Solar power sounds ideal: no cables, no electricity bill, just hang it up and you're done. And sometimes that's exactly how it is. Other times, after a few dark weeks, there's a light on your fence that no longer comes on. The difference lies in the location, the light and your expectations. I'll explain how solar LED works, where it fits perfectly, where you're better off choosing 230V and what to look for when buying.
In short
- How it works: the panel charges a battery during the day, a light sensor switches the light on when it gets dark.
- Where it works well: garden paths, borders, fences, sheds, garden houses and any spot without a socket.
- Where 230V is the better choice: front door, driveway, garage and shaded spots where you want reliable light every evening.
- Keep in mind: in winter a panel charges far less. The light output is lower than with 230V and the battery declines after 2 to 4 years.
- Choose: a large panel, a large battery, IP65 and preferably a replaceable battery.
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How does solar LED lighting work?
A solar light has three parts: a solar panel, a rechargeable battery and an LED light with a light sensor. During the day the panel converts sunlight into electricity and charges the battery. As soon as it gets dark, the sensor notices and the light switches on using the stored energy. Many models also have a motion sensor: the light then glows softly or stays off until someone walks by. That saves the battery and extends the run time.
☀️ 1. Charging
The panel converts sunlight into electricity. It also charges when it's cloudy, but much more slowly than in full sun.
🔋 2. Storing
The electricity goes to a built-in battery. The bigger the battery, the longer the light stays on.
💡 3. Lighting
A light sensor switches the light on at dusk. With a motion sensor it only comes on when needed.
Pros and cons at a glance
| Solar | 230V (or 12V) | |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | No cables, no digging, no drilling | Cable and connection required |
| Electricity costs | 0 euros | A few euros a year (see worked example) |
| Light output | Usually 50 to 500 lumens, better models 1,000 lumens or more | Easily 1,000 to 3,000 lumens and more |
| Winter | Lower yield, shorter run time | Constant, identical light |
| Shade | Panel charges poorly under trees or on a north-facing wall | Doesn't matter |
| Maintenance | Clean the panel, replace the battery after 2 to 4 years | Practically none |
| Flexibility | Move it as often as you like | Fixed location |
| Ideal for | Garden path, border, fence, shed, temporary use | Front door, driveway, garage, carport |
Where does solar work well?
🌿 Garden path and border
You want orientation and atmosphere, not a harsh spotlight. 50 to 200 lumens per light is enough here.
View garden lighting ›🏚️ Shed, garden house and fence
There's no socket and you don't want to run a cable. A solar wall light with a motion sensor gives light exactly when you're there.
View solar wall lights ›🎉 Temporary and seasonal
Patio party, Christmas or a holiday home: hang it up, take it down again. No holes, no hassle.
🏠 Renting and flexible living
In a rented home you don't want to lay cables. Solar is then the easiest way to add some atmosphere outside.
Solar flame light, set of 3Warm white, IP65, 51 cm, flame simulationView ›
Solar flame light, torchWarm white, flame simulation, for garden or patioView ›
Solar LED floodlight with solar panel80 lumens, daylight white, 2 metre cable, IP44View ›
Solar LED floodlight 2,000 lumensSeparate panel, remote control, IP65, daylight whiteView ›
All solar outdoor lighting › · All solar lighting ›
When should you choose 230V instead?
Solar is not a replacement for main lighting. Choose 230V or 12V when you need plenty of reliable light: at the front door, garage or driveway, in places with little sun, or in a spot that has to stay lit for long every evening. In winter, when you need the light most, a solar light charges worst. Want the best combination? Use 230V for the spots that really matter and solar as a supplement, for example along the path or on the garden house. You can read how to install 230V outdoor lighting in Installing outdoor lighting: wall light, floodlight, garden and carport.
Worked example: what does solar really save?
Solar has no electricity costs, but 230V LED is so efficient that the difference is smaller than you think. A 10 W light that burns 3 hours a day uses 10 W × 3 hours × 365 days = about 11 kWh per year. At 0.30 euros per kWh that is around 3.30 euros per year. On top of that come the costs of a cable and possibly an electrician, but solar has costs too: a battery that needs replacing after 2 to 4 years, or a whole light you buy again. So solar mainly pays off when it saves you from laying cables, not because the electricity bill is so high. This is a worked example; your actual costs depend on your rate and burn time.
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What should you look for when buying?
- Look at lumens, not watts. A 1 W light can be perfectly fine, a 5 W light can be weak. Lumens tell you how much light you get.
- Large panel, large battery. These are the two things that determine how long the light stays on.
- A separate panel is more flexible. You place the light where you want light and the panel where the sun shines.
- Choose IP65 for outdoor use. You can read more about the codes in IP rating explained: IP20, IP44, IP65 and IK08.
- Check whether the battery is replaceable. Then after a few years you only replace the battery instead of the whole light.
- Choose quality over quantity. A good light with a large battery and an efficient panel works much better than a cheap one.
Solar with a sensor: getting the most out of your battery
A lot of solar outdoor lighting has a built-in motion sensor. The light then glows softly or is off until someone walks by. That extends the run time and is useful for security and for functional spots such as a shed door or gate. During the day it charges, and in the evening it only burns when needed. You can find more about PIR, motion detectors and dusk-to-dawn switches in LED lighting with sensor: PIR, motion detector and dusk-to-dawn switch.
Tips for the best results
☀️ Position the panel well
Point the panel south and make sure it gets as much direct sunlight as possible, preferably a few hours a day. Under trees or on a north wall it charges poorly.
🧽 Keep the panel clean
Dirt, dust and leaves reduce the yield. Wipe the panel with a damp cloth a few times a year.
🔋 Replace the battery in time
Batteries wear out. After 2 to 4 years the capacity drops noticeably. A new battery gives the light a second life.
🧩 Use solar as a supplement
Use solar alongside your 230V lighting, not instead of it. That way you always have light where it has to be and atmosphere where it can be.
Charge a new light in the sun for the first few days, as the manual says. That way the battery reaches its full capacity.
Goes with this article
Solar flame light, set of 3Warm white, IP65, 51 cmView ›Solar LED floodlight 2,000 lumensSeparate panel, IP65, remote controlView ›
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a solar light stay on per night?
Does solar lighting also work in winter?
Does a solar light also charge when it's cloudy?
My solar light won't come on. What now?
Can I replace the battery of a solar light myself?
Is solar suitable for the front door?
Kind regards,
Bas / LEDPLANET.NL