Solar garden lighting is a smart choice: it's wireless and powered entirely by the sun. But how do you know what makes good solar outdoor lighting? In this blog, you will discover what to look for to go home with good solar lighting that you will hopefully enjoy for years to come.
Table of contents
Cheap is expensive
Solar garden lighting is being used in more and more gardens, and for good reason. With no cables and no power consumption, you can easily illuminate your path, patio or favorite tree. The sun charges the battery during the day, then the lamp turns on automatically in the evening. But not every lamp delivers the same performance. Cheap models can quickly fail in rain or low sunlight. More expensive models are generally of better quality. So a good quality lamp is important.
Good water resistance is a necessity
In our cold little country where a rain shower is never far away, solar garden lighting must be able to withstand water. The IP rating indicates how well a light can withstand dust and moisture. Choose at least IP44: this makes the lighting splash-proof and resistant to rain from all directions. If you are looking for more security, go for IP65 or even IP67. The higher the IP rating, the more resistant the lamp is to water. The construction quality of garden lights with a high IP value is often better.
A good working solar garden light
The solar panel of good solar lighting should provide enough power every day, even in slightly inclement weather. Therefore, choose a variant with a monocrystalline panel so that it performs well even on less sunny days. A powerful battery with sufficient capacity will ensure that you can light the garden all night long. Check the product descriptions to see how long the lamp can burn for. Also note whether the battery or battery is replaceable. There are also models on the market that you can recharge via a USB cable. Ideal for those days when the sun has not shone much during the day and you do want to sit outside for a long time in the evening.
Choose the right light output and color temperature
The amount of light a bulb gives is expressed in lumens. For ambient lighting, 10 to 50 lumens is often enough. But for functional lighting, such as along a path, fixtures of 100 lumens or more are a better choice. Color temperature also plays a role. Warm white light (2700-3000 Kelvin) is ideal for coziness, while cool white light (4000-6000 Kelvin) is bright and functional. Match the light output and color temperature to your needs.
Quality materials and smart extras
Rugged materials such as stainless steel and aluminum last longer than solar garden lights made of plastic. What about additional features? A twilight sensor makes the light turn on and off automatically. Motion sensors are perfect for safety and energy savings. Some models even offer adjustable brightness or burn time. Pay attention to these when you want control over when the lights come on.
Buying the right solar garden lighting fixture
Each spot in your garden requires a different type of bulb. Ground spots are perfect for paths and driveways, while wall lights do well near the door or fence. Free-standing lanterns create atmosphere on your patio, and directional spotlights put trees or art objects in the spotlight. Would you rather go for the most cozy lighting? Then choose lamps with decorative elements such as light garlands or figurines.
Pay attention to the placement of solar garden lighting
Always place solar garden lights where they receive direct sunlight. Under trees or next to high walls, the battery does not charge as well. Keep the panel clean: dirt and dust reduce efficiency. In winter, when days are short, you can turn off some lights or temporarily store them indoors. This will protect the battery and extend the life of the lamp.
Choose consciously
If you want to enjoy your solar garden lights for years to come, choose consciously. Choose lights that fit the areas in your garden where there is enough sun. Go for fixtures that fit in terms of light output and color temperature. Also make sure that the solar garden lighting itself is of good quality: that is, with a powerful battery, a good solar panel and lamp that can withstand water.
Light up your garden with solar lighting
Ready to light up your garden after sunset? Then use these tips to go to a good shop and buy the right lighting. Do you not yet have a good idea where you want to place which lights to achieve the right light output and color temperature? Let Buro Buiten design a lighting plan for your garden. This way you can be sure that your garden will be lit in a good and attractive way. Go to the garden design page if you would like to have your garden designed.
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