Solar light umbrellas have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to enjoy outdoor spaces after dark. These umbrellas have built-in solar panels and LED lights, allowing you to illuminate your patio, deck, or backyard at night. But are these umbrellas really worth the investment? There are several factors to consider when deciding if a solar light umbrella is right for you.
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Benefits of Solar Light Umbrellas
Here are some of the benefits that solar light umbrellas can provide:
Ambient Lighting
The soft, diffused lighting from a solar umbrella creates a nice ambiance for your outdoor space at night. The LED bulbs are bright enough to see and converse, but not harsh or glaring like some outdoor lighting fixtures. This makes solar umbrellas ideal for creating a comfortable, inviting atmosphere.
Energy Efficient
Solar umbrellas generate their own electricity during the day from solar panels mounted on top of the umbrella. This means you don’t have to rely on plugging into an outlet to power the lights. Once fully charged, most solar umbrellas can provide 6-12 hours of light throughout the night. This makes them an energy efficient option compared to wired patio umbrellas.
Portable
Unlike hardwired patio lights or lanterns, solar umbrellas are completely portable and do not require professional installation. You can easily move them around your patio or yard to provide light wherever you need it. Many models fold up just like a standard patio umbrella for winter storage or to take camping.
Cost Effective
Although the upfront cost is higher than a standard umbrella, solar umbrellas can save you money in the long run by reducing energy consumption. You won’t have the expense of hiring an electrician to install wired lights. The solar panels, batteries, and LED bulbs have life spans of 5-10 years so you won’t be replacing components frequently.
Factors to Consider
There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding if a solar light umbrella is worth the investment:
Climate
Solar umbrellas need direct sunlight during the day in order to fully charge the batteries that power the LED lights at night. They may not work as well in constantly cloudy or rainy regions. If you live in an area without much sun, a solar umbrella may not be the best choice.
Size
Solar umbrellas come in a range of sizes, typically 7-11 feet in diameter. Make sure to choose the appropriate size umbrella for the space where you plan to use it. Measure the area to ensure the umbrella will provide ample coverage. An undersized solar umbrella won’t illuminate as well.
Batteries
The batteries that store power for the LED lights vary in quality. Lower quality batteries may need replacing every 1-2 years, driving up long term costs. Opt for a solar umbrella with lithium ion batteries that offer 2,000+ recharge cycles and at least 2-3 years of life.
Light Output
The number and brightness of the LED bulbs will impact the light output of the umbrella. Compare lumens, bulb quantity, and max brightness to find a solar umbrella bright enough for your needs. Insufficient light will make the umbrella less usable at night.
Nighttime Use
Consider how often you will use the solar umbrella at night compared to daytime use. If you’ll only use the lights occasionally, a cheaper option may suffice. Frequent nighttime use makes the investment in a high quality solar umbrella more worthwhile.
Top Quality Solar Light Umbrellas
These solar powered umbrellas stand out for their performance, durability, and overall value:
| Brand | Model | Size | Lumens | Battery Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunnydaze Decor | Northwind Solar Lighted Umbrella | 9 ft | 600 | Lithium ion |
| Abba Patio | Solar LED Market Umbrella | 9 ft | 500 | Lithium ion |
| MFA Cedarow | Solar Umbrella | 10 ft | 1000 | Lithium ion |
Sunnydaze Decor Northwind Solar Lighted Umbrella
– Comes in beige, green, navy, or red
– 9 foot diameter provides ample shade
– 600 total lumens output
– 32 LED lights integrated into ribs
– High capacity lithium ion battery
– Auto on/off at dusk/dawn
– Tilt and crank lift just like standard umbrella
– Assembly required
Abba Patio Solar LED Market Umbrella
– Available in beige, burgundy, navy, or taupe
– 9 foot canopy blocks 98% of UV rays
– 500 lumens from 30 LED bulbs
– Lithium ion battery with 2,000 cycle lifespan
– Easy twist tilt mechanism
– Folds into compact size for storage
– 1 year manufacturer warranty
MFA Cedarow Solar Umbrella
– Oversized 10 foot diameter canopy
– Commercial grade solar panels
– Super bright 1000 lumen output
– 72 LED lights for full coverage
– Durable aluminum pole with steel ribs
– Cross base for stability in wind
– Lithium ion batteries recharge in 6-8 hours
– Auto on/off functionality
– 2 year warranty included
Do Solar Umbrellas Really Work?
The effectiveness of solar umbrellas comes down to their ability to absorb enough sunlight during the day to sufficiently illuminate the LEDs at night. Overall, solar umbrellas do work well with some caveats.
Pros
– Provide 6-12 hours of light on a full charge
– Ambient lighting creates a nice atmosphere
– Convenient way to light a patio or deck
– Energy efficient compared to plug-in options
Cons
– Limited run time per night
– Frequent cloudy days reduce charging
– Lower light output than wired lighting
– Higher upfront investment
As long as you have reasonable expectations for run time and brightness, a quality solar umbrella should operate as advertised and allow you to enjoy your outdoor space day or night.
Getting the Most from Your Solar Umbrella
Here are some tips to optimize the performance of your solar light umbrella:
Maximize Daytime Sun Exposure
Position the umbrella where it will receive full sun for at least 6 hours per day, especially midday when sunlight is strongest. Even partial shade can significantly limit solar charging.
Clean the Solar Panels
Dirt, dust, bird droppings, and other debris will reduce the solar panels’ absorption. Wipe down the panels with a microfiber cloth and soapy water every couple weeks.
Take Inside During Extreme Weather
Thunderstorms, hail, and hurricane force winds can damage the solar panels or LED lights. Take the umbrella inside during severe weather.
Use intermittently at Night
Rather than running the lights all night, use them only when the space is occupied to conserve battery. Turn them off when not needed.
Replace Batteries When Needed
Lithium ion batteries will degrade over 2-3 years. Replace batteries that won’t hold a full charge to restore nighttime run time.
Conclusion
Solar light umbrellas can be a worthwhile investment for the right situations. If you regularly spend evenings on your patio and want an energy efficient source of ambient lighting, a solar umbrella is a great option. Opt for a quality model with ample LED bulbs, efficient solar panels, and lithium ion batteries. Position the umbrella properly to maximize sun exposure during the day. With reasonable expectations for run times and brightness, a solar umbrella can be a stylish way to extend time outdoors after sunset.