Wireless functionality
Traditional light fixtures need an electric connection to function. If you’re lighting an indoor space, this generally isn’t a problem — you can just plug the light into the wall or route the wire through the wall or ceiling. But if you’re trying to light an outdoor space, running electric wires to a deck, a fence, a driveway, or a swimming pool just isn’t practical; it’s also an extremely costly and time-consuming process, and possibly even dangerous.
Solar deck lights, on the other hand, are powered by the sun and they store this power in a battery pack. They don’t require any wired connections. The only thing to remember is that they’ll need to be placed in any area with direct access to the sun.
Green energy
Regarding the environment, solar deck lights are infinitely better than traditional, electrical light fixtures as they generate their electricity through a mounted solar panel and do not consume any electricity from the electrical grid. This reduces your energy usage, which in turn reduces your energy bill. Plus, it’s better for the environment!
Decoration
Decorating an outdoor space can be difficult. Compared to indoor furniture, there is very little variety when it comes to outdoor furniture and most of the decorative pieces are not designed to withstand the elements of nature. Solar deck lights, however, are completely weather and water-resistant. They also look festive, warm, and inviting when lit at night. Whether you’re looking for a soft glow on your wooden deck or RGB goodness in your garden, solar deck lights are sure to provide that and much more.
How to Choose a Quality Solar Deck Light Set?
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of solar deck light options to choose from. Sifting through these options to find the set that’s worth your time in installation and money can be a time-consuming headache.
Luckily, this process can be simplified by narrowing in on a few key features. Then, by evaluating each of these features individually, you can determine the quality of a particular solar deck light option and make an educated purchasing decision. Here’s what to look for.
Exterior construction
A solar deck light’s exterior construction determines its lifespan. Because these lights are outside and must withstand the natural elements, most lights will break before their LEDs burn out. To keep this from happening, we recommend buying a set of deck lights made from either metal or high-end ABS plastic. Also, ensure that the plastic material is UV resistant; otherwise, it will deteriorate very quickly under the harsh sun.
Weather resistance
Deck lights are usually installed away from any roof or protective covering, so they will be exposed to everything from dusty winds to heavy rains. The solar light set you purchase should have some level of IP weather and water resistance rating. The best option is IP67, but lower ratings like IP44 are acceptable. A solar light without a rating is most likely not weather resistant and may not be able to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Solar efficiency
The electricity produced by the light’s solar panel depends on its size: The larger the panel, the more electricity it produces. Solar deck lights are usually quite small and often don’t feature large panels. Because of this, it’s important that the solar panels on your chosen light set are as efficient as possible. We recommend looking for lights that can charge up to one night of use in about 3 hours. Better efficiency is also crucial for areas that don’t receive much sunlight, especially in the winter.
Battery life
Battery life is also a crucial consideration. At the very least, one full charge should keep the lights on for one whole night. Anything lower than that is too weak to be worth the time and money of installation. Keep in mind that some high-end lights can last as long as 5 days on a single charge. Before purchase, be sure to note the battery’s time to charge usually listed on the product page.
Additionally features
Choosing a solar light set based on the above-mentioned attributes should lead you to purchase a top-rated product. However, if you’re looking for solar deck lights with a little something extra, there are a few additional features you can look for, such as RGB colors and motion-sensed activation. But remember, these added features will increase the cost.
