Solar outdoor lights are the perfect solution to brighten up yards, pathways, driveways – for both aesthetic and safety purposes. As they depend mostly on solar energy, these lights are practically maintenance-free. Without any need of electric wiring, they are pretty much easy to install. These cost-effective outdoor lighting solutions are available in several models and types. To choose the right one, we recommend considering below factors.
Brightness –
Brightness of lights in measured in terms of lumens. The higher the lumens count, the brighter the light will be. The brightness range of solar outdoor lights will be from 5 – 350 (or more) lumens.
Battery Charge Time
The charging time of a battery depends on the wattage abilities of solar cells in the solar panels of the light. Localities with long sunny hours can go for low battery voltage. But for areas with less sunlight hours, it is better to choose solar outdoor lights with higher battery voltage.
Runtime
The output time of solar lights can be controlled by the wattage of their solar cells. Some discharge quickly than other models and thereby illuminates less time. So, use multiple rechargeable batteries to extend the battery life of solar light and make it useful throughout the night. Scroll down for full reviews of the top-rated models and a detailed “Buying Guide” to choose the best outdoor solar lights that suit your requirement.
Best Outdoor Solar Lights 2023
Top Outdoor Solar Lights Reviews
1. Aootek New Solar Lights
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Check Price On eBay AootekSolar lights are made of ABS. It may not look very stylish, but it is one of the best in the market. It has 3 optional modes. The first one is security light mode, the second one is all night mode, and 3rd one is smart brightness control mode. It has one of the most advanced motion sensor detectors with a greater PIR sensor that is capable of detecting people from 26 feet within a 120-degree angle. The lights are ultra-bright, and it has a rechargeable 2200 mAh lithium-ion battery. The solar panels are high efficiency. The conversion rate is 20.5%. It is IP65 waterproof and capable of withstanding the harshest weather conditions. Notable Features
3 distinct modes Sensitive PIR Motion Indicator Ultra-bright light IP65 waterproofing
Pros
Motion Sensors are built-in A wide array of LEDs IP65 water resistance 2200mAh battery
Cons
Not the most attractive looking solar lights on the market
2. SEZAC Solar Lights Outdoor
Check Price On Walmart The SEZAC is excellent. The design is different, but it is equipped with 42 LED lights, and it is one of the best outdoor solar lights in the market. It has 3 intelligent lighting modes. The first one is a dim long light mode, the second one is light sensor mode, and 3rd one is motion sensor mode. It has a powerful motion sensor ball that detects people up to 10-16 feet. The lights are ultra-bright, and it has a rechargeable 2000 mAh lithium-ion battery that allows it to illuminate for a long period. It has an IP65 waterproofing. Notable Features
3 intelligent lighting modes Ultra-bright light IP65 waterproofing
Pros
Motion Sensors are built-in 42 LED lights IP65 water resistance 2000 mAh battery
Cons
Not good in dense fog
3. InnoGear Solar Lights Outdoor
Check Price On eBay Our 3rd pick is from InnoGear. It is a very different looking outdoor solar light made of ABS plastic and high-efficiency Monocrystalline. It is also a 2-in-1 light. This outdoor solar light has independently adjustable light and panel. The panel can be rotated up to 180 degrees and the light-head up to 90 degrees. It has 2 different modes available. In the high mode, it runs for 6 hours, and in the low mode, it runs for 12 hours. Due to its Monocrystalline solar panels, the energy conversion rate is 30% faster. Installation is simple, and it is resistant to jet water. It comes with a 2200 mAh rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. Notable Features
2 working modes 2-in-1 solar light Resistant to jet water
Pros
2-in-1 application Modern design 2200 mAh battery
Cons
Not good for bad weather
4. Ollivage Solar Lights Outdoor
Check Price On eBay The Ollivage solar lights have an excellent motion sensor that rotates 360 degrees, and the dual head spotlight comes with 30 LEDs. The solar lights get activated automatically at night. It has 2 modes. It is usually on the DIM mode for the entire night but becomes brighter when motion is detected. It has good coverage and can be rotated 360 degrees. The lights are super-bright, and it has a rechargeable 2200 mAh lithium-ion battery that allows it to illuminate for a long period. It has an IP65 waterproofing. Notable Features
2 working modes Super-bright IP65 Waterproof
Pros
360-degree rotation Super-bright IP65 waterproofing 2200mAh battery 30 LED lights
Cons
The motion sensor is not very reliable.
5. AmeriTop 128 LED Solar Lights Outdoor
Check Price On eBay Ameritop is a professional company that deals with indoor and outdoor LED lights. The company’s aim is to provide highly efficient, eco-friendly and long lasting lighting options to the customers. In its outdoor lighting range, this LED solar light has caught our attention as its enormous brightness is far brighter than other similar LEDs. This is due to the presence of 128 bright LEDs and three heads that can produce up to 800 lumens, 6500K highly bright light output. The lighting is sufficient enough to provide clear vision for up to 27 feet. The three heads are adjustable and can be moved upwards, downwards and also horizontally. So, they can provide up to 270 degrees wide lighting, eliminating the trouble for you to install extra lights. Importantly, these heads have motion sensors that can sense any movement up to 27 feet. So, you can use these lights for gardens, parking areas, entrance, driveways and patios. Also, the lights will turn ON only when there’s movement and in the remaining time they remain OFF. So, you will save much of the battery power. Speaking of batteries, these solar lights have a 2200 mAH lithium ion battery that lasts longer than expected. Notable Features:
Automatic turn off after 30 seconds of no movement detection. Polycrystalline silicon solar panels can be used even in winter. Made of ABS material and has IP65 waterproof coating to withstand extreme weathers.
Pros:
Easy installation without wires and adapters. Easily adjustable heads. Bright lighting. Affordable.
Cons:
Nothing specific to mention.
6. Hmcity Outdoor Solar Lights
Check Price On eBay The outdoor solar lights from the brand Hmcity are suitable for people who are looking for high quality guaranteed products. This product comes in a pack of two solar lights with three different lighting modes that include security, permanent and smart brightness control. Each light has adopted monocrystalline silicon solar cells which have high conversion rate that is up to 20.5%. Each solar light has 120 LED upgraded high power LEDs which ensure excellent wide lighting angle and excellent illumination coverage. These lights come with IP65 technology which makes them waterproof. Apart from that, its construction makes it weather-resistant and heatproof. Notable Features:
Has three lighting modes – security, smart brightness and permanent High conversion rate up to 20.5% 120 degrees sensing angle
Pros:
Pack of two solar lights Easy to install Value for money Nice and bright
Cons:
Motion sensors are not up to the mark
7. LELSTAR Outdoor Solar Lights with 268 LEDs
Check Price On Walmart LECLSTAR is a global brand which focuses on building and creating new tech-infused home products to provide a delightful experience to customers. This outdoor solar light from the brand comes with a single head with 268 LEDs in it that provide an illumination of up to 1800 lumens. So, this single piece solar light is efficient enough to spread the lighting for up to 26 feet. This means you can use it for surveillance of pathways, backyards or any outdoors that need protection. It comes with a lithium battery with a whopping capacity of 4400 mAH. So, it can work all night without stopping. So, we feel this can be installed where you keep your security camera for seamless monitoring of your house proximity. Moreover, the PIR motion sensor detects any motion within its range and automatically turns on the light. When there’s no motion, it automatically turns off within 30 seconds. Notable Features:
Bright lighting of 1800 lumens for clear visibility of strangers. Wide lighting angle of 120 degrees. Pure silicon solar panels decrease the charging time of the battery from 8 hours to 4 hours. Lifetime warranty.
Pros:
Easy to install with only the given 2 screws. Great illumination. Easy to use.
Cons:
Nothing specific to mention.
8. Aqonsie Solar Lights Outdoor
Our final pick is the 2-pack remote outdoor solar light from Aqonsie. They have a modern design, made of plastic and contains 48 LED solar lights. This one has 3 lightning modes and a remote control function. The lights are very bright, and it has a 180-degree view. Motion sensors are built-in, and it has an advanced adjustable bracket design. Installation is also very simple. It has a premium build, and it is water-resistant with an IP65 rating, comes with a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. Notable Features
3 lightning modes IP65 water-resistant rating 180-degree movement
Pros
Premium design 3 modes Remote control IP65 water-resistant rating
Cons
Doesn’t withstand the harsh weather conditions
9. Claoner Solar Lights Outdoor
The outdoor solar lights from Claoner are durable and premium. They are made of premium ABS and Plastic material and contain 128 LED lights. It has a 3-sided illumination design with a wider 270° view that covers a wider illumination range and brighter lighting. The built-in motion sensor solar white light features the latest PIR motion indicators that sense motion up to 12 – 20 feet at a 120° detection angle. The solar panel is designed with monocrystalline silicon that increases the solar energy conversion rate from 20.5% to 22% and charges 12% faster than other models. It offers 3 optional lighting modes – normal on mode, dim to high light sensor mode, and no light to high light sensor mode for your safety, convenience, and comfort. It is easy to install on patios, fences, garages, paths, yards, front doors, and outdoor walls. This 8-pack solar-powered night security light gets charged in 8 hours and comes with a 2400 mAh rechargeable battery. Apart from its premium build, and durability, it is weather-resistant with an IP65 rating to withstand bad weather, and can easily last more than 3000+ hours. Notable Features
3-sided illumination design IP65 water-resistant rating 3 working modes 270° wide-angle movement High conversion rate up to 22% Excellent motion sensor security light
Pros
Advanced motion detector Premium ABS and Plastic material Charges 12% faster than other models Easy to install
Cons
Nothing specific to mention apart from its plastic casing material.
Best Outdoor Solar Light Buyer’s Guide
To illuminate your yard or all over your home at night, you have to purchase the best outdoor solar lights. For this, you have to consider various factors when you’re shopping for these outdoor solar lights. Check out to know what are those factors to look for….
1. Types of Solar Lights:
Solar lights are the best option for outdoor lighting among other types of lights. Yet there are no single size lights that fit for all your purposes. So, different types/styles of solar lights are used to meet your different lighting requirements. Let’s know about its types in detail. Wall-Mounted Lights – These lights attach directly onto a wall, a step or a post, in such a way that an LED light bulb is placed below and the solar panel is on the top. These are ideal for brightening up decks, steps, and outdoor patios. Garden Lights/Path Lights – The smallest solar path lights used to illuminate your garden beds (or) line the edges of pathways. Either you use it for decoration or illumination, these lights will produce a soft glow to clear away some darkness. String Lights – It is widely used to add a party atmosphere to the outdoor space and thus make you enjoy the party anywhere in the yard. With its availability of multiple colors or color-changing varieties, you can hang these lights from a tree, add them to a canopy, string them along a fence (or) perk up the patio to enjoy instant outdoor lighting décor. Landscape Lights – It is a bit larger than garden/path lights. This makes these landscape lights to use them illuminate line paths, and also highlight specific areas of the yard. Though it wouldn’t be daylight brightness, yet can easily direct to the pool deck edges (or) let you walk to the storage shed safely at night. Solar Floodlights OR Spotlights – It is a perfect option when you require a lot of light. Here the multiple LED lights and good reflectors will create more illumination than single LED lights. Most models offer motion detector sensors to turn on the light as security. They stake into the ground, which makes it easy to place these lights anywhere you desire, even at hard-to-reach places as well. Post Lights – Just like fenceposts for fences, decks have posts. Looking to top them with lights to have the perfect ambience in your garden. With the availability of many varieties, it can let you fit easily on multiple sizes of deck or fence posts and the lighting will provide a nice cap along with the posts. Solar Pavers (or) Solar Bricks – Not interested in traditional light-shaped light? Then solar pavers or solar bricks is your best option. You can place the bricks above the surface/ground at different points to illuminate the way. Meanwhile, insert these pavers into the brick patio or tile surface to create lighting at ground level. Decorative Lights and Lamps – It is essential to check out the best solar lights to decorate outdoors. Whether it is faux fireflies in a solar mansion jar (or) lantern-shaped solar light, these lights will brighten up the area and let you enjoy the lighting. Fence Lights – Do you like a soft glow suffusing the garden? Then go with this set of fence lights. Simply attach these lights to a fence and at night, these lights will provide a gentle glow like a marking off the yard’s boundaries.
2. Brightness:
To determine how bright a solar light will illuminate, you have to check out how many lumens it produces. A general rule is – the more the lumens count, the brighter the light will lit. So, more lumens provide brighter light and fewer lumens results in dimmer light. The amount of brightness required will depend on your application and setting. For instance, you need brighter lights to read on a deck, whereas look for dimmer light to enjoy dinner with your partner. All you need is to ensure getting the right amount of brightness for your requirement. The brightness range of outdoor solar lights will be from 5 lumens (landscaping ambience) to 350 or more lumens (strong floodlight or spotlight).
3. Battery and its Capacity:
The rechargeable battery in the solar lights will store the solar energy from daylight and use them at night. So, the battery capacity is essential to consider before shopping for outdoor solar lights. Battery capacity will let you know how much energy a battery store. A few batteries store more solar power/energy than others. Its capacity is measured in milliamps X hours (mAH) rating, which makes you how much power it holds. For instance, a battery with a capacity of 250 mAH and gives a 2-mA average current to a load will make the battery last for 125 hours. So, a battery with a larger capacity (mAH) will make the light lit for a longer time. Check out for a battery with a large mAH rating.
4. Battery Charge Time:
Usually, solar lights need at least 6 – 8 hours of sunlight for complete battery charging. Though it is not an actual case for someone living in a moderate to sunny climate. But, for those living in places like Seattle or Alaska, where sunlight won’t be there all over the year. Then you have to use solar lights that come with higher solar power wattage. So, the charging time of a battery depends on the wattage abilities of solar cells in the solar panels of the light. Check out the various models and prefer to use solar lights having a low wattage, which is considered the best option for your garden, but keep an eye on it.
5. Runtime:
The output time or runtime of a particular solar light is controlled by the wattage of its solar cells. A few models discharge much faster than others. So, make sure to check out the number of hours you will get the lighting from a given solar pathway light. Some lights have more solar energy compared to others that make them last longer (throughout the night). In case, if the solar light comes with a limited battery, then it has a smaller operating time of 8 hours rather than 12 hours at the night. Getting multiple rechargeable batteries will help to extend the battery life of a given outdoor solar light. Also, purchase the solar light from a brand that assures its rechargeable batteries with a warranty to perform better.
6. Activation:
Based on their light output, you can activate the outdoor solar lights in three main types – motion-activated, timer-controlled, and dusk to dawn lights. Since the stored solar energy in a battery is a limited resource, which makes it essential to consider when and how long you want to shine the solar lights. Timer-Controlled solar lights – This type of light activation will provide you with the utmost control over its lighting. As it allows you to set the specific time for the solar lights to turn on, run (stay illuminated), and turn off. Motion-Activated solar lights – Get activate whenever it triggers a movement and thereby conserves the solar energy, to make it useful for a longer time. It is used for specific lighting needs such as outside the back door or walkways. Dusk to Dawn solar lights – With the help of its sensors, it automatically illuminates when daylight decline and stay on till the sun shines the next day. Though it works perfect, yet it winters with limited sunlight, these lights get trouble storing the required solar energy to remain bright for a longer period every night.
7. Weatherproofing and Ingress Protection (IP):
Irrespective of the weather conditions, the outdoor solar lights have to work anytime. So, you have to pick the one that can easily withstand and illuminate properly at any type of climatic conditions. For this, you have to check the IP rating of a particular light while shopping for these solar lights. This IP number will let you the degree of protection, a particular light gets against intrusions (both solids and liquids). The first number represents protection against solid objects (dust, wind, dirt), while the second number is for liquids (rain, moisture, snow). The first scale goes from 0 – 6, in which 0 means no protection and 6 means dust-proof and completely sealed lights. The second scale goes from 0 – 8, in which 0 means no protection and 8 means complete waterproof and can submerge in water (just like pool lights). Most experts suggest you choose a product with its IP rating of 4 or higher. Also, it is essential to know the proper meaning of both of these numbers. Why because sometimes this IP number looks like counterintuitive. For instance, a light with an IP rating of IP46 is considered more waterproof than light with an IP55 rating. Here the IP55 is considered more dust-resistant. So, check out the difference and choose the light as per your climatic conditions to make use of these lights properly for a longer time.
8. Installation:
The type of installation required for these lights will be determined by the place where you need to use these solar lights. We observe some lights mount in traditional light fixtures by using screws. Yet adhesive mounted lights used for temporary installation or acts as a quick alternative. While looking for a path lighting, the solar lights having a stake is quite easy and quick to install. All you need is to push them into the ground and it is ready to shine.
9. Placement:
Make sure to find out the proper place/location, where you want to put your outdoor solar lights. We notice some lights are versatile in their place compared to others. So, check out whether your lights require to be staked, hung up, or mounted for their installation. Also, look for the place you need to install these lights in, are receiving direct or indirect sunlight. This allows them to charge better for proper illumination for a longer time.
10. Low Light Charging:
Mostly high-powered solar panels will charge even in a shady area or on cloudy days. In general, solar lights can charge properly on days, especially in places where most of the sunlight is received. In case, living in only shady areas, then prefer to choose the products that work on low light charging. Some outdoor solar lights offer detachable charging panels, yet they are expensive as well.
11. Brightness Modes:
A few outdoor solar lights offer varying brightness modes, which is a great option for those who want to use lights for multiple settings. The lights with different brightness levels are quite useful for people having a lot of outdoor parties. Also, the kids require bright lights for their safety yet gets dimmer after they sleep. So, the light settings of brightness modes come in handy for different reasons. Choose them if needed.
12. Durability:
These solar lights have to function outdoors, which means it has to be strong and durable. One has to check its durability, especially while having kids or pets to keep them safe and secure. So, always look for outdoor solar lights made with sturdy metal, thick plastic, or other solid casing materials.
13. Warranty:
A company or a brand offering a warranty on their solar lights means they are confident in their product that it will be durable, sturdy, reliable, and last longer. Never go with a cheaper option offering a less/no warranty. In case, if it stops working, then you have to purchase a new one.
Solar Light Maintenance:
Maintaining a solar light is a simple and easy task, which you have to perform a couple of times a year. Here are a few guidelines on its regular maintenance.
Regularly check the solar panel. Irrespective of its size (small or big), one has to clean the panel to make it free of dust and debris. For a thorough cleaning of the panel, simply hose it off to clear loose material. Then use soapy water and a soft-bristled brush to clean the panel. Rinse off carefully that no soap scum remains, and completely dry them by using a towel. After cleaning the panels, ensure that sunlight is hitting properly on them. Trim back overhanging bushes or excess foliage on trees that block sunlight from hitting the panel. Check out the protective shield around the LED along with its inside reflectors (if any) and ensure it is clean and aids in better illumination. If you observe the solar lights are running on for a shorter time every night, then you have to check your battery connection. For this, remove the batteries and test them to check them for any damages or corrosion. If needed, then replace these inexpensive lights with new ones. Upon regular usage, the batteries will slowly wear down. Generally, rechargeable batteries won’t last forever and thereby its storage capacity will less fractionally with each solar charge. So, replace them if necessary.
Benefits of Using Solar Outdoor Lights:
Here is the list of benefits that we get by using solar-powered outdoor lights.
No Messy Wires – There are no wires required for the installation of these solar lights. A few models need a cable from the solar panel to light. So, it is safer, easy to install and attractive without messy wires. Wide Variety of Styles – There are wide varieties of solar lights available in different patterns like lamps, lanterns, string lights, bulb lights, street lamps, or uniquely designed novelty lights (for elegant garden parties). So, choose them as per your need. Easy Arrangement – These solar-powered lights offer ease of arrangement/move, especially when their placement is not right. You can easily move the lanterns, lights, lamps or security lights within less time and effort. Eco-Friendly – They use the natural source (sun’s UV rays) to create the essential energy used to power up various lighting options. They won’t require any electricity and thus considered energy-efficient and eco-friendly. Low Maintenance – The maintenance of these solar lights are simple and easy. All you need is to regularly clean the panel/solar cells after their installation and usage. Thus, it is quite a great option for people with busy schedules. Easy to Install – The solar powered outdoor lights are easy to install. Simply, unpack them and put them in a location where you desire to have these lights. One can hang from a shepherd’s hook in the yard, mounted to a garage wall or staked along the driveway. Cost-Effective – The high lumen path lights, deck lamps, or garage lights won’t need much investment, as they cost the same as standard outdoor lights (mostly under $50). Coming to its installation, it is simple to do without hiring an electrician. Also, it runs with power, which is free of cost (natural sunlight yet not electricity).
Conclusion
So, there is a wide range of options available when it comes to purchasing. While street lights are expensive, they are bright and will stay lit up for the entire night. The security lights are also good, and they are cheap too. But go for them, only if you need them. The security lights usually stay dim-lit and get brighter only when someone is around. So, depending on these discussions and the recommended products, it will be easier for you to select an outdoor solar light that suits your need the most. But if still are struggling, unable to be specific, then let us recommend 3 choices for you.
You should look deeper into the Aootek lights. They are available at an affordable price. The look may not be to your liking, but it has IP65 waterproofing, 3 different modes, and ultra-bright lights with an advanced built-in motion sensor. Our second pick is the solar lights from InnoGear. These are water-resistant lights with an attractive design and 2 working modes. Our last pick is the solar lights from MITAOHOH. The installation might be a bit too complicated for some people, but these are excellent lights. It has a unique 3-sided illumination design with 270-degree exposure, and of course, it has IP65 certification.
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