Solar power at higher latitudes?

I'm thinking about installing solar outdoor safety lights.  Has anyone used these somewhere that doesn't get much daylight in the winter?

At 44°N (roughly even with Minneapolis) we get 8-9 hours in early winter.  Let's call it 5 hours direct sunlight on that side of the house, and that's pretty generous.

Of course, that's the time of year I'd need them the most, since it's dark before I get home.

I have to wonder if it's worth it.  Anyone tried it?  I'm looking for something like a product review, from someone using solar lighting in similar conditions to mine.