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Landscape Design Lighting

Does high quality outdoor solar lighting exist?

4 years ago

Hi everyone,

We are currently in the midst of a front yard DIY makeover and we are trying to decide between the various brands of outdoor solar pathway lighting. Does anyone know of any high quality brands in this area? Things we are seeing on amazon and Home Depot look like junk. Cheap electronics that fail, cheap materials, etc. Price is not a barrier for us for these lights.

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Comments (4)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
Try looking at these: Best solar landscape lighting. btw, none of these are likely to be found at HD or Lowes or via Amazon. Try a landscape lighting supply store. But the best landscape lighting will probably be hardwired LED rather than solar.
catinthehat
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks both of you! It looks like there may not be a big market for high end solar pathway lighting. I will continue my quest, I’ve got some time before we need to decide.

I’d like to avoid low voltage if possible, but if needed there is a way I could tie into an existing circuit, it’s just more extra work...
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If the batteries are AA's usually even nice solar lights use really crummy batteries many are under 1,000mah and will run the lights maybe one night. I had the same problem with 900mah batteries and replaced the batteries with energizers which are around 2500mah and have enough capacity to run more than one night on sunny days which allow them to still hang in there after a dreary day. I would replace the batteries with better ones for one light or two and compare. I have since purchased more AA's off Ebay in the 2500mah capacity for other items as they are much cheaper than energizers. If you have a charger I would charge them before putting them in.
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wdccruise
4 years ago
I suspect you're unlikely to find what you want. Why? Based on my observation of solar-powered lights on bicycle paths, the solar panels have to be large (to generate enough electricity to charge the battery during the day) and the batteries have large (to store enough power to operate the light all night). With all this, you'd have an ugly residential pathway light!

Fortunately, there are some great low-voltage path lights made or sold by Tech Lighting and Ylighting (and others, I'm sure). I'd get Dark Sky lights to illuminate only the area needed, avoid shining light in anyone's windows, and reduce light pollution.
Donald
4 years ago
I have 4 little junkie ones I attached along a fence, bought at HD, no wires and they’ve withstood the sun, rain and snow for a good 4 years with no issues. Come on at dusk every night. Nice ambient light.

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