Waterproof Outdoor Solar Lights
Solar lights require less maintenance than traditional lighting fixtures-an occasional cleaning to keep debris off the panels and a battery replacement every few years. They are also a greener alternative to standard lights that emit high levels of heat, which can damage plants and attract insects.
The best mounted solar lights withstand extreme weather conditions without compromising on brightness or safety. They feature durable construction and have an Ingress Protection (IP) rating that prevents dust from damaging internal parts.
1. Place Empty Plastic Soda Bottles Over the Lights
In a move that’s both sustainable and inventive, this homeowner used empty plastic 2-liter bottles to brighten up his home. By applying a layer of bleach to the bottle’s cap, he kept microorganisms away from the water inside and allowed it to refract light much like a traditional lightbulb. His invention was spotted by Illac Diaz, the founder of an organization called Liter of Light, which brings solar powered lights to communities that don’t have access to electricity. Essentially, the organization trains people to assemble these solar lanterns from recycled materials that they can take with them after natural disasters.
These solar lanterns use a rechargeable battery to harness the power of sunlight and transform it into bright illumination at night. They’re perfect for decorating your garden, patio, or balcony and can be hung just about anywhere. Just make sure the area receives full sun for a full day to charge up.
Solar lights have different lighting settings and brightness levels. Look for a bulb that can be waterproof outdoor solar lights dimmed to your desired level of brightness. Also, be aware that the wattage of your solar light is limited by its battery capacity. It is important to check the battery life, as this will determine how long the light will be on each evening. Generally, batteries in these devices last three to four years. They should be kept clean and protected from harsh winter weather to prolong their lifespan.
2. Fill the Bottles with Water
There are several different types of outdoor solar lights to choose from, depending on your needs and space. Some solar lights, such as the Linkind solar motion sensor landscape spotlights we tested, use LED bulbs that produce a range of light intensities. Other lights, such as string lights, may feature full-size Edison bulbs or dainty “fairy”-style bulbs and add a festive touch to your home or patio.
When selecting a solar light, pay close attention to its IP rating. The IP code, consisting of two digits, indicates how well a product protects itself from environmental factors such as solids and liquids. The first digit, which ranges from 0 to 6, represents resistance to solid particles, while the second digit, which ranges from 0 through 9, determines how much protection a device has against liquids.
Choosing the right brightness is also important. The amount of light a solar light emits is quantified by lumens, with higher-numbered lights providing brighter illumination. Additionally, some solar lights use LEDs that are available in a variety of colors, including soft white, warm white, and daylight.
When choosing a solar light, you should also consider how many hours it’s designed to illuminate your space each night. The lighting options on the box and product descriptions should list this information, but keep in mind that the nightly run time will vary depending on how much sunlight the solar cells receive during the day.
3. Seal the Bottles
Solar lights are a great way to light your yard, as they can be solar generator used in areas where running electrical wires may not be feasible. These lights come in a variety of styles, from lanterns to candles, and they can add a beautiful glow to any outdoor space. The best thing about these lights is that they require very little maintenance. In addition, they are also very energy-efficient, as they use solar power to recharge their batteries.
Some solar lights come with a motion sensor, while others have a timer function that allows you to set the duration of illumination each night. To get the most out of your solar lights, be sure to place them where they can soak up plenty of sunlight throughout the day.
One of our top picks is the Rayolon solar ground lights, which provide an elegant look to any walkway. The simple lights sit flush with the ground and can be easily installed in a garden, path, or lawn. The lights also turn on automatically when it gets dark and can be turned off by using the remote control.
Another of our favorites is the Brightown solar string lights, which are a great option for adding soft lighting to a backyard or patio. These lights are shatterproof and made to withstand 50 mile-per-hour winds, as well as rain and snow. Testers found that these lights lasted for more than six hours on the highest brightness setting, and they were undamaged by water and freezer tests.
4. Place the Bottles Over the Lights
Solar lights are a great addition to outdoor areas, brightening up patios while you have barbecues or by the pool. But when the rain comes, they will need some extra protection from water! Luckily, you can use plastic bottles to waterproof solar lights so they continue to work in even harsh weather.
There are many different types of solar outdoor lighting available, depending on what you need them for. Some have lights built in that refract sunlight during the day and shine at night, while others use LEDs to illuminate areas. Some are motion-activated, which means they turn on when they detect movement, helping conserve energy, and some are timer-controlled, which gives you maximum control over when they turn on and off.
You should also consider the size of the area you need to light. If you have a large area that needs to be lit, then you might want to choose a self-contained unit, which has the lights and solar panel attached so it can be placed in one location. If you have a smaller area, you may prefer a separate panel and individual lights that can be placed in various locations.
IP68-certified solar landscape lights are a great choice for challenging environments because of their superior level of protection against dust, liquids, and extreme temperatures. This means they can continue to operate even when submerged in water up to about 1 meter deep, making them ideal for areas that experience frequent torrential rain or flooding.
