Solar powered lights that go with plants (I saw at Home Depot/Wal-Mart) do they work? how long do they last

Question

I saw some $15-20 dollar plants that included a solar powered light. I lifted it up and it felt heavy so I'm assuming the thing works but I don't konw. How long do they last (are they cheap i mean. do they just stop working) and how long will it shine in the sun. There weren't any directions on it. Also is it safe.

thanks.

i'm trying to be more environmentally friendly so I wanna use solar powered stuff. I just haven't seen anything except this light. Any recommendations if this thing is cheap

Answer 1

Solar lights been there done that ,no way  I have low voltage lights and I don't worry about how long they last it was worth every penny!!!!Love it

Answer 2

Solar lights are just accent lighting.  They really do not emit light enough to see in the dark.

Answer 3

The price you are quoting seems rather low, and I wouldn’t expect much of them since I have used more expensive models that  barely last 2 hours in a full charge, and give extremely poor light. But that is my experience with one particular model and brand, and I suppose that as with anything there must be wide performance and quality variations between brands.

Those type of light are designed for convenience as they don’t need wiring, but keep in mind that the batteries they use will last a year or two at best, and the manufacturing process of that type of batteries uses toxic metals that although recyclable, will most likely offset any environmental benefit of using solar powered garden lights.

Answer 4

Well, if its from Home Depot, its not top of the line. There products are marketed for the masses.

Solar lights have improved tremendously over the last 20 years. But...Their light levels vary in intensity and consistancy. Any in the shade are less effective. On cloudy  or rainy days they do not produce much light.  I personally prefer the low voltage lights. Much more dependable, and impressive.

Now if I am giving you a light as a gift on a $15 dollar purchase, what do you really expect?

Smile at the checkout, cuss forever on.

Cuss at the quality price. Smile at the results .

You get what you pay for.  

TopCatt

Answer 5

I'm not exactly sure of what you are talking about I haven't seen the plants that include a solar powered light.  I have however bought solar lights for years, some have an amber glow and some have a white glow, if you buy more than one make sure they are both the same or it will look very bad.  I have always had very good luck with every solar light I have purchased, and I've never paid a lot for them.  I think they are great, and yes much better made now than in the past.  I even have some stuck down in some big planters on my patio to light my flowers at night, sooo cool.  I think anything at Home Depot would be fine as far as solar goes, just get one that looks like a classic light and not in some really tacky looking plastic that looks too decorative, I think the more streamlined the better.

Answer 6

I have solar lights in my yard.  They were a gift so I don't know how much the set cost but I have bought individual lights for $7 apiece and I am pleased.  The gift set has been in operation for at least three years and they are out there year round.  I have never had to replace a battery and they have never failed to light.  My individual lights are not that old but they are reliable, too.  I have a set of solar tiki torches that I bought this season.  They look like flickering flames.

Based on my experience I would say that, yes, solar lights are safe.

As far as directions all you do is unscrew the top and usually there is a small piece of plastic between the post of the battery and the battery holder.  Remove that plastic so the battery makes contact.  There might be an on/off switch so look for it near the battery compartment. Switch it to ON.  Replace the top and check for a sheet of clear plastic over the solar panel.  If there is one remove this, too.

Set your lights where you want and enjoy!  Make sure they are not blocked by shrubs or trees.  Most will stay lit for eight hours reliably.

I test the lights before setting them out by putting my hand over the solar panel.  They should light immediately.  When you remove your hand the will go off.  The battery powers them up immediately and the sun keeps the battery charged.