One of the essential features of a home is its lighting system. Whether in the living room, the bedroom, the garage, or around the house’s gutters, lighting is essential. Good lighting sets and improves the mood around the house, producing a warm ambiance.
Outdoor lighting is just as important as interior lighting, as it can make it comfortable and safe to move around the home’s exterior. It can also beautify the surroundings at night.
Exterior lighting can also help provide security for your home. Keeping your passageways, garage, and every dark corner illuminated can help detect potential security threats early.
However, lighting incurs a large chunk of the energy expenses in every home. To save energy and reduce your electricity bills, you should consider using energy-efficient lighting systems within and outside the house. The planet will also thank you.
The Technology Behind Solar Lights
Solar lights are artificial sources of light that draw their energy from the sun instead of electricity. They take their power from batteries that get charged with sunlight. Solar lights use photovoltaic (PV) panels with solar cells that collect sunlight and turn it into electricity. You will see the dark panels on the top of solar lights; these are the solar panels.
A solar cell is made with chemicals that create layers containing electrons—which are negatively charged—and positively-charged spaces and many layers of crystalline silicon. When sun rays enter the solar cell, the electrons become charged, and the sun rays push them to the positively-charged spaces.
The electrons are then transferred, as an electric current, through the wires in the solar cells. The solar cells will automatically stop this process when it gets dark.
1. Roshwey Solar Gutter Light
These lights are made from eco-friendly materials that are capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions. Installation does not require any form of wiring, making it easy for nonexperts.
The Roshwey lights can be installed on flat surfaces and fences using clips and adjustable brackets. The 9 LEDs make them bright and decorative and optimally illuminate your backyard. The lights are more durable than other lights because of their IP55 waterproof rating, and they are also lightweight.
The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you do not like the lights. However, you might not need to activate this clause because the lights are fantastic.
Pros
- 1600mAH battery capacity
- Waterproof
- Easy installation
- Made from high-quality weather-resistant materials
- 100% money-back guarantee
- 100 lumens
- Very decorative
Cons
- The railing brackets aren’t large enough.
- The brackets will rust upon usage.
2. InnoGear Solar Gutter Lights
InnoGear solar gutter lights are uniquely designed with motion sensors that can detect movement with a range of 26 feet. When movement is detected, the lights are switched to the brightest mode. The lights also automatically turn off during the day and turn on at dusk.
InnoGear comes with 80 bright LEDs, capable of producing about 450 lumens. The battery capacity is almost three times more than most gutter lights, with about 2600mAh power capacity.
With this battery capacity, the lights can absorb sunshine even when not under direct sunlight. The lights charge fast compared to other solar gutter lights. These lights also come with aluminum mounting poles, which gives them an extra extension from the wall or gutter.
InnoGear can also withstand adverse weather conditions because it is made of IP65 waterproof rating, making it durable and long-lasting. InnoGear has four working modes: from quarter brightness up to full brightness.
Pros
- Four working modes
- Waterproof and resistant to extreme weather conditions
- Over 450 lumens
- 80 bright LED lights
Cons
- Bad weather may affect working modes.
- Not as durable as other options.
3. Falove Solar Gutter Lights
Falove Solar Gutter lights are convenient and easy to install. They can be installed on any gutter system, walls, or flat surfaces, and their energy-saving feature is top-notch. They are made from environment-friendly materials capable of withstanding adverse weather conditions.
They are waterproof, heatproof, and weather resistant. Falove solar gutter lights are also quite firm and durable. The solar panels convert energy from the sun into electrical energy, which is stored in rechargeable batteries.
Pros
- Waterproof and resistant to extreme weather conditions
- Long-lasting.
- Automated lighting system
Cons
- No warranty period
- Useful life may vary
4. JSOT Solar Gutter Lights
These solar gutter lights are a budget-friendly solar lights system with extended light time. The lights have 9 LEDs, emitting bright lights at no extra cost.
They can be installed on any surface you choose, including the gutter, wall, fence, or anywhere you want. JSOT produces about 100 lumens with a battery capacity of 1600mAh.
The lights are also safe to use in any environment as they are made from eco-friendly materials that keep you from adding to the planet’s carbon footprint.
They can also withstand adverse weather conditions like heavy rain, snow, or excess heat. This is another light set that automatically goes on at dusk and doesn’t require manual control, lasting up to 8 hours.
The lights are very well packaged, and their design is unique, making them great decorative outdoor lights. The company also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and gives one year warranty on their product.
Pros
- High-quality lights
- One year warranty
- Lights are completely waterproof
- Withstand all types of weather
Cons
- Batteries aren’t waterproof
- Brightness may fade over time
5. iSunMoon Solar Gutter Lights
iSunMoon solar gutter lights are smaller than other solar gutter lights and are lightweight, making installation straightforward. They also have four different easy installation methods and can be mounted on a gutter, or the driveway, and other small areas that might need illumination around the house.
The battery lasts for about 8 hours, depending on weather conditions, and also requires 6 – 8 hours to be fully charged. iSunMoon solar gutter lights are durable, and their IP 55 waterproof rating makes them capable of enduring any weather condition.
Pros
- IP 55 waterproof rating guarantees that it withstands adverse weather conditions
- Automated system
- Average run time of 8 hours
- Lightweight
Cons
- Only three LED lights per piece
6. Hoshine Solar Gutter Lights
Hoshine solar gutter lights were uniquely designed with three working modes: bright, dim, and dark. They have a motion sensor that detects movement within a range of 26 feet, meaning they provide extra security and safety around the house.
The lights are made from unique eco-friendly materials called PMMA+PP+Aluminum Alloy and can be fixed on gutters, fences, and walls. PPMA are recently popular eco-friendly materials used for boats, planes, vehicles, and more to reduce their energy consumption. PMMA’s selling quality is its acrylic composition and how it makes everything lighter while offering the same structural integrity.
Hoshine solar gutter lights require less than 5 hours to charge but can last up to 12 hours. They produce up to 200 lumens with 6 LEDs. The lights are energy-efficient and have a waterproof level of IP 44.
Pros
- 2200mAh battery capacity
- Produces up to 200 lumens
- Waterproof, heatproof, and withstands most weather conditions
- 12-hour runtime
Cons
- Dim mode is too dim
- Extremely bad weather can affect the working modes
7. Honeone Solar Gutter Lights
Honeone Solar Gutter lights contain 40 energy-efficient LEDs. The lights produced are soft bright lights that are gentle on the eyes.
These lights are also made from eco-friendly and durable materials of PP, PS, and alloy. Honeone’s IP 65 waterproof level makes it long-lasting and weather resistant.
Their unique square design fits perfectly into any architectural style, making it one of the best solar gutter lights in the market.
Pros
- A lifespan of approximately 50000Hours
- Exceptionally durable and can endure extreme weather conditions, including storms and earthquakes.
- Energy saving
Cons
- Lights may dim quickly
8. Brightology Solar Gutter Lights
Brightology solar gutter lights are waterproof with a rating of IP 44, making them an excellent choice in terms of durability and strength. The package contains additional equipment, including LED bulbs, battery, blockout lens, switch, thumb screw, battery cover, and metal bar.
The battery has a capacity of 800mAh, which can last between 6 – 8 hours. It is also energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. These lights are also automated, turning on at night and turning off at dawn to charge the battery.
Pros
- IP44 Waterproof rating
- Easy installation
- Very durable and can endure varying weather conditions.
Cons
- Battery life isn’t optimal
9. DBF Solar Gutter Light
DBF solar lights are easy to install and do not require any wiring. These lights produce high-quality brightness to illuminate the outdoors of the home. DBF lights come with large solar panels, reducing the charging time and prolonging their runtime to 8 hours. The battery has a capacity of 1500mAh.
The in-built light sensor allows them to detect when it is dawn and when night falls, allowing them to switch off at night automatically and switch off at sunrise, thus eliminating the need for manual control.
The lights are made from high quality and eco-friendly ABS material, making them durable and strong enough to withstand adverse weather conditions. They are uniquely designed with white and black color variations to complement your house’s color scheme.
The company offers a 12-month warranty on this product and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Their customer service also provides quality customer relations, responding to concerns of their clients within 24 hours.
Pros
- Strong and durable
- IP55 waterproof rating
- Easy to install
- One year warranty
- Efficient Customer service
Cons
- Not the brightest option
10. Creative Design Solar Gutter Lights
This solar gutter light was creatively designed to provide maximum illumination to your home’s exterior. With 34 LEDs at the front and 6 LEDs on either side, these lights produce up to 500 lumens. The lights provide wider illumination, making them rank among the best solar gutter lights. They are perfect for use along the driveway, pathway, your porch, and other outdoor lighting.
Installation is easy because the mounting poles are included in the package. Installing it with the mounting poles also guarantees maximum illumination along the gutters. The lights are made from eco-friendly ABS materials with IP 65 waterproof rating; this makes them waterproof, dustproof, and heatproof.
These solar gutter lights also come with a motion sensor, providing security and safety around the house. Another unique feature is their four working modes: ¼ brightness, ½ brightness, dim, and full brightness whenever it senses motion. The lights are also durable and capable of withstanding any storm, earthquake, heavy rainfall, or any other extreme weather.
The battery has a 2600mAh capacity, which charges fast and lasts longer than other solar gutter lights.
Pros
- 500 lumens
- IP 65 waterproof rating
- Covers wider areas than most solar gutter lights
- Battery charges fasts and lasts long
Cons
- Battery life isn’t optimal
- Motion brightness last for about only 5 seconds
Tips for Choosing the Best Solar Gutter Lights for Your Home in 2023
Finding the perfect light to suit your needs can be a little confusing. To make your choice easier, consider top features that will serve you. There are some key features you should look out for, and below is a list of our recommended purchase options:
Excellent Battery Capacity
Different solar lights use different batteries, so it’s important to know the type of battery your solar light uses. Some batteries require complete exposure to the sun, while others only need partial exposure.
If you’re buying lights for security purposes, the batteries should be able to last overnight. Lights that last within the range of 8 and 12 hours are a great choice to make. There are four battery types available for solar gutter lights: Li-ion (Lithium-Ion), lead-acid, NiCAD, and NiMH batteries.
The most used one is the Li-ion battery because of its fast charging rate. However, it is not enough to have a battery that charges fast if it will not last throughout the night. Therefore, you must choose a solar gutter light with a large battery capacity, preferable Li-ion battery (for fast charging).
Durable Materials
Since your solar gutter lights will be fixed outdoors, it is important that you choose one made from quality materials that are capable of enduring severe weather conditions such as heat, cold, and even earthquakes.
The best solar gutter lights are made from ABS and aluminum materials because of their durability and eco-friendliness. These materials can withstand almost any weather condition and still provide an attractive look for your house.
Extra Lumens
Most solar lights use LED bulbs, and their brightness is measured in lumens. For warm lighting, buy lights that produce 15 to 35 lumens. For brighter lighting, get lights that produce 700 to 800 lumens. You can decide based on a variety of factors, but remember that bright lighting provides extra security.
Extra lumens means extra brightness, which means you should be mindful of the lights’ lumen rating when buying gutter lights for your home. Luckily, LEDs do not consume as much energy as traditional fluorescent lamps. They can produce more lumens, and the battery will still last a long time. A gutter light with more lumens will cover larger areas.
Multiple Installation Method
Conventional solar gutter lights might be difficult to install if there’s only one way to install them. Different parts of the house might require a different mounting method. Therefore, it’s good to look out for lights with more than one installation method, especially those with mounting brackets and screws which can be easily fixed on a gutter, fence, or wall. You could also buy one with mounting poles as they are easy to install.
Automation
Gutter lights that have been designed to automatically turn on and off when necessary are often the best as no manual control is needed. Some also have in-built motion sensors, providing extra security around the house, allowing you to quickly notice intruders around your home after dark.
Functions
The functions of your solar lights are an important factor to consider in your decision-making. Most solar lights that have many functions are expensive, but that doesn’t mean you should break the bank to buy these.
Instead of buying expensive lights, choose easier and cheaper options like lights with manual switches, changing colors, dimmers, and timers.
Style
Solar lights come in various styles and designs. You can choose among numerous options, depending on the style of your home or your taste. The variety of options allows you to pick an aesthetically pleasing yet functional light.
Conclusion
Picking the best solar gutter lights for your home might be pretty straightforward, but it can also end up being a really tough choice. We hope the information provided here can help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect lighting solution for your gutter.
All the gutter lights reviewed above are of good quality, have plenty of features, and are relatively easy to install. As with all solar lighting, they are an energy-efficient solution that will help you get closer to your sustainability goals. As a bonus, some of these lights will also help give your home a distinctive aura.