Solar Lights

Yes, and Australia is one of the best places in the world for them. Most capital cities average between 4 and 6 peak sun hours a day year round, which is comfortably more than a quality solar light needs to run from dusk to dawn. The lights that disappoint people are almost always the cheap ones built with amorphous panels and nickel metal hydride batteries. A light with a monocrystalline panel and a lithium battery will hold up for years in Australian conditions.

The best solar light is the one matched to the job, so start with the use rather than the brand. For garden beds and paths, look for 150 to 300 lumens and an IP65 rating. For driveways and security, look for 300 to 700 lumens and a motion sensor. For commercial and civil work, look for a separate panel and a replaceable battery. Across every category the same two specifications separate the good from the disposable: a monocrystalline panel and a lithium battery.

Almost every complaint about solar lighting traces back to one of four things. These are the specifications worth checking before you buy, and the ones we publish on every product page.

• Lithium battery, not NiMH. Lithium cells (LiFePO4 or Li-ion) hold their capacity for roughly 3 to 5 years and cope with heat. The nickel metal hydride cells in supermarket solar lights typically fade inside a single summer.
• Monocrystalline panel, not amorphous. Monocrystalline panels convert far more daylight per square centimetre and keep working on overcast days. Amorphous panels are cheaper to make and lose output quickly once they yellow in UV.
• A published lumen and runtime figure. If a seller will not state lumens and hours of runtime, there is usually a reason. Every light in this range lists both.
• IP65 or better for anything exposed. Ground level, open garden beds and unsheltered walls need a genuine IP65 seal. IP44 is only suitable under an eave or verandah.

These are the issues customers ask us about most often. Nearly all of them are preventable at the point of purchase or fixable in a few minutes.

• Dim after a year or two. The battery has aged, not the LED. Choose a model with a replaceable battery and you can restore full output for a few dollars instead of replacing the light.
• Only runs a few hours in winter. Shorter, cloudier days mean less charge. Reposition the panel to the sunniest aspect, or choose a model with a separate panel so the light can sit in shade while the panel sits in full sun.
• Stopped charging altogether. Usually a dusty or shaded panel. A wipe with a damp cloth two or three times a year is the entire maintenance schedule.
• Switches on during the day. The light sensor is reading shade or nearby artificial light. Move it so it sees open daylight.
• Never worked properly from new. Most solar lights need two or three full charge cycles before they reach rated runtime. Leave the unit switched on in direct sun for three days before judging it.
• Failed inside 12 months. This is the signature of amorphous panels and NiMH cells. It is a buying decision, not bad luck.

It depends on the application. Pixel Lighting covers the everyday consumer range and includes our best selling and most reviewed solar lights. Havit Lighting is the pick for garden and architectural work, particularly in coastal conditions. Solar Lighting Direct and Star 8 Green build for the commercial end, including bollards, flood lights and street lighting rated for public installations.

The battery has almost always aged rather than the LED failing. Cheap solar lights use nickel metal hydride cells that lose most of their capacity within a single Australian summer, while lithium cells hold capacity for roughly 3 to 5 years. If your light has a replaceable battery, fitting a new one restores full runtime for a few dollars. If it does not, that is a design compromise rather than a fault you can repair.

Yes, provided you choose the right output. A driveway needs 300 to 700 lumens per light, which most solar bollards and solar flood lights in this range deliver. Space bollards roughly 3 to 4 metres apart for even coverage. If the driveway is shaded by trees, choose a model with a separate panel so the panel can sit in full sun while the light sits where you need it.

A photovoltaic panel captures daylight and stores it in a built in rechargeable battery. At dusk a light sensor switches the LED on automatically, running on the stored charge through the night. There is no mains power, no wiring and no electricity cost. An integrated unit houses the panel, battery and LED in one body and is the simplest to install. A separate panel model runs a lead between the two, which is what you want when the light needs to sit somewhere shaded.

Brightness is measured in lumens, not watts. Use these bands as a starting point and step up one if the area is large or very dark.

• Decorative, accent and string lights: 50 to 150 lumens
• Garden and path lighting: 150 to 300 lumens
• Driveways, walls and general security: 300 to 700 lumens
• Flood and commercial security: 1000 lumens and above

The IP rating tells you how well a fitting is sealed against dust and water. It is the single most useful number when you are deciding where a light can safely go.

• IP44: covered, sheltered areas such as porches and verandahs
• IP54 to IP55: general outdoor use
• IP65 and above: fully exposed positions, ground level and wet areas

For most outdoor solar lighting we recommend IP54 as a minimum and IP65 or above for anything at ground level or fully exposed. Read our guide to IP ratings for what each number actually protects against.

Yes - solar lights will charge even on rainy or cloudy days, but they will charge faster when there’s lots of sun around. Similarly, solar lights will also work in winter. Our installation guide has some more information on the best places to position your solar lights.

An integrated solar light means that the solar panel is built into the light fixture. These provide a sleek and compact design. The alternative is a solar light with a separate solar panel which are separate and can often be disconnected from one another too.

Portable solar lights can be used indoors however unless your solar lights are in a particularly sun drenched spot, they will not be able to charge indoors. If you would like to use solar power indoors, solar panels would be a good option to investigate.

We have found that quality solar lights from trusted brands usually last for 5+ years if they are properly cared for an maintained. Check out our maintenance guide for some handy tips to increase the longevity of your lights.

The length of charge is heavily dependent on the light type, its technical features and its location. For example, a solar street light will take longer to charge than a portable solar camping light, since it has a bigger battery and will need more energy when it’s in use. Most lighting manuals will provide guidance on the length of charge time.If you are experiencing issues with you solar light, we recommend charging it for 24 hours in direct sunlight. Check out our troubleshooting guide for more information.

No, almost all solar lighting products do not require wiring and are fully DIY. All you will need in some cases is to have a drill or screwdrivers to mount.

Many solar lighting products come with warranties ranging from 1 to 5 years. Always check the specific product’s warranty details before purchase. With Solar Lights the length of the warranty is typically a very strong indication of the quality.

Yes, solar lights can be used in cold climates, but their efficiency might drop a bit in extreme cold due to battery performance. That said, they're still a reliable lighting option in most weather conditions.

Nearly all Solar Lighting products can have the batteries replaced. A good quality lithium battery should last 3 years+. If your Solar Light needs new batteries please reach out to our team to organise replacements. 

Generally Solar Lights have integrated LED’s, which means it’s built in and can’t be replaced. Check with the manufacturer if your model can be replaced.

Absolutely. Many commercial-grade solar lights are available for use in parking lots, pathways, and other outdoor spaces where running electrical wiring may be expensive or impractical.

Solar lights can usually run for 6 to 10 hours on a full charge, though many people prefer to set them on a timer, similar to traditional outdoor lights. Solar sensor and security lights will easily last the duration of the night, giving you total peace of mind.

Solar lights need sunlight to charge, but it does not have to be direct sunlight. They will still charge on a cloudy day, just more slowly. They will not, however, charge from artificial indoor light.

Most solar lights work in the rain, both for charging and lighting. Check the IP rating to be sure they suit uncovered spaces. We recommend IP65 or above for open outdoor and deck areas.