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Nanoleaf Solar Garden Lights: Quick Review
Nanoleaf is known for its energy-efficient LED smart lights designed for homes, and now they have ventured into garden lighting as well. Their newly launched solar-powered outdoor lights can be purchased as a two-pack for $49.99 / £49.99 or a six-pack for $139.99 / £139.99.
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We examined the two-light package, which comes in a long box with two solar panels that can be either inserted into the ground or attached to a fence using the included brackets and screws (we experimented with both installation methods).
Additionally, the lights can be powered through a USB-C port on the solar panel if sunlight isn’t adequate. I tested the Nanoleaf lights during an unusually bright period in London, so I didn’t need an external power source – the sun provided ample energy to keep the lights shining throughout the night.
Each light can essentially be viewed as a grouping of eight flowers attached to a central stem that can be inserted into the ground or a flowerpot. You’ll find two different lengths of stems to choose from, based on whether you want a taller or shorter setup (we tried both options).
Moreover, the flowers can be adjusted to face any direction you desire, but it’s advisable to handle them from the base near the stem instead of from the top near the LED lightbulb.
After setting up the solar panels in your chosen location, you can power them on using a switch located beneath the panels. A green light will indicate the charge level of each light (four bars indicates a full charge).
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Using the provided bracket and screws, I mounted one solar panel high on a south-facing fence, tilting it toward the sun. The other panel was set on a north-facing fence at ground level. Living in the UK, it’s clear that the south-facing panel charged significantly faster; however, both generated enough power for the LED lights to illuminate at night.
The exciting part happens as night falls and the lights begin to shine in the garden — although this doesn’t happen until nearly 10 PM in the summer months in the UK, while it’s much earlier in winter.
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In contrast to other Nanoleaf offerings, such as the Matter Smart Multicolored Rope Lights that connect through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, these lights provide a simpler experience. Instead of managing them through the Nanoleaf app on a phone, you control them with a classic remote.
This remote, powered by two AAA batteries (included), resembles an Amazon Firestick remote. It features buttons on the top for turning the lights on and off, along with controls underneath for changing the light colors.
Pressing the RGB button cycles through solid colors, with brightness adjustments available (indicated with sun icons) on either side. Additionally, you can select warmer or cooler white tones, which are identified by thermometer icons with a sun or snowflake.
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Below the lighting choices, you can find settings for timers (available in four, six, and eight-hour options) along with an ambient light sensor that automatically turns the lights on or off at sunset and sunrise.
You can also choose from 11 animated scenes where the bulbs glow in different colors, akin to a quieter version of a fireworks show.
This setup is enjoyable overall, and we were satisfied with the lights and how they functioned. Using a traditional remote instead of a mobile app is convenient, especially for those who might have trouble with Wi-Fi connectivity outside. The remote has a decent range of about 33 feet (10 meters), allowing control from indoors if you have a smaller garden or yard.
That said, there are minor issues. One challenge was adjusting the lighting settings, particularly in low light when it was hard to see the remote clearly.
Interestingly, although you don’t need a smartphone for control, we ended up using the flashlight feature on our phones to illuminate the remote’s display. Additionally, it took some time to familiarize ourselves with the various buttons and their functions. Personally, I found the vibrant animated scenes a bit excessive for regular use, though I did enjoy the solid colors and warm/cool white options. However, this largely depends on personal preference.
Pricing and Availability of Nanoleaf Solar Garden Lights
- $49.99 / £49.99 (for a two-pack)
- $139.99 / £139.99 (for a six-pack)
- Available directly from Nanoleaf
The Nanoleaf Solar Garden Lights, sold in two or six packs, offer good value for the price (I had initially expected them to be nearly twice as expensive). Each unit consists of eight bulbs, and they are well-constructed (with IP65 waterproofing). You can purchase them directly from Nanoleaf in both the US and the UK.
The solar panels are particularly impressive, as they not only indicate the charge level but also provide backup power through USB-C charging. While these garden lights may not be as advanced or intricate as some smart lighting options, this simplicity can be a positive feature.
Ultimately, they provide more value for your money compared to many standard LED garden lights, which typically don’t offer any customization options.
Specifications of Nanoleaf Solar Garden Lights
Product name | Nanoleaf Solar Garden Lights |
Price | Starting at $49.99 / £49.99 |
Assembled height | 37.4 inches / 950mm |
Length of stem | 17.3 inches / 439mm |
Dimensions of solar panel (W x H) | 5.2 x 5 inches / 132 x 102.5mm |
IP Rating | IP65 |
Brightness | 50 lumens |
Color temperature range | 2,850 – 3,150K |
Color channel configuration | RGBW |
Charging methods | Solar, USB-C |
Solar charge time | 6-10 hours |
Control distance | 30 feet / 10m |
Should you consider purchasing the Nanoleaf Solar Garden Lights
Attribute | Comments | Score |
|---|---|---|
Value | The Nanoleaf lights are excellent value for the features included in this two-pack. They’re surprisingly affordable—comparable in price to just two bouquets of fresh flowers, but significantly brighter. | 5/5 |
Design | While it may not appeal to everyone, I appreciate the creative design of the Nanoleaf lights. The stems can be bent easily for optimal positioning, and the solar panels are well-made with flexible mounting options. | 4.5/5 |
Performance | Many users might find using a mobile app instead of a physical remote challenging outdoors at night, making adjustments somewhat difficult. However, once operational, the lights perform very well. | 3.5/5 |
Testing Process for the Nanoleaf Solar Garden Lights
- I utilized the Nanoleaf solar garden lights for a week
- I explored all available lighting settings
- I arranged them in various configurations using different stalk lengths, and employed both wall-mounted and ground-mounted solar panels
Testing solar garden lights can be somewhat solitary, as modifications can typically only be made after dark; this means testing often starts at around 10 PM, especially near the longest day in the UK. Additionally, making adjustments in low light can be tricky, hence I used my phone’s light for better visibility.
Will I keep using these lights after my review? (This is the true measure of any review.) Yes, most likely, though I plan to stick with a simple white light setting instead of cycling through colorful displays, which can be somewhat excessive.
As my son remarked upon seeing the vibrant lights illuminate the garden after a night out: ‘Why does our garden look like Love Island?’
