If you want to add a lamp post to your yard, garden or patio a solar version of it has many benefits over a traditional one. Solar lamp posts don't require wiring which saves you lot of work of digging ditches for the wires. Solar lamp posts save you on electricity bills and require low maintenance. The only required maintenance is to occasionally wipe the solar panels to facilitate sunlight absorption. You don't even need to turn it on every night as the most of modern solar outdoor lighting systems have a light sensor which allows them to automatically turn on at night and off in the morning. Aimed at outdoor usage, solar lamp posts must certainly be waterproof. A standardized waterproof rating is devised to delineate how successfully an outdoor solar light will handle the rainy weathers. The standard is called Ingress Protection (IP) followed by 2 digits, for instance, IP65. The first digit shows the protection level against solid materials like dust, the second one shows how well the lamp post is protected against liquid ingress. The main drawback of solar lamp posts, and solar technology in
How Do Solar Lamp Posts Work?
Solar lamp posts resemble their traditional counterparts from a distance but they have some crucial differences. First, there are one or more solar panels integrated on the lamp's cap. It is important for the PV panels to be oriented towards the sun so it's recommended to install the lamp post away from the shades of trees or other objects. Second, solar lamp posts have built-in batteries that are charged during the day through the solar panels. When it gets dark the sensor turns on the light and it runs on the power stored in the batteries during the day. If the day was sunny and the batteries have large enough capacity (measured in mAh) the light can last all the night otherwise the light will go off sometime at night depending on the available battery charge.
Paradise by Sterno Home Solar LED Streetlight
Main Features:
- Dusk-to-dawn auto on/off
- Material: Cast Aluminum
- Light Color: Cool White
- Batteries: 3 x AA NI-MH rechargeable
- Waterproof Level: Waterproof (no rating)
- Brightness: 14 Lm
- Dimensions: 80" x 8.75" (203.2 x 22.2 cm)
- Weight: 13.12 lbs (6 kg)
- Warranty: 1-year limited
This solar lamp dubbed Paradise by the manufacturer has a classic design reminiscent of antiquated streetlight that once lined old cobblestone lanes. It is suitable for backyards, gardens, patios or just lining up your walkways or driveways. The lamp post is made of cast aluminum - immune to rust and corrosion. The dusk-to-dawn operation frees you from the need to manually turn it on every night. There is one LED lamp inside, containing 12 LED beads that put out 14 Lm cool white light. Four large solar panels sit atop the post, maximizing sunlight absorption to charge the batteries. The seller provides 1 year of a limited warranty. The package includes the lamp post and 3 rechargeable batteries.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with expanding bolts for fitting | You'd probably need to cement the base |
| Withstands high wind storms |
iGlow Solar Garden Lamp Post Light
Main Features:
- Dusk-to-dawn auto on/off
- Material: Cast Aluminum & plastic fittings
- Light Color: Cool White
- Batteries: 18650, 3.7 V
- Waterproof Level: Waterproof (no rating)
- Brightness: 100 Lm
- Dimensions: 78.5" x 8.5" (199.4 x 21.6 cm)
- Weight: 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg)
- Warranty: N/A
This is an adjustable-height solar lamp post with 2 cool white light LEDs. The brightness, according to the manufacturer info, is 100 Lm which is quite bright! The maximum height is 78.5" but it is adjustable with 4 cast-aluminum stakes each measuring 16" (40.6 cm). The stakes are fitted together with plastic fittings. The stakes can be taken out altogether and the lamp will stand on the base if that's what you need. The lamp post includes 18650 rechargeable batteries that last 3 years before requiring a replacement. The lamp post has an on/off switch underneath the top panel. If you leave it on the On position the lamp will automatically turn on at night and off when the sun comes out. The package includes the lamp post with the stakes, all the necessary mounting accessories, and batteries. The accessories include parts for securing the base on the ground, lawn, wood or even concrete.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Nice appearance | The stake fittings need additional strengthening |
| Reasonably bright | Not detailed instructions |
Gama Sonic Baytown Solar Outdoor Lamp, Pole/Pier/Wall Mount Kit
Main Features:
- Dusk-to-dawn auto on/off
- Material: Cast Aluminum & Real glass
- Light Color: Cool White / Warm White
- Batteries: Lithium-ion (3 years of life)
- Waterproof Level: Waterproof (no rating)
- Brightness: 80 Lm
- Dimensions: 17" x 8.5" (43.2 x 21.6 cm)
- Weight: 7 lbs (3.2 kg)
- Warranty: 2 years
Gama Sonic Baytown solar lamp comes in three different finish colors: black, weathered bronze, and white. It has versatile mounting options: mount it as an outdoor wall sconce, on a pillar or column or on a 3-inch diameter pole (not included). A unique quality of this post light is that you can choose between cool (bluish) and warm (soft) light colors with just a turn of a switch. Before mounting take off the top and set the color switch on your desired color setting, secure the top back on the frame with the provided cap screws. The lamp is made of weather-resistant cast aluminum and real glass lenses. The cone-shaped LED light is designed to enhance the glow by dispersing the light upwards and downwards. The battery type is Lithium-ion which is superior to other battery types commonly used in outdoor solar lighting. The light keeps beaming for 8 hours on a full battery. The dusk-to-dawn feature is there to automatically turn the light on when it's dark and off at dusk. The brightness of the light is 80 Lm. The manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty period. The package consists of the solar lamp, mounting hardware, and a user manual.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The batteries are replaceable | Stays on at night shorter than expected |
| 3 mounting options | |
| Ability to switch between the light colors |
Kendal Large Outdoor Solar LED Light
Main Features:
- Dusk-to-dawn auto on/off
- Material: Cast Aluminum & Beveled glass panes
- Light Color: Cool White
- Batteries: Custom pack (400 cycles)
- Waterproof Level: Waterproof (no rating)
- Brightness: N/A
- Dimensions: 16" x 9" (40.6 x 22.9 cm)
- Weight: 3.4 lbs (1.5 kg)
- Warranty: N/A
The classic design of Kendal lamps adds an elegant touch to your yard, deck, porch or patio. You can use it in your garden to light pillars, flowerbeds, shrubs and more. The light works 8 to 10 hours at night if the battery is fully charged. It is equipped with an intelligent light controller which manages the lighting time and prevents overcharge / over-discharge. It has an automatic working regime but you can turn it off anytime with an on/off switch. The battery has 400 cycles before it's dead so it needs a replacement every 14 months or so. The lamp is made of rust-resistant, powder-coated cast aluminum and beveled glass panes. The base is easily separated for fitting on a stake with a suitable diameter. It's a delightful little solar lamp which besides its main purpose of lighting also serves as a great decoration your friends and neighbors will compliment you on.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It's easy to change the LED inside | No mounting screws included |
| Remains brightly lit even on overcast days | Hard to find manufacturer contact info |
| Available choice of finish color and lamp shape |
Tenkoo 10W Solar Streetlight With Motion Sensor
Main Features:
- Dusk-to-dawn auto on/off
- PIR Motion Sensor
- Sensor Distance / Angle: 9 - 16 ft (2.7 - 4.6 m) / 120 degrees
- Lighting Mode: Dim, Bright
- Material: Aluminum & PVC
- Light Color: Cool White (6500 K)
- Batteries: 6600 mAh Lithium battery
- Waterproof Level: Waterproof (no rating)
- Brightness: 1500 Lm
- Dimensions: 18.1" x 8.9" (46 x 22.6 cm)
- Weight: 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg)
- Warranty: 5 years
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent quality | No poles are included |
| Motion sensor | |
| Covers large area |
HEX 780X Solar Steet Light
Main Features:
- Dusk-to-dawn auto on/off
- Lighting Mode: High (3h), Normal (7h), Low (12h)
- Material: Glass, Metal, Plastic
- Light Color: Warm White (3000 K)
- Batteries: Lithium battery
- Waterproof Level: IP65
- Brightness: 975 Lm
- Dimensions: 11.8" x 6.8" (30 x 16.8 cm)
- Weight: 2.27 lbs (1 kg)
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
This solar street light also has a modern look like the previous light we've reviewed. The frosted lens with printed geometric shapes exudes a futuristic/contemporary touch. The street light can either be installed on a pole or fixed on a wall. The flexible mounting bracket allows mounting the lamp on the desired angle relative to the wall or the pole. The maximum pole diameter should be 2.5" (6 cm). The designated mounting height is 6 - 8 ft (2 - 2.5 m). The recommended distance between stand-alone street lights is 10 - 13 ft (3 - 4 m). The dual function on/off button, besides turning the light to the on/off positions also sets the lighting mode. There are 3 lighting modes: High (3 hours), Normal (7 hours), and Low (12 hours) after charging for 8 hours. The 30 unit LEDs, totaling 975 Lm, employ a diffuser for a wider light coverage area. The light color is warm white (2800 - 3000 K). The device is highly waterproof with a rating of IP65 which means it is dustproof and is tested to withstand low-pressure water jets from any direction. When buying this street light you will enjoy a one-year limited warranty. The package includes the solar street light fixture with a built-in battery, stainless steel bolts & nuts, mounting bracket. NOTE: the pole is not included.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Charging even on overcast days | No included pole |
| Flexible mounting bracket | |
| Futuristic appearance |
Main Features:
- Dusk-to-dawn auto on/off
- Material: Aluminum & Plastic
- Light Color: Cool White
- Batteries: 2 rechargeable Ni-Cd AA 800 mAh
- Waterproof Level: Waterproof (no rating)
- Brightness: N/A
- Dimensions: 65" x 18" (165 x 45.7 cm)
- Weight: 5.13 lbs (2.3 kg)
- Warranty: N/A
Kanstar outdoor solar light post has a vintage look reminiscent of the romantic times long past. It's a perfect lighting solution for your garden, patio or backyard. Like all the other solar lamp posts we've seen so far, Kanstar lamp has an automatic on/off feature for lighting up at night and shutting off in the morning. The lamp post is made of a die-cast aluminum case and plastic lenses. The light it puts out is cool white (bluish). The batteries employed for energy storage are 2 AA rechargeable Ni-Cd 800 mAh batteries. The height is adjustable by adding/removing sectional poles. Three 11" (28 cm) sectional poles are included in the package. The maximum height with 3 poles is 65" (165 cm). NOTE: please charge for at least 8 hours before the first use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to assemble | Flimsy plastic fittings between the poles |
| Adjustable height | On/Off switch is under the top cover |
| You can "plant" it in a flower pot |
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