BEST SOLAR LIGHT REVIEW - Just as bright as WIRED Lights!
I have FINALLY found a SOLAR LIGHT for my yard that I love No more junk, dim lights that do nothing & are poorly built. See my landscape[e light project install with solar lights & my tests of several popular models.
Volt Solar Lights www.voltlighting.com/shop/sol...
Ring Solar Lights amzn.to/39ctfx1
The Volt & Ring lights were provided to me at no cost to support creating this video. No previews, content or other materials were provided the opinions and tests are my own. If you should decide to buy something I like and don't get the same results be sure to comment and let me know.
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Silver Cymbal, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Silver Cymbal assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Silver Cymbal recommends safe practices when working on machines and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Silver Cymbal, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Silver Cymbal.
Thanks for watching please like & subscribe - *Volt Solar Lights* www.voltlighting.com/shop/solar-lights *Ring Solar Lights* amzn.to/39ctfx1
Thank you for this video, I am moving into a new house in a few weeks and this video is exactly what I was looking for. If possible, please do a solar accent lights video for lighting up a fence or wall! I would love to hear your thoughts on that.
are the volt batts replaceable?
Just wanted to ask to make sure, but you are not advertising for those lights correct? They didn't gift them to you and never gave you any type of payment? Just asking to be sure since like in my reply it leaves things out along with being a bit tilted in how it is all portrayed. Kind of like a advertisement. Don't think you do - honestly. But wanted to be 100% sure on it.
@@Brian2 Just click on SHOW MORE at the beginning...it answers everything.
@@unmanaged The batteries are rechargeable and replaceable! The installation guide explains how to replace the battery, and under the warranty, we will send out replacement batteries if needed!
Pretty interesting. I've always avoided buying solar lights anymore after having horrible experiences with them in the past. Not even the cheapest available, but still after a short time, the LEDs would get so dim, you couldn't see it unless your face was pressed up against it. Volt does seem very nice, but that price is crazy. I can't have anything that expensive in the front yard, it would get stolen in a day. If there was a solar light that worked as great as volt, but for like $20, it wouldn't hurt so bad if they got stolen
Another tip. Don't buy the solar lights with a resin coating on the solar panel. They all turn cloudy, and reduce the light making it to the panel. Buy ones with flat glass panels.
which lights do you prefer? \
@@ArtOfTheWeld I don't have any of my own, so I can't give recommendations. I've just seen the way my neighbors solar lights fail.
@@landonferguson7282 hmm I might go the wired way . thanks for the reply 👍
you can use nail polish remover to get rid of that cloudiness.
Ceramic coated my Walmart ones two years ago and still found strong.
Great review. I've had Volt wired low voltage lights in brass for years and they have been fantastic. They make some really quality stuff. I will probably pick up a couple of these solar Volt lights for back near my shed. Thanks again!
Thank you for the excellent content you consistently provide! I'm going to purchase several oof the Volt lights.
Another great video and good timing! I’ve been searching for a path light I can easily remove when mowing. This will allow me to mow over them instead of beating it with a string trimmer.
Much appreciated. It's a really nice feature that they come out like that but keep the stake in the ground.
Been waiting for this from you! Man you save us money and time…. Thx for all you do.
Been using a set of solar lights I grabbed from Sam's club. They put out decent light and I actually like the design the glass makes. Best thing is it's 20 for 5 lights.
We have the Ring lights and like them alot, especially since you can set them up to turn on if any other of your ring devices detect motion.
Timing is everything …been looking for a good solar investment for the yard you just led me to Volt! I’ll order a couple for now. Always great reviews, no bs straight to subject matter! 👍Thank You
Much apreciated, I hope your experience is the same as mine be sure to come back and let me know after you get to try them. Thanks again
I’ve got several of the Ring lights and they’re great. Despite the reviewer’s concerns, it’s very easy to use the app. You can change the motion sensing, keep them on for a period of time, have them work in concert with each other, and work with other Ring products like the Ring Doorbell that many people have. Ring also makes other lights better suited for broadcasting light over large areas, including one that puts out 800 lumens. I also like that I can run down to Lowes, Best Buy, or Home Depot to expand my lights, do exchanges if necessary, and see other Ring products in person. No shipping costs required.
So weird that Volt specifically advertises "NO FREE SHIPPING" on all their products lol. Most companies just omit it until checkout, but these guys would rather disappoint you sooner rather than later.
Our solar products are excluded from our free shipping, however, the majority of our products will ship for free, same-day, as long as orders are placed by 5pm ET.
@@VOLTLightingUSA How about a discount coupon code? That might make those of us who are interested to pull the triggger.
@@VOLTLightingUSA why??
@@VOLTLightingUSA seconding the humble request for a coupon code 😘
Probably can't do cheap shipping because of Li-Ion batteries.
I have the ring for about two there still working as advertised I have set on a timer to turn on and off and works when detecting motion
Of course this shows up right after I install a couple Ring lights! Those work perfectly where I placed them and I wanted something tied into the rest of my Ring system - I wanted the motion sensors to trigger other things in my home. But for my back yard, I will have to look at these models. They're amazing.
Great review. Thanks for doing Landscape lighting. Your pool area looks gorgeous. We need a few of those Volt Lights around our pool and walkway. That’s what I’ll ask for for Father’s Day. 👍
Much appreciated. These are the first lights I have seen that you would believe are fully wired lights but without the extra work. If you decide to get them be sure to come back and let me know how they work for you. Thanks
Great review, thanks for your testing🙂
I sure wish people would take more care as to where their lights cast. Luckily my immediate area is fine but i’ve seen so many people put up harsh lighting that casts light everywhere. It really ruins a neighborhood.
Been using volt lighting for years with their brass wired lights, very quality company and great customer service the one time I needed to use it. These are not cheap, but honestly they are not too far off a quality wired light, and when you factor in trenching, wire, a transformer etc you are probably ahead. I would not replace my wired lights with these, especially in a heavily shaded or wooded yard or when tucked up under bushes. But as far as where you would use a solar light, I think they are about as close to wired as you will get.
Lol, you’re a winner!
I’m a great winner
@@DemonicAnimatronic E
You know the old saying you get what you pay for i always try to pay more pay more spend less later
Great episode idea; been buying HD and Lowes lights every 3-5. Years.
That Volt Solar light is very bright. Might have to place an order for several. Thanks for the review.
Much appreciated. I am really impressed that these were this nice.
I bought new rechargeable batteries and replaced in a set of solar lights. It made the light even brighter and they made it through the winter and going o their second year. They were even bright in the winter!
Placing my order of the volt now. I have several of these cheap solutions, good to see the bigger picture but they don't last that long.
I've got a bunch of the 4 for $25 solar lights from Lowes and as you say ,the build quality is awful. They have lasted several years with their original batteries so I feel I've gotten my money's worth. The downside with them is the on/off switch is garbage and they flake out rather quickly. I ended up pulling them apart and soldering 2 leads together to bypass the switch (as I never used it) and it's made a world of difference. I will certainly take a look at these guys whenever my el-cheap-o Lowes lights fail. Those lights also recommend a 4 foot spacing between them, which is insanely close. As I use mine for accent vs. functional, they are a solid 12 or so feet apart. The ones in your video look like they aren't much closer to that then each other and they light up your pool very nicely.
thank you...really needed this video.
thank you for doing this video! very helpful
Good stuff! I’d like to see a vid done on landscape flood lights. 👍🏼
Bell & Howell has a 250 Lumens Solar Spot Light for $29.99. It has four lights that you can move independently to where you want lights in different areas. It's cool!!!
I like the volt so much and makes the house more fun to see.
It's a good product. Even that 1 by my stairs is awesome.
Garbarge
The volt lights aren’t available at all. It’s a brass only product with an entire kit and separate solar panel involved. Can you link the direct product please?
They added a “new product” today, 6/10/22. Is this the product you reviewed? www.voltlighting.com/solar-flame-integrated-led-brass-path-light
Unfortunately, we sold out during our Earth Day solar sale. You can submit your email here to be notified when it's back in stock: www.voltlighting.com/solar-integrated-led-brass-path-light
I actually like those, great review.
Thank you great info
Although I like the design of this light with the multi -solar panels angled in a way that they are self cleaning in the rain, Other things to take into consideration with solar lights is whether the battery is removable/replaceable & what type of battery is being used (Eg: NI-CAD, NI-MH or lithium) Most solar lights I found have the cheap & ineffective NI-CD. should be NI-MH at a minimum or Lithium at best!
Gotta say ring was looking brighter. Was waiting for this video to release and volt is nice option to see. Hopefully more mfgs come back competitive
Great review. You’re making amazing content. I’m a viewer from Connecticut.
Incredible I'm definitely going try this out. Thanks for the informative video.
When you're taking the threaded ones out for the winter, I'd imagine you can also put a foam insert of some kind in there to assure that they'll be in good shape the next year.
Always great video
Another Great Review!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Been using volt for years. Always happy. Their prices have been going up over the years.
As well they should!
Thank you; very helpful. Do you remove and store these during the winter?
I like the RGB string lights and I found some linkable ones and I chose four sets and I will connect them together to make a 200 foot long set
I might have to break down and buy a few lights, love the brightness! 😁
Even just the one was awesome for those stairs, easy and did the job.
That volt would be an amazing stern light on a boat! Like that you can shut it off. Wonder how well it would hold up to a salty environment? Only one way to find out!
One of the things I really like about these are the multifaceted solar arrays instead of just one derpy little underpowered cell. They can continue to collect power from multiple positions of sun at more optimum angles. Are the threads on the screw mounts NPT (11.5 TPI)? I'd like to use some of these as fence-post toppers and none of the other mountable VOLT solar lights seem to have similar specs. Some painted, galvanized pipe fittings would probably look pretty neat with one of these perched on top.
You are more knowledgeable than the guy doing this video !....helps to read the directions ...lol...ring is motion sensored? Wow imagine that lol lol! I have the ring SOLAR SIGN in my yard and it's bright as hell. I have either mainstays or home and garden lights...AND ITS THICK HEAVY *GLASS...THEY ARE STILL ON AT 5AM.
Been waiting for this!!!!!!!! One light for $55? Ok….Nevermind.
Great video! Can you tell me what to do with the battery on/off switch? It is inside the globe and you have to dismantle the whole thing to turn it on or off. When I turn it to the on position, it remains on. Not sure how the solar part is supposed to work? Thanks!
I have quite a few Ring solar lights in my yard, and they are great products. They are a smart device and not fair to compare them to straight up solar lights in my opinion.
If the app control is a feature you want the Ring will be a better choice. I don't like that a single Ring light worked like these ones though, they should have the motion OFF by default. Of course it all comes down to personal opinion. Sadly it seems like Ring might be getting out of the lighting space, I would like to see them and others keep developing these products. I saw a lot of forum posts saying they had supply chain issues, but maybe someone else can she some *light* on this :)
I have them set in zones, so they trigger all lights on a zone anywhere motion is detected. When not full bright when motion is detected they give off a very dim light. Heard about the supply issues as well and hope they can overcome them
Someone is butthurt that their lights suck. Been there too when a superior product is found.
@@jasont.1530 What kind of response is that? Michael, made a valid point. They are a smart light which means it requires a bridge and app to get the most out of it. Its not something you buy and stick into the ground and expect to work. You can set it up to always be on, you can set it up to turn on/off at scheduled times. You can adjust the brightness based on triggers and you can assign them to groups and turn them all on if any light or other ring product senses motion. Added benefit is you can remove the top take it inside and charge it with a USB cable if for some reason the battery doesnt get enough charge during the day. Volt is a superior stick into the ground and forget lighting much better than the cheap lowes and HD crap. Comparing Volt to Ring smart light is like comparing an LED light bulb to a Smart LED light bulb. I guess what I am saying is that you probably wouldnt buy the Ring product over the other products (Volt, Home Depot, Lowes etc) if you dont have any other Ring products. So its not really a good comparison.
@Peter Sawin Functionality is functionality (lighting) with or without all the bells and whistles, anything else is opinion, not a "good point". What I mean is we've all been there and when something slicker and superior comes along, it is easy to regret a newer product on the market which you either didnt have availability to or was out of price range.
Just have to challenge the comment on motion detectors. I have 3 carriage lights bought from harbor freight for $8 each. After 20 years all the motion detectors still work. Also I have 3 flood lights with motion detectors that worked for 15 years. Often these lights are most important during winter when light is needed most. That's what I would love to see in a review.
Every solar light I've owned that has failed was due to water/damp ingress eventually corroding the battery terminals. Do these have an IP rating? For UK users, same design though a bit smaller, £1.50 down your local B&m store. If they last the summer it's a bonus. Bin then & buy some more for next summer...
Great review.
I bought some at Home Depot not cheap but not anything near cost of these. They are very bright and also are atill going at 5am. This is my second year with them. Issue is how long till the tops turn all white and become junk.
Nice yard dude!
Would be nice if they had a switch to choose the brightness. 200 lumens is too bright for my accent lighting; I need something about 75 to 125 lumens to look the best in my situation but they look great for functional lighting.
Great video 👍🏽
Wow, I feel I like the exact opposite! I want low output and for the light to go out a few hours after dark. I do not have steps or a pool. I do like the top covers for pathways and the totally open ones for the edge of my area. oh well, to each his own. looking forward to the next video...
I have a few of those eight buck ones for over two years and they are still upright and working perfectly. Never removed them for winter either. Never bent, two only ever tilted cause of heavy snow and such but a few seconds fixed them. Will say they are not that bright but it is enough to see at night when walking. Removing the bit for it to work takes ten seconds.... That just sounds iffy. Plus it is good to know how to take off to replace lightbulb later on if need be or battery, though my cheap ones I never have before as of writing this. Real question you didn't answer? How long until they break? To replace the battery or light? And how easy are those things?
Thanks for the review. Any suggestions for 4x4 wooden post cap solar lights?
Thank you, I haven't gotten to try any of those yet but I always like them. They are really popular down this way by docks on the pond and oceans especially. They look very cool.
Always appreciate your style and review depth. I have been buying the cheap ones with the replacement warranty. It’s a pain, and I feel crappy always returning cheap lights. I have enough projects! I agree with the color output. I prefer a warmer color rather than that blueish white light from most others.
Do you leave them out during winter? And if so how long do they last? I have a ton of Solar lights but thinking of doing hardwired.
A lot of brands are now offering high-end solar lights. They all suck. They don’t turn on or off in unison, and they don’t last all night. And depending on the sun during the day, you might not get a complete charge for the next evening. Most of them will fail after two years. Don’t be lazy and buy disposable garbage. Simply run a low voltage line under the mulch to a transformer so you can attach high quality 12V lights.
Definitely like the design and quality Of the volt. Seems a little pricey but What do they say ❓you get what you pay for (in most cases).
What size battery did the solar lights have and what's the rated capacity of the batteries? Most of the solar lights I've seen/looked at are poor quality and really shitty which I end up breaking it down so I can get the led and small solar panel to use for something else such as powering a small fan or group the panels together to power a radio.
Can you decrease output power to get more run time out of them?
Sweet house!
You missed one of the biggest factors, how many charge cycles will the rechargable batteries handle before they die? Think about it, your light will go through 365 charges per year. So if the battery is only rated for 1000 charge cycles like most cheap batteries you'll still be lucky to get 2-3 years out of them. BUT if they make the battery replaceable then they are awesome.
Dem batteries dont work good in hot or cold weather...
2:56 "I don't all kinds of controls and settings" EXACTLY! Just turn on at dusk and, well, light up. Nor do I need a flashing mode on my flashlight, or a control on the BACK of a box fan, the top will do just fine like it used to.
The brass lights are the only ones that show up on Volts site, utilizing the link provided in your description
Unfortunately, we sold out during our Earth Day solar sale. You can submit your email here to be notified when it's back in stock: www.voltlighting.com/solar-integrated-led-brass-path-light
@@VOLTLightingUSA, I don't want the brass lights, I want the other lights that look like the brass.
I need solar pathway lights but the volt are so ugly. Do you have to use the Ring system for the Ring lights or can they be used standalone?
Kinda wish there was a bit more about the batteries - if they're only good for ~500 cycles, discharging deep every night, these things are going to be "semi-disposable" no matter the build quality. (And the motion sensor might help with that. Assuming that the sensor will be the weak link might be a bit too blasé and presumptuous. Ex. in the fixtures I have, the motion sensor outlasted the light sockets' plastic.) Edited to add: Remembering what happened at 2:05 we actually do see Ring taking more care about the lifecycle of the battery, with accessible and standard cells, so kudos for including information even if we differ on interpreting the same features positively or negatively.
Awesome review. Been looking for a quality light and this seems to be great. I am confused by all of Volt’s stake options - five?! Is it correct that you just got the standard ‘10" Large Groove Hammer® Stake Plastic Black?’ That looks adequate for my needs and I’m not sure what applications warrants the same stake with a brass insert, their “trident” 8” stake, solid brass stake of unspecified height, or the 13" PVC Ground Stake (with Brass Insert). Thanks again!
The complementary stake is robust and ideal for most applications. The version with the brass insert offers more stability when threading the fixture onto the stake. The trident stake is ideal for soils with loose rocks or roots. The solid brass is ideal for hammering into solid ground, and the 13" stake is ideal for a more robust base for fixtures in high traffic areas.
@silver cymbal I really like your videos but @1:35 mark I can see that there is a huge tree casting shade on some of the lights vs the volt which you placed in full sunlight. Based on how "solar" lights charge this makes it a pretty unfair comparison tbh.
Now that you are in your new house in the country, you must need better outdoor lighting. Will you do a video on installing a really bright solar floodlight? They have huge ones for around $100 or so that you can install on a pole.
Hi There, can you please do a video on Sprinkler systems. I dint come across one from your Channel.
I can’t find the volt solar on the website or through the link you provided.
Unfortunately, we sold out during our Earth Day solar sale. You can submit your email here to be notified when it's back in stock: www.voltlighting.com/solar-integrated-led-brass-path-light
you got any leads n 4x4 post cap lights low profile once?
Good or bad, just be sure the color spectrum is compatible with nature around you (not white/blue)...that and not having a disposable item. Cheers!
HEY I HAD SOME of the 8$ lowes lights last 6 years then I put in low voltage lights
Great review - does the Volt light have replaceable batteries, and if so, are they commonly available batteries? Thanks - your channel has great content!
The batteries are indeed replaceable - under the warranty, we will happily send out any replacements if needed!
@@VOLTLightingUSA thank you - what is the battery model/type? I'm just trying to understand if I can buy them locally as well. Thanks.
@@dansklrvids7303 18650 Li 2600Mah, output 3.7v DC
@@VOLTLightingUSA Very cool to actually use commodity 18650s and actually TELL your customer about it. In a world where tech is becoming increasingly disposable and NOT end user repairable, it's a welcome change. Thank you. We're looking for some lights for around our pool, and we're definitely going to consider Volt now.
Do you have a review on outdoor led globe string lights?
Am I missing something or why am I not seeing the plastic Volt solar lights on their website? Only the brass ones and some different solar lights.
For most people, the $4 for 6 from Walmart is the best! (They provide enough light! They go out after 3-5 hours! When they die, it's easy to afford to replace them!)
The thing is... low cost solar panels just don't last. Elements just break through the edges of the packaging and destroy the cells.
Whoa, what's with the hate towards motion sensors? I've had some cheap amazon lights for more than a year now and they still work fine (live in the northeast as well, so they've been through a winter)
Hey Volt people: Just where are these featured lamps on your web page? I see only deck lights, Christmas lights and "flame" lights.
I don't like the plastic coated/covered solar cells on any of the different models They get cloudy after a year or two. It doesn't mean they won't generate power, but it looks junky.
Where did you get the ground stakes from....Volt?
200 Lumens is ~20 watt bulb. Many solar lamps 6 to 15 lumens. And most cost about $1.50 (so they are decent for showing the edge of things.) They last like 1-3 years. Bright lights *can* be an issue for nocturnal creatures. Personally, I like the idea of a lamp that runs at 40 lumens and brightens when there is movement. Good video!
I am a new home owner and never owned a house before and I am considering the volt lights but what do you mean bright lights can be a problem with nocturnal creatures? Do they attract them? And what kind of nocturnal? Bats or what? Thanks in advance
@@minag2119 I would Google problems with creatures and nocturnal light
@@minag2119 of course lights attract insects but it's more about confusing birds and frogs about night and day.
One major issue, they don’t seem to ship outside of the US. I would love to have these in the UK.
Solar lights are never successful in the UK, we don't get enough sun. However, there are literally hundreds of well made solar lights out there without having to go for this particular brand...
Does anyone know can this model be bought anywhere now. It doesn't seem to appear on their website and the one pathway light they have doesn't look great
About RING light.... You left the plastic on the battery all day while others was charging. The battery didn't get charged is probably why it shut off
Can you do a one year follow-up video on these lights?
Have you found anything as good as these? It looks like they're not sold anymore, and I'm struggling to find any similarly high-quality solar lights these days.
Both versions of Volt solar light (black plastic & brass) are out of stock and no longer listed on Volt’s website. Contacted company and they say it has been discontinued and not sure if it will ever be back in stock. Hope they can reply here if that is inaccurate.
Unfortunately, we sold out during our Earth Day solar sale. You can submit your email here to be notified when it's back in stock: www.voltlighting.com/solar-integrated-led-brass-path-light
@@VOLTLightingUSA That is nice to know. I’ve contacted VOLT via email several times and was never given that information.
@@VOLTLightingUSA Will these two lights ever be available again? I still haven’t ever seen them back in stock.
The best is that almost all surface is covered by solar panel which cause that you can get high output of light. Looking at solar cells it should be able to gain about 6,6 Wh per day.
For that price, I might as well do wired. It's priced too high for me.
Wired is always going to be the best option for long term life, no doubt but good quality fixture cost some money and time but either wired or wireless with these will give good results.
How do they do with water like rain and sprinklers?
Great for Car Camping
Ordered four. I've tried other solar lights and even a wired system. Either garbage or too much hassle, and money wasted. Kind of a bummer they didn't give you any discount codes, because I think you are going to send them a lot of customers!
I appreciate the faith min my review, be sure to come back and let me know what you think. I was very impressed.
They are already out of stock!
I don't see this product on the website. Maybe sold out after your video was published?
they dont sell these any more? Im not seeing it on their website or on Amazon. Can someone please chime in on this?