The Johnsons spent the better part of August installing a flagstone pathway that winds its way through their wooded backyard. Now that it's fall, they'd like to add some lighting along the path for safety - and ambiance - in the evening.
How Solar Pathway Lights for Backyard Walkways Work
You don't have to run expensive electrical lines to your backyard walkway to install lights. There are lots of solar-path lights that you simply stick into the ground; the solar panel on top absorbs energy during the day and activates light below at sunset. Some are decorative and others are purely utilitarian, but all add style and safety without an electrician.
What to Consider Before Buying Solar Pathway Lights
But not all path lights are created equal. Over the past two years, we've put more than 14 popular solar path lights through their paces, considering such factors as light output - charging speed, battery life, and ease of installation and use.
If you're thinking of buying solar pathway lights, consider the following factors:
- How long does it take to charge? The faster the better, especially if you live in an area with less-than-ideal weather.
- How bright does it get? Bigger is better - especially since the lights tend to lose power and fade over time.
- Are the lights tamper-resistant? You'll want to lock or seal the battery compartment if you have pets or small children.
- Is the design right for your yard? Make sure the lights won't be easily tripped over or blown over by the wind.
Which Is the Best Solar Pathway Light?
The Linkind SL5C Smart Spotlight outshone all others in our testing. These lights feature an LED bulb that can emit up to 150 lumens . The manufacturer claims that the lights can provide at least 14 hours of light when fully charged. We found that the light level does diminish after several hours, but that's true of all the lights we tested.
Like the other lights in our test, the Linkinds turn on automatically at sunset and are very easy to install - they just need to be pushed into the ground. Because they have a slightly heavier base, they stay put better than most. The lights are also waterproof (IP67 rated) and weatherproof, so they should stand up well in bad weather.
The only drawback? The solar panel is small and the lights sometimes took a bit longer to charge on cloudy days. But we found the lights to be far superior to the competition - which is why we named them the best outdoor solar lights in our recent story about the perfect patio.
Other Top-Rated Solar Pathway Lights
The Pro Series VI Solar Path Light, Set of 2, came in second place in our testing. These lights gave off the most light of any of the path lights tested, with 60 lumens. They were quick to charge and easy to install; however, they didn't last as long as the Linkinds did once it got dark - burning out after about four hours.
The Better Homes & Gardens Elijah Light - Set of 4 came in third place largely due to its attractive design and included carrying case. These lights aren't as bright as the top two picks, giving off about 20 lumens. However, the lights performed well in testing and are backed by a two-year warranty.
The Threshold Solar LED Outdoor Path Lights Matte Black - Set of 6 also performed reasonably well during our tests. Although the light output is low at 6 lumens each, they're super quick to charge and easy to use. One potential issue: The Threshold lights require six AA nickel metal hydride batteries, which aren't included.
Installing Solar Pathway Lights Along a Walkway
You'll want to space the lights about 4 to 5 feet apart - any closer and you're wasting money - any farther and there might be some shadows. And remember, these lights won't be as bright as traditional pathway lights that are plugged in. "These lights aren't going to replace any kind of line-voltage light," says Ryan Pescatore, founder of a contracting business in Philadelphia, "but they're a nice accent." So don't completely abandon the idea of running electricity out to your path - if it's feasible - but know that solar lights are a great - affordable alternative.
