Illuminate the final resting place of your loved ones with the enchanting radiance of solar-powered crosses. Whether adorning a grave alongside a floral arrangement or standing alone as a poignant memorial, these luminous crosses offer a timeless tribute that transcends the limitations of conventional wax candles.
Fueled by the boundless energy of sunlight, these lights emit a gentle and unwavering glow throughout the night, avoiding the frustratingly short lifespan of traditional candles. Their popularity continues to soar, a testament to the ever-growing prominence of solar energy today. So, if you are seeking the perfect solar-powered cross to honour and remember your beloved, explore this article to discover the finest options available.
Read on for our expert reviews of the best solar powered crosses available. Check the latest prices to ensure you get a great deal!
Contents
- 1 Our Top Picks
- 2 3 Best Solar Powered Crosses
- 3 Solar Powered Crosses Buying Guide
- 3.1 Key Takeaways
- 3.2 What Is a Solar Powered Cross?
- 3.3 How Does a Solar Powered Cross Work?
- 3.4 How Long Does a Solar Powered Cross Last?
- 3.5 Advantages of Using a Solar-Powered Cross
- 3.6 Are Solar Powered Crosses Ideal for Usage in Extreme Weather Conditions?
- 3.7 Features to Look Out for When Buying a Solar-Powered Cross
- 4 Case Study: Bringing Light and Comfort with Solar Powered Crosses
- 5 Expert Insights From Our Solar Panel Installers About Solar Powered Crosses
Our Top Picks
Image | Name | |
---|---|---|
Azuma Solar Angel Garden Ornament Figure Christian Cross | ||
Festive Lights Memorial Gravestone – Solar Powered Warm White LED Cat Cross | ||
Solar Powered Cross Garden Stake |
3 Best Solar Powered Crosses
1. Azuma Solar Angel Garden Ornament Figure Christian Cross
This solar-powered cross is an excellent outdoor ornament with a beautiful angel figure element. Its fine detailing makes it pleasing to the eye. Additionally, its quality AA rechargeable batteries increase its longevity.
Features
Cross Dimensions
The 24cm x 14cm x 13 cm
Cross Material
This solar-powered cross is made of durable materials such as marble and resin. These materials are scratch-proof and cannot break easily, making them excellent for outdoor use. It is crafted from weather-resistant polyresin, makings it perfect for your garden or patio.
Cross Weight
Weighing 730 grams only, this solar cross is lightweight and convenient to use.
Batteries
Powered by excellent quality and rechargeable AA batteries, these solar crosses can last long. The cross also comes with a switch to turn the batteries on and off.
Cross Design
This solar-powered cross by Azuma is quite ornamental in appearance. It has a kneeling angel holding the cross, which creates a heavenly effect.
Easy and pleasing to the eyes, this yellow light cross adds a sense of serenity to your outdoor area. The cross is further finely detailed. It has a grey marble-coloured angelic figure coupled with a weather-beaten finish.
Cross Lights
Azuma’s solar-powered cross is lit by a single yellow LED light.
Pros:
- Offers value for money
- Made of sturdy material– marble and resin, it is perfect for outdoor use
- It can withstand most weather conditions
Cons:
- Cannot withstand extreme weather conditions
2. Festive Lights Memorial Gravestone – Solar Powered Warm White LED Cat Cross
Festive Lights are specialists in the field of feel-good lighting. You can be assured that they offer high-quality products. Established in 1999, this Lancashire-based company has been in the industry for over 20 years.
Their solar-powered cross makes a brilliant memorial cross headstone. Paired with a heart-shaped light, this cross is perfect for you to remember the departed soul. Since this cross features a peaceful cat, it is also an excellent option for your departed pet’s grave.
Features
Solar Powered
Since this cross is solar-powered, it charges throughout the day and turns on automatically at dusk. The lights turn off intelligently at dawn too.
No Utility Costs
Solar-powered crosses operate using solar energy only. They do not require any other source of energy, such as electricity. The cross will charge through the day using sunlight and light up in the dark without costing you money.
Integrated Panel
The solar cross has an integrated panel system to charge it. It means that the solar panel is built into the cross design.
Easy Installation
With an integrated panel system, installing this cross is relatively easy. Simply place the cross anywhere in the open where the sun can reach it directly.
Heart-Shaped Light
A minor added feature, this heart-shaped light adds a special loving touch to the solar cross. It makes it suitable for use at the grave of your loved ones.
Cross Material
The Festive Lights cross is manufactured using resin. It is an excellent choice for outdoor use since it is weather-resistant and durable. A resin cross can last you for years.
Pros:
- Uses solar energy to charge and operate
- Does not cost to charge it throughout the day
- Integrated panel system
- Requires no wiring
- Made with resin, a high-quality, durable material that is weather-resistant
Cons:
- Water may creep into the cross and ruin the batteries if not installed correctly
3. Solar Powered Cross Garden Stake
A modern cross to light up your loved one’s grave or your patio, this product is excellent for outdoor illumination. Boasting 7 coloured LEDs, this solar cross has many other exciting features to demonstrate. The first is its integrated solar panel system that charges during the day and runs all night.
Features
Multiple Colours
Unlike most other crosses, it boasts 7 coloured LEDs that include– white, red, pink, purple, orange, blue, and green. All of these coloured LEDs light up in rotation.
Integrated Solar Panels
With an integrated solar panel built into the cross’ design, it easily absorbs sunlight throughout the day to charge. It stores that energy and uses it to turn on the LEDs at night.
Running Hours
Once fully charged, this solar-powered cross can run undisturbed for 8 hours.
Easy Installation
This product is easy to install, a feature common to all solar crosses. It requires no wiring or electricity source to run. All you have to do is place it where it can receive ample sunlight during the day.
Automatic Switches
The solar cross turns on automatically at dusk when the sun sets. Similarly, it turns off at dawn when the sun rises, making it easy since you do not have to switch it on and off all the time.
Pros:
- Multiple coloured lights to illuminate your outdoor space
- Switches on and off automatically
- An integrated solar panel system
Cons:
- Made of plastic
Solar Powered Crosses Buying Guide
Having gone through the features, pros, and cons of the three best solar-powered crosses, picking a favourite must be easy. Your choice of a solar cross must be a special symbol of your love and remembrance for the departed.
However, before purchasing the best solar-powered cross, you must bear a few more pointers in mind. Here is a buying guide to help you pick the right one.
Key Takeaways
- A solar-powered cross is an outdoor light shaped like a cross, symbolizing love, remembrance, and faith for a departed loved one or serving as a decorative garden light. It operates by absorbing sunlight and converting it into electricity, featuring various sizes and weather-resistant materials.
- Solar-powered crosses function by absorbing sunlight during the day and lighting up automatically in the dark. Good quality batteries can last up to 4 years, while LEDs can last up to 10 years with proper care, such as cleaning solar panels regularly.
- Solar-powered crosses offer several advantages, including eco-friendliness, cost-efficiency, energy efficiency, inexhaustible energy sources, a wide variety of options, weatherproof design, and ease of installation. They are designed to withstand weather conditions, but it is recommended to bring them indoors during extreme weather to prevent damage. Various features to consider when buying one include size and shape, lighting modes, unique designs, material, IP65 rating, battery type, durability, and warranty.
What Is a Solar Powered Cross?
A solar-powered cross is a light in the shape of a cross meant to be used outdoors. Usually, it symbolises love, remembrance, and faith for a loved one who has passed away. It can also be a decorative light for your garden or patio.
Since these crosses are solar-powered, they function by absorbing sunlight and converting that into electricity. They come in multiple sizes for convenience and are made of sturdy material to withstand various weather conditions.
How Does a Solar Powered Cross Work?
A solar-powered cross functions in a relatively straightforward manner, the same as that of all solar-powered lights. Implying that it needs only sunlight, batteries, and solar panels to absorb the sunlight.
To ensure proper functioning, installing the cross under direct sunlight is essential. Only then can it absorb sufficient sunlight during the day. After the cross is fully charged, it lights up when it is dark outside.
Most crosses use a light-sense technology, meaning they automatically light up when it is dark and turn off after sunrise.
How Long Does a Solar Powered Cross Last?
If you take proper care of a solar-powered cross, it can last incredibly long. The life of a solar cross primarily depends on the batteries used. Good quality batteries can last for almost 4 years. LEDs last longer than batteries and can work for up to 10 years.
Besides good quality batteries, here are some more factors that can give your solar-powered cross a longer life:
- Clean solar panels regularly so they can effectively absorb maximum solar energy
- Do not leave the solar cross outdoors during extreme weather conditions like very heavy rain, storm, and snow
Advantages of Using a Solar-Powered Cross
Solar energy is an incredible source of renewable energy. The world is actively shifting to this energy source to relieve the burden on non-renewable energy sources. Solar-powered crosses offer multiple advantages:
- They are eco-friendly since they use an entirely renewable source of energy
- These lights are cost-efficient since they last for anywhere between 4 to 10 years
- They are energy efficient since they use solar energy to operate
- Their source of energy is inexhaustible
- There is a wide variety of options to select from
- They are weatherproof and sturdy, making them suitable for outdoor use
- They are pretty easy to install and do not require wiring
Are Solar Powered Crosses Ideal for Usage in Extreme Weather Conditions?
Fortunately, most solar crosses have either an IP65 or 44 ratings. These ratings indicate that the given solar-powered cross is waterproof and corrosion-free. Since these crosses are meant for outdoor use, they are built with sturdy materials to make them last longer. Not just that, the batteries used are of high quality too.
Even though solar crosses are designed to sustain for longer and to withstand weather conditions, they may get damaged. Harsh and extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain or snowfall for prolonged periods can damage the solar cross’ functioning.
Shifting the solar cross indoors in bad weather conditions is strongly recommended to prevent damage.
The batteries will be difficult to charge in areas with inadequate sunlight due to heavy snowfall. In such a case, use high-capacity batteries that can function for longer after fully charging.
Features to Look Out for When Buying a Solar-Powered Cross
Now that you know the basics of solar-powered crosses, it is time to learn their essential features. Selecting the perfect solar cross for your specific purpose depends on multiple factors. Before choosing the right one, you must consider various factors, from the IP65 rating to installation and material.
Size and Shape
Solar-powered crosses are available in multiple shapes and sizes. Depending on the location, the grave of a loved one, or your garden, you will find a cross for every location. Check the dimensions and the material used in the cross to determine which one suits your needs.
Mode of Lighting
Some solar-powered crosses have an amazing feature that offers multiple lighting modes. You can get various light colour combinations. You can light up the space with a solar cross in beautiful colours. If you prefer a simpler yet divine glow, you can choose a solar cross with a warm light option.
Unique Designs
Solar crosses come in a variety of designs. For instance, some have a kneeling angel along with the cross, while others may have a wreath of flowers. You can choose a basic and simple cross if you do not wish to experiment with a more refined design. But, all of these options look angelic and graceful.
Material
Since solar-powered crosses are meant for outdoor use, they should be made of sturdy material that can withstand extreme weather. To that end, most solar crosses are made of either marble or resin. Both of these materials are scratch and water-resistant, making them an excellent choice.
IP 65 Rating
IP stands for Ingress Progression. An IP rating defines how effectively electrical items are sealed from external elements like water or dust.
Solar-powered crosses with an IP65 rating are protected from corrosion and water. So, always select a solar cross with an IP65 rating.
Battery
Solar crosses generally have rechargeable batteries. Keep track of the total running hours of the solar cross. It will help determine the duration for which the battery can run once fully charged. Keep an eye out for crosses that come with extra batteries in case you need them in the future.
Type of Solar Power
When selecting a solar-powered cross, focus on the cross’s solar power type. Usually, solar crosses use either monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar power. While monocrystalline is energy efficient, polycrystalline is cheaper. Depending on your requirements and estimated usage, consider the wattage.
Durability and Warranty
Finally, durability is the most crucial feature when buying a solar-powered cross. Since it will predominantly be used outdoors, it must be resistant to severe weather conditions such as snow and rain. So, purchase a cross that can survive these conditions and last longer. Make sure you get a warranty on the cross to enjoy after-sales services.
Case Study: Bringing Light and Comfort with Solar Powered Crosses
Background
At Solar Panels Network, we were approached by a client who wanted to honour a loved one’s memory in a meaningful and sustainable way. The client sought a solution that would combine symbolism with practicality, choosing solar powered crosses as the perfect option. These crosses were intended to provide a lasting tribute while enhancing the garden’s aesthetic.
Project Overview
The primary goal was to install solar powered crosses that would serve as both a memorial and a decorative element in the client’s garden. The client desired durable, weather-resistant lights that could function year-round, even in the UK’s varying climate conditions. Additionally, the project aimed to create a serene and respectful atmosphere with a focus on sustainability and low maintenance.
Implementation
- Assessment and Planning:
- Site Evaluation: We evaluated the garden to determine the best locations for the solar crosses, ensuring optimal sunlight exposure and aesthetic placement.
- Product Selection: The client chose solar crosses with monocrystalline solar cells for their high efficiency and long-lasting performance. The selected crosses featured an IP65 rating, making them resistant to water and dust.
- Installation Process:
- Positioning: The solar crosses were strategically placed to capture maximum sunlight during the day. This placement also enhanced the garden’s visual appeal, creating a peaceful and respectful memorial space.
- Setup and Testing: We set up the solar panels and ensured all components were functioning correctly. Each cross was tested to confirm automatic activation at dusk and deactivation at dawn.
- Education and Maintenance:
- Client Guidance: We provided the client with information on maintaining the crosses, including cleaning the solar panels and storing the crosses indoors during extreme weather conditions.
- Long-Term Care: Tips on checking battery health and replacing them as needed were shared to ensure the crosses’ longevity.
Results
- Memorial and Decorative Appeal: The solar powered crosses provided a beautiful and respectful memorial for the client, offering a continuous tribute to their loved one. The lights also enhanced the garden’s ambiance, creating a serene and contemplative environment.
- Sustainability and Efficiency: The use of solar energy eliminated the need for additional electricity costs, aligning with the client’s desire for an eco-friendly solution. The durable design and high-quality materials ensured minimal maintenance and a long lifespan for the crosses.
- Client Satisfaction: The client was highly satisfied with the outcome, appreciating the combination of functionality and symbolism. The project met all expectations, providing both aesthetic and emotional value.
Summary
This project showcased the versatility and meaningful impact of solar powered crosses. By integrating these lights into the garden, we provided a sustainable and beautiful solution that honoured a loved one’s memory while enhancing the outdoor space. Solar Panels Network continues to deliver innovative and heartfelt solutions, helping our clients find peace and beauty through sustainable lighting options.
Expert Insights From Our Solar Panel Installers About Solar Powered Crosses
Solar powered crosses are a meaningful and eco-friendly way to commemorate loved ones or add a spiritual touch to your garden. Their ease of installation and low maintenance make them an ideal choice for any outdoor space.
Senior Solar Installation Engineer
Choosing a solar cross with a high IP rating ensures it can withstand the UK’s unpredictable weather. This durability, combined with the aesthetic appeal of these lights, provides both functionality and a comforting presence.
Solar Energy Specialist
The use of monocrystalline solar cells in these crosses offers better efficiency and a longer lifespan, ensuring that the light remains bright and reliable for years to come. It’s a beautiful way to symbolise eternal light and love.
Solar Technology Expert
Our Expertise in Solar Lights
At Solar Panels Network, our pride lies in the extensive expertise of our seasoned professionals and renewable energy experts. With the rising demand for eco-friendly and energy-efficient solutions, we are dedicated to guiding you through the options. By merging our vast knowledge with practical, real-world testing, we deliver trustworthy reviews.
Why Trust Our Reviews?
- Industry Expertise: Our experts have a deep-seated understanding of the solar industry, including solar lighting. We stay updated with technological advancements to ensure our reviews reflect cutting-edge options.
- Hands-On Testing: True to our commitment to authenticity, each solar light on our list has been tested for performance and durability. We’ve assessed these lights in various settings to simulate their performance in your garden, on your patio, or along your driveway.
- Transparency: We approach our reviews with a clear and open methodology. Every recommendation is presented with an honest assessment of its features and functionality. We aim to provide you with all the necessary information, free from any external influence so that you can make the best choice.
- Experience: Our team’s collective experience is invaluable in discerning the quality of solar lights. We’ve seen trends come and go and understand what features offer genuine long-term value. This experience is integral to our review process, providing you with recommendations that are not just based on technical specifications but also real usability and satisfaction.
As we look towards a more sustainable future, we are dedicated to helping you find the best solar powered crosses for 2024. Our selection is designed to offer you a combination of innovation, reliability, and aesthetic appeal, perfect for the homeowner. With our expert advice, you can illuminate your outdoor space with confidence.
Wrapping Up
A solar-powered cross can be like a comforting personal guardian & a guiding light of what is most important in life. They also enhance your outdoor space with light and love. It will add elegance if you use a solar cross in your garden or a loved one’s grave. Given the variety of shapes, sizes, and designs it comes in, you will find the perfect one for every purpose.
The best part about these solar lights is that they are low maintenance. You only need to clean it once in a while and place it under direct sunlight to maintain it well.
About the Author
Solar Panels Network stands at the forefront of solar energy solutions, driven by a team of seasoned solar engineers and energy consultants. With over decades of experience in delivering high-quality solar installations and maintenance, we are committed to promoting sustainable energy through customer-centric, tailored solutions. Our articles reflect this commitment, crafted collaboratively by experts to provide accurate, up-to-date insights into solar technology, ensuring our readers are well-informed and empowered in their solar energy decisions.