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We tested 27 top solar lights to get the best drawing string light , way of life lights , motion - sensor spotlights , and more .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
Brightening up your outdoor support domain can drastically better the way it looks , and it might even enliven you to spend more time outdoors . One expectant direction toilluminate your outdoor spaceis with solar lights .
Sarah Jameson , marketing director of Green Building Elements , say , " Solar luminousness , compare to low voltage and line of products voltage outdoor lights , are secure and more DIY - well-disposed since there ’s footling to no wiring required at all . In most cases , there is no need to convey in an electrician to establish it . "
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
With barrage thatcharge via solar panels , the best outdoor solar lights can help your householdlower its carbon footmark . And because the market for solar light source has boom as sporty energy becomes more democratic , there are short ton of options , ensuring that you’re able to find lighter that are perfect for your home .
What We Tested
To find the best solar Christ Within , we valuate each model free-base ondesign , brightness , enduringness , andvalue .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
AloftSun Solar Motion Sensor Lights
If you ’re see for a long-lasting spotlight that stands up to piddle and offers motion - sensing option , this is a smart choice .
The light are more running than stylish .
The AloftSun Solar Motion Sensor Lights come in a pack of two and have a weewee protection valuation of IP68 , which is one of the highest ratings . In our psychometric test , the lighter stood up to pouring piss and did not break in when we knock off a golf glob on them from about 6 feet away .
Credit: Amazon
The lights have an automatic on and off mode , meaning they ’ll shut out off when it ’s lighter out so they can charge up in the sun and then turn back on in the evening as the sun goes down . Plus , thelights can detect motionwithin a 33 - foot stove .
Choose from three inflammation modes including a dull , continuous Light Within without motion - perception for 12 hours ; a medium - bright , continuous light for six hours ; or a bright , movement - sensing illumination . We find change between mode a bit ambitious at first , but it became much comfortable with time .
We felt the design of the light was quite basic and not a very stylish choice , but they do get the job done . We also find the nerveless snowy color of the light is a piddling cool than some might opt for home economic consumption . However , the lights are expected to last for 40,000 or more hour , put up a good economic value for the cost and features .
merchandise Details : bit of lights included : Two |Dimensions ( of single light):5.43 x 11.81 x 4.33 inches |Water Protection Rating : IP68 |Lighting people of colour : Cool white |Battery Type : Lithium - ion rechargeable bombardment |Battery Life:12 hours
Key Terms to Know
Best String
Brightech Ambiance Pro Solar String Lights
For soft , pleasing light and splinterless bulb , these string lights are the way to go .
Multiple chain of lights can not be relate together ; each requires its own solar panel . But you could string up more than one strand next to each other .
Solar lights number in a variety of expressive style , includingstring lights . The Brightech visible light mensurate 27 foot long and feature 12 S14 - size LED light bulb spaced 20 inch apart , making for 20 feet of light total . The light-emitting diode bulbs are expected to last 20,000 hour while the solar panel has a lifetime of about two and a one-half years .
The solar train lights are meant to be lasting , with their splinterless fabric and Brightech ’s WeatherTite technology . While no official waterproofed rating is given , this technology is project to avail the visible radiation manage 50 mile - per - hour farting along with rainwater and Baron Snow of Leicester . They ’re also insubordinate to temperatures as spicy as 122 ° .
The light bulb are made of charge plate , but we did n’t intend they felt or looked cheap , and they showed no wrong after our durability tests ( though the obliterable solar dialog box did move ) . The light also still worked after stowing them in the freezer , making us confident that these light can hold up winter weather .
We found the lights give off a soft , clear light that piss them idealistic fordecorating a terrace . The design is silky and simple and quite similar to non - solar train spark . However , the filament ca n’t be connected to one another since each need its own solar panel to level . you may hang up multiple strings next to each other to give the appearance of them being connected , though .
Product Details : Number of Lights Included : One string |Dimensions ( of single light):1.75 x 1 x 3.25 inch |Water Protection Rating : IP55 |Lighting Color : Warm white |Battery Type : Lithium - ion rechargeable electric battery |Battery Life : Five to six hours
Best Motion-Sensing
Linkind StarRay Solar Spotlights
If you ’d like a sturdy motion - sensing solar light , our testers found this to be one of the best in this category .
The two " eye - shaped " lights resemble opera glasses , which some may not love .
The Linkind spotlights come with an IP67 rating , meaning they ’re waterproofed and insubordinate to dust particles . A 90 - level beam angle creates a more focused spotlight , and the glare head rotates 90 degrees vertically and 180 degrees horizontally , give you more control over where the light shines .
The lights have two modes . The first is a lower brightness ( about half office ) that interchange to a brighter brightness level for 10 second when motion is detected . Once motility block , the light dims itself . The second mode keeps the light off when there ’s no movement then interchange to a bright luminance for 25 seconds when motion is detect .
We did n’t notice a liberal difference between dim - light and lustrous - light modes . frame-up involves assembling three pieces , let in make out the light into the base of operations . Once assembled , we found the luminance to be wide-eyed and sleek . However , it did prompt us of a span of binoculars , which we did n’t love .
The twinkle are sturdy , though , and are a good optionfor a certificate lightor for illuminating sidewalks . We appreciate that the light and the solar board are located on one unit , so the panel is less obvious .
The light stood up quite well to our water and golf game nut test , but flashed three times before turning off after we put it in the Deepfreeze . With this in mind , we ’d recommend bringing these igniter indoors in wintertime if your fix have freezing temperature .
intersection detail : Number of Lights Included : Two |Dimensions ( of undivided light):6.26 x 3.94 x 11.4 inches |Water Protection Rating : IP67 |Lighting Color : coolheaded white |Battery Type : atomic number 3 - ion rechargeable assault and battery |Battery Life : Six to 12 hour
Best Spotlight
Urpower Outdoor Solar Lights
If you merely require a no - frills spotlight , this solar light set provides great economic value for its features .
The solar panel sticks up from this lighter , a look which some may not wish .
For a simple spotlight , consider the Urpower Outdoor Solar Lights . Its three pieces are easy to tack together and can either be staked into the ground ormounted onto a wallwith the included gaoler . you’re able to take either high- or grim - light musical mode , making this a unsubdivided solar light to operate on .
We find the low - light mode quite dim , meaning we were n’t able to register with just that light setting alone . The high setting , on the other hand , provided plenty of lighting for indication , making us sure-footed that this stage setting would adequately illuminate your yard .
The light is easy to use , but it does n’t offer much in the way of esthetics . The solar venire pose up and off from the illumination . The solar panel is adjustable by 150 degree though , and the glare itself is adjustable by up to 90 degrees , providing more flexibility .
Its IP65 evaluation means it is a pee - immune solar luminousness option . We observed no damage to either the luminousness or the solar panel when we subject them to water and golf ball tests . Post - deep-freeze , the Light still worked as well . Ultimately , we found these to be a in force deal for their price and practicality .
Product Details : Number of Lights Included : Two |Dimensions ( of single light):6.1 x 4.76 x 10.55 in |Water Protection evaluation : IP65 |Lighting Color : nerveless snowy |Battery Type : atomic number 3 - ion rechargeable battery |Battery Life : Eight to 10 hours
Best Wall-Mounted
Winston Porter Solar Coach Wall Light
We were able to easily install it in less than 20 minutes , and it put up enough light to brighten a porch at night .
It ’s not as bright as a security light .
For a wall - mounted option , we roll in the hay the Winston Porter lantern . With its simple , modern feel , it complementsmany outdoor aestheticsand it providedcozy , ambient lightingduring our testing . Since this solar light is wall mounted , there was some light induction need .
However , it involve us less than 20 minute to attach it to a wall using a screwdriver , a practice , and a storey . The instructions posit that after assembly , it could take up to two days for it to generate enough solar push to power the illumination , but we found that an afternoon in direct sunlight was sufficient .
We did get some wind and pelting during the examination period , and the light was unmoved by the atmospheric condition . We appreciated that we could take away the light fixture itself from the mount if the conditions was severe . While it did n’t light up our thousand like a security measures light would , it provided sufficient kindling to see on a porch at night .
Product detail : Number of Lights admit : One |Dimensions ( of individual light):7.5 x 5.5 x 7 inches |Water Protection evaluation : Weatherproof |Lighting Color : Warm snowy |Battery Type : Lithium - ion battery pack |Battery Life:10 hour
Best Lamp Post Style
Kemeco Solar Post Light
The panel are made with frosted meth for an raised look .
The field glass shatter when testers dropped a golf game ball on it from a peak of six feet , so you ’ll want to protect the light if there ’s a threat of hail .
The Kemeco Solar Post Light looks like traditional lamp post with the vigour benefit of solar powerfulness . It come up in black or white , turn over you fashion options . The light is atmospheric condition resistant with an IP65 evaluation , stand up well to our piss tests .
The skeleton is made from aluminum and frosted glass , which gives it its attractive appearance . However , the glass did not bear up to our golf game ball test , with the glass smashing after impingement . The solar board did not shatter . With this in mind , we recommend embrace the light if hail is in your local weather prognosis .
We think the Christ Within gave off a beautiful luminescence , which was bright enough to read by . Keep in nous that this lamp does n’t include any additional feature , making it a stylish yet very canonic choice . The lantern is top laboured , so you ’ll postulate to properly assure it to a post . But the style and functionality will be deserving it .
Cartesian product Details : Number of Lights Included : One |Dimensions ( of individual light):8.8 x 8.8 x 18.1 inch |Water Protection military rank : IP65 |Lighting Color : Warm ashen |Battery Type : Three Ni - MH rechargeable shelling |Battery Life : Eight hours
The AloftSun Solar Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights are expected to last a minimum of 40,000 hours.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Best for Patios
Brightown Solar Fairy Lights
These solar brightness level are complete for those looking for a delicate , ambient outdoor lighting option . They ’re also usable in seven colors .
These do n’t give off bright illumination , so you wo n’t get high-pitched visibility with them .
Adding ambient ignition to a patio or pack of cards is elementary with these solar bowed stringed instrument lights . Available in a pack of two , the Brightown twinkle are 33 feet long and have 100 conduce bulbs . The bulbs light up in all directions and give off apure white glow .
While the lights are n’t bright enough for reading — they only illuminated an area within one foot during testing — they’re a bully choice for accent lighting . No installing is command for the brightness level themselves , other thanhanging them up . We found it simple to set up the solar panel onto the bet provided .
The brightness level have eight dissimilar modes ( combination , waves , sequential , dumb luminescence , trail / flash , deadening fade , twinkle , and steady ) , providing plenty of ambient lighting options to choose from . While we tested the pure white lighting , the stage set is also available in gamy , lovesome white , green , purple , orange , and multicolor .
They can persist well-lighted for up to 10 hours , and you’re able to set them to turn on and off automatically or practice the manual exponent switching . During examination , we subject the lights to our water , Deepfreeze , and golf game egg test — and they buy the farm all three . They turned on upon impingement with the golf game musket ball , but turn off afterward and worked as usual .
ware Details : Number of Lights Included : Two string |Dimensions ( of single light):33 - foot drawstring |Water Protection Rating : IP65 |Lighting Color : Cool white ( four other colors also uncommitted ) |Battery case : Ni - MH AA rechargeable shelling |Battery Life : Eight to 10 hours
Best In-Ground
Rayolon Solar Ground Lights
These in - ground light sit around flush with your terrain for a minimalist facial expression that is barely noticeable during daytime .
The lights are n’t very vivid , so you may take to buy more than one bent of lights if you want more illumination .
For simple lights that sit around flush with the ground , the Rayolon Solar Ground Lights are a great option . Their quick kindling isperfect for lighting walkwayswith canonical elucidation at nighttime , and the lights virtually evaporate during the day thanks to their minimalist designing .
The lights are mean to ride flush with the priming , though you may find the silver lip around the light if you place them in the supergrass . These are rated as IP65 , or deemed water resistant to splashes . The lights held up well during our golf ball and water tests , although they would n’t persist on for as long after the freezer trial .
The light ply a nice ambient look , but you may need to purchase more than four to supply enough lighting for a longer path or sidewalk . There are readiness of eight and 12 usable , giving you some options . You ’ll just take to assemble three composition for these Light Within , include a bag — we found it easy to get them up and run .
Product Details : figure of Lights Included : Four |Dimensions ( of single light):1.86 x 1.94 x 2.05 inches |Water Protection Rating : IP65 |Lighting Color : Warm ashen |Battery Type : Ni - MH rechargeable barrage fire |Battery lifespan : Six to 10 hour
Best Decorative
Tonulax Solar Garden Lights
These light are slap-up for adding a whimsical , ornamental emphasis to gardens or planters .
They are only mean for accent lighting versus full illuminating an surface area for visibility .
The Tonulax Solar Garden Lights amount in a two - ring , each pack come with eight bulb . The electric-light bulb are attached to flexible , heavy - tariff iron wire that shake in the breeze , offering a playfulness and decorative factor to your outdoor area .
Setup involve nothing more than attach the stake to the bottom on the abstemious base and flipping the solar light panel down . We found operating the lights simple and straightforward , as there ’s only one on / off button . Plus , they ferment on automatically when it ’s drear and off when it ’s easy .
The lights produce a fond yellowed colour and have a waterproof evaluation of IP65 . We did n’t experience any issues with durability even when screen during conditions like high wind , rain , and sun photograph . One thing to mark is that the brightness and color of the light is not adjustable .
These solar light also did n’t necessarily help us see better — they more so answer as fun accents that spue a nice glow onour outdoor plantation owner .
The Brightech Ambiance Pro Solar String Lights are designed to be shatterproof and weather resistant.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
production particular : Number of Lights Included : Two |Dimensions ( of single light):9 x 9 x 28 inches |Water Protection Rating : IP65 |Lighting Color : Warm white |Battery Type : Ni - MH rechargeable battery |Battery Life:15 hours
Best for Stairs
Solpex Solar Deck Lights
These igniter can be identify on metal , stone , or wood , making them ideal for subtle light to help you safely walk in low - brightness level stipulation .
These study easily when the spacing is adjusted for your desired luminance , which may require measuring and testing to get right .
If you ’re looking for lighting for your stairs , fence , balcony , pathways , pack of cards , orgarden beds , these are a good option . The light can be placed on a mixture of surfaces include alloy , stone , and wood , and they offer an esthetically pleasing radiance for staying safe in low - light conditions .
While the Light have intuitive installation , we line up you ’ll have to essay and measure the spacing between the lights to get the desired level of cleverness . apparatus involves putting two - sided tapeline on the backside of the light , drilling two pilot program maw , then practice screws on the top of each light .
These lights have no controls — they simply come on at nightfall and exclude off at dawn , slowly dim as it get under one’s skin lighter outdoors . They produce a warm whitened colour that we found bright enough to light up the deck for entertaining , though we do care we had the alternative to turn them off .
mathematical product Details : turn of Lights Included:16 or 20 |Dimensions ( of single light):3.46 x 1.77 x 1.85 inches |Water Protection Rating : IP44 |Lighting Color : Warm white |Battery Type : Li - ion rechargeable battery |Battery Life:10 hours
Best for Paths
Hampton Bay Clermont Solar Bollard Path Light Set
These lights provide sufficient brightness for navigating a pavement and have an adjustable pinnacle for tailored light reportage .
The lights should be brought inside during freeze temperatures .
These ignitor are enceinte for make a welcoming and safe environment in a garden or along a path , peculiarly for those who appreciate a blending of advanced and traditional design elements . Each ignitor has three part : the stakes , the pole shaft , and the clear fixture ( though the perch shaft could be left out if you wanted a short luminance ) .
The lights have no controls — they simply rouse via a belittled solar panel on top of each Light Within and have a sensor that turns them on and off automatically . While they do n’t have adjustable brightness , color , or temperature , we found they extend a good balance of intimate , ambient ignition that ’s bright enough to voyage through .
They enlighten paths and nearby landscaping while impart visual pursuit and dimension to your space . The matte black components are sleek and modern while the vintage - mode bulb and seed glass are traditional , making the lights adaptable to a variety of base styles . And they look particularly adept against mulch and red brick .
The lights can resist a mixture of coolheaded overnight temporary and extreme heating plant and humidity , though they should be bring inside during freezing weather , so they ’re not whole weatherproof . During testing we did n’t discover any scratches , warping , rusting , or slur — they even remained stout when faced with fiddling bambino .
merchandise Details : Number of Lights include : Four |Dimensions ( of undivided light):31.61 x 4.61 inches |Water Protection Rating : IPX5 |Lighting Color : Warm white |Battery eccentric : Lithium - ion rechargeable battery|Battery Life:8 hour
The Bottom Line
We take theAloftSun Solar Motion Sensor Outdoor Lightsas the overall best solar igniter for their enduringness , H2O resistance , and movement - sensing potentiality . If you ’re looking for a Seth of string lights , we loved theBrightech Ambience Pro Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights , because they held up to water supply and freezing temperatures .
Our Testing Process
At our testing lab in Des Moines , Iowa , we put 27 out-of-door solar spark to the test . We assembled them , dust them with pee , dropped a golf ball on them ( from 6 fundament away onto the light and from 4 base onto the solar control panel ) , and even lay away them in the deep freezer for an hour to see how well they held up to cold temperatures .
We cautiously valuate each light on its apparatus process , feature article , overall design , luminousness , enduringness , and overall note value . We ranked each light in each of these category on a scale of one to five and used these insights to compile this inclination . We also time how long the lights stayed on from evenfall to dawn .
In addition to research laboratory examination , we also carry on to use the top - performing solar lighting at our home to set how they held up over time to regular use .
What to Know About Solar Lights Before Shopping
Type
There are a few type of solar light , and they all vary in how they ’re installed . Pathway lights usually have stakes that you stick into the soil next to your driveway or sidewalk . Some solar twinkle that can be rise , like theWinston Porter Krimhilde Solar Powered Mounted Lantern .
If you ’re looking for a more decorative , you could find string illumination and Mason jolt lanterns powered by solar energy . Others habituate solar lighting for its portability . " [ P]eople who enjoy camping outdoors typically opt for solar - powered lantern and bulbs as they are portable and self - sustaining for their power , " Jameson says .
Battery
" Technically , solar lights requirerechargeable batteriesto act as reposition for the electrical energy collected from the Dominicus , " Jameson says . Rechargeable battery do n’t last forever , so there ’s a good chance you might require to replace them at some point .
Many of the solar sparkle on this listing practice rechargeable AA or AAA batteries , which are easy available for purchase online . Since the battery can but be swapped out down the communication channel , you wo n’t need to supercede the entire light fixture .
Solar Panel Location
Some solar Inner Light have belittled panels on each case-by-case lighter , while others have a single international panel that power the full set . You might prefer the latter if you want to apply thelights under a porchorcovered patio ; you ’ll be able-bodied to give the solar panel direct sunlight while sustain the ignitor where you need them .
We also found that light with bombastic solar jury can sometimes have a less esthetically pleasing feeling , so verify you feel good about the sizing and position of the control board before purchasing .
Water Protection
Most of the solar light on this list are pee - resistant , like theAloftSun Motion Sensor Solar Landscape Spotlights , which mean they repel water to some extent . ( This is different from waterproof , which mean a product does n’t allow any body of water to pass through . )
These lights will be fine in normal rain and Charles Percy Snow showers , but you may require to bring them inside during heavy soaker combined with steer . You ’ll often see the water protection listed as an IP rating , aninternational standardthat looks like " IP45 . "
The first phone number point how well the item is protected against substantial objects like dust , and the 2nd numeral indicate how well it ’s protected against liquids . The former ranges from zero to six and the latter grade from zero to eight . The high the identification number , the more protected it is .
The Linkind StarRay Solar Spotlight has a focused 90-degree beam and a head that rotates 90 degrees horizontally and 180 degrees vertically.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Special Features
Some solar lights have on / off switches , timer , or movement sensors . More advance models like theBrightown Outdoor Solar String Lightsoffer unlike light preferences like a dense fade or sparkle . Before buy a solar light , ask yourself exactly what you take so you may find one that best suit your want .
Other Outdoor Solar Lights We Tested
4 Aogist Solar Ground Lights
The4 Aogist Solar Ground Lightsare well-to-do to set up , provide adequate light , and still performed in good order after the urine and freezer test . However , one of the spokes fell off after the golf ballock mental test . It has a canonic design , and for the price , eight lights for under $ 40 is an affordable selection .
6 Pro Series VI Solar Path Light
The6 Pro Series VI Solar Path Lightsoffer an elegant looking at to light your nerve pathway . After the lighter and water test , the luminousness still work out . However , because of the price , we did n’t experience that the carrying out or design justified the high cost rag .
Ring Solar Pathlight
TheRing Solar Pathlightsprovided incredibly brilliant light , and the system as a whole was quite lasting . However , a Ring Bridge and a smartphone app are required to connect it to Alexa , and we were n’t capable to get the app working properly during examination . If you have the time and patience to give to setup — and you already own other Ring add-on — this could be a great fit for your home .
Terrain Flameless Solar Tiki Torch
TheTerrain Flameless Solar Tiki Torchproduces a lovesome , fire - like glint , was gentle to set up and operate , and remained inflexible in a variety of conditions conditions . Where it fell poor was functionality — the Verbascum thapsus did n’t digest straight on the spot , and we found them to be purely cosmetic .
Hampton Bay Sandstone White Faux Rock LED Solar Light
TheHampton Bay Sandstone White Faux Rock lead Solar Lightproduces a lovesome white light and is compact , and non - obstructive . However , we found that it ’s considerably suited for decorative purposes in a garden , as the solar functionality and light output may not satisfy expectations for hard-nosed ignition needs .
Your Questions, Answered
Will solar lights still work in indirect sunlight?
Outdoor solar light exploit considerably when they have access to direct sunlight to commove for multiple hours during the daylight , which is how the manufacturers calculate battery life and runtime . They will work on nebulous twenty-four hour period or inareas with indirect Christ Within , but you might notice that they are n’t quite as bright or long - lasting .
Do solar lights work in every part of the country?
According to theU.S. Department of Energy , solar light work well in most parts of the United States , as long as the panels have access to enough sunlight . Pay attention to how much sun your yard gets , and utilise that to manage your expectations for how brilliant the light will be and how long they ’ll last into the eve .
You ’ll also want to pay attention to the producer ’s guidelines for water exposure and utilization in suspend temperatures ; you may necessitate to bring the lights inwardly during inclement atmospheric condition for protection .
Are solar lights eco-friendly?
In increase to giving you a sense of security measures and better visibleness come nighttime , solar lights use renewable get-up-and-go . " render that solar light do not take electricity and are not connected to the power grid , it is very sustainable and is even a cost - effective way of lighting your home withoutbringing up the electrical energy bill , " Jameson says .
Who We Are
This article was compose byBrittany VanDerBill , a lifestyle and travel writer whose work has been issue with several Dotdash Meredith brand . She began writing for Dotdash Meredith in 2021 , covering various subject , include production scout , home improvement , and cleanup and organization . The article was later update byMichelle Rostamian , a author and editor with over a decade of experience publish about home , life-style , and wellness products .
To find the best solar lights , VanDerBill and Rostamian search a variety of option base on dash , facility , firing type , feature film , and more . They compared their research to the testing insights we record when assess outdoor solar lights for figure , brightness , durability , and value . VanDerBill also consultedSarah Jamesonof Green Building Elements .
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list , you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval . Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous examination to check that they ’re worth a spot in your home . We corrupt most of the products we test ourselves , but occasionally we are furnish sample by troupe if buying is n’t an option . In these cases , we use the same testing touchstone we use to test the purchased products .
The IP65 rating makes the Urpower Outdoor Solar Lights a water-resistant option.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The Kemeco Solar Post Light stood up well to our water tests, even though the manufacturer doesn’t provide a waterproof rating.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The Brightown Outdoor Solar String Lights feature 100 LED bulbs on a 33-foot string.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The Rayolon Solar Ground Lights practically disappear during daytime thanks to their in-ground design.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
No hardware is required for installation.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
