Solar balls are functional and decorative garden lights. They do not require any cables or external sockets and can be used in a variety of ways. Find out what to look out for when buying such spherical lights and which designs are particularly convincing.
Beautiful effects can be created at night with solar balls
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Albrillo RGB solar lamp outdoor - LED solar ball with remote control, diameter 30cm with 8 colors, 1200mAh USB rechargeable ball lamp, waterproof IP68 for pond and garden
42.99 EUR To the product| material | plastic (PVC) |
|---|---|
| design | plain modern, yellow |
| diameter | 30 cm |
| burn time | up to 10 hours |
| twilight sensor | Yes |
| light color | variable |
| Replaceable batteries | Yes |
| Degree of protection | IP68 |
| Assembly | ground spike |
Last but not least, the solar ball from Albrillo inspires with the color change. It offers a total of eight light colors and three light modes, so that you can always adapt the lighting effects to your own mood. Made of plastic, the ball light is also very easy to clean. Thanks to the IP68 protection class, there is even the option of using the solar ball as decorative lighting on the garden pond. The Amazon reviewers praise the good quality and the wonderful light that this solar ball is supposed to conjure up.
our recommendation
Navaris LED Solar Ball made of Metal - 30 x 30cm - with Ground Spike - Garden Solar Ball Light - Oriental Solar Ball Light - Green Copper
44.87 EUR To the product| material | Metal, plastic |
|---|---|
| design | oriental, green |
| diameter | 30 cm |
| burn time | up to 8 hours |
| twilight sensor | Yes |
| light color | neutral white |
| Replaceable batteries | Yes |
| Degree of protection | IP44 |
| Assembly | ground spike |
The noble oriental design of the metal solar ball from Novaris is particularly fascinating. This makes the lamp with the neutral white light a real eye-catcher in the garden, as the reviewers on Amazon also report. In order to extend the service life of the light ball, we advise you to bring it inside when it rains or to store it in a sheltered place. It is only splash-proof and cannot withstand heavy rain.
our recommendation
Lunartec solar light ball: set of 2 solar LED light balls with remote control, Ø 20 cm + Ø 30 cm (solar light ball)
To the product| material | plastic |
|---|---|
| design | plain modern, white |
| diameter | 30cm and 20cm |
| burn time | approx. 7 hours |
| twilight sensor | Yes |
| light color | variable |
| Replaceable batteries | Yes |
| Degree of protection | IP67 |
| Assembly | ground spike |
The solar spheres from Lunartec come here in a double pack - one sphere has a diameter of 30 centimeters; for the other lamp it is 20 centimetres. Otherwise, the ball lights are constructed exactly the same. Like the other models in our comparison, they have replaceable batteries. With protection class IP67, they are also relatively weatherproof. Above all, the Amazon reviewers emphasize the very good price-performance ratio and the practical control by remote control.
Purchase Criteria
material
Most solar balls are made of plastic. There are also a few models made of glass, where the light is particularly soft, or made of metal - usually complemented by elegant oriental patterns. As far as handling is concerned, the light and unbreakable plastic balls have an advantage. The most important point is weather resistance. Solar balls with a high degree of protection (at least IP44, preferably higher) are weatherproof - they defy rain or water from the garden hose. Practical: You can also place waterproof models (IP67 or even higher) on the garden pond.
diameter
Do you really want to use the ball lights to improve the lighting conditions on the balcony, terrace or in the garden? Or do you only want the solar balls for decorative purposes? In the first case, you should prefer light balls with a larger diameter of more than 30 centimeters so that the solar lights have enough luminosity. In order to set atmospheric light accents on garden paths or on plants, smaller solar balls are also recommended, especially when set up in groups.
burn time
Of course, you want the light to last as long as possible. However, most solar balls stay nice and bright in the dark for at least four hours. They usually last until you go inside after a comfortable stay in your green oasis or on your terrace or balcony. However, if you also depend on the light from the ball lights at night, you should prefer models that illuminate your outdoor oasis for up to eight hours or even longer.
twilight sensor
Ideally, the solar spheres have a twilight sensor. Then you don't have to turn on each ball manually. The solar lights simply activate themselves as soon as it begins to get dark - the sensor recognizes when daylight is gradually fading and then gives the signal, so to speak, that it is time to shine. But: So that energy is not wasted unnecessarily when you don't need the ball lights at all, you should also be able to actively switch them off and on again.
light color
Basically, you have the choice between solar balls with warm white, neutral white or cold/daylight white light color. Cool white lights shine brighter and are therefore more suitable for functional purposes. In contrast, neutral and warm white spheres emit a more yellowish, warmer light and thus bring a particularly cozy flair to your outdoor area. If you sometimes want to enjoy colored light, you should buy ball lights with color changes.
loading time
The charging time plays a secondary role, since solar balls, like other solar lights, only have to be outside during the day to be able to absorb the daylight. You only need to take the charging time into account if you do not want to permanently install the lights outdoors, but only want to use them on specific occasions. For most solar balls, the charging time is around eight hours. Tip: Exchangeable accumulators (batteries) increase the service life of a solar ball.
External charging option
If the solar spheres have removable batteries and the associated external charging option, you can also charge the lights using a suitable charger so that you and the spheres are no longer solely dependent on sunlight. However, it is generally not necessary to feed the solar balls with electricity and thus provoke follow-up costs and pollute the environment - daylight is often completely sufficient.
Assembly
Most of the solar balls are equipped with a ground spike that you can simply stick into the ground in the garden or in the ground in a bed. In this way, the ball lights are fixed in an equally stable manner and remain completely unimpressed even by strong winds. Usually, the spike can also be removed if you want to attach your solar balls to a railing or something similar.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What are solar balls and what are they for?
Solar balls are spherical solar lights for the garden, balcony and terrace. They serve as stylish functional lights or as decorative elements that set accents and spread a feel-good atmosphere. There are the special ball lights made of different materials, in different sizes and with various light colors, some with color changes.
How do solar balls work?
Solar spheres work just like other solar lights: during the day, the solar panel built into the respective solar sphere absorbs the energy from the sun's rays in order to temporarily store it in a battery. At night or in the dark, the battery can emit the energy in the form of light via the LEDs integrated in the ball. A weatherproof housing is designed to protect the solar cell from moisture.
Which brands offer good solar balls?
Popular brands of solar spheres include Lunartec, Albrillo and infray. If you want ball lights made of metal in an oriental design, we advise you to take a closer look at the attractive models from Navaris and Esotec.
Where is the best place to buy solar balls?
Solar balls are now one of the most popular decorative elements for outdoors. That's why you won't only find it in hardware stores and garden centers, but often also in furniture stores and sometimes even in supermarkets and discounters. Amazon offers you a large selection of ball lights, where you also benefit from the pleasant ordering and return procedure.
How much do solar balls cost?
You generally pay between 20 and 50 euros for a single solar ball - depending on the material, design, size, quality and manufacturer. There are also practical sets with two, three or four ball lights, some of which are different in size. Such compilations usually cost 40 to 60 euros. Visually and functionally, they are often not as sophisticated as a "single solar sphere".