Solar String Lights Outdoor Waterproof

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Product Warranty:

Brightown Solar String Lights

Bulb Type: LED | Bulb Shape: Globe | Length: 35.6 feet | Runtime: 8-10 hours

The solar charger works quite effectively once you find the ideal position for it. In winter, the panel charges the battery enough to keep the lights on for about eight hours.

I’ve also had no problem with the lights being exposed to plenty of rain, so they stand up to the waterproof claim.

Things To Consider When Buying Solar String Lights

Here are the most important things to keep in mind when you’re trying to pick the right string lights for your garden or Christmas decorations.

Waterproof

If you need outdoor solar string lights, then you have to look at the IP rating. This indicates whether the string lights are just splashproof or whether they’ll stand up to sustained rain and snow.

For outdoor solar string lights, I would generally recommend going for IP65 or higher as one of the key features to look for.

Shape And Size

Another one of the key features is the size and shape of the bulbs. You can find anything from fairy lights to star and bee shapes. And the sizes can be anything from 1/10 to 2 inches in size.

Think about when and where you’re going to use them. A Christmas-themed string light will look out of place at a summer BBQ. I personally prefer the neutral and larger bulbs to get more use out of them.

Flexible Copper Wire

You should also only consider those lights that have a very flexible wire to make attaching them easier. This is particularly helpful for illuminating an outdoor space where you might wrap the wire around a patio fence or other furniture.

Warm White Light

Unless you have a very specific color choice, I would suggest sticking with warm white lights. These create a nice atmosphere and don’t appear blinding, especially if you intend to use them in an outdoor space at night.

Solar Panel

More on that shortly.

Lighting Modes

Length

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Understanding Average Battery Life And Charging Time

All solar lights will come with an indication of how long it takes to charge the battery and how long the battery will last on a full charge.

Let’s start with the solar panel.

When you see specifications that it will fully charge the battery in six hours, then that’s an indication of it being placed in the sunniest location and having direct sun exposure for six hours. If it’s not so sunny, that time could double or triple.

That’s why you might want to choose a product with a larger panel that works more effectively on cloudy days.

The amount of energy you get from the battery is also largely dependent on whether the panel was able to fully charge it and how large the battery is.

That means, when you see a runtime of eight hours, it means that the battery will have to fully charge during the day. If it’s a particularly cloudy or dark day, then you might struggle to get the full runtime during the night.

One option to look for is if you can also charge the lights with a USB connection, but that could reduce the eco-friendliness.

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Wilko 10 Bulbs Copper Solar String Lights

Only available at Wilko

• Visible signs of wear after tests
• Short and dim string of lights

Our verdict: Survived, but not without damage

Key features: 10 lights, 3.3 metres long, claimed battery life unstated, 2 light settings, orangey light.

There were a few signs of significant wear and tear, including the little cages that surround the lights constantly pinging off, and a few signs of corrosion, after testing.

It’s also a very short string of lights, and they don’t give off much light, as you can see from the image above. Even though they’re cheap, because they’re so small they don’t have many practical uses in an outside garden space.

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How We Tested Solar Garden Lights

We know that these products have an issue with longevity. They just don’t last long enough, and too many end up in landfill, too quickly.

So we designed a really tough set of tests to simulate the type of conditions these types of lights might endure over a few really tough British winter. Then we did leave them outside for one winter.

Best Buy: Lumify Usb Solar Vintage Bulb Lights

Cheapest price: £59.99 at , also available at The Solar Centre.

• Wide distance between each light

Our verdict: The best bulk-shaped lights

Key features: 20 lights, 14.4 metres long , USB chargeable as well as charging from the sun, claimed battery life of 12 nights from a full USB charge, 8 light settings, warm white light.

The traditional style plastic bulbs encasing the fairy lights within look very delicate and sophisticated, but that hides an inner steel. These lights survived five consecutive days of sub zero temperatures, a night in the deep freeze at -16, sustained bashing against a fence, firm tugs to the wiring, a five minute heavy deluge in a shower, and being fully submerged in a bucket of water for an hour.

After all of this, all of the lights still work and there are no visible signs of damage.

One nice design feature on these lights is a tiny hole drilled into the bottom of each of the bulbs, which allows any water ingress into the bulbs to drip out. Other lights we tested with bulbs tended to fill up with water over time.

The ability to charge these lights through a USB port is a welcome feature, and gives them a new lease of life over the darker winter months. One thing to watch out for is the relatively long distance between each of the lights , this might make them less suitable for some outside lighting projects.

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Argos Home 200 Warm White Led Solar String Lights

Only available at Argos

• Failed durability tests

Our verdict: Not robust enough

Key features: 100 lights, 10 metres long , claimed battery life not stated, 2 light settings, white light.

These lights are cheap, and they look it. There’s no plastic coating in sight, just a long reel of copper wire that can be bent and twisted around any objects you’re hoping to illuminate.

The lights survived six weeks outside, including almost a week of sub zero temperatures, they also endured a night in the freezer at -16 degrees without breaking.

But a few sharp tugs along the length of the wire dispatched these lights to the bin.

How Do Solar String Lights Work

If you’re a bit of a technology nerd like me, then looking at how solar-powered string lights work is actually surprisingly simple.

The Solar Panels

It all starts with the solar panels that convert light energy from the sun into electricity. This happens in photovoltaic cells, and they can achieve efficiencies up to 19%.

They do require some careful placing in your outdoor space as you want to maximize how much sun exposure they get. Also, keep in mind that bad weather will limit how much electricity the panel will produce.

The Battery

All solar-powered lights will also have a rechargeable battery to store the electricity produced during the day. Different lights come with different size batteries, and the larger the batter, the more charging they will need during the day.

The advantage of a larger battery pack is that the lights can work for a longer time and, in some cases, long enough to light up for more than one night.

The Lights

And finally, all the products we recommend above have LED lights as these are the most energy-efficient and longest-lasting bulbs. They come in different shapes and sizes, and some will also give you a choice of color.

In most cases, the standard is a warm white light that is less severe on the eyes.

What’s also clever about these solar-powered lights is that the solar panel also functions as an on/off switch. Once it detects that there is no sunlight, it turns on the lights automatically.

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What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Solar String Lights

OK, so we’ve covered how they work now it’s time to look at advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

The greatest advantage I have found is that you can buy indoor and outdoor string lights. With a waterproof rating of IP65 or higher, the lights will withstand heavy rain without getting damaged.

The other thing I like about them is that you don’t end up relying on throwaway batteries or an electric mains connection. It’s a green way to light up your house and garden even for many hours during the night. You’ve produced the energy from the sun with no reliance on the grid.

Disadvantages

The main disadvantage is that for most lights, you’ll be entirely relying on the sun to charge up the batteries. Unfortunately, there are many places where the winter months bring dark days where there is hardly enough sunlight to activate the solar panels.

That means that you could end up with barely any runtime for your lights for several days or weeks.

One way around that is to look for a model that also allows for USB charging.

Solar String Lights Outdoor 60 Led 356 Feet Crystal Globe Lights With 8 Lighting Modes Waterproof Solar Powered Patio Lights For Garden Yard Porch Wedding Party Decor

• Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges

• Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges

There is a newer model of this item:

• This item: Solar String Lights Outdoor 60 Led 35.6 Feet Crystal Globe Lights with 8 Lighting Modes, Waterproof Solar Powered Patio Lights for Garden Yard Porch Wedding Party Decor $16.89Ã Sold by Brilliant Light Inc and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.Get it as soon as Wednesday, Sep 21
• Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.Get it as soon as Wednesday, Sep 21
• Sold by Brightech USA and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.Get it as soon as Wednesday, Sep 21

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Toodour Solar String Lights Outdoor

Introducing Toodour Solar String Lights Outdoor! With a sleek design that complements any garden or landscape, these LED lights are sure to add brightness and style to your night event. These solar string lights have an auto-on/auto-off feature so they will turn on during the daytime and turn off while its dark.

Forget those cheesy, overpriced solar garden lights. These can light up your yard or patio in style, without breaking the bank. Not only are they have an auto turn on/off feature, but they also come with 2 manual on/off switches and 8 different light modes to choose from. So, whether youre looking for a subtle glow or a brighter show, these string lights have you covered.

These lights will stay shining even in the most inclement weather conditions because they are IP65 Waterproof. With an 8 to 10-hour battery life, these lights can keep you entertained all night long. So why wait? Order your Toodour Solar String Lights Outdoor today!

Brightown 60 Led Solar Crystal Globe String Lights

8 lighting modes to create different atmospheres

Press ON/OFF switch, it will flash from Mode 1 to Mode 8 at random

Press “Mode” switch to to choose the mode you want : combination,waves,sequential,gradual,

chasing/flash,slow fade,twinkle/flash,steady on

1.Remove the package and make sure everything is in a good condition 2.Assemble the solar panel to the cradle on the anchor spike 3.Put the light at the right and safe place

Specifications:

• LED Quantity: 60 per string
• Color Temperatureï¼Â2700K Warm White
• Solar panel: 2V 170mA

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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar String Lights

Can you leave solar string lights on all night?

Yes, you can leave solar string lights on all night. Some of them might not have enough battery power to last all night, but if you pick fairy lights with a good battery pack, then you should get more than 8 hours of runtime.

How long do solar string lights last?

Solar string lights usually last between 6 and 12 hours on one full battery charge. There are some with larger panels and battery packs that can last for up to 15 hours.

Is it OK to leave solar lights out in the winter?

Yes, it is OK to leave solar lights out in the winter as long as they are waterproof. They need to be at least IP65 rated to withstand rain and other weather conditions.

How Long Does It Take For Solar String Lights To Charge?

It usually takes 5 to 8 hours for solar string lights to charge. This estimate is based on direct sunlight for that time, which might not always be possible in the winter months.

Can Solar Lights Be Charged Indoors?

Yes, solar lights can be charged indoors as long as you leave the solar panel near a window with plenty of sunshine. You could also place the panel outside and run the cables through a door or window frame.

Are solar string lights worth it?

Yes, solar string lights are worth it. They might cost a little bit more upfront, but with the right fairy lights, you can illuminate large outdoor areas with free sun energy.

Do solar lights need direct sunlight?

Do solar lights need batteries?

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Sufeimas 100 Feet Solar String Lights

SUFEIMAS 100 Feet Solar String Lights are perfect for creating a delightful ambiance anywhere you want to add a touch of light. With waterproof construction, these lights will stay lit even when its raining. Theyre also made with high-quality materials that make them durable and long-lasting.

These are an eco-friendly way to light up your yard or patio. The 100 feet long lights work after 8 hours of charging by sunlight and can provide up to 8 hours of illumination. Plus, because theyre made keeping in mind environmental consciousness, you can rest assured that these lights are a sound investment in your garden or outdoor space.

Perfect for indoor or outdoor use, and with 4 lighting modes, theyre sure to add beauty to any space. You dont have to worry about installation because installation is a breeze! Best of all, these lights dont require an outlet, so theyre great for places where an electrical socket may be scarce.

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Warm White Led Solar Fairy Lights Clear Cable

Only available at Lights4fun

• Failed durability tests

Our verdict: Not watertight

Key features: 200 lights, 19.9 metres long , claimed battery life of up to eight hours during the summer, It’s recommended you store the lights away over the winter, 8 light settings, warm white light.

During the six weeks these lights spent outside, including a week of sub zero temperatures, they started to show visible signs of corrosion on the wire underneath the plastic coating, but they did still work.

They flew through our shower test, deep freeze test, wire tugging test and being roughly bashed against a fence. But they failed the tougher water resistance test where they were submerged in a bucket of water for an hour. Water is able to seep into the charging unit, pooling around the battery and internal wiring.

While these lights might shine brightly in your garden for a while, we suspect that many sets won’t last too long, and you’ll see visible signs of corrosion on the bulbs in only a few weeks of cold wet weather.