Outdoor and solar lighting covers garden lights, floodlights, path and spot lights and smart outdoor fixtures for people who want to light a garden, patio, driveway or entrance. Our range of over 200 products includes SYNERGY21, Philips Hue and Brennenstuhl, with smaller selections from Nanoleaf, Lepro and others.
How to choose outdoor and solar lighting
Power source. Solar lights need no cable, so they suit fence lines, borders and spots far from a socket. Their output depends on sunshine, and they dim sooner in shade or on short winter days. Mains or low-voltage lights give steady brightness all evening and are the better choice for entrances and security. Solar lights do keep working during a power cut, which is useful during load shedding.
Weather protection. Check the IP rating. IP44 withstands splashes and suits sheltered areas such as a covered patio. IP65 is dust-tight and handles jets of water, so it is the safer minimum for lights fully exposed to rain, sprinklers and dust. A rating only helps if the cable connections and the power supply are protected too.
Brightness and light colour. Brightness is measured in lumens. Path and border lights need only a soft glow, while floodlights over a driveway or yard need far more. Warm white light (around 2700 to 3000 K) looks natural on plants and seating areas. Cooler white is sharper and makes faces and number plates easier to see.
Smart control. Smart outdoor lights can be scheduled, dimmed and changed in colour from an app, and many work with voice assistants. Check which connection a product uses (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or Zigbee) and whether it needs a separate hub. Motion sensors and timers are also worth having on simpler lights, because they save energy and light up only when needed.
Brands in outdoor and solar lighting
- SYNERGY21: the largest share of this category in our range, with a long list of LED lighting products.
- Philips Hue: known for its connected lighting system, where outdoor lights can be grouped with indoor Hue lights and controlled from one app.
- Brennenstuhl: a German maker of extension leads and work lights, also known for LED floodlights and outdoor power accessories.
- Nanoleaf: best known for its modular light panels with app-controlled colour effects.
- Lepro: makes smart LED bulbs and strips, with app and voice control.
- Neewer: mainly a photography and video lighting brand, so its products here suit creative and portable lighting uses more than garden decoration.
Also in our range: BEPER, EXTRALINK, DENVER, SUPERFIRE, TRACER and GREENBLUE.
Outdoor and solar lighting FAQ
Are solar garden lights worth buying?
Yes, if you want simple lighting where running a cable is difficult. They suit paths, borders and fences, and they cost nothing to run. They are less suited to areas that need bright light every night, such as a driveway or back door, because they depend on daylight to charge.
Do solar lights work on cloudy days and in winter?
They still charge on cloudy days, but more slowly, so they shine dimmer and for fewer hours. Winter days are shorter, which has the same effect. Placing the panel in full sun and keeping it clean improves the result.
What IP rating do outdoor lights need?
IP44 is the minimum for sheltered spots, and IP65 is the safer choice for lights exposed to rain and hosepipes. The first digit shows protection against dust and the second against water. A higher second digit means better protection against water.
Can smart outdoor lights be controlled by voice?
Many can, but it depends on the product. Look for support for the voice assistant you use, such as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Some lights also need a hub or bridge to connect, so check this before you buy.
