Are Solar LED Lights Worth Purchasing?

Solar LED lights can absolutely be worth purchasing and they can be particularly useful for gardens, pathways, driveways, patios and security lighting.  Modern solar lighting has improved significantly in recent years.  The battery technology has improved and the LEDs on average are brighter making them far more practical than older models.  The key factor as to whether or not they are worth purchasing will depend on where they are being used and what you are looking to use them for.

For some applications solar can be an excellent low cost, energy efficient solution.  For other applications mains powered lighting may still provide better brightness and reliability.

How Solar LED Lights Work

Solar LED lights use a small photovoltaic panel to absorb sunlight during the day.  This energy charges a rechargeable battery located inside of the fitting.  This then powers the LED light.  Because LEDs use very little electricity solar lighting systems can often run for many hours using only stored solar energy.

The Main Advantages of Solar LED Lights

1. Very Low Running Costs

One of the biggest benefits of solar LED lights is that they take their energy from the sun which is of course free to use.  Once they have been installed solar lights typically cost nothing to run because they do not draw electricity from your home or business.  Since LED technology is already highly energy efficient, combining LEDs with solar power creates one of the lowest cost lighting solutions available.

2. Easy Installation

Solar LED lights are usually much easier to install than mains powered outdoor lighting.  This is because they do not require wiring to your electrical system.  Many models can simply be mounted onto an appropriate surface, staked into the ground, or attached to fences and walls.  This avoids the need for trenching cables and having to deal with complex outdoor wiring regulations.

3. Energy Efficiency

LEDs consume very little electricity compared to older lighting technologies.  Even relatively small solar panels can often generate enough power to operate LED lights effectively.  This combination of low power consumption and renewable energy makes solar LEDs an environmentally friendly lighting option.

4. Good for Security Lighting

Solar LED security lights with PIR motion sensors have become an increasingly popular option for security lighting.  This is because they can provide; bright illumination when movement is detected, improved home security, and reduced energy costs.  Because the light only activates when needed the battery life is often extended significantly.

The Disadvantages of Solar LED Lights

1. Performance Depends on Sunlight

Solar lighting performance can be heavily affected by weather and daylight conditions.  During winter or prolonged cloudy periods the batteries may not fully charge, the lights may have reduced brightness and operating times may shorten.  This can be particularly relevant in the UK during darker winter months.  Positioning the solar panel correctly is extremely important for best results.  Purchasing as high a quality of solar light as possible can help to minimise these risks.

2. Brightness Can Be Lower Than Mains Lighting

Although solar lighting has improved greatly many budget solar lights are still less powerful than wired mains powered alternatives.  For decorative or pathway lighting this is usually not a problem but for powerful task lighting, mains powered systems may still perform better.

3. Battery Lifespan

Solar lights rely on rechargeable batteries and these will gradually wear out over time.  Depending on the quality and usage of the lights, batteries may need replacing after 1 to 5 years.  Cheaper solar lights will often use lower quality batteries with shorter lifespans so purchasing a higher quality light should mean the batteries last longer or may even have a longer warranty.

4. Cheap Solar Lights Can Be Unreliable

Very low cost solar lights often suffer from poor battery quality, dull LEDs, insufficient waterproofing, and a short operating life.  Higher quality products generally offer much better reliability and performance.

Summary

Solar LED lights are worth it for many outdoor lighting applications. This is especially the case for locations where low running costs, easy installation, and energy efficiency are priorities.  Modern solar LEDs are far more reliable and brighter than previous solar models which makes them a practical solution for gardens, pathways, patios, and security lighting.  They can also be an excellent choice for decorative and general outdoor lighting.  

But if you are needing 100% consistent illumination in all weather conditions mains powered lighting may still be the better choice.  Performance of solar lights will still depend on sunlight exposure, battery quality, and product design.  While premium solar LED lights can work extremely well you will likely find that cheaper models provide a lower level of brightness and have a shorter lifespan.