In Indoor Mode your Shapelight will operate much like a normal mains powered light. It will turn on when you switch it on and turn off when you switch it off. Unlike Outdoor Mode, Shapelights will work in lit conditions in Indoor Mode and there is no timer to turn them off automatically after 7 hours.

They do come with a wall mounting option so you can install them for a hanging lantern if you prefer. Of course, that requires some basic household tools like a hammer. Shapelights are made from an extremely tough PE plastic and are strong enough to be used as illuminated furniture pieces. The Shapelight Cube and Cylinder can both easily double up as a small table or seat for children or light adults.Our team of experts at our testing lab in Des Moines, Iowa, put 27 outdoor solar lights to the test. We assembled them, sprinkled them with water, dropped a golf ball on them (from 6 feet away on the light and from 4 feet on the solar panel), and even stashed them in the freezer for an hour to see how well they held up to cold temperatures. We also timed how long the lights stayed on from dusk to dawn. The Mini London solar post lights are the latest addition to our most popular solar-powered lighting collection. As such, they meet strict quality and performance standards in fact, they set a new standard in the world of solar-powered lighting. For a simple spotlight, consider this set of two. Its three pieces are easy to assemble and can either be staked into the ground or mounted on a wall with the included screws. This set of two lights comes with an IP67 rating, meaning it's waterproof and will even keep dust particles out. Its 90 degree beam angle creates a more focused spotlight, and the spotlight head rotates 90 degrees vertically and 180 degrees horizontally, giving you more control over what the light shines on. The best solar lights have special features like on/off switches, timers, or motion sensors. Some solar lights, like the Brightown Outdoor Solar String Lights, even have different light settings like a slow fade or twinkle.

You'll also want to pay attention to the manufacturer's guidelines for water exposure and use in freezing temperatures; you may need to bring the lights inside during inclement weather for protection. Why You Should Get It: These in-ground lights sit flush with your terrain for a minimalist look that is barely noticeable during daytime. Some of the solar lights on this list have small solar panels on each individual light, while others have a single external solar panel that powers the entire set of lights. You might prefer the latter if you want to use solar lights under a porch or covered patio; you'll be able to give the solar panel direct sunlight while keeping the lights where you want them.

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Outdoor lights work best when they have access to direct sunlight to charge for multiple hours during the day, which is how the manufacturers calculate battery life and runtime.

There is probably a huge list of reasons to choose solar lights over normal lights, however, we’re going to discuss just a few here. Installing a solar light in your location will be much easier and cheaper than trenching grid power at the same location. It also ensures safety and easy maintenance. These lights usually come with a life span of 20 - 30 years, so you don't have to replace them every now and then. Since these lights are fully powered by solar energy, they are considered to be a green alternative to traditional lighting. Another important reason to choose a solar light is its low energy cost. These lights do not require electricity to run, helping you save on your energy bills. The first number indicates how well the item is protected against solid objects like dust, and the second number indicates how well it's protected against liquids. The latter ranges from zero to nine, and the higher the number, the more protected it is from water. When choosing the best outdoor solar lights for your space, consider your goals for the lights. Do you want something that lights up brightly only when motion is detected? Or do you prefer ambient lighting that provides a soft, warm glow?

Features

Testers also found that lights with larger solar panels can sometimes have a less aesthetically pleasing look, so make sure you feel good about the size and location of the panel before purchasing. In Outdoor Mode your Shapelight will turn on automatically after dark and turn off 7 hours later which conserves charge for subsequent evenings. The lights are meant to sit flush with the ground, though you may notice the silver rim around the light if you place them in the grass. These are rated as IP65, or deemed water resistant to splashes. We tested these lights by dropping a golf ball onto them and getting them wet. Testers said they held up well, although the light wouldn't stay on as long after we stored it in the freezer for a bit, so you may want to bring these inside during winter. Shapelights will work for 7 nights from a full USB charge without any help from the sun so a reasonably well-positioned Shapelight will only need USB charging every 10-14 days in winter and only occasional USB charging during spring and autumn. USB charging should not be necessary at all during summer.