Decorating the exterior of your space or providing much-needed lighting can be a difficult decision. There are many ways you could choose to light up your way, including the use of solar lighting. Solar lighting is a great option to not only save money but to be mindful of energy consumption and environmental issues.
Within the world of solar lighting, there are various types of lights available from pathway lights to lanterns and even post lights. Solar post lights are ideal to mount on posts or decks to guide you on your way.
The Best Solar Post Light for You
1. Gama Sonic Baytown Solar Outdoor LED Light Fixture
Beautifully designed and versatile to use, this solar light can be mounted in various ways in different places. It is constructed of powder-coated aluminum, which won’t rust out like other metals. The solar panel is covered with tempered glass to protect it and give it a longer life.
The included mounting bracket works for wall mounts, whereas the bases give you two options for post-mounting. Each light includes 10 LED lights which output 70 to 80 lumens. The diameter of the light is six inches so if your post is smaller, it may be tricky to install. They have a built-in cone reflector technology which disperses the light in an outward and downward direction to give more directional illumination.
- Made from durable cast aluminum for longevity and durability unlike plastic or other steel
- Will not rust out like other metals exposed to water
- The Cone reflector inside disperses light so it is useful for illuminating stairways or pathways
- Included wall brackets, bases and ground stakes to allow you options for installation
- Replaceable battery pack inside to allow you to replace and continue using the light
- Three position control: warm light, bright light and off
- Heavy at 7lbs. which may not be very sturdy on a post
- The battery pack needs replaced about every 2 to 3 years
- Needs direct sunlight to charge; shaded areas will not work
- Only lasts about 5 hours on a full charge
- Downward light doesn’t help with upper illumination
2. Gama Sonic Windsor Solar Outdoor LED Light Fixture
The Windsor design is a little more rounded than the Baytown and has a more old-world charm. The base is designed to fit as small as 3 inches, so it is ideal for smaller posts. It is made of cast aluminum and beveled glass on all six sides. Each light features 6 LED lights which output through the built-in cone technology.
This light will shine up to 15 hours on low and 10 hours on high illumination. When you prefer the light remain off, there is a manual on/off switch.
- Long-lasting illumination on a full charge; between 10 to 15 hours
- Manual on/off switch for convenience
- Made from cast aluminum for longevity and durability
- Weatherproof and waterproof
- Fits smaller sized posts
- 150 lumens
- Needs full, direct sunlight to get a proper charge
- The base may seem flimsy compared to the rest of the light
- Glass could be broken
- Downward sloping light beams
- High winds may knock it off the post
- Heavy rains could flood the glass
3. Kemeco Cast Aluminum Solar LED Light Fixture
The Prairie design is done in a weathered bronze finish, giving it a different look than the other lantern-shaped lights. The square top is a full solar panel to capture the rays a little easier. The base can be mounted on posts or poles as small as 3 inches. The body is constructed of cast aluminum and beveled glass.
The Gama cone technology gives off more lighting in an outward and downward direction. Each solar light features 5 LED lights, for a total of 50 lumens. It will turn off and on automatically at dusk and dawn. There is a replaceable battery pack to allow you to use this light over time instead of it being disposed of.
- Large solar panels to sunrays easier
- Fits smaller sized posts—as small as 3 inches
- A rechargeable battery pack included
- Cast aluminum construction is strong and will last
- Weatherproof
- Automatic on and off
- The base may seem too small to support the weight of the upper light
- Glass could be broken
- Downward lighting may not be ideal in all situations
- Coloring/Finish may not be suitable for all decor
- Only outputs 50 lumens
4. Westinghouse Solar 20 Lumens 4×4 Post Light for Wood Posts
This 2 pack is an inexpensive option to fit any 4×4 post or railing to illuminate your outdoor space. The output 20 lumens for the first 6 hours and then dim to 5 lumens for the rest of the night to conserve power. The top is easily removable if you need to access the inside. They come with mounting bases for posts or railings. They are not too big or bulky and finish off the look of any deck space very nicely. They are constructed of a plastic body and plastic lens.
- Very affordable
- Come in a package of two lights
- Fit perfectly to a 4×4 post
- Can adapt to fit a railing instead with included base
- The dimming feature conserves solar power
- The height is not too big; won’t easily be knocked over or blown off the post
- Plastic construction is not as durable as steel
- The top doesn’t lock down; the inside could be exposed to rain easily
- Only outputs 20 lumens at its brightest setting
- No, on/off switch
- Requires almost full sun to fully charge; in shade, it doesn’t charge as well
- Only one solar panel to capture suns rays; will need to be mindful of the area of installation
- Won’t fit smaller posts or poles
5. RuggedGrade 24-Watt LED Solar Street Light
This professional-grade solar post light is powerful and versatile. It can output an incredible 2400 lumens, for super bright light. Will fit poles from 2-3.4 inches in diameter. It can also be wall-mounted with the included brackets and hardware.
The light will automatically come on at dusk and shut itself off at dawn. The large solar panel is great to catch those rays and store them away to keep your light working all night long. It charges in eight hours’ time and is weatherproof to give you peace of mind. The body is constructed of aluminum alloy for durability and longevity.
This professional-grade solar post light is powerful and versatile. It can output an incredible 2400 lumens, for superbright light. Will fit poles from 2-3.4 inches in diameter. It can also be wall-mounted with the included brackets and hardware.
The light will automatically come on at dusk and shut itself off at dawn. The large solar panel is great to catch those rays and store them away to keep your light working all night long. It charges in eight hours’ time and is weatherproof to give you peace of mind. The body is constructed of aluminum alloy for durability and longevity.
- Superior illumination output at 24 watts or 2400 lumens
- Automatically comes on and shuts off
- Charges in only eight hours of sunlight
- Versatile installation for poles or wall mounting
- Weatherproof and waterproof for most outdoor conditions
- Constructed of durable aluminum alloy steel
- Higher price point since it is a professional grade
- Wall mount installation hardware is included but not the pole
- May be too bright for residential areas; neighbors may be disturbed
- No motion detection; on constantly throughout the night
Who is the Winner of the Best Solar Post Light?
Although each of these solar post lights has something positive to offer, there is one clear winner in my opinion and that is the Gama Sonic Windsor Solar Outdoor LED Light Fixture. Not only is the design esthetically pleasing but it is also versatile to fit different size posts.
The 150-lumen output is perfect to get just the right amount of light, without it being overpowering. With its cast aluminum body, you will never need to worry about it rusting with time and because it is weatherproof, you can leave them outdoors year-round. The six-sided light has solar panels on each section which can collect the sun from many angles.
If you are confused or overwhelmed by the choices available to you when looking for the best solar post light, simply follow this guide and you will find the right one for your needs. Look for the outlined features and attributes and you will be able to sort through those available to you. Please feel free to leave a comment or question, because we love hearing from our readers.
Decorating the exterior of your space or providing much-needed lighting can be a difficult decision. There are many ways you could choose to light up your way, including the use of solar lighting. Solar lighting is a great option to not only save money but to be mindful of energy consumption and environmental issues. Within the world of solar lighting, there are various types of lights available from pathway lights to lanterns and even post lights. Solar post lights are ideal to mount on posts or decks to guide you on your way.
How to Choose Which Solar Post Light is Best?
When you are trying to find the best solar post lights, you will quickly realize that there are various styles to choose from and all have different features. You shouldn’t become too overwhelmed when deciding which product is best for you. This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through that choice and help you find the right solar post light for your specific needs.
Size
Not only the size of the actual solar light should be taken into consideration but also the size of the base. This will determine where you will be able to install the light and whether your post will be too small to accommodate the light. The size of the body should still be considered too since it will be noticeable in your space if large and blend into the décor if smaller. Usually, the size will also relate to the amount of light given.
Scope of Light
This involves the range of the lighting provided by the post light. You will want it to at least light up the immediate area but if it could illuminate a little farther, that would be a bonus. If you are adding solar post lights to a railing for climbing stairs, there should be sufficient lighting to see your steps.
This is important for safety. Have a look at the direction the light will travel once mounted to see if it suits the space you will be using it as well. Look for how many lumens the light promises to let off since this will tell you how bright it will be.
Construction Materials
When you are trying to decide upon the best solar post light for your use, it is very important to consider what exactly the light is made from. Plastic body lights may not last as long or stand up against harsh conditions as steel would.
If you live in an area with heavy snowfall or rain, you will want to find lights that are strong enough to withstand these conditions. Also, if the light covering is made from glass, your solar light will be very fragile.
Waterproof/Weatherproof
The lights you choose should be water-resistant at the very least but preferably waterproof to lock out rain and snow. They will more than likely be mounted via screws to your posts, therefore removing them at the end of each warm-weather season is tedious and unnecessary. Weatherproof lights would also stand up to wind, dust, and extreme heat.
Illumination Timing
Most people assume the solar lights they purchase will just stay on whenever it is dark and shut off when there is daylight. This is not always true. Some solar lights will only last about six hours, and nightfall can be longer than that depending upon the time of year and location.
Look to see how long the solar post light will stay illuminated on a full charge and keep in mind that if the light doesn’t get a full charge from the sun that day, it may not last the full advertised time.
Charging/Battery
Another important feature to investigate is how long the solar light will take to charge. This time is usually advertised on the packaging and refers to how long the solar panel will need exposure to sunlight. If you are placing the solar post light in an area where sunlight may not be direct all day, it may be more difficult to charge. It is a great bonus if the solar light you choose has a backup battery built-in or included.
Special Features
For every person, this special feature will have a different meaning. You may not care that light has two modes or differing illumination settings, while someone else wants that feature. Some solar lights are also equipped with motion detection capability, which can be great for security purposes.
It all depends on your intended use and where you plan to install your solar post light which features or bonus add-ons will appeal to you.