You may be out to get solar torch lights that come with multiple operation modes and colorful bulbs. But while those features are great, you will experience true quality with tiki torches with a high solar energy conversion rate. Beyond high conversion efficiency, other important factors to look for include lighting time, impressive battery capacity, high durability, and short charging time.
Best Solar Tiki Torches at a Glance
- Overall Best- Ollivage Flickering Flames Solar Torch Lights
- Runner-Up – TomCare Solar Torches
- Joint Runner-Up – TomCare Flickering Flame Solar Lights
- Impressive Operation Time – New Huing Solar Powered Tiki Torch
- Fastest Charging Rate – EOYIZW Solar Torch Light Colored
- Unique Design – Newhouse Flickering Flames Solar Powered Lights
Solar Tiki Torch Light Review
1. Ollivage Flickering Flames Solar Torch Lights
Rapid charging, high conversion efficiency, durability, and long lighting times – this tiki torch has it all. So, it is no surprise it comes in as our overall best solar tiki torches.
The design of the Ollivafe solar flame torch is pretty slick as it carries its dancing flames. Of course, the dancing flames are no actual flames. They are basically LED lights made to look like flames, thanks to the flickering effect of the solar torch.
The LED lights give off around 35 lumens – about the same brightness as a candle. So, they are perfect for setting a warm atmosphere.
With stake-like pipes, installation is uncomplicated. Just stick the solar light stake end into the soil, and it’s done.
The solar panel of this product is around 20% efficient at converting solar energy – more than typical solar torches.
The fact that you can charge it fully within 6 to 8 hours (the second-fastest in the review) makes the conversion quotient even better. You are almost certainly assured of getting solar power, whether it’s summer or winter.
In summer, you can expect this solar torch to stay on for up to 12 hours after a full charge. But in colder seasons, it may run for 5 hours only.
The tiki torches come on automatically when it’s night. Then when it’s dawn, they go off, while the solar panel recharges the battery automatically.
With an IP65 rating, this solar torch light is highly waterproof. So, whether it is in the rain, snow, or hail, it will keep working. You can also expect significant resistance to dust and rust.
Also, since the body of the torch is high-strength ABS, it does well in high temperatures and resists impact to a high degree.
Pros
- Up to 12 hours of operation in the summer.
- Weather resistant.
- Impressive conversion efficiency – around 20%.
- Rapid charging rate – around 8 hours.
- Waterproof, dust-proof, and impact-resistant.
Cons
- A unique design would have been more appealing.
2. TomCare Solar Tiki Torches
Combining a high conversion efficiency with rapid charging speed, long operation time, and a durable body puts these solar tiki torches in our number two spot.
The TomCare Solar Tiki Torch has a classic torch design. However, unlike actual classic torches, it is a safe alternative since it does not use actual flames. It uses solar-powered LED lights to create flickering lights that look so realistic but do not burn.
The lights of this product give off about 35 lumens – almost like a candle. So, they are perfect for creating warm scenery.
Installing this tiki torch is a breeze. You do not need to connect any wires. Just stick the stake into the ground outside your house, and it’s done.
At 20.5%, the conversion efficiency of this tiki light is higher than what you’ll commonly find in solar tiki torches. Coupled with a charging rate of around 8 hours, getting solar energy would be relatively seamless if you use this solar tiki torch.
In summer, the solar lights stay running for up to 10 hours. But in colder seasons, this drops to around 5 hours. Even though the Ollivage Light stays on a bit longer, you’ll surely get a lot of uptime with the TomCare Metal.
Besides, it has auto ON and OFF, so you never have to worry about mistakenly running down the batteries.
The torch is metallic and has a coated, rust-resistant finish, while the poles are made of ABS plastic. So, overall, this product poses considerable resistance to heat and impact.
Having an IP65 rating, this tiki torch is highly waterproof. It should withstand rain, snow, and similar harsh elemental conditions without fuss.
Pros
- Very high conversion ratio – around 20.5%.
- Stays on for about 10 hours in the summer and 5 hours in colder seasons.
- Charges in about 8 hours.
- Waterproof.
- Resists rust and impact.
Cons
- The pole could be stronger.
3. TomCare Flickering Flame Solar Lights
The TomCare Solar Lights LED Flickering Flame shares about the same quality as the TomCare Solar Tiki Lights Metal Flickering Flame. Hence, we chose it as the joint runner-up.
It has a slick wine-glass shape that holds around 96 pieces of LEDs. These LEDs give off about 35 lumens, so if you want lights that create a cozy setting, this is an ideal option.
Installing this tiki torch is pretty easy. Since it requires no wiring, all you need do is stick the stake into the ground in your backyard or anywhere else outside your house, and it’s done.
Thanks to its monocrystalline PV cells, this tiki torch has a conversion quotient of 20.5% (the joint-highest in our review). Average tiki solar torches typically have a conversion quotient of around 16-17%, so the conversion quotient of this product is a big deal.
Alongside its charging rate of about 8 hours, the conversion ratio of this tiki torch gives you a better chance of getting electrical energy even when the sun is somewhat dim.
In warmer seasons, this solar tiki torch can stay running for up to 10 hours when fully charged. But in colder seasons, the solar lights may last only around 5 hours after a full charge.
Thankfully, it has auto ON/OFF – a way to save energy. It comes on at night or when it’s dim and goes off when the day breaks. So, you never have to worry about wasting energy by forgetting to switch it off.
With an IP65 rating and a body made of ABS, this torch is quite resistant to various harsh outdoor conditions.
It does not need any special care from rain, snow, or similar elemental conditions. Apart from that, it is somewhat resistant to impact, dust, rust, and elevated temperatures.
Pros
- Has a slick torch design.
- Relatively long operation time – about 10 hours in the summer and 5 hours in winter.
- Very high conversion ratio – around 20.5%.
- Charges in about 8 hours under ideal conditions.
- Waterproof.
- Resists rust, dust, and impact.
Cons
- The non-metal parts could be more durable.
4. New Huing Solar Powered Tiki Torch
If you get the New Huing Solar Torch Lights, you get to enjoy rapid charging, long operation time, durability, and a decent conversion ratio.
Depending on the mode you use it on, it can give off 35 to 60 lumens. With this, you will not be stuck with warm, candle-like illumination.
Boasting a conversion efficacy of around 17 to 20%, this product converts solar energy to electricity with the same (or even better) efficiency as regular solar-powered torches. Coupled with the fact that it can charge fully in 8 hours, you have a gem that is only mildly affected when the sun does not shine so well.
The torch operates in 3 lighting modes: torch mode, breath mode, and lighting mode. Of these 3 modes, the torch mode offers the longest run times: around 10-12 hours in the summer and 5-6 hours in colder seasons.
The breath mode comes next: 6-8 hours in warmer seasons and 3-4 hours in colder seasons. Then the lighting mode has the shortest run times: 3-5 hours in hotter seasons and 1-2 hours in cooler seasons.
These solar tiki torches automatically turn on/off; it comes on at dusk and goes at dawn. So, you will not have to worry about wasting energy if you forget to switch it off.
The body is made of ABS, and the structure is rated IP65. So, it can withstand dust, moisture, mild heat, and many other harsh outdoor conditions.
Pros
- Stays on for around 10-12 hours when fully charged.
- Slick design.
- Dust and waterproof.
- Decent charging speed – around 8 hours.
- Decent conversion efficacy.
Cons
- The design is pretty common.
5. EOYIZW Solar Torch Light Colored
The EOYIZW Solar Torch Light boasts the fastest charging time of all the solar torches we reviewed. But beyond that, it offers decent durability and conversion rate. This stunning blue light stays on for quite a while.
Thanks to its wine-glass-like shape, the solar torch is pretty visually-appealing. Unlike regular tiki torches, it offers flames of different colors.
You can get this solar tiki torch in blue flames, purple flames, and yellow flames. So, if you need a dark backdrop for something like Halloween, you may consider getting the blue or purple variant.
Installation is pretty straightforward; since there are no wires, just push the pole/stake into the ground to install.
The conversion efficacy of this product (18%) is not impressive, but it is pretty decent. Thankfully, it charges in just 4 hours under ideal conditions. So, overall, its shortfall in conversion quotient may not be so obvious.
When fully charged, it can stay on for up to 8 hours in warmer seasons and around 5 hours in colder seasons.
Like the others, it has an auto ON/OFF feature. So, you are unlikely to waste energy by forgetting to switch it off.
With an IP65 design, this tiki light would be unfazed by water and dust outdoors. Whether it rains or snows, it should withstand the conditions just fine.
Pros
- Waterproof, dustproof, and mildly resistant to elevated temperatures.
- Easy to install.
- Rapid charging.
- Stays on for around 8 hours in warmer seasons and 5 hours in colder seasons.
Cons
- Conversion efficacy could be better.
6. Newhouse Flickering Flames Solar Powered Lights
Newhouse Flickering Flames Solar Powered Lights have decent features overall. But it could do better with more quality in some areas.
The tropical torch design makes it quite unique compared to the other tiki torches on the list. Its installation is a breeze as all you have to do is stick the stake end of the pole into the ground.
The conversion efficacy of 17% is not the most impressive on the list. But it is still fair compared to regular solar tiki torch lights.
When charged fully, you can get around 8 hours of illumination from this tiki torch. But in colder seasons, the duration may drop. If you want it to stay on longer, you may switch the included batteries with fresh high-capacity batteries.
The solar lights are sensitive to night and day. It goes off when the day breaks and comes on when it’s dark. This way, it saves energy by keeping the tiki lights off when they are not needed.
This tiki torch has no issues staying out in rain, snow, dust, or hail. However, its body is plastic, so avoids impact.
Pros
- Decent charging speed.
- Waterproof and dustproof.
- Unique and attractive design.
Cons
- The conversion ratio could be higher.
- Would be even better if the bulbs stayed on longer.
Buyer’s Guide
Conversion Rate
Solar light intensity varies with weather conditions, and accordingly, the amount of sunlight solar panels can convert to electrical energy changes. When there is abundant direct sunlight, solar panels receive more solar energy to generate electricity for tiki torches. But when there is less sunlight, energy generation drops.
Ordinarily, the above trend will ground the functions of solar torches during low-sunlight periods like winter. But if you get solar torches that have high conversion rates, the panels will still generate enough energy to power solar torch lights even when the sun does not shine brightly.
Duration of Operation
The usefulness of any type of light that runs on stored energy is in how long it stays on. So, if you want a tiki torch that would be very useful to you, opt for one with a long duration of the operation.
Durability
Most solar tiki torches stay outdoors where they are exposed to harsh weather conditions. So, opt for a product built with enough quality to resist elemental damages (and non-elemental damages).
Charging Time
The sun does not stay out all day. Therefore, if you need solar power, you want to get it within the period the sun shines. This can only be possible with solar tiki torches that charge very fast.
So, when buying solar tiki torches, opt for rapid charging time.
FAQs
Why don’t my solar lights stay on all night?
If your solar torches do not stay on all night, the battery may be getting an insufficient charge. Then again, it may not be holding enough charge.
Do solar torches work in winter?
As long as their panel receives sufficient sunlight, solar tiki torches will work just fine in winter.
How Long Do the Batteries of Tiki Torches Last?
In many cases, the batteries of solar torches last 3 to 4 years before you have to replace them.
In Summary
You can never go wrong with solar torches that have high conversion rates. But do not set your eyes on that alone; pay attention to operation time, charging time, and durability.
While it’s great to have solar tiki torches that maximize the solar energy they receive, having one that charges fast, resists damages, and stays on for long is true perfection.
