Whether purely decorative or mostly practical, solar lights are an increasingly popular — and increasingly affordable — way for homeowners to light up outdoor spaces. But as with most consumer products, quality can vary widely, and not every solar light will fit with your needs and preferences. Use these tips to help you make the most of your investment and make your home a little — or a lot — brighter.
1. Check the ingress protection (IP) rating before you buy. The IP rating indicates a product's resistance to water or dirt, and a higher number means better protection from the elements. Choose solar lights rated IP65 at a minimum, and look for higher ratings if you need your lights to really take a beating. Don't buy products without a listed IP rating, since they're often lower quality.
2. Look at the lumens. For soft decorative lights that are just meant to be pretty, choose lights with 10 to 50 lumens each. To illuminate the sidewalk, go for 100 to 200 lumens per light, and try 100 to 300 lumens to light up your patio or garden.
3. Know the battery life. Not all solar lights will glow from dusk to dawn, and some factors, like the amount of sunlight in your area, are beyond anyone's control. But choosing lights with higher ampere-hours will keep your space lit for longer, regardless of your outdoor conditions.
4. Invest in versatility. Lights with a variety of modes and colors let you customize your lighting to fit your mood, event, space, and weather. If your lights provide the right color combinations, they can even stand in as holiday decoration.
5. Read the reviews. How many years did the lights last for other users? Was customer service able to resolve any problems? Did the lights function during bad weather? Look for multiple reviews that share similar experiences, good or bad.
