Light the Night With the Best Outdoor Solar Lights
Solar lights are perfectly suited for modern outdoor lighting needs. Whether you are interested in beautifying your lawn or garden, brightening up your carport, or simply enhancing your security, outdoor solar lights offer the perfect cost-effective solution.
If you are currently in the market for the best outdoor solar lights, we have an excellent range of options for you! Check out our reviews below of the finest outdoor solar lights in 2022 that are available on the market, and you will see that there are more than a few that should meet your requirements. Best of all, every one of the models reviewed here will provide excellent illumination and performance with practically no energy-related costs!
Highest-Rated Outdoor Solar Lights: A Buying Guide
Outdoor solar lights are an eco-friendly solution to lighting up the periphery of your home, a campsite, or garden party venue for either decorative or functional purposes. Whether you are using outdoor solar lights for security, lighting pathways, or décor, you won’t need electricity outlets, wiring, or complicated installation instructions as they have a very easy-to-use solar-powered design.
Outdoor solar lights come in a wide range of styles designed for specific purposes. In this guide, we’ll help you determine which type of solar lighting is best for your needs.
Types of Outdoor Solar Lights
Outdoor solar lights are used for security purposes, illuminating pathways, decorating driveways, and lighting decks. The first step to choosing appropriate outdoor solar-powered lights is to determine the purpose. If you want something decorative, then appearances matter most. But if you want to light up a pathway, then you require bright focused LED lights to do the job.
Here are some of the most commonly used outdoor solar lights available out there.
Solar string lights or fairy lights
Ideal for decorating your outdoor space. Drape them along your deck or wrap them around trees to give your outdoor space a gorgeous appearance.
Solar deck, fence, or patio lights
Ideal for patios, staircases, and walls to subtly light walkways.
Solar post lights
Serves a dual purpose of lighting dark spaces and has an aesthetic appeal.
Solar flood lights
Ideal for lighting up large areas with bright light including parking areas and backyards.
Solar lanterns
Ideal for when you need a portable light such as camping or during power outages.
Security solar LED lights
These lights have built-in motion sensors, so the lights automatically turn on as soon as some movement is detected. Security solar LED lights are a popular option for security lighting around homes and offices.
How Do Outdoor Solar Lights Work?
Outdoor solar lights use sunlight instead of electricity as their power source. Every solar light has a PV panel component that absorbs sunlight energy during daylight. Solar energy is transformed into electrical energy and stored in the light’s battery component. Batteries provided with solar lights are usually rechargeable. Most outdoor solar light models automatically turn on at dusk.
How To Choose Outdoor Solar Lights
Once you have determined the purpose of the outdoor lighting, you need to consider the brightness, battery, and bulb type.
Brightness
The brightness of solar light is measured in terms of lumens which can range from 10 to 1500. Use the below as a guideline when purchasing your lights.
- Step Lights – 10 to 100 lumens
- Wall Lights – 50 to 185 lumens
- Walkway Lights – 100 to 200 lumens
- Pool Solar Lights – 200 to 400 lumens
- Motion Sensor Lights – 300 to 900 lumens
- Flood Lights – 700 to 1300 lumens
Battery Type and Capacity
It is recommended to choose lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries for powerful solar lights. These battery types have the highest capacity. Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive but they are small in size and have a longer lifespan. NiMH batteries are ideal for low-power lighting since they run for extended periods with a high capacity.
Bulb type
Although there are various types of lightbulbs available, LED light bulbs are the best option for solar lighting. They are energy-efficient and bright. They are durable and have a lifespan of up to 50000 hours allowing them to run maintenance-free.
Features To Look for in Outdoor Solar Lights
Color temperature
The color temperature of the bulbs set the mood of the area being lit. Bulbs with lower temperatures provide warm colors similar to candles and incandescent bulbs. Bulbs with higher color temperatures provide cool colors or blue hues similar to LED or daylight CFL bulbs.
Coverage angle and distance
Coverage might not be an important factor to consider for ambiance lighting. It should however be a determining factor when purchasing a motion sensor security light. The angle of coverage determines how wide the sensor can detect motion for the light to be triggered.
A minimum of 120 degrees is recommended. Anything over 170 degrees could be bothersome as the light would be triggered frequently. The coverage distance is recommended at a minimum of 5 or 6 meters.
Weatherproof materials
Outdoor solar lights are frequently exposed to rain, dust, and heat. Choose waterproof or IP 55 certified outdoor solar lights. These lights are made with durable materials able to withstand unpredictable weather conditions.
Flexible positioning
Some lights can rotate or flip from back to front. This means that you can change the direction of light by simply rotating the head. This type of light provides versatility and allows you to cover a range of areas with a single installation. Some lights even come with a rotatable solar panel, allowing you to adjust the angle of the panel so it can capture the most amount of light and fully recharge.
Settings and recharge time
The charge time refers to the hours of sunlight needed to fully charge the battery, whereas the run time is how long it will produce light during the night. Various factors may influence the charge and run time such as weather conditions. A charge time of 6 to 7 hours is recommended. A run time of 10 to 12 hours is suitable, however, this may depend on the amount of sunlight your location receives and the power setting you’ve selected on the light.
Look for a device that has manual and automatic settings. This will allow you to activate or deactivate the lights as required and adjust the brightness to conserve battery power.
Accessories
Make sure the light comes with the required installation accessories. This may include screws, extension hinges, and user manuals. Most lights are pretty easy to install.
Lifespan and warranty
The lifespan of outdoor solar lights will depend on several factors. Generally, they are capable of surviving anywhere between 7 to 15 years. Panels that are made of PV cells can last up to 20 years. The batteries, however, don’t last that long and may need replacement after a few years. Warranties vary according to manufacturer and product between 1 to 3 years.
How To Install Outdoor Solar Lights
If you want more information on how to install solar lights in your yard or around your patio, check out this video by Bunnings Warehouse.
The Top-Rated Outdoor Solar Lights of 2022 in Detail
URPOWER Outdoor Solar Light
– Best Overall
Users of the URPOWER Solar Lights are generally satisfied with the quality and performance of these units. Many have tried other brands of outdoor solar lighting before, but it is only this one that has provided the results that they need. Apart from the durable construction and the perfect illumination, many users also appreciate the fact that these are so easy to assemble.
Automatic on and off also endeared this model to users. With two settings–“medium” and “high”–users find the URPOWER Solar Lights an excellent set that provides unbeatable versatility for most outdoor lighting requirements. URPOWER says you can install it wherever you need it, whether that be in the ground or mounted to your home’s exterior walls.
- Offers dual brightness settings so you can move between energy-efficient or high-powered modes
- High-capacity 2,200mAh battery
- Easy installation process
- Surface paint can peel off after prolonged exposure to extremely hot temperature
Qaxlry Solar String Light
– Runner Up
String lights can easily vamp up any outdoor area be it a backyard, balcony, or a garden. However, they also tend to cost more in terms of energy bills. The Qaxlry Store Solar String Lights come as an affordable and cost-effective method of keeping your patio lit and ambient.
It comes as a set of two 80 feet long roll consisting of 240 bright LED beads. Each roll comes complete with a portable solar panel that is equipped on a pole for easier placement. The panels are connected to a large capacity battery capable of storing 1,200 mAh of electricity. Qaxlry claims the battery is powerful enough to keep the lights lit for up to 12 hours on one fill charge.
- IP65 rated
- Beautify any outdoor area
- 8 blinking modes
- No on/off indicator
InnoGear Outdoor Solar Light
– Best Design
Users of InnoGear absolutely love how much light each unit can produce. Many have made a note about its energy-efficient performance, continuing to work all night when set to ‘dim’. Even in this setting, users found that InnoGear produces sufficient illumination for most outdoor lighting needs.
Some users wished the panels captured sunlight more effectively, but overall, most users were very satisfied with this set, especially given its low price. InnoGear guarantees your money back if you’re not satisfied with these great lights that give you the right value for your money.
- Both the LED and solar panel are rotatable for easy adjustment
- Provides up to 12 hours of light on a single charge and on low power setting
- Waterproof and heatproof durable construction
- Solar panels are not adjustable horizontally
Everbeam Outdoor Solar Light
– Most Versatile
A well-chosen outdoor lighting system can create an excellent finishing touch for your exterior decor. When it comes to adding style to gardens, patios, walkways, driveways, or any similar outdoor area, the Everbeam outdoor solar light will never disappoint.
Everbeam says the lights require no tools for installation, and you may also never need to invite an expert or professional electrician at all. Once the stake is in the ground, you are good to go. Ground stakes stay in place and remain fixed even under harsh weather.
- The light stays up for longer hours
- Ideal for any kind of weather condition
- It works automatically and charges on its own
- Flickering flame is exceptionally realistic
- It is not remote-controlled
SolarGlow Outdoor Solar Light
– Most Durable
The SolarGlow Solar Garden Lights offer a superb combination of solid build and construction, high-quality parts, and outstanding performance, making this an amazing set of outdoor lights. These lights are as functional as they are attractive. Each light is bright enough to adequately illuminate your house’s pathway.
They are also quite simple in form, function, and installation process, requiring only a bit of pressure to push them into the ground to install. SolarGlow says these lights are amazingly resistant to dust and similar environmental elements, making them exceptionally durable.
- Includes six lights so you can easily decorate your outdoor space
- Gorgeous appearance and weather-proof construction
- Tall adjustable height, can be installed at any height you desire
- Not the brightest lights out there, each one produces 10 lumens
Signature Garden 6 Pack Solar Lights
– Best Brightness
This solar lighting system from Signature Garden offers a great value for money as it comes in a six-pack of lights to be used outdoors. Just place them in the pathway and let the solar panels absorb the sunlight to charge the batteries. Once fully charged, this light can last up to eight hours. It also comes with an on/off switch to allow the user to be in full control, ensuring that you won’t waste the battery when not needed.
You don’t need any special tools or professional assistance to install them because they don’t contain any wires. Signature Garden says these lights are 100% solar-powered, making them energy-efficient. As these are made to be used outdoors, the solar lights are completely weather-resistant to withstand the stormiest and snowiest days. These 15-lumens lights are backed by 100% lifetime replacement from Signature Garden in case the LEDs stop working.
- Features automatic operations and on/off switch
- Made of premium-quality stainless steel to last a lifetime
- Operate on replaceable and rechargeable batteries
- You might find the plastic stakes a bit flimsy
Candlite Outdoor Solar Light
– Also Consider
If you are looking for the ultimate motion-senor and energy-saving solar lights, then this outdoor solar light by Candlite is your best bet. With its ultra-bright 308 LED chips, it provides up to 3000 lumens, keeping your surroundings illuminated for longer. A unique four-head design ensures that you can easily adjust the light heads to different angles as per your changing needs.
With a built-in solar-powered 2200mAh battery, you no longer have to worry about the battery running out, especially during rainy days as its water resistance ensures a completely safe and secure luminous experience for you. All you need to do is simply mount it on the wall to use, making it perfect for your garden, driveway, porch or patio.
- Super quick and easy installation
- Motion detection provides convenience
- Exceptional brightness
- The battery may not last too long
People Also Asked
A: Yes. Solar lights do not need direct exposure to sunlight to charge, although it is more effective. They can charge through indirect sunlight transmitted through clouds or in the shade. The power received by the solar lights may however decrease.
A: Most issues with solar lights are due to the batteries. If solar lights stop working abruptly, first check the batteries. If the batteries do not need to be replaced, you may need to check the panels.
A: ‘F’ stands for Flashing Lights. ‘S’ stands for static lights. This simply defines the type of output that the lights can provide.
