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Have you been looking for a more sustainable and eco-friendly option for your mailbox lighting? Well, you’ve come to the right place! This article talks about some of the best manufactured and reviewed solar mailbox lights.
This is because solar lights have gained widespread popularity for all the right reasons! You can find them installed in almost every house. Whether in the backyard, front porch, patio, deck, or garden, they are one of the best additions to any space.
In addition, solar lights are one of the cheapest and most sustainable power alternatives to invest in. Once you switch to solar lights, you wouldn’t feel like taking any step back from it.
Read on for our expert reviews of the best solar mailbox lights available. Check the latest prices to ensure you get a great deal!
Contents
- 1 Our Top Picks
- 2 5 Best Solar Mailbox Lights
- 3 Solar Mailbox Light Buying Guide
- 4 Case Study: Enhancing Outdoor Aesthetics with Solar Mailbox Lights
- 5 Expert Insights From Our Solar Panel Installers About Solar Mailbox Lights
Our Top Picks
Image | Name | |
---|---|---|
Siedinlar Solar Post Lights | ||
Davinci Lighting Flexfit Solar Post Cap Lights | ||
Kemeco ST4328Q Solar Post Light | ||
Gama Sonic Prairie Bulb Lamp | ||
Mayne LZM-625-WH Solar Cap |
5 Best Solar Mailbox Lights
1. Siedinlar Solar Post Lights
One look at these solar mailbox lights will make you instantly fall in love with the design, the patterns, and the overall appearance. It comes in a pack of 2 solar post lights with an intricate metal design that creates a beautiful pattern when illuminated.
Ideal for your deck or patio, they have 3000K warm white light that gives a cozy ambiance to your space. Install them on wooden piles or fences, and watch the magical glow!
Features
IP65 Rating
An IP rating ensures that the solar product is waterproof and safe to use outdoors for long hours. These Siedinlar solar post lights also come with an IP65 rating that makes them waterproof.
Since they will be installed outdoors for most of their life, this rating is essential for their longevity. They are made of anti-corrosion, high-quality metal. Unlike plastic or resins, they won’t be deformed when exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Easy to Install
They are super easy to install on posts between 3.5 to 5.1 inches. You can choose to install them anywhere outside, from wooden piles to fences. They will brighten up any space where they are installed.
When installing and using them for the first time, make sure that you follow the instructions and fix them with the screws inside.
Long-lasting
Ensure you turn the switch on for the batteries to charge fully under the sun. In addition to this, also check that they are placed at such a location where they get direct sunlight.
Additionally, these solar post lights can work for over 30000 hours under very bright light. Their body is made of anti-corrosion metals and will last for a long time. The batteries are also high-quality and will glow at night without interruption.
Pros:
- They come with an IP65 rating
- Very easy to install and use
- Made of high-quality metals
- One-year warranty and 24×7 customer support
Cons:
- Battery capacity is not up to the mark
2. Davinci Lighting Flexfit Solar Post Cap Lights
If you’re searching for classy yet decorative mailbox solar lights that will give your space an elegant look, choose these Davinci Lighting Flexfit Solar lights that come in a pack of 2.
They can be easily installed to any standard 4 or 6-inch post caps that can be mounted on any flat surface on your patio or deck. Not to forget, they also come with a built-in photosensor that helps the lights work automatically.
Features
Long-lasting
Davinci solar post lights come in 2 warm white shades of 3000K and 15 lumens which help them light up for 100,000 hours without needing replacement. In addition, they come with a lithium-ion AAA rechargeable battery of 300 mAh and a monocrystalline solar panel.
The runtime of these lights after a full charge of 8 hours under direct sunlight is up to 6-8 hours. So, you can be sure that when they light up in the evening, they will light up for the whole night without any hindrance.
Durability
They are made of high-quality plastic and protected with an IP44 rating making them waterproof. The plastic is secured with UV-fade protection. So, your lights can stay out under direct sunlight without losing their shine and glamour.
An IP rating ensures that solar lights are built with high-quality materials and will last long in all weather conditions.
Easy to Install
The assembly and installation process must be as hassle-free as possible when it comes to solar lights. These solar mailbox lights can be installed on any surface without any external wire or cord.
Each lamp is cordless and self-contained. You just have to mount them on any surface you wish to.
Pros:
- Completely cordless and easy to install
- Comes with an IP44 waterproof rating
- Lasts for more than 7-8 hours
- It is available in a pack of 2, 4, and 8
Cons:
- Does not have a warranty period
3. Kemeco ST4328Q Solar Post Light
If traditional décor is your type, you will love having this Kemeco solar mailbox light on your patio or deck. It is made of a sturdy cast aluminum material that makes it very safe to use in any weather.
Additionally, installing and using it gives a warm white light that makes your space look very elegant. Not to forget, the LED bulbs shine with about 100-120 lumens depending on your geographical location.
Features
Low-Maintenance
Since this solar post light is made of cast aluminum, a high-quality metal, it requires almost little to no maintenance. Apart from some basic cleaning with a damp cloth, there is no external expense for this solar mailbox light maintenance.
Keeping the roof section clean will allow the battery to charge more quickly. But, sometimes, dirt and dust can affect the charging time and capacity of the battery.
Simple Setup
It is specifically designed for a simple setup and use. When you unpack the product, you won’t find any external wires or cords for the setup. Just mount the lamp on your post or any other surface with the help of screws.
Also, ensure that you position the solar lamp so that it receives ample sunlight for a quick charge time.
Warm and White LED Light
Based on your location and weather conditions, this lamp lights up with 100-120 lumens and gives a pleasantly warm and white light. The gentle light from this lamp makes any and every space look elegant.
You can choose to install it where the sunlight will allow the lamp to glow at full capacity.
Pros:
- Comes with a one-year warranty
- High-quality built-in material
- Gentle warm and white LED light
- Rechargeable batteries of 200 mAh
- Automatic on/off feature
Cons:
- Does not come with an IP rating
4. Gama Sonic Prairie Bulb Lamp
Gama Sonic has a long history in the industry regarding the best quality solar lights. They have been manufacturing high-quality solar lights for years and are known to deliver premium quality and high-performance products.
With Gama’s exceptional quality and service, you can rest assured that this solar mailbox light will add luminance like none other!
Features
Modern Design
Built for modern homes, this solar mailbox light is designed with a modern approach that matches your latest home design. Additionally, it is designed in black color and has an aluminum body to ensure a long-lasting life.
So, once you install it on your patio or deck, it will enhance your space’s overall appearance and look with its classy design.
Hassle-free Installation
All you can ask from a product is to be as versatile as possible, and this product delivers just that! The installation process is easy and hassle-free and does not require any external wiring or cords.
You can just mount it to an exterior wall or even bolt it to flat surfaces with the help of screws. Once installed, you will love how it makes your space look modern and elegant.
Weather and Rust-Resistant
The body of this aluminum solar post light is constructed with weather and rust-resistant metal. This makes it a durable asset to your home. So, you won’t face any difficulty or performance issues because of the high-quality built-in material.
Just make sure to clean it timely to extend its performance and long life.
Pros:
- Weather and rust-resistant cast aluminum body
- No external wire or cord is required to install
- Inclusive of 3 different mounting options
- Lasts up to 12 hours
Cons:
- Does not have an IP rating
5. Mayne LZM-625-WH Solar Cap
If going minimal is what you aim for, then go for this solar mailbox light by Mayne, which features a minimal design, giving your décor a new look. Its compact design fits perfectly on top of all your posts.
The only requirement of this mailbox light is sunlight, and the magic automatically follows. You don’t have to spend any external cost on its maintenance.
Features
Easy to Install
It is extremely easy to set up and assemble and requires no external wiring or sockets. You can mount it with the help of four self-tapping screws.
You just have to stick the screws in and turn the switch on for it to begin charging. Once installed, the solar mailbox light will give a soft, warm white glow that will automatically turn on at dusk.
High-Efficiency
It is power-packed with a high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar panel. The high photoelectronic conversion increases the efficiency by 20% more than usual.
Along with the solar panel, it comes with two rechargeable AA batteries that can last up to 8-10 hours at night after fully charging in the daytime.
Long-lasting
This solar-powered mailbox light only requires 4-6 hours of recharge and runs for up to 8 hours at night or even on gloomy days.
The solar panel is of high quality and efficiency, low consumption, and runs for long hours. You can also start using them just after a few minutes of installation.
Pros:
- Has a minimal and classy design
- Very easy to assemble and mount on surfaces
- Includes 2 rechargeable AA batteries
- Fits any outdoor post
Cons:
- It is made of PVC and is not weather-resistant
Solar Mailbox Light Buying Guide
Decking up your outdoor space with solar mailbox lights can be exciting for many people. You can go as creative and fancy as possible from the many options available to select and choose from.
However, shopping for solar lights can include going through many options that can feel overwhelming given that many factors need to be considered.
To help with this, this section contains a compilation of factors you can consider before selecting your final products. Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Solar mailbox lights are designed to be installed on or around mailboxes and work by converting sunlight into electricity through a solar panel, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly lighting option for outdoor spaces.
- To choose the right solar mailbox lights, consider portability, lighting modes, color and temperature preferences, solar panel types, charging time, and weatherproofing to ensure they meet your specific requirements and environmental conditions.
- Solar mailbox lights require minimal maintenance and offer significant cost savings on electricity, making them a practical and convenient choice for illuminating pathways, gardens, driveways, patios, decks, and other outdoor areas.
What Are Solar Mailbox Lights?
Solar Mailbox Lights are a type of solar light that is specifically designed to be installed on or around mailboxes. Solar Mailbox Lights come in a variety of styles and designs, but all Solar Mailbox Lights contain a solar panel that converts sunlight into electrical energy.
How Do Solar Mailbox Lights Work?
The concept of solar lights is the same across all models and products. It is evident from the name itself that their primary source of energy is the sunlight which helps in transforming the absorbed energy into electricity.
They are also a perfect addition to light up your pathways, gardens, driveways, patios, decks, and other places. Solar mailbox lights work with the help of four components– a solar panel, control electronics, lights, and battery.
- A solar panel or multiple panels help convert solar energy into electricity.
- A battery helps store the power or electricity generated by the solar panels. The energy stored by the batteries is what eventually lights up at night.
- The electronic control units are integrated with built-in sensors that help detect if sunlight is available on a particular day or not. Accordingly, it automatically turns on/off the lights.
Why Should You Choose Solar Lights?
Apart from the design and aesthetic reasons, many other reasons would make you want to switch to solar lights. The functionality is one major advantage of this alternative.
Since solar lights use only the sun’s energy to function, you’re practically spending no money on electricity except for installation and maintenance. The maintenance is also very minimal and only requires occasional cleaning of the solar panels.
Once you start using them, you will realize that are very few reasons not to use solar. All the latest integrated tech features make your everyday life much easier.
How to Maintain Solar Mailbox Lights?
Solar lights usually require little maintenance and care. This is one of the reasons why people widely prefer them. However, some essential maintenance and care are needed to ensure that the lights don’t need repairs. These include:
- Cleaning and replacing the batteries every once in a while.
- Changing your battery sometimes if you live in a location with excessive snowfall.
- Use warm soapy water and a clean washcloth to wipe your solar mailbox lights.
- Ensuring that they are placed under direct sunlight for the most effective functioning.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Solar Mailbox Lights
Different brands in the market offer many different models. To analyze these products correctly, you need adequate information. These factors can be based on your requirements and needs.
Before purchasing your favorite solar mailbox light, you must analyze a few things below.
Portability
The primary purpose of solar mailbox lights is to mount them easily wherever and whenever you want. Many of these lamps are ultra-light, making them very easy and portable to use.
Make sure you take a good look at the lamps’ size and portability to understand how you want to place them. Usually, when you place them outdoors, it is recommended that you choose products made of durable material.
The size of the lamp will also alter the size of the battery panel. But you can find compact models with a large solar panel and portable or rechargeable battery pack.
Lighting Modes
If you’re purchasing a solar mailbox light for decorative purposes, purchasing a product with multiple lighting modes becomes helpful. It allows you to explore different types and colors of illumination, making your space look charming.
Many solar lamps also come with this option, and you can even choose from a combination of colors. Some have smarter and more advanced in-built technology like SOS modes and strobes.
These functions are beneficial in an emergency as they create distress signals.
Color and Temperature
Solar lights come in different light colors and temperatures, like warm white, colored, bright white, and many other varieties. Many people prefer a warm white light color as it has a gentler texture.
Color temperatures are usually measured in Kelvin (K). Bright white lights are great at spreading light uniformly but have a harsh blue hue. So, if you’re buying solar mailbox lights for outdoor lighting, a Kelvin range of 2500K to 5000K is usually preferred.
Cooler temperatures are generally used to highlight and light up landscapes and gardens. For residential lighting purposes, warmer temperatures are usually preferred by everyone.
Solar Panel Types
Solar panels are categorized into four types: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, Amorphous Silicon Solar Panels (A-SI), and Concentrated PV Cell (CVP). Here’s a brief description of these types of solar panels.
- Monocrystalline: These types have an efficiency rate of 20%. This is enough for many applications. They’re known to last longer than the rest. They’re ideal for commercial uses.
- Polycrystalline: They have a slightly lesser efficiency rate than the previous one but are 15% more cost-effective.
- A-SI: Also called thin-film panels, they have a 7-10% efficiency rate. This rate is the least of all other solar panel types. They cost significantly less but have a short lifespan.
- CVP: The last in the category, CVP has the highest efficiency of 41%, making it the most efficient of all the other 3. It needs a cooling system to maintain the high-efficiency rate.
Charging Time
Solar lights need a good amount of charge time to last for a more extended period, even when there is insufficient sunlight. Ideally, the charge time needs to be lower and quicker.
Your aim also should be to choose a product or model with a lesser charge time and a higher runtime. However, the charging time also depends on the season and your location.
Batteries with low capacity are ideal for localities with inadequate solar resources. An ideal charging time is considered 6 to 7 hours.
Weatherproof and Waterproof
Outdoor solar lights are often designed to withstand all temperatures. However, some models with materials like glass cannot be placed outdoors, especially if the weather is extremely harsh during rainfall or snowfall.
Also, ensure that your purchasing product comes with an IP44 or IP65 rating. This way, you can place them outdoors despite the harsh weather conditions.
Case Study: Enhancing Outdoor Aesthetics with Solar Mailbox Lights
Background
At Solar Panels Network USA, we aim to provide sustainable and efficient lighting solutions for outdoor spaces. Solar mailbox lights, designed to enhance the visibility and aesthetics of mailboxes while being environmentally friendly, are a crucial part of our product range. This case study explores how we test and evaluate solar mailbox lights to offer the best recommendations to our customers.
Project Overview
We conducted a comprehensive project to assess the top solar mailbox lights available in the market. Our focus was on critical factors such as battery capacity, brightness, size and ergonomics, material durability, charging time, and weatherproofing. Our objective was to create a detailed buying guide to help customers choose the perfect solar mailbox lights for their needs.
Implementation
Our team selected a variety of solar mailbox lights and tested them in different environments, including gardens, driveways, and patios. The testing process included:
- Battery Capacity: We evaluated lights with varying battery capacities, noting that lights with higher mAh ratings provided longer runtimes. Lights with at least 2500 mAh batteries offered optimal performance, ensuring over 12 hours of continuous lighting.
- Brightness and Lighting Modes: The lumen output and the number of LEDs were assessed to determine the illumination provided by each light. Lights with adjustable brightness modes and multiple color temperatures were preferred for their versatility.
- Size and Ergonomics: The portability and ease of use were considered by evaluating features such as handles, hooks, foldability, weight, and overall dimensions. Lightweight and compact designs were favored for their convenience.
- Material Durability: The durability of each light was tested by exposing them to various weather conditions. Lights made from durable materials like ABS plastic and stainless steel demonstrated superior resilience and were suitable for rough outdoor use.
- Charging Time and Efficiency: The efficiency of solar charging was tested under different sunlight conditions. Lights with faster charging times and the ability to charge in low-light conditions were rated higher.
- Weatherproofing: The lights were tested for their resistance to water and harsh weather conditions. Lights with high waterproof ratings (IP44 and above) performed exceptionally well.
Results
Our testing provided several key insights:
- Battery Performance: Lights with high-capacity batteries (2500 mAh and above) offered extended runtimes, making them reliable for long-term use.
- Brightness and Versatility: Adjustable brightness modes and multiple color temperatures enhanced the lights’ usability in various scenarios, from decorative lighting to security purposes.
- Durability and Portability: Lights made from durable materials like ABS plastic and stainless steel proved to be resilient and easy to install, making them ideal for outdoor use.
- Efficient Charging: Lights with efficient solar panels charged quickly and retained energy well, ensuring consistent performance even in cloudy conditions.
- Weatherproofing: Lights with high waterproof ratings were highly resistant to environmental factors, preventing damage from rain or snow.
Summary
Our case study highlights the importance of considering battery capacity, brightness, size and ergonomics, material durability, charging time, and weatherproofing when selecting solar mailbox lights. These factors greatly influence the performance and longevity of the lights in various outdoor settings. At Solar Panels Network USA, we combine our expertise and extensive testing to provide reliable, high-quality recommendations. This commitment ensures our customers can confidently choose the best solar mailbox lights to enhance their outdoor spaces with sustainable and efficient lighting solutions.
Expert Insights From Our Solar Panel Installers About Solar Mailbox Lights
Choosing solar mailbox lights can add both functionality and aesthetic appeal to your outdoor spaces. Based on our testing, it’s crucial to select lights with high-quality solar panels like monocrystalline for better efficiency and longer lifespan.
Solar Technology Expert
Durability is a key factor for solar mailbox lights, especially considering their exposure to various weather conditions. Opting for lights with a high waterproof rating and robust materials ensures they remain functional and attractive over time.
Solar Product Tester
Adjustable lighting modes and color temperatures can significantly enhance the versatility of solar mailbox lights. These features allow you to customize the lighting according to different needs, from highlighting pathways to providing security lighting.
Renewable Energy Consultant
Our Expertise in Solar Lights
At Solar Panels Network USA, we’re not just installers; we’re enthusiasts, researchers, and users of solar mailbox lights. Over the years, we’ve been at the forefront of solar technology, understanding the nuances and intricacies of various solar-powered mailbox lighting solutions. Our team has hands-on experience with a wide range of these functional and decorative lights, and we’ve seen the evolution of solar mailbox lights from their inception to the advanced versions available today.
Why Trust Our Reviews?
- Hands-On Testing: Before penning down any review, our team spends weeks testing solar mailbox lights. For this article, we installed and used each of these lights in various settings – from enhancing mailbox visibility to providing security lighting, ensuring we understand their performance in real-world scenarios.
- Continuous Learning: We regularly attend solar technology conferences, workshops, and seminars. This continuous learning ensures we’re always updated with the latest solar tech, allowing us to evaluate mailbox lights against the most recent standards.
- Feedback Loop: Over the years, we’ve built a community of solar enthusiasts. We often reach out to them for feedback on mailbox lights, ensuring our reviews aren’t just based on our perspective but reflect the broader community’s experiences.
- Transparency: Whenever we receive mailbox lights for review from manufacturers, we ensure full transparency with our readers. For this article, some products were purchased by our team, while manufacturers sent others. However, our reviews remain unbiased, focusing solely on the product’s performance.
- Decades of Experience: Collectively, our team has over two decades of experience in the solar industry. From understanding the technical aspects of solar cells to the practicality and design of solar mailbox lights, our expertise spans wide and deep.
In this article, we’ve combined our personal experiences, technical knowledge, and feedback from our community to provide you with comprehensive reviews of the best solar mailbox lights for 2024. We believe that our expertise, combined with our commitment to transparency and continuous learning, makes us a reliable source for solar mailbox light reviews.
Wrapping Up
Solar mailbox lights are a great way to light up your mailbox. They are easy to install and work well for most applications. We have found the best 5 solar mailbox lights and provided a buying guide to help you choose the right one for your needs. Be sure to consider what type of lighting you need, how much sunlight the area gets, and your budget when making your decision.
About the Author
Solar Panels Network USA stands at the forefront of solar energy solutions, driven by a team of seasoned solar engineers and energy consultants. With over decades of experience in delivering high-quality solar installations and maintenance, we are committed to promoting sustainable energy through customer-centric, tailored solutions. Our articles reflect this commitment, crafted collaboratively by experts to provide accurate, up-to-date insights into solar technology, ensuring our readers are well-informed and empowered in their solar energy decisions.