How We Test

Our promise is simple: we verify which solar garden lights actually perform—in shade, rain, and winter—so you can buy once and enjoy years of warm, glare‑free light.

Test Environments

• Latitudes: At least two test sites (e.g., ~35–40° and ~45–50°) to capture summer/winter sun angles and daylength.
• Exposure: Full sun, partial shade (AM/PM), and dappled/under‑canopy zones.
• Weather: Rain, frost, snow, and wind; salt‑adjacent conditions when available.

What We Measure

• Charging and Runtime: Dusk‑to‑dawn performance, resilience after 1–3 cloudy days, and recovery time.
• Optics and Comfort: Beam width, cutoff/shielding, glare from typical viewing angles, and CCT verification (target 2700–3000K or amber).
• Build and Durability: Materials (powder‑coated aluminum, stainless fasteners), lens UV stability, gaskets/seals, IP rating verification via rain/spray exposure.
• Power System: Panel size and placement options, controller behavior, battery chemistry (NiMH/Li‑ion/LiFePO4), replaceability and cycle performance.
• Maintenance: Ease of assembly, battery access, cleaning needs, and spare‑parts availability.

Instruments and Methods

• Runtime logging with time‑lapse/interval data and on‑device power indicators where available.
• Light characterization using calibrated meters for illuminance and CCT; photometric screenshots for beam mapping when applicable.
• Weather tracking with local station data (irradiance, temperature, precipitation) correlated to performance.
• Stress tests: consecutive cloudy‑day trials, intentional shade placement, and extended cold‑weather runs.

Scoring Framework

• Winter Index: Reliability in short days and low temps.
• Shade Index: Performance with partial shade or remote panel use.
• Runtime Resilience: How well lights hold up after cloudy stretches.
• Optics & Dark‑Sky: Shielding, glare, beam control, and warm CCT.
• Durability/IP: Materials, corrosion resistance, sealing, and warranty.
• Maintainability & Sustainability: Replaceable batteries/parts and recyclability.

What We Don’t Do

We don’t accept payment for higher scores. We don’t publish manufacturer claims without verification or clear labeling as unverified. Lab‑only tests are insufficient; every pick gets outdoor time.

How This Helps You

Each recommendation includes where to place the light, expected runtime by season, what to avoid (e.g., reflective mulch, sprinklers), and maintenance tips to keep performance high for years—all while protecting your night sky.