The top 3 recommendations and buying guides

Our recommendations

Last but not least, the Albrillo solar ball impresses with its 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 lamp is also very easy to care for. Thanks to the protection class IP68, 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.

The elegant oriental design of the metal solar ball from Novaris is particularly fascinating. This makes the luminaire with the neutral white light a real eye-catcher in the garden, as the reviewers on Amazon report. In order to extend the service life of the light ball, we advise you to bring it into your house in rainy weather or to store it in a sheltered place. It is only splash-proof and cannot withstand heavy rain.

the Solar spheres from Lunartec come here in a double pack - a sphere has a diameter of 30 centimeters; the other lamp is 20 centimeters. Otherwise, the ball lights are constructed in exactly the same way. Like the other models in our comparison, they have replaceable batteries. With protection class IP67, they are also relatively weatherproof. The Amazon reviewers particularly emphasize the very good price-performance ratio and the practical control via remote control.

Purchase criteria

material

Most solar spheres are made of plastic. Occasionally there are also models made of glass, where the light is particularly soft, or made of metal - mostly 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 spheres with a high degree of protection (at least IP44, better higher) are weatherproof - they defy rain or the water from the Garden hose. Practical: You can also use waterproof models (IP67 or even higher) on the garden pond place.

diameter

Do you really want to improve the lighting conditions on the balcony, terrace or in the garden with the spherical lights? Or do you only want the solar balls for decorative purposes? In the former case, you should prefer flares with a larger diameter of over 30 centimeters so that the solar lights have sufficient luminosity. In order to set atmospheric lighting accents on garden paths or with plants, smaller solar spheres are also recommended, especially placed in groups.

Burn time

Of course, the longest possible burn time is desirable. But most solar spheres stay nice and bright in the dark for at least four hours. Accordingly, they usually hold out until you go inside after a comfortable stay in your green oasis or on your terrace or balcony. But if you are dependent on the light of the spherical luminaires 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 gets dark - the sensor detects when this occurs Daylight gradually passes, and then gives the signal, so to speak, that it is time to to shine. But: So that energy is not wasted unnecessarily when you don't need the spherical lights at the moment, they should also be able to be actively switched off and on again.

Light color

Basically you have the choice between solar spheres with warm white, neutral white or cold / daylight white light color. Cold white lights shine brighter and are therefore more suitable for functional purposes. In contrast, neutral and warm white spheres emit a yellower, warmer light and thus bring a particularly cozy flair to your outdoor zone. If you would like to enjoy colored light sometimes, you should buy spherical lights with color change.

Loading time

The charging time plays a subordinate role, since solar balls, like other solar lights, only have to be outside during the day to be able to absorb the daylight. You therefore only need to take into account the information on the charging time if you do not want to install the lights permanently outdoors, but only want to use them on certain occasions. Most solar spheres take around eight hours to charge. Tip: Replaceable rechargeable batteries (batteries) increase the service life of a solar sphere.

External charging option

If the solar spheres have removable batteries and the associated external charging facility, you can use the The lights can also be charged using a suitable charger, so that the balls and you are no longer alone in the sunlight are instructed. However, it is generally not necessary to feed the solar balls with electricity and thereby provoke follow-up costs and pollute the environment - daylight is often sufficient.

Assembly

Most of the solar spheres are with one Ground spike that you can simply stick in the ground in the garden or in the ground in a bed. In this way, the spherical lights are fixed in a stable manner and remain completely unaffected even by strong winds. Usually, however, the skewer can also be removed if you want to attach your solar balls to a railing or something similar.

frequently asked Questions

What are solar spheres and what are they used for?

Solar spheres are spherical Solar lights for the garden, the balcony and the terrace. They serve as stylish functional lights or as decorative elements that set accents and spread a sense of wellbeing. There are special spherical lights made of different materials, in different sizes and with various light colors, some with color changes.

How do solar balls work?

Solar balls work just like other solar lights: During the day, this takes place in the respective one Solar ball built in solar panel the energy of solar radiation to put it in a battery to store temporarily. At night or in the dark, the battery can emit the energy in the form of light via the LEDs integrated into the sphere. A weatherproof housing should protect the solar cell from moisture.

Which brands offer good solar spheres?

Popular brands for solar spheres include Lunartec, Albrillo and infray. If you want metal spherical lights in oriental designs, 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 spheres are now one of the most popular decorative elements for outdoors. That is why you will not only find what you are looking for in hardware stores and specialist garden centers, but often also in furniture stores and sometimes even in supermarkets and discounters. Amazon offers you a large selection of spherical lights, where you can also benefit from the convenient ordering and return process.

How much do solar balls cost?

For a single solar ball you usually pay between 20 and 50 euros - depending on the material, design, size, quality and manufacturer. There are also practical sets with two, three or four spherical lights, some of which are of different sizes. Such compilations usually cost 40 to 60 euros. They are often not as sophisticated in terms of appearance and function as a “single solar ball”.