Editorial Policy
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Purpose and Integrity
Our editorial mission is to deliver clear, trustworthy guidance on solar garden lighting that works year‑round with minimal light pollution. We are independent: our recommendations are driven by field data, dark‑sky principles, and long‑term durability—not by manufacturers.
Independence and Ethics
- We do not accept payment for favorable coverage.
- Review units: If provided, they receive the same testing as purchased units. We disclose any free samples and return or donate when practical.
- No preview or edit rights for brands prior to publication.
Product Selection
We shortlist products based on user needs (paths, beds, steps, accent, shaded zones, snowbelt), claimed specifications, parts availability, materials, warranty, and prior reliability data. We prioritize warm, shielded optics; replaceable batteries; robust panels; and high IP ratings.
Testing Standards and Scoring
Every reviewed product undergoes outdoor, multi‑week testing; many receive multi‑season trials across shade levels and latitudes. We log runtime, charging performance, optical control, weather resilience, and maintenance requirements. Scores summarize: Winter Index, Shade Index, Runtime Resilience, Optics/Glare Control, Durability/IP, Maintainability, and Sustainability.
Updates and Corrections
We update guides seasonally and after major weather events or material changes. If we make an error, we correct it promptly and note the revision date and what changed.
Sources and Citations
When we reference standards, studies, or third‑party data, we cite sources. Claims about specifications are verified where possible through measurement or manufacturer documentation.
Community Feedback
We welcome reader experiences and long‑term reports. Verified feedback may influence updates and rankings. We moderate comments and submissions for relevance, civility, and accuracy.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on our site are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Commissions support our testing program but do not influence scores or recommendations. We place disclosure notices near affiliate content and within our policies.
Conflicts of Interest
Editors and testers must disclose any potential conflicts (e.g., prior employment with a manufacturer). We recuse team members where necessary.
AI and Automation
We may use tools to assist with data organization and grammar. Human editors are responsible for fact‑checking, testing conclusions, and final judgments.
Contact the Editorial Team
Questions or concerns: [email protected]