{"id":1560,"date":"2023-02-16T20:56:14","date_gmt":"2023-02-16T20:56:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/?p=1560"},"modified":"2023-02-17T22:19:34","modified_gmt":"2023-02-17T22:19:34","slug":"is-5-lumens-bright-for-solar-lights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplesolarliving.com\/is-5-lumens-bright-for-solar-lights\/","title":{"rendered":"Is 5 Lumens Bright For Solar Lights?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Is 5 lumens bright for solar lights? I’ve tested hundreds of different solar lights and often field questions about the proper level of brightness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So let’s dive right in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 lumens is not considered bright for solar lights and is a very low level of dim light. There are many situations where dimmer solar lights are advantageous or preferred, such as a soft accent light for decks, pathways, fences, or pergolas. However, if your goal is to light a large area or prefer brighter lights, 5 lumens will not be enough for your needs. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s take a closer look at what 5 lumens means, when to use a 5 lumen solar light, and when you may want to consider a brighter solar light. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does 5 Lumen Solar Light Mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lumens are the measure of light<\/a> that comes out of a light bulb and is used as a way to describe how bright (or dim) a light is. More lumens results in a brighter light and fewer lumens in a dimmer light. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To provide some perspective, one lumen is meant to equal the brightness of one candle. Thus, a 5 lumen solar light is roughly as bright as 5 candle-power. Overall it is a very low level of light and in comparison, a 60W kitchen light is typically rated for 800 lumens, which is 160 times brighter than a 5 lumen solar light. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solar lights can range as high as 1,000 lumens or more so 5 is on the very low end of the spectrum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When To Use 5 Lumen Solar Lights For Optimal Brightness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Not all situations call for brighter solar lights<\/a> and there are many times when dimmer lights are preferable. They are great as mood lights and accent lights rather than display or flood lights, and are a great alternative to manually turning off your solar lights<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to solar lights, 5 lumens makes sense for the following types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solar Pathway Lights<\/strong> — 5 lumen solar lights are the lowest I’d recommend for pathways lights but they are perfect to line garden beds or to dimly illuminate a footpath. However, if you need lights to mark a safe path or if your lights are placed far away from the ground, 5 lumens might not be enough, and you may want to consider going brighter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solar Deck Lights<\/strong> — Dimmer lights are often preferred for solar deck lights to set ambiance and mood without being overpowering and 5 lumen solar lights are ideal in those situations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solar Fence Lights<\/strong> –I use solar fence lights as a way of easily identifying the border of my property rather than illuminating large areas and I find that 5 lumen lights are perfect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solar Fairy Lights<\/strong> – Solar fairy lights are popular in DIY garden lights and other solar crafts. A 5 lumen light will provide just enough light to make your creations come to and help add character and charm to an outdoor setting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solar Pergola Lights <\/strong>— Pergolas are another location where soft mood setting lights are typically preferred over bright harsh lights. 5 lumen solar lights are definitely in consideration here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When 5 Lumens Is Not Bright Enough For Your Solar Lights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By now it’s hopefully become obvious that solar lights rated to 5 lumens are perfect for low light settings and work great as mood lighting and ambiance setters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So when are they not great to use? In most every other situation, more specifically, when you are trying to light an area for easy visibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus I don’t recommend using 5 lumen solar lights for any of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n