Linkind Smart Solar Spotlight SL5C Review - Solar Smarts Done Right

Linkind is not a new brand for me as I’ve tested a few of their lighting products like LED bulbs. They are among my favorite smart LED bulbs because of the reasonable price and some high-end features. The Linkind Smart Solar Spotlight SL5C is a bit different as they are solar-powered outdoor lights. They offer an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to decorate your gardens, pathways, or for special events like Halloween or Christmas.

Disclosure: We received the spotlights as a courtesy for review purposes. However, the review is intended to provide honest, unbiased insights about the product, based on personal experiences and observations.

Unboxing and Setup Experience

Upon opening the package, you can find 2 spotlights, each with a ground stake and a mounting rod for ground or wall installation. The SL5C looks really nice and durable with high-impact ABS plastic and IP67 water-resistant rating.

The setup process is quite straightforward as I just needed to connect the ground stake to the mounting rod, then used the included locking bolt to lock the spotlight in place. Finally, I inserted the stakes into my garden, just make sure the solar panels face sunlight. I highly recommend you to set up the solar panels at an angle so that they could clean themselves. When you face the panels straight upwards, they will start collecting debris and condensation, so they will produce less energy after a few months.

The last step in the setup process is installing the app and pairing it with your lights via Bluetooth. You can turn on a spotlight by pressing the button on the bottom, the light will show up in the app, allowing you to pair easily. The AiDot app offers control over color, brightness, and temperature, with options for schedules and music sync. I only used the app once to adjust the brightness and lighting effects. They are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home but I find the features unnecessary; Besides, that will require a Linkind’s Bluetooth Mesh Hub to connect the lights to your Wi-Fi network.

I prefer using the spotlights in the Luminance Detection mode. After the initial setup, the light automatically turns on when it gets dark and turns off after sunrise. Additionally, you can set a schedule in this mode so that the lights can turn off when you go to sleep to conserve battery. You just need to set it up on one light and then use the Copy Work Mode function to transfer the settings to other lights.

Performance

In terms of performance, the SL5C features 16 LED light sources with a 3W output, providing good brightness for gardens and pathways. The RGBTW lighting allows color changes, or you can use the white light with adjustable temperature. I set the brightness at around 70%; The lights are not really bright but they still create a nice effect when you place them a few feet away.

Powered by a 1,500mAh lithium polymer battery, the SL5C charges via its solar panel. Notably, the product features Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology which ensures it delivers the maximum available power to the battery, regardless of environmental conditions like frequent overcast skies or shorter winter days. For a solar smart light, this means the integrated 1.55W monocrystalline silicon PET laminated solar panel works at peak efficiency, charges more effectively than non-MPPT alternatives, and extends battery life.

In sunny conditions, it lasts all night, from dusk to dawn. When I turn on the light in the morning, it still has full battery, which is crazy. On cloudy days, the charge was sufficient for partial illumination, and the energy-saving mode helped optimize usage. On the other hand, my non-MPPT solar lights are often dead by 4 am or even sooner.

Another nice feature is group control that allows you to link multiple units (up to 32 lights across 8 groups) for synchronized operation without the need for a hub. You can set color, use some nice presets, or sync the lights with music using your phone’s mic. I really like the light show mode as it includes a variety of pre-programmed lighting effects that bring my backyard to life with flowing patterns.

Conclusion

Pros

Easy to set up with clear instructions; app control is user-friendly
Modern design, durable ABS plastic, IP67 weatherproof rating
Bright, versatile RGBTW lighting
Long battery life in sunlight

Cons

Performance may drop in areas with limited sunlight

After weeks of use, the Linkind Smart Solar Spotlight SL5C has exceeded my expectations. It is an inexpensive way to add lights to your garden without complicated wire running. I recommend it for anyone seeking smart, eco-friendly outdoor lighting, just make sure to place them under sufficient sunlight for optimal performance.