Solar lights for gardens that last long into the evening

A solar light is essentially made of a solar panel with a battery inside to store the sun’s captured energy. This is then used to power a single or series of LEDs (light emitting diodes) for as long as the energy reserves last, or until the circuit is broken by an on/off switch or light-level sensor (aka photoresistor).  
The performance of a solar light depends on the quality and nature of the PV (photovoltaic) cells in the panel, so how efficiently these capture and convert the sun’s rays into energy. It also depends on the size and power of the battery, so how effectively that energy is stored. There are various types of solar panel and battery available, each with their own capabilities and limitations, and it’s the quality of these that govern the performance, lifespan and overall cost of the product.

Long summer days and winter nights mean that daylight levels in the UK fluctuate across the seasons, plus there’s the changeable weather to factor in too, which impacts on a solar light’s performance. Some types of solar panels perform better in cloudy or low light conditions than others. There are essentially three types to choose from:  
• Monocrystalline solar panels have a single silicon solar cell fixed to a robust base plate. Rigid and heavy, they are highly efficient at converting bright sunlight into energy but are expensive to produce and less effective in dull and cloudy conditions. 
• Polycrystalline solar panels are heavy, rigid and feature a collection of silicon solar cells bonded to a base board. Often made from offcuts of monocrystalline panels, they are more affordable and almost as efficient as capturing and converting the sun’s rays into usable energy. As with any rigid crystalline panel, finding the best position to absorb the maximum amount of sunlight is crucial. These panels are often found in functional products such as security lights and budget-friendly product designs. 
• Amorphous panels are made from a non-crystalline silicon bonded on to a thin substrate, making them flexible, lightweight and easy to manipulate into intricate shapes and designs. Efficient at absorbing sunlight even when light levels are low, coupled with a high-performing battery, these panels will provide bright light year-round, even in shadier areas.

All solar lights come with a rechargeable battery to store the energy gathered by the solar panel, using it to power the lights. After repeatedly draining and recharging, these will need replacing – roughly every two years – to keep the lights performing at their best. This is easily done, and the general rule is to replace the battery type and voltage like with like. Don’t be tempted to upgrade the battery power as this can shorten the life of the product. 
Lithium-ion, lead acid, LiFePO4 and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are the types most often used in domestic solar lights. If you’re looking for long-lasting products, then lithium-ion and LiFePO4 batteries have  
a lengthy lifespan of around five years.

Many solar garden lanterns will already come with hanging hooks or needles so that you can simply attach them to a tree, bush, or pergola. Some garden floor lanterns work best on the floor, particularly if they’re big enough to make a scene on their own. Garden lanterns also look good on an outdoor dining table or side table as a centrepiece if you’re struggling to find a space to work with them.

Yes, they will. Even when there’s a cloudy day or on cold winter days, the solar panels are charged by light. There are fewer daylight hours in the winter, but they will still be able to charge up with the amount of light from the darker seasons.

Solar panels must be in the light of the sun, and most of the time, when your solar lights aren’t working is because they haven’t charged up enough in the sun.
Make sure there are no bushes or branches shading the panel, and your lights should work. Some solar lights have an on/off button, so make sure it’s in the on mode before you put it out in the sun, and don’t make the mistake of assuming that solar lights will work instantly either – you’ll have to charge them in the light for a day before they work at full power. If you find that there is still a problem with your solar garden lights, you may need to check the battery and get it replaced. Some solar light packs may even come with a spare battery just in case this happens.