Outdoor solar lights are the superior option for lighting your driveway, walkway, yard, or porch. Whether set in the ground or mounted on a wall, they have the easiest installation of any lighting. You don’t need to worry about wiring or switches; simply set them up somewhere they have access to sunlight throughout the day and enjoy reliable outdoor lighting at night. The other major perk, of course, is that they don’t use electricity, making them a sustainable choice and a one-time investment.
If you think solar lights aren’t the right option for you, think again: they are available in a diverse range of styles and designs, guaranteeing that there’s a product out there to suit your needs. Sample some of the best solar lights out there in this article.
Aootek New Solar Lights
Best Overall
Powerful Lights with Adjustable Solar Panels
If you’re looking for the type of lights that snap on automatically when you approach someone’s home at night, consider a solar version. This set of four turns on and off automatically and detects people within a 26-foot distance. They are highly efficient and waterproof.
Pros:
- Sensor turns light on and off automatically
- Detects people within 26 feet
- High-efficiency LEDs
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Does a factory reset if it runs out of battery
- Mode button is on the back against the wall
InnoGear Solar Outdoor Lights
Runner-Up
Motion Sensing Lights Cast Wide Angle
Each of these solar lights has its own adjustable solar panel so you can maximize the amount of sun they get. The LEDs shine strongly and have two levels of brightness. They can be stuck in the ground or mounted on a wall.
Pros:
- Adjustable solar panels
- Powerful LEDs
- Two brightness levels
- Two mounting options
Cons:
- Made of thin plastic
- Not the most long-lasting
Solpex 8 Pack Solar Pathway Lights
Most Attractive
Elegant Design that’s Easy to Install
The classy look of these solar lights casts a delicate snowflake-like pattern on the ground. They charge automatically, turn on at dusk, and provide light for up to eight hours. In addition, they’re weatherproof and easy to install.
Pros:
- Attractive look
- Up to eight hours of light
- Easy to install
- Weatherproof
Cons:
- All plastic
- Stakes may be brittle
Brightech Ambience Pro Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights
Best Decorative Option
Add Charm to Your Yard
Illuminate your porch, yard, or patio with no need for an outlet. The attractive shatterproof bulbs are attached to a detachable solar panel. They are weather and heat-proof, and are available in a 27 or 48-foot length.
Pros:
- Shatterproof bulbs
- Weatherproof
- Durable chord
- Two choices of length
Cons:
- Not very bright
- Actual lighted length shorter than advertised
AmeriTop 128 LED 800LM Cordless LED Solar Motion Sensor Lights
Best Automatic Lights
Easily Add Some Security to Your Home
These smart motion-detecting lights turn on and off automatically when movement is sensed within 26 feet. The three attached heads cover a wide area with light, and they are fully weatherproof.
Pros:
- Sensor turns light on and off automatically
- Detects people within 26 feet
- Wide area covered
- Weatherproof
Cons:
- Not very bright
- Time on when triggered not adjustable
FAQs
Where Should I Put My Solar Lights?
The effectiveness of a solar light depends greatly on how much sunlight it gets throughout the day. The more sunlight it gets, the better. For that reason, it’s best to place your solar lights somewhere they will have access to direct sunlight throughout a good portion of the day. Understandably, this may not always be possible.
You may have a partly-shaded pathway you want to be lit at night. Solar lights will still work with less sun; they will still turn on at dusk and emit light for as long as their charge lasts. However, lights that receive less sun may run out of charge for the night and turn off again sooner than you would like.
How Do Outdoor Solar Lights Work?
Solar lights contain a miniature solar array. The solar cells in that array create energy when sunlight strikes them, and they store that light in a battery, also included in the light. When the sun goes down, a tiny component in the solar light called a photoresistor detects that no more sunlight is hitting the solar cells. At this point, the light uses the energy it stored in the battery all day to power the LEDs, thus illuminating your yard.
Buying Guide
Outdoor solar lights add charm, comfort, convenience, and security to your home. They do not need to be hooked up to electricity, and they turn on and off by themselves. If this sounds like the kind of lighting you want for your outdoor spaces, consider these factors to help you find the perfect set.
- Brightness: Some solar lights shine bright, spotlight-like beams, while others are dimmer and more decorative. Consider how much light you want in your yard at night.
- Mounting: Most solar lights are either mounted on the ground on stakes or attached to a wall. If the ground around your home is hard and compacted, it may be difficult to install lights on stakes without breaking them.
- Motion Sensors: Some lights, typically those meant to be mounted on walls, include motion detectors that will trigger the light to turn on anytime they detect movement nearby. Many people appreciate the added sense of security this provides them at night.
- Light Color: Different LEDs emit different kinds of light. Some may be colder and paler or almost blue. Others provide a warmer, more yellow shade. Consider what type of light will suit your outdoor space.
