are also waterproof when used in the rain.
One of the things you notice right after unpacking these twin solar heater lamps is that each of them is pretty large, and come with a beautiful stylistic design. The size plays a major role in how well it produces and distributes heat, and this is why it is suitable for large spaces such as living rooms and barns.
When used together, both solar heater lamps produce an incredible amount of brightness that can reach 260 lumens. The main downside to this solar heat lamp set is that it is quite expensive, but it does a pretty decent job in a chicken coop.
Best Intelligent Solar Heater Lamp: MOON-DE-AGE Outdoor Solar Pendant Light
Things we liked;
✓ Very stylish design
✓ Great for outdoor and indoor use
✓ Comes with remote control
✓ Adjustable brightness and color tones
Things we did not like;
✘ It could be brighter and warmer
When testing out this solar heater lamp, we were most impressed by its intelligent gadget that could control the output of the bulb based on how much charge was available. This means that it can produce steady and consistent light and heat no matter the time of day or weather.
Another feature that stands out is its large size and its adjustable color tones. The gadget also comes with a remote control which makes it easy to adjust and control the brightness and the color tones.
This solar heater lamp is made using strong metal that keeps water, extreme sun, and other elements at bay. Another impressive feature is that the solar panel is rotatable so that it can pick up sunlight from all directions.
The main downside to this solar heat lamp is that it is not bright enough, which makes it a better heat source as opposed to its lighting capabilities.
What to look for when buying Solar Heat Lamps
Size
The size determines how much space the lamp will cover. For large spaces like living rooms, large solar heat lamps are ideal. For a chicken coop, or terrarium, smaller lamps are the most suitable.
Solar Panel Type
When compared to monocrystalline panels, thin film panels are cheaper, but they are not as efficient, making it important to pick the most ideal type for you.
Weatherproofing
Solar heat lamps are almost always used outdoors, and this is why it is important to pick a model that is rated IP 65 and above.
Longevity
A good solar heat lamp is one that is made of durable material like metal. It should last 3 to 4 years.
FAQ Section
Does every solar heat lamp come with battery backup?
No, they do not. Some come with a battery while others don’t. Manufacturers determine whether or not they want their product to come with battery backup.
Why is my solar panel not collecting enough light to power my solar heat lamp?
This mainly happens when there has been cloudy weather. It can also happen if it is set up under a shade. If, however, the weather is favorable and you encounter the same problem talk to a professional for assistance.
What does it mean when a solar heat lamp’s indicator turns red?
This could be an indication that the solar either the solar heat lamp is charging or it is malfunctioning depending on the manufacturer’s design. It is best to have a technician look at it.
How can I tell whether my solar heat lamp is weatherproof?
Check for its IP (Ingress Protection) rating. Any solar heat lamp rated IP65 and above is certified weatherproof.
Can solar heat lamps catch fire?
Yes, they can. Since they are fitted with batteries, they run the risk of catching fire in case of one or in case of an electric fault.
