According to The office of energy efficiency and renewable energy, solar street lights allow users to enjoy free outdoor lighting, which is eco-friendly and sustainable.
The lights operate in stand-alone mode and are mounted on walls, balconies, poles, trees, or other surfaces. They come with a rechargeable solar battery and are designed to work from dusk to dawn. Most feature three modes; dusk to dawn, motion detection, and timing and are remote-controlled.
Solar street lights are powered by solar panels, which convert sunlight into electric energy and can be used to save energy. According to Greenshine, one of the top solar street lights manufacturers in the U.S., solar lighting will help you save money and improve safety; exterior lighting is crucial for protecting property and people. The U.S. Department of Energy has embraced solar street lights because of their efficiency in reducing the carbon footprint.
Most solar street lights use LED bulbs and lithium batteries because they are efficient. Different street lights come with different light sources and batteries. According to Nantech Power Systems Pvt Ltd, leading manufacturers of solar street lights and electrical devices in the U.S., when deciding which solar-powered street light to buy, you should consider the light sources and battery it comes with. Also, consider how long a light lasts on a full charge and whether it is durable.
We tested ten solar street lights for a month to determine the best one. We assessed different homes and noted the solar street lights’ longevity, efficiency, pros, and cons. Below is what we found out.
Best for Ease of Installation: Auzev 4 Pack 56
What we liked:
✓ It is easy to install
✓ It has a motion-detection feature
✓ It will give you value for your money
✓ It is satisfyingly bright
✓ It is remote-controlled, making it easy to control
✓ It is waterproof
What we did not like:
✘ It is small.
We picked this solar street light because of its easy installation. You can mount the Auzev 4 Pack 56 easily on any surface because it has an adjustable bracket.
This solar street light from Auzev efficiently provides security and lighting to gardens, garages, parking lots, pathways, or other places in your home compound that need lighting.
The solar street light comes with three lighting modes; dim but full brightness after sensing motion, off but full brightness after sensing motion, and constant brightness always.
One concern is that it is impossible to adjust the solar-powered street light’s solar panels separately. Also, the light does not last throughout the night.
Best for Value for Money: RuoKid 80W
What we liked:
✓ Easy to install
✓ It is bright enough
✓ It will give you value for your money
✓ It is remote controlled
✓ It has a motion-detection feature
✓ It is waterproof
What we did not like:
✘ Its arm post is a bit short
Compared to similar solar street lights from other brands, the RuoKid 80W is bright and lightweight. Also, it lights a 90 square meter area efficiently, making it one of the best solar street lights of its size in the market.
The RuoKid 80W has aluminum alloy housing and is thus durable. It also features a lithium-ion battery and steady lamp beads that do not flicker. Also, the light is IP67 waterproof.
However, one of the downsides we noticed in our test is that its arm post is short. RuoKid should consider investing in a long-arm post for this street light.
Best for Ease of control with a Remote: APONUO 300W
What we liked:
✓ It is remote controlled
✓ It is easy to install
✓ It relatively bright
✓ It has a motion-detection feature
✓ It is waterproof
What we did not like:
✘ The instruction manual is not straightforward
The light is highly rated for having a reliable remote control. You can easily access the mode from approximately 26 to 39 feet.
The light Aponuo 300W solar street light features 300 led bulbs that can produce up to 10000 lumens, ensuring that your compound is well-lit. When we tested, we discovered that this light stays on the whole night and is significantly bright.
The solar street lamp comes with a metallic housing that withstands adverse weather conditions such as intense heat from the sun. The chances of failing or becoming brittle in the short run are meager.
Also, the solar street light’s motion detection feature with three efficient modes- timing, motion sensing, and dusk to dawn.
This street light uses a 3.3v battery powered by the lamp’s wide solar panels. The battery ensures that you have more than 12 hours of steady lighting.
One thing that might work against you if you want to install this street light on your own is that its manual is not straightforward. Although the installation process is relatively easy, APONUO should provide its customers with a more detailed installation manual.
Best for Brightness: NIORSUN 400W
What we liked:
✓ It has a motion-detection feature
✓ It is relatively bright
✓ It is easy to install
✓ It is remote controlled
✓ It is waterproof
What we did not like:
✘ It is not built to last
✘ It is expensive
The Niorsun 400W boasts 10000 lumens and is perfect for your parking lot, backyard, driveway, and all parts of your compound.
The lamp features motion and light detection modes and is remote-controlled. Our team left it on for two nights and discovered that it could last approximately 14 hours when fully charged. If you choose the motion or light detection mode, the street light will automatically switch when a person or object approaches your house or gate.
The installation process is straightforward, as no electrical connection was needed. You can either mount it on the wall or a 2 to 4 inches diameter pole.
On the downside, the Niorsun 400W is expensive compared to similar products from rival brands, but it’s a good option if you are looking for a reasonably bright solar street light.
Best for motion detection: Joylight 200W
What we liked:
✓ It has a motion-detection feature
✓ It is easy to install
✓ It is remote controlled
✓ It is relatively bright
✓ It is waterproof
What we did not like:
✘ Its solar brackets are weak. It would be better if they were made of a stronger metal
✘ It takes an extended period to charge fully
This solar street light from Joylight has a reliable motion detection feature; it shifts to full brightness when it detects any object or person approaching or passing nearby.
When we tested it against similar solar lights, we found that it is brighter and lights a huge area. The light also comes with an aluminum alloy housing that is solid and compact. Also, it is rated 1P67 waterproof and features a durable lithium-ion phosphate battery. However, this lamp’s batteries take long to charge fully and might not be the best option for you if you want a light with fast-charging batteries.
On the flip side, this light is easy to install on a wall, ceiling, or other surfaces, as it comes with adjustable metal brackets and a pole.
Best for a high-performance Battery: Gebosun 60W, 6000LM
What we liked:
✓ It is easy to install
✓ It is relatively bright
✓ It stays on throughout the night
✓ All installation accessories are provided
✓ It is waterproof
✓ It is efficient
What we did not like:
✘ It is heavy
This solar-powered street light from Gebosun comes with fast-charging batteries. MPPT technology helps this light convert energy at a rate of 50 to 70 percent efficiency.
The light comes with a compact, strong, and durable aluminum frame. It also requires little or no maintenance throughout its lifespan. The Gebosun solar light is impressively bright, thanks to the high-quality SMD lamp beads.
The Gebosun 60W, 6000LM, is easy to install. It comes with all accessories installed; all you have to do is to fix it on a wall, balcony, tree, pole, or surface of your choice.
When buying this lamp, you should know that it is heavy and might require more than two people to install it.
Best for a Long Lifespan: WERISE 300W
What we liked:
✓ It is easy to install
✓ It has a motion-detection feature
✓ It waterproof
✓ It is durable
✓ It has an outstanding battery life
✓ It has an automatic on-and-off feature
What we did not like:
✘ It could have been a bit bright
The Werise 300W solar street light has a lifespan of approximately 50000 hours. It also comes with a three years warranty.
This solar-powered street light has two operation modes; motion detection and dusk to dawn. When in the motion detection mode, it shifts to full brightness for 2 seconds when it detects any motion.
The light is easy to install. Additionally, it is cordless; all you have to do is to install it on a pole or a wall. Also, the lamp is water and dust-proof. On the downside, the light was dull when our team installed it in a dark alley.
What to Look For in Solar Street Lights
Ease of Installation
Choose a solar street light with all components assembled if it is a DIY project.
Battery performance and lifespan
Choose a solar street light with a high-performance battery lasting 5 to 6 years.
Lifespan
A solar-powered street light with a lifespan of between 20 to 25 years is the best, even if it might be a little expensive.
FAQ Section
Why should I buy a solar street light?
Given the hike in electricity bills in the world today, using solar-powered street lights to light your compound eliminates the monthly electrical bills, reduces your carbon footprint, and is relatively easy to maintain.
Do solar street lights require any maintenance?
High-quality solar street lights require little or no maintenance throughout their lifespan; therefore, you will save on maintenance costs.
How long should a good solar street light last?
A good solar street light should last between 20 to 25 years, and its battery should last for approximately 5 to 10 years and should light the space where it is installed for more than 12 hours a day.
Who are solar street lights best suited for?
Solar street lights are best suited for people living in areas with no street lights and those living off-grid. Adding street lights will help improve the security in a homestead or an area.
What are the advantages of solar street lights over conventional street lights?
Solar street lights use solar energy, which is free and sustainable. Additionally, they contribute to reducing the carbon footprint.
