Top 5 solar LED flood lights for home security in South Africa

I’ve written extensively on the importance of outdoor security lights for home security but, have not yet covered solar LED flood lights in particular. With frequent power cuts and load shedding that never sticks to published schedules, more and more South Africans are opting for solar LED floodlights but most LED floodlights will do their job just fine. 

I recommend ordering your LED floodlights from Futurelight. Not only are their prices affordable but they stock high-quality products and offer excellent customer service. If anything goes wrong with your lights, they’ll sort it out!

Solar vs regular LED flood lights – very IMPORTANT

When it comes to choosing between a solar LED flood light or a regular flood light, I suggest that you choose the solar version. Especially for high-traffic areas such as driveways and garages. This will ensure that you save on your electricity bill and have light available in high-risk spots. You’ll also improve your home security since you’ll still have a lit-up driveway, garden, and garage – even when you’re experiencing a power failure or load shedding.

Why you should install floodlights

Any outdoor light equipped with a sensor can serve to alert you of the presence of intruders or movements outside of your home at night. They also act as a deterrent for criminals who prefer to work under the cover of darkness.

The PIR or passive infrared sensors are great as they add that second layer of safety but don’t stay on and cause glare or a serious annoyance (especially when they shine into bedroom windows). PIR sensors also enable you to extend the life of your lights and save you some money. These lights are also fairly easy to install and weatherproof so you can trust them to keep going for a long time.

Ideal locations to install outdoor LEDs

• Above your sliding or swing gates to cover your entrance
• Above your car garage doors or in a place that will light up your driveway
• Your back garden or swimming pool area
• In front of a garden cottage or flatlet
• Above outdoor entertainment areas and lapas
• Above garbage bins, sheds and other outbuildings

No-name brands vs branded flood lights

While there are many no-name brands on the market, I suggest you put in a few extra hundred and get yourself a locally produced brand that offers an extended warranty, better overall quality and longer serviceability. I also suggest that you consider buying a more powerful light for certain areas such as driveways and high-risk areas of your home.

What to consider when looking to buy a flood light

1. The wattage – this can range from 8W to a whopping 200W (typically for industrial and commercial applications). I’m going to review 5 products and will discuss the best wattage for various home security applications there.
2. The lumens – lumens simply refer to the brightness of the light – the more lumens the brighter and more powerful. Although as the wattage goes up so will the lumens, not all products are created equally and you should check the lumens too.
3. Beam angle – is not always important and 90 to 100 degree beam angles are generally sufficient.
4. Whether or not it’s equipped with a PIR  or, passive infrared sensor.

My top 5 LED floodlight options for outdoor applications

Please note that these solar lights are manufactured by Ellies and bright Star and that you may find alternatives online and in stores such as Makro and Builders. I’ve listed options within a wide power and price range to cover a range of needs.

Option #1: 8W solar LED flood light

This solar LED offers 8W and 850 lumens – it is one of the two least powerful lights on our top 5 list but, is highly reliable and durable. The beam angle sits between 90 and 100 degrees and the charges fully in 4 to 8 hours.

Recommendations: I do not recommend this light for a driveway, entrance or any area that needs good lighting – it’s simply too weak. This is an ideal option for small confined spaces and dark corners where trees and outbuildings block light from other sources.

Where to buy: 8W solar LED

Price: R 1,575.00

Option #2: Remote Controlled 10W solar LED floodlight

Offering 10W you’d expect this product to offer more lumens than option #1 above but it comes in at 500 lumens and is therefore the least powerful option on our list. It’s equipped with a PIR sensor, charges in 4 to 8 hours and also has a beam angle of between 90 and 100 degrees.

Recommendations: Once again, I do not recommend this LED solar light for any high-risk areas like parking areas and driveways but, the lower price point makes them great to use in your garden to light up areas where dark trees block your view and light.

Option #3: 20W Osram LED flood light

Offering more than double the lumens that our last two options have (1600), this 20W LED is one of the most durable and practical options for homeowners. It also has a 90 to 100 degree beam and can easily and quickly be installed.

Recommendations: This solar LED with its 1600 lumens is ideal for use around the front and back doors, tool sheds, wheelie and recycling bins as well as around lapas and entertainment areas. If you need light outside of your bedroom windows, this is a great option too.

Option #4: Osram 30W LED floodlight 

This LED will deliver low-light from dusk to dawn. It also boasts 2400 lumens, a good number for outdoor applications.

Recommendations: This is the ideal solar LED for driveways, parking areas and large garden or entertainment areas that require more light. It is an investment that you can rely on when the power goes out. It’s great quality, weather resistant and is both the product that offers the best value for money and is the most practical.

Option #5: 50W Osram LED

This is the strongest LED on this top 5 list and offers 4000 lumens and comes in at 50W. With the exception of the increased power, this light offers courtesy low lighting from sunset to sunrise. It has a beam angle of 120 degrees and comes in cool white. Lifespan is 30,000 hours. 

Recommendations: This is ideal for very large back gardens or parking areas and commercial spaces. Unless you have a very large driveway I do not recommend this as a security light. It is a little bit too bright and will cause discomfort in confined areas.

Did you find this post helpful? Sign up for my monthly newsletter and I’ll send you the latest safety and security information, tips and tricks every month, right to your inbox!