Solar lights are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional lighting that can save you money. They use rechargeable batteries to store energy from the sun and emit a warm glow when it’s dark. They’re also easy to install and can be used in many areas around the house, including steps, driveways and patios. They can even help keep outdoor spaces safer by providing more illumination so people don’t trip over things in the dark. However, it’s important to understand the different features available and choose the right ones for your needs.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a solar light: the type of light, how bright you want it to be, how long you need it to run and whether you need it to illuminate certain types of objects. It’s also worth thinking about how the light will look during the day. Some have stainless steel casing that gives a premium look, while others feature glass lampshades for a traditional aesthetic. It’s important to choose a style that complements your home and garden, while making sure it won’t be a tripping hazard when people are walking through your yard.

The best solar lights are bright enough to light a pathway or sidewalk at night, but not so bright that they blind people or create glare. They’re also usually water resistant and can withstand some exposure to harsh weather. If you live in an area with harsh winters, a solar light that’s rated for freezing temperatures may be necessary to protect the batteries from damage.

If you want a solar light with motion-sensing technology, a floodlight or something more focused and spotlight-like, make sure the size of the panels can accommodate your desired brightness level. They should be large enough to absorb sunlight during the day and provide a consistent and long-running light at night, and they’ll likely need a higher-capacity battery than a simple spot or pathlight.

These outdoor solar lights can be inserted into the ground with their thick stakes or mounted on a wall for a more decorative look. They have an adjustable incline so that you can focus the light where you need it. In our durability and water resistance tests, the shatterproof plastic bulbs remained intact and didn’t get knocked off kilter by golf balls or splashes of water. The light is easy to set up and can be flipped on or off at the push of a button, as well as turned on and off manually. It can be set to stay on for up to 12 hours at night and automatically turns off at dawn. You can also choose between three different lighting modes — auto on/off, dim and bright. Read our full review for more details.