Solar garden lights in Kenya: bollards, pillar and decorative lights compared, with prices
Solar garden lights in Kenya fall into three groups: path and bollard lights that mark a walkway or drive (KSh 7,600 to KSh 16,800 for the bollards we stock), small pillar and wall lights for gate piers and doorways (KSh 1,300 to KSh 3,600), and decorative lights such as flame torches, RGB lamps and string lights (KSh 1,300 to KSh 3,600). Pole-top disc lights for courtyards and car parks cost KSh 12,000 to KSh 14,000. To compare them, ignore the headline watts and look at the battery and the panel: a bigger battery and panel means a light that is still on at 4 a.m. and survives a cloudy day.
Why the watt rating misleads
A "500W" solar garden light does not draw 500 watts. Its panel is 25W and its battery is 3.2V 18Ah. The same thing happens across solar lighting, and we explain it in detail in solar flood light wattage explained. For garden lights, the two numbers that matter are the battery (volts × amp-hours) and the panel wattage, followed by the discharging time the manufacturer quotes. Every figure below comes from the product's own specification.
Path and bollard lights
Bollards stand on the ground along a path, border or drive, lighting at knee or waist height. Our range has three designs, each in several heights so you can step a route up or down.
| Light | Heights | Panel | Battery | Discharge (stated) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4W bollard, 0356 series | 400, 600, 800 mm, plus a compact 320 mm body | 6V 2W poly | 3.7V 2.5Ah lithium | 2 rainy days | KSh 7,600 (400 mm), 8,600 (600 mm), 9,600 (800 mm); compact KSh 7,600 |
| 5W aluminium and PC, 0882 series | 400, 600, 800 mm | 5V 5W mono | 3.2V 6Ah LiFePO4 | 30-36 hours | KSh 10,000 / 14,000 / 16,000 |
| 5W round bollard, 0885 series | 300 mm garden light, 600 and 800 mm bollards | 6V 3.8W poly | 3.7V 7.5Ah lithium-ion | 20-24 hours | KSh 12,000 / 14,000 / 16,800 |
The 0356 series is the budget choice and has a useful extra: three colour settings (3000K warm, 4500K and 6000K daylight) and an IP65 rating. The 0882 series has the strongest panel of the three and a LiFePO4 battery, the chemistry best suited to daily cycling, with a 30-36 hour reserve. The 0885 series has the largest battery by amp-hours and an aluminium body on a 260 mm base. All three carry a manufacturer's stated warranty of 3 years.
We also stock the 0886 series of 5W garden lights (KSh 9,600 to KSh 13,600). The supplier has not released specifications for these, so we cannot compare them on battery or panel; ask us before ordering if you need those figures.
Pillar, wall and doorway lights
These sit on a gate pier, wall cap or wall rather than in the ground.
- 3W solar pillar light, KSh 3,000: 144 × 144 × 190 mm, 6V 2W panel on top, 3.7V 2Ah lithium-ion battery, 12-15 hours stated discharge, 6000K. Usually fitted in pairs on gate piers.
- 3W RGB pillar light with remote, KSh 3,600: the same body with five 5050 RGB LEDs and a remote to choose the colour.
- 5W solar wall light, KSh 1,300: 113 × 66 × 166 mm, IP65, 5.5V 2W panel, 3.7V 2Ah battery, 8-10 hours stated discharge. Sized for an evening at a back door, staircase or rear gate rather than dusk-to-dawn duty.
Decorative lights
These are for atmosphere rather than seeing your way:
- Solar flame torch, KSh 3,000: dancing-flame effect, 777 mm tall, IP65, 3.7V 1.5Ah battery, 8-10 hours stated.
- 3W flame-effect torch light, KSh 3,000: 96 LEDs at a deep amber 1800K-2200K, 8-10 hours stated.
- 7W RGB garden light, KSh 3,000: seven RGB LEDs for colour around planting or water features, 12-15 hours stated.
- Solar string light, KSh 1,300: 11.5 m with 100 LEDs and a separate staked panel, so the string can hang under a veranda while the panel sits in the sun. 10-12 hours stated.
See them all in decorative solar lights.
Courtyards and car parks: pole-top lights
For an open compound, a bollard is too low. The round pole-top "300W" garden light (KSh 12,000) has a 6V 15W panel and a 3.2V 12Ah LiFePO4 battery and mounts at 5-7 m. The "500W" version (KSh 14,000) has a 25W panel and an 18Ah battery for 6-8 m. Both quote 30-36 hours of discharge. For roads and larger areas, see our solar street lights and how to choose a solar street light.
Getting the most from a solar garden light
- Siting decides runtime. Every discharge figure assumes a full charge. Shade from a tree, a wall or a roof overhang cuts what the panel collects, and the long rains will shorten evenings.
- Match heights along one route. The bollard series come in several heights in the same finish, so you can step down towards a doorway.
- Choose the colour on purpose. 3000K warm white suits lawns, terraces and hotel gardens; 6000K daylight is brighter-looking and suits security and car parks.
Where to buy
Everything above is in our solar garden lights collection, with the bollards grouped in path and bollard lights. Landscapers, hotels and developers buying in runs can request a trade quote on our trade page. Collect from our Nairobi trade counter at Royal Business Park, opposite Complast, Old Mombasa Road, Monday to Saturday, 8:00 to 17:30, or order for countrywide delivery at a flat KSh 350, free on orders over KSh 15,000. Send us a photo of your garden or drive on WhatsApp and we will suggest a layout.
Common questions
How long do solar garden lights stay on?
It depends on the battery and on how much sun the panel got that day. Our range is quoted from 8-10 hours (small wall and torch lights) to 30-36 hours (the 0882 bollards and pole-top lights) from a full charge. A longer figure means reserve for a cloudy day, not a brighter light.
Do solar garden lights work in the rainy season?
Yes, but for fewer hours. Pick a model with a larger battery and stated reserve, such as the 0882 series (30-36 hours) or the 0356 bollards (rated at 2 rainy days), and keep the panels clear of shade.
How far apart should bollards go?
As a rough rule, taller bollards can be spaced further apart because they light a wider circle; short 400 mm lights suit close spacing along a narrow path. For a long drive, mixing 600 and 800 mm heights is common. Tell us the length of the route and we will suggest quantities.
Do they need wiring?
No. Each light has its own panel, battery and dusk sensor, so there is no cable to trench. That is the main reason they are chosen for gardens and long drives.