Shifting to eco-friendly alternatives in place of everyday items is an easy and simple way to practice a more sustainable lifestyle. Switching to solar lights, for example, can lower your electric bills and your carbon footprint since these make use of solar power, a renewable and unlimited form of clean energy.
Versatile and low-maintenance compared to conventional lighting, solar lights will surely change the way you light up your home. But before purchasing one, make sure you know the important factors to consider by reading our buying guide and checking out our top 10 recommendations in this article.
Quick List - Top Solar Lights
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
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Here are some points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
The bulb is one of the main parts of a solar light. While there are plenty of types available in the market, the three most common are incandescent lights, compact fluorescent lights (CFL), and light emitting diodes (LED). Take note that each type also comes in different sizes, shapes, and colors that suit various needs.
Among the three, we recommend LEDs the most because they are more energy-efficient, meaning they use less electricity to provide the same amount of light as other bulbs. They don't burn out, have a longer lifespan—reaching tens of thousands of hours depending on usage— and will surely give you your money's worth.
The solar panel, also called photovoltaics (PV), collects energy from sunlight and converts it into electricity that will power the bulbs. The ideal solar panel must have a high conversion efficiency rate to be able to produce more power per square foot and require less space.
With efficiency ranging from 15 to 21%, even going as high as 23% in some cases, this type of solar panel is considered to be the most ideal. It is composed of monocrystalline solar cells made from a single silicon crystal that allows a better flow of electricity throughout the panel.
More economical than monocrystalline solar panels, polycrystalline panels are made with fragments of silicon crystals melted together to form the "wafers." Because there are more crystals in each cell, electrons have less freedom to move, lowering their efficiency rating to about 16%. However, it's still a reliable and durable type of solar panel.
These thin-film solar panels are made from non-crystalline silicon overlaid upon glass, plastic, or metal. They have an efficiency rate lower than 10%, but they make up for this with their versatility, affordability, and ability to handle higher temperatures better. These are best used for applications with low power requirements.
The energy converted during the day is stored in batteries to enable your solar lights to work at night. As such, they must be durable and have high mAh (milliampere/hour) to last longer. Below are the most common types of batteries used for solar lights.
These lightweight batteries work perfectly with solar lights because they have a high energy density, do not require frequent maintenance, and can be charged effectively even with just 3.7 V of power from small solar panels. They also last longer than lead acid batteries, with a lifespan of up to five to six years and a capacity of up to 6000mAh.
These batteries perform well and recharge fast even in lower temperatures, making it advantageous to use for outdoor solar lights. They can last for about 1000 charge cycles if used properly and are much cheaper than Li-ion batteries. However, these contain toxic metals that can damage the environment when not properly disposed of.
A more eco-friendly alternative to NiCD batteries, NiMH batteries are less prone to memory effect, which refers to the decrease in battery longevity due to inadequate discharging after being charged. They also have a higher capacity of 2000mAh compared to NiCD batteries that come with only 600mAh.
Most solar lights are used for outdoor purposes, so it’s important to make sure that these are made with high-quality materials such as stainless steel, cast aluminum, and ABS plastic. These materials can withstand the heat of the sun, strong winds, rain, and other harsh weather conditions.
Another important consideration when purchasing solar lights is ensuring that they are waterproof. Check the IP (Ingress Protection) rating of the product to know the level of protection it has against water. We recommend choosing solar lights that are either IP 55- or IP 65-certified to ensure that they can be safely used outdoors.
Given the versatility of solar lights, they can be used for a variety of purposes and applications that require different levels of brightness. Checking the number of lumens, or the illumination capacity of the bulb will help you determine if the solar light can provide the intensity of brightness that you need.
At the same time, you must consider the size of the area you wish to light up, the distance of coverage, and your desired brightness to know the number of lumens that your solar light must have. Some solar lights also come with low and high settings that manage the brightness as well as the power usage.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bulb Type | Solar Panel Type | Lumens | Battery Capacity | Charging Time | IP Code | |||||
1 | OOKAS Solar Street Lights | ![]() | Powerful and Smart Outdoor Illumination | LED | Polycrystalline | 2200 lm | 15000 mAh | 8 hrs | IP67 | |
2 | Philips 3000 W Solar Light | ![]() | High-Powered Outdoor Lighting with Remote Control | LED | Polycrystalline | 3000 lm | 30000 mAh | 10-12 hrs | IP67 | |
3 | IMUTO High-Efficiency Solar Street Light | ![]() | Bright and Reliable Outdoor Lighting with Smart Controls | LED | Polycrystalline | unknown | 24000 mAh | 5 hrs | IP67 | |
4 | Philips LED Solar Streetlight | ![]() | Efficient and Eco-Friendly Outdoor Lighting | LED | Polycrystalline | 4000 lm | 16500 mAh | 6-8 hrs | IP65 | |
5 | Mitsushi Solar Lamps | ![]() | Durable and Efficient Outdoor Solar Lighting | LED | Polycrystalline | unknown | 17500 mAh | 6-8 hrs | IP67 | |
6 | ICON Solar Light|1800W | ![]() | Smart, Waterproof Outdoor Lighting with Motion Sensor | COB LED | unknown | unknown | 13500 mAh | 6-8 hrs | IP65 | |
7 | Bosca Solar Street Light UFO 2000 W | ![]() | Bright, Smart, and Durable Outdoor Lighting | LED | Polycrystalline | unknown | 24000 mAh | 5 hrs | IP65 | |
8 | Yeelite JD Original Solar Flood Light | ![]() | Versatile and Durable Solar Outdoor Lighting | LED | Polycrystalline | 8000 lm | 18000 mAh | 4-6 hrs | IP67 | |
9 | Plextone Solar Garden Light with Kettle Shape | ![]() | Charming and Eco-Friendly Outdoor Lantern | LED | Polycrystalline | unknown | 600 mAh | 5 hrs | IP65 | |
10 | GDlite Solar Lighting System|GD-8017 Plus | ![]() | Portable and Reliable Solar Lighting Solution | LED | Polycrystalline | unknown | 600 mAh | 15 hrs | unknown |
Bulb Type | LED |
---|---|
Solar Panel Type | Polycrystalline |
Lumens | 2200 lm |
Battery Capacity | 15000 mAh |
Charging Time | 8 hrs |
IP Code | IP67 |
Bulb Type | LED |
---|---|
Solar Panel Type | Polycrystalline |
Lumens | 3000 lm |
Battery Capacity | 30000 mAh |
Charging Time | 10-12 hrs |
IP Code | IP67 |
Bulb Type | LED |
---|---|
Solar Panel Type | Polycrystalline |
Lumens | unknown |
Battery Capacity | 24000 mAh |
Charging Time | 5 hrs |
IP Code | IP67 |
Reviews mention:
Users commend the bright and consistent lighting ideal for streets and pathways. Many appreciate the remote control feature for convenient operation. Some suggest improvements in installation guidance for first-time users.Bulb Type | LED |
---|---|
Solar Panel Type | Polycrystalline |
Lumens | 4000 lm |
Battery Capacity | 16500 mAh |
Charging Time | 6-8 hrs |
IP Code | IP65 |
Bulb Type | LED |
---|---|
Solar Panel Type | Polycrystalline |
Lumens | unknown |
Battery Capacity | 17500 mAh |
Charging Time | 6-8 hrs |
IP Code | IP67 |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Though there are limited reviews available, users generally appreciate the bright light output and the convenience of motion sensor activation. The waterproof feature is noted as reliable for outdoor use. Some buyers suggest clearer instructions for installation would be helpful."
Bulb Type | COB LED |
---|---|
Solar Panel Type | unknown |
Lumens | unknown |
Battery Capacity | 13500 mAh |
Charging Time | 6-8 hrs |
IP Code | IP65 |
Bulb Type | LED |
---|---|
Solar Panel Type | Polycrystalline |
Lumens | unknown |
Battery Capacity | 24000 mAh |
Charging Time | 5 hrs |
IP Code | IP65 |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Customers praise the product’s solid build quality and bright illumination across different wattages. The remote control feature is highly appreciated for ease of use. Some users note fast shipping and good customer service, while a few suggest clearer installation instructions.
Bulb Type | LED |
---|---|
Solar Panel Type | Polycrystalline |
Lumens | 8000 lm |
Battery Capacity | 18000 mAh |
Charging Time | 4-6 hrs |
IP Code | IP67 |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Customers enjoy the attractive and vintage-inspired design that enhances outdoor spaces. Many appreciate the solar-powered feature that eliminates wiring and electricity costs. Some users mention the light duration varies depending on sunlight exposure."
Bulb Type | LED |
---|---|
Solar Panel Type | Polycrystalline |
Lumens | unknown |
Battery Capacity | 600 mAh |
Charging Time | 5 hrs |
IP Code | IP65 |
Reviews mention:
Though limited reviews are available, users value its portability and usefulness during power outages and outdoor activities. The system is praised for being easy to assemble and operate without noise. Some suggest clearer user instructions could enhance the experience.Bulb Type | LED |
---|---|
Solar Panel Type | Polycrystalline |
Lumens | unknown |
Battery Capacity | 600 mAh |
Charging Time | 15 hrs |
IP Code | unknown |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Solar lights are composed of three main components: bulb, solar panel, and batteries. The solar panel, with the help of PV cells, absorbs sunlight and converts it to usable electricity that is stored in the batteries. This will then be used to power the bulb and generate light.
While solar lights are mostly meant for outdoor use, these can also be placed and charged indoors, especially the smaller ones like wall lights or step lights. Just make sure to put them somewhere where they can get enough sunlight—it doesn't necessarily have to be direct. Artificial lights can also be used to charge solar lights indoors.
You can buy LED bulbs and lamps as well as other types like CFLs and incandescent bulbs for solar lights from your preferred hardware stores. You can also purchase them online on Lazada, Shopee, and other leading e-commerce platforms.
Using solar lights is an eco-friendly and more economical way of illuminating your home because it utilizes sunlight as a source of energy. If you want to save more on your electric costs, here are other appliances that you can check out:
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: OOKAS|Solar Street Lights
No. 2: Philips|3000 W Solar Light
No. 3: IMUTO|High-Efficiency Solar Street Light
No. 4: Philips|LED Solar Streetlight
No. 5: Mitsushi|Solar Lamps
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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