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 8 recommendations in this article.
Quick List - Top Solar Lights
Bright and Durable Lighting That Withstands Harsh Weather
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.
Table of Contents
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 | Akari Solar Energy Light and Lantern|ARL-K9821 | ![]() | Bright, Portable, and Reliable for Any Adventure | LED | unknown | 220lm | 700mAh | 12hrs | unknown | |
2 | 1000W Solar Ceiling Light LED Lamp|B1T1 - 1000 Watts | ![]() | Bright and Durable Lighting That Withstands Harsh Weather | LED | Polycrystalline | unknown | unknown | 6-8hrs | IP67 | |
3 | BOSCA 500W Solar Light|BS-6128 | ![]() | Keep Bugs Away While Brightening Your Outdoor Space | LED | Polycrystalline | unknown | 10000mAh | 4-6hrs | IP67 | |
4 | Yeelite LED 3 Modes Solar Street Light | ![]() | Smart Motion-Sensing Light for Efficient Outdoor Illumination | LED | unknown | unknown | unknown | 10hrs | IP65 | |
5 | GEEK 3000W Solar Light Outdoor | ![]() | Smart Remote-Controlled Solar Light with Fast Charging Feature | LED | Polycrystalline | unknown | unknown | 4-6hrs | IP67 | |
6 | Keycool 100W Solar Lights With Solar Panel | ![]() | Smart, Reliable Solar Light That Doesn't Require Wiring | LED | unknown | 850lm | 4000mAh | 4-6hrs | IP67 | |
7 | Outtobe Solar Work Light | ![]() | Reliable Lighting with Dual Charging & Emergency Power | LED | unknown | 500lm | 1200mAh | unknown | unknown | |
8 | Mitsushi Solar Light Bulb | ![]() | Compact, Reliable, and Ready for Any Adventure | LED | unknown | unknown | 1200mAh | 6-10hrs | unknown | |
9 | Keria Solar Outdoor Lights | ![]() | Customizable Outdoor Lighting With Three Color Modes and All-Weather Durability | LED | Monocrystalline | 500-1000lm | 3000mAh | 6-8hrs | IP67 | |
10 | Remax 2PCS Solar Wall Lights | ![]() | Elegant Solar Wall Lights for a Cozy Outdoor Ambiance | LED | Polycrystalline | unknown | 600mAh | 6+hrs | IP65 |
Its lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry anywhere, while the fast-charging solar panel and USB charging options add extra convenience. Best for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for an eco-friendly emergency light, this solar light is practical for everyday use. However, if you need long-lasting battery life, you may want to consider other options.
Bulb Type | LED |
---|---|
Solar Panel Type | unknown |
Lumens | 220lm |
Battery Capacity | 700mAh |
Charging Time | 12hrs |
IP Code | unknown |
Bulb Type | LED |
---|---|
Solar Panel Type | Polycrystalline |
Lumens | unknown |
Battery Capacity | unknown |
Charging Time | 6-8hrs |
IP Code | IP67 |
This solar light from Bosca features integrated mosquito-repelling technology and powerful LED illumination, making it perfect for outdoor use. Equipped with a 10,000mAh battery, an 18W polycrystalline solar panel, and 119 PCS 5730 LEDs, it offers bright, long-lasting lighting while helping keep pests away. It also comes with remote and light control modes for convenient operation, and its IP67 waterproof rating ensures reliable performance in any weather.
Ideal for patios, gardens, and work areas, it’s a practical choice for those who want a bright outdoor space without the nuisance of mosquitoes. However, it may not be suitable if you're looking for decorative lighting or an indoor fixture.
Bulb Type | LED |
---|---|
Solar Panel Type | Polycrystalline |
Lumens | unknown |
Battery Capacity | 10000mAh |
Charging Time | 4-6hrs |
IP Code | IP67 |
Bulb Type | LED |
---|---|
Solar Panel Type | unknown |
Lumens | unknown |
Battery Capacity | unknown |
Charging Time | 10hrs |
IP Code | IP65 |
Bulb Type | LED |
---|---|
Solar Panel Type | Polycrystalline |
Lumens | unknown |
Battery Capacity | unknown |
Charging Time | 4-6hrs |
IP Code | IP67 |
Bulb Type | LED |
---|---|
Solar Panel Type | unknown |
Lumens | 850lm |
Battery Capacity | 4000mAh |
Charging Time | 4-6hrs |
IP Code | IP67 |
Bulb Type | LED |
---|---|
Solar Panel Type | unknown |
Lumens | 500lm |
Battery Capacity | 1200mAh |
Charging Time | unknown |
IP Code | unknown |
Bulb Type | LED |
---|---|
Solar Panel Type | unknown |
Lumens | unknown |
Battery Capacity | 1200mAh |
Charging Time | 6-10hrs |
IP Code | unknown |
Bulb Type | LED |
---|---|
Solar Panel Type | Monocrystalline |
Lumens | 500-1000lm |
Battery Capacity | 3000mAh |
Charging Time | 6-8hrs |
IP Code | IP67 |
Bulb Type | LED |
---|---|
Solar Panel Type | Polycrystalline |
Lumens | unknown |
Battery Capacity | 600mAh |
Charging Time | 6+hrs |
IP Code | IP65 |
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: Akari|Solar Energy Light and Lantern|ARL-K9821
No. 2: |1000W Solar Ceiling Light LED Lamp|B1T1 - 1000 Watts
No. 3: BOSCA|500W Solar Light|BS-6128
No. 4: Yeelite|LED 3 Modes Solar Street Light
No. 5: GEEK|3000W Solar Light Outdoor
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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