The Best Solar Lights for All Outdoor and Indoor Adventures
Having your home well-lit is important for several reasons. It keeps you and your family safe when you are outside at night and allows for better visibility when you are walking in from your car or bringing in items from outside after the sun has gone down.
If you have pathways or many doors to your home, you have probably been looking to get lights installed. Solar lights are great for any home because they are environment- and budget-friendly. They also don’t need to be plugged in and won’t run up your electric bill.
Many users say solar lights are also easier to install because you can do them yourself. You won’t need to call an electrician or have someone come to your home and mess with wires and plugs.
Solar lights now come in a wide variety of styles, which means you can find options that match your current lighting or walls to make them blend in more. Many solar lights also come in spotlights and floodlights, which can keep your outdoor area bright.
You can even buy models that automatically turn on at dusk which saves you from having to manually turn everything off and on.
Consider getting a motion-activated light as well. This allows you to see when there is anyone around your home, including animals.
Overall, having solar lights also adds security features to your home. Having a bright or motion-sensored light can ward off any unwanted visitors or potential troublemakers. It is always a good idea to know who is around your home and be able to see what is going on near your doors at nighttime.
Every solar light is different, but there are a few key features you should pay attention to. Always check the battery charging time before buying. If you live in a sunny or bright environment, this isn’t as important. However, if your home tends to have more cloud coverage, you want to find a solar light that will have a low battery charging time but still give you a high amount of use time.
Also, pay attention to the lumens and the brightness. Some homeowners love bright lights, while others prefer a more subtle and warm light. Garden or patio lights tend to look better when they are warm. Floodlights and spotlights need to be brighter.
Aside from this, take note of how many hours it can be lit without needing to be recharged. This will give you a good idea of how long the light will last without you needing to recharge it or put it back into direct sunlight.
Contents
- Best Solar Lights at a Glance
- Solar Light Reviews
- 1. Best Overall Outdoor Solar Lights – Ever Brite Motion-Activated Outdoor LED Area Light
- 2. Best Solar-Powered Security Lights – LITOM Enhanced Super Bright Security Light
- 3. Best Solar Garden Lights – Nekteck Solar 2-in-1 Spotlights
- 4. Best Solar String Lights for Outdoors – LITOM Outdoor String Lights
- 5. Best Solar Wall Lights for Winter – URPOWER 2-in-1 Solar Lights with LED
- 6. Best Cheap Solar Lights – Mainstays Classic Column Solar Powered LED Path Light
- 7. Best Solar Flood Lights – Link2Home Outdoor Solar Light Low Voltage LED Flood Light
- 8. Best Solar Christmas Lights – LITOM Outdoor String Lights
- 9. Best Solar Light for Wall Installation – Hampton Bay 2-Light Black Solar LED Outdoor Wall Lantern
- 10. Best for Brightness – LITOM 12 LEDs Solar Landscape Spotlights
- Buyer’s Guide – What to Look for When Buying Solar Lights
- Best Selling Solar Lights
Best Solar Lights at a Glance
- Best Overall – Ever Brite Motion-Activated Outdoor LED Area Light
- Best for Security – LITOM Enhanced Super Bright Security
- Best for Garden – Nekteck Solar 2-in-1 Spotlights
- Best for Outdoor Use – LITOM Outdoor String Lights
- Best for Winter Use – URPOWER 2-in-1 Solar Lights with LED
- Best for People on a Budget – Mainstays Classic Column Solar Powered LED Path Light
- Best Flood Solar Light – Link2Home Outdoor Solar Light Low Voltage LED Flood Light
- Best Solar String Light – LITOM Outdoor String Lights
- Best to Install Onto a Wall – Hampton Bay 2-Light Black Solar LED Outdoor Wall Lantern
- Best for Brightness – LITOM 12 LEDs Solar Landscape Spotlights
Solar Light Reviews
Below, we have covered reviews and the pros and cons of ten solar lights.
1. Best Overall Outdoor Solar Lights – Ever Brite Motion-Activated Outdoor LED Area Light
This is the best overall solar light because of its motion-sensored security features. It can detect movement from up to 10–15 feet away and will automatically flood the area with bright light. This is perfect for deterring people away that shouldn’t be on your property.
It will also give you ample light for when you are moving around at night. It can sense when you or your car moves in front of the light and automatically light the pathway for you to be able to easily get indoors.
People commonly put this solar light near their garage doors, stairways, patios, or other pathways.
The installation kit comes with clear instructions, an on/off switch, and screws and anchors that will help you with easy installation. You don’t need the screws though; most people can simply use the peel-and-stick feature. You can have these solar lights up and running in just a few minutes.
This solar light is also waterproof, so you don’t need to worry about it getting damaged if there is heavy rain or snow.
Since the whole device is solar-powered, you won’t ever need to charge it or install batteries. The light will always be ready to go.
It weighs just 0.4 lbs and has a product dimension of 3.25 x 1.25 x 4.50.
Overall, this is a great option if you want a low-maintenance motion detection light. The LED will also blink if the power is getting too low, which means you may need to place it in more direct sunlight for it to charge up again.
- Long battery life
- Does not require direct sunlight all the time
- Very durable and practical
- Does not stay on for a long time
- Does not work well in very dark corners
2. Best Solar-Powered Security Lights – LITOM Enhanced Super Bright Security Light
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This is the best option if you are looking for maximum security. It has 102 super bright LED beads and can provide illumination of up to 1500 lumens. This is much brighter than almost all competing LED solar lights.
The design is also widely angled which allows it to light up a wider area than traditional lights. It will fully illuminate your yard or driveway so you can see all the areas around you. The lighting angle can even reach 270 degrees.
It is IP65 graded waterproof and can convert up to 17% of the sunlight into electrical energy. It is also made of ABS material. This solar light can be basically left out in any weather condition and not suffer any damage. It can make it through rain, sleet, and snow.
It also has three different modes, while most solar lights only have one. This allows you to change its use to garage, driveway, RV, or front or back door.
It also has a 120-degree detection range. This is a much longer sensor length than similar LED solar lights. It also has a sensor light of 26 feet.
- Wide detection angle for safety and security
- Waterproof
- Bright LED lights allow maximum visibility
- The kit comes with a non durable tape
- Expensive
3. Best Solar Garden Lights – Nekteck Solar 2-in-1 Spotlights
The adjustable light angle on this garden solar-powered light is 180 degrees. It is a great option for lighting up a large area of your home or the whole backyard. The angle can also be adjusted up to 90 degrees which allows it to receive the maximum amount of sunlight.
The kit comes with four built-in super bright LED lights that are encompassed in reflective housing. This allows the strongest beam of light possible to penetrate your garden and all of your outdoor area.
A 1-day charge will give you a full 8–10 hours of light with this garden solar light, which is much more than other solar lights. You can also set it to automatically run from dusk until dawn, so you don’t need to worry about switching it on and off every day.
There is also a manual on/off button though in case there are some evenings you don’t feel like having it on.
It contains an 18500-lithium battery 3.7V 2200mAh with a 10mm 0.5W LED and a 2300–2500K color temperature. There are two modes – a low light mode and a high light mode. This allows you to switch the brightness of the light depending on what kind of lighting you want for your garden.
It is fully waterproof with a grade of IP64, so you don’t need to worry about rain or other weather conditions damaging the light.
It will need a charging time of about 4–5 hours and need direct sunlight to work efficiently.
The solar panels on this garden light are larger than others, which means they can absorb more light in a smaller amount of time. The solar lights have a 200-lumen output which is extremely bright and is one of the reasons this solar light doubles as a spotlight.
There are also two installation options. They can either be stuck into the ground of your garden or stuck onto the wall near your garden. Both installation methods are very easy.
- Stays bright for up to 10 hours
- Great for yards or sticking it onto the wall
- Manual and automatic options
- The warm lighting option can appear very yellow
- Warranty does not have many options.
4. Best Solar String Lights for Outdoors – LITOM Outdoor String Lights
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These solar string lights consist of 17 shatterproof bulbs. They can make your outdoor living area or patio look chicer. They also add a nice touch of lighting without needing an electrical plug or battery hookup. Likewise, they are a great addition to hang up when you are having a party at night.
From end to end, you can connect up to 27 strings. This easily allows you to cover almost all of your outdoor space in these beautiful string solar lights. Each individual light has a hanging hook which allows you to hang the lights without using any other materials. You can also use guide wires or zip ties if you so choose.
You can also purchase the LITOM dimmer which allows you to change the lighting and ambiance of these string lights. Making them dimmer can really allow you to change the mood of any event or party depending on the theme you are looking for.
Many people choose to use these lights to decorate for a party, wedding reception, or just a romantic dinner. They are really perfect for any occasion.
They are also commercial-grade waterproof made with 18 AWG SJTW strands. This material allows it to withstand rain, snow, wind, sun, or dampness. Since they are shatterproof, they are also extremely durable. Likewise, they are safe to have around small children or pets.
They are perfect for energy and power-saving-conscious homes. The product utilizes LED wick technology and has a longer lifespan than many other traditional LED lights.
The warranty for this product is also pretty great. It has a 45-day money-back program and a full 2-year warranty. What’s best is that they also offer 24/7 technical support.
- Easy to assemble
- Up to 400W per strand
- Additional soft glow dimmer
- The dimmer is not included in the purchase price
- Can’t use another brand of bulbs
5. Best Solar Wall Lights for Winter – URPOWER 2-in-1 Solar Lights with LED
- 2 Brightness Levels: Low light mode (10hrs) / high light mode (6 hrs). Equipped with a wide solar panel, URPOWER solar outdoor lights can faster charge its 2200mAh battery. After full charge, the 4...
- Separately Adjustable Light & Solar Panel: The solar spotlights can be adjusted up to 90° to illuminate any outdoor space. The solar panel can be adjusted up to 180° for optimum sun exposure
- 2 in 1 Functions & 2 Installation Options: Stick into the ground by stakes, or mount on the wall by screws. These outdoor lights can work as Solar Landscape Lights to highlight the trees, statue,...
These are great wall lights to add to your home to give you better security. These bright lights keep people away who don’t need to be on your property. There are two brightness levels – low light mode and high light mode.
The low light can last 10 hours, and the high light mode can last 6 hours. These solar outdoor lights come with a 200mAh battery. When fully charged, the battery can give up to 200lms lighting for 6–10 hours.
The lights and solar panel are both fully adjustable and can be adjusted separately from each other. The spotlights can be adjusted up to 90 degrees, and the panel can be adjusted up to 180 degrees for better exposure to sunlight.
These lights can be mounted to the wall easily with screws. They can be used to highlight trees, statues, signposts, and pools. The lights are also bright enough and wide enough to light up the front door, driveway, or pathway.
This model has an automatic option that allows them to turn on at dusk and turn off at dawn. This saves you from having to manually turn them on and off every day. There is also no electric bill as they are fully solar-powered. You don’t have to forget about leaving a light on all day and then possibly owing more on the electric bill.
The light is fully waterproof and can also withstand snow and hail. These lights can last all year long no matter the season or weather.
- Completely weather-resistant
- Great for sticking on the wall
- Has a low light mode and a high light mode
- 6-8 hours of direct sunlight needed to be fully charged
- Can’t work with another direct lighting around
6. Best Cheap Solar Lights – Mainstays Classic Column Solar Powered LED Path Light
These lights come in a pack of six and are great for people on a budget. If you are looking to try new solar lights for the first time or just need some cheap lights for an event, these are a great option.
They can light a pathway or a driveway brightly even if you don’t want to put in too much money at the beginning. With a durable plastic design, it can withstand many weather conditions. However, they may not be the best option for environments that receive daily rain or snow.
They are also guaranteed to stay rust-free which means the new and modern look will stay despite being in your yard for years. The dusk-to-dawn feature will allow them to turn on and off on their own. This is great for saving battery life and ensuring that you don’t forget to turn the lights on and off every day.
No wiring is needed, and all the rechargeable batteries are included. This is great because you won’t need to prepare any additional money upfront for wires or batteries.
The solar lights are a simple design that allows them to blend in with most yards and outdoor décor. They won’t take away from any other decorations you may have that you want to be noticed.
Since they come in a pack of six, these LED path lights can be used on the sides of the driveway or lead up to the front door. This is great additional lighting to help you get inside or see the outdoors after the sun has gone down for the day.
- Made of all-weather durable plastic
- Come in a set of six
- Stake is included in the purchase price
- Not completely waterproof
- Small size
7. Best Solar Flood Lights – Link2Home Outdoor Solar Light Low Voltage LED Flood Light
- 350 lumen - motion detecting bright light mode detects movement/70 lumens - stand-by dim mode
- Bright light mode activates for 30 seconds when motion sensor detects movement within 16 feet
- Easy DIY wireless installation - built in rechargeable battery
If you are looking for a bright floodlight, this is the best option. They come in a pack of two and are at 350 lumens. They are also motion-sensored. Thus, every time someone walks by your door or another area of the yard, this bright light will come on.
Since the light is very bright, its motion sensor will help people stay off your property and ensure that you and your children are safe. It will also flood your outdoor area with light so you can see who or what triggered the motion sensor.
The installation is quick and wireless. The bright light mode will activate for 30 seconds when it is triggered. It can also detect movement from within 16 feet.
The bright light mode is 350 lumens, while the dim light mode is 70 lumens. Both are motion-sensored. If the battery is fully charged, this light has an operating time of about 8–12 hours.
The kit comes with a wall bracket, all the parts needed for installation, the LED light, and an instruction manual. It is 12 volts and 50 watts.
- High lumen amount providing extremely bright lighting
- Motion sensor
- Quick installation
- Short-lived battery if the high bright option is used
- Cheap and not durable plastic material
8. Best Solar Christmas Lights – LITOM Outdoor String Lights
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These lights are amazing if you are looking to decorate your outdoor area for Christmas or even another holiday or party.
They have FOUR different modes which make them perfect for Christmas parties or as an addition to other Christmas holiday decorations. They can be put into solid, breathing, slow strobe, or fast strobe. You only need to press the button once to switch between modes.
All of the bulbs have low-heat emission, which means they can stay on for hours and not overheat. This is excellent because you won’t have to worry about them getting damaged if you want to leave them on for a long time.
The panel will need 8 hours of direct sunlight to charge completely and will be able to last for about 6 hours. Remember to turn on the switch when you want them to begin charging.
The bulbs are high quality and have 12 in each string. They are IPX5 waterproof which allows them to stay outside even in poor or rainy weather conditions. The bulbs are made with ABS-graded plastic which makes them very hard to break – they’re basically shatterproof.
They are easy to install and look nice when hung up in the backyard or on an outdoor Christmas tree. Each string is 27 feet long and has a 2000mAH/3.7v Li-ion battery.
- LITOM is an industry-leading brand of solar lights
- The lights are bright but also warm
- Shatterproof bulbs
- Direct sunlight is needed to charge and work
- No automatic on/off switch
9. Best Solar Light for Wall Installation – Hampton Bay 2-Light Black Solar LED Outdoor Wall Lantern
These come in a pack of two and are solar light fixtures. This makes them ideal for adding them to outdoor walls and have a more permanent feeling than the other outdoor lights that just peel and stick.
The color is neutral bronze, and there is a champagne sand color glass in the fixture. The housing is cast in aluminum which makes it extremely durable for outdoor use. Since they come in a pack of two, they are great for installing on either side of a front door or garage door.
The roof is dome-shaped with an arm that provides a simple and elegant look. The design allows the dome to seal tightly against the fixture. This lets it lock out dust and moisture and makes it an ideal option for every environment.
The dimensions are 6 x 9.75 x 7 inches. The fixture is easy to install and ready to go as soon as you get it on the wall.
- Elegant shape with beautiful lights
- Not that pricey
- Completely solar-powered
- Easy to install on outdoor walls
- Not completely waterproof
- Needs direct sunlight to be fully charged
10. Best for Brightness – LITOM 12 LEDs Solar Landscape Spotlights
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These are great options if you are looking for a staked option that offers maximum brightness. They offer 600 lumens which give you extremely efficient bright lighting. The LITOM 12 LEDs solar landscape spotlights also have a wide 120-degree lighting angle and a 90-degree adjustable solar panel.
Because of a 18650-lithium rechargeable battery, these lights have a long working time. They come in a pack of six that allows you to decorate a path or driveway.
The lights come with two brightness modes and can detect changes in the brightness of the external environment which can switch to an energy-saving mode when it is very bright outside. This is fantastic for preserving battery life and ensuring that you don’t have to constantly turn the lights off and on yourself.
It will automatically come on at night and automatically switch off at sunrise. The low light mode can give you 12 hours of light, while the high light mode can give you 6 hours of light.
Their waterproof technology is IP67 which is a few grades higher than many other solar lights. It can withstand the worst of weather conditions which make them a great option for constant year-long use.
They are also made of high-impact ABS plastic. You can either mount the lights on the walls with the screws that are included, or you can stick them into the ground. There is also an option to switch between installation uses if you want.
Overall, they are perfect for making a bright environment around your porch, patio, garden, garage, driveway, or pathway.
- Easy to install and assemble
- Weatherproof and waterproof
- Automated on/off
- Direct sunlight is needed to be fully charged
- Can’t get the brightest light if not fully charged
Buyer’s Guide – What to Look for When Buying Solar Lights
The benefits of owning solar lights are vast. They are eco-friendly and can drastically reduce your electric bill by giving you a completely solar-powered garden. When looking for solar lights, you should first consider what the purpose is for when buying them.
Some people use solar lights for lighting fixtures, pathway lights, or string lights.
Lighting Fixtures
Solar lights for a lighting fixture will need to be able to stick or be screwed onto the wall. If you are looking at putting it on a patio or under an awning, you may need to look for an option that can provide ample light without being exposed to direct sunlight.
Pathway Lights
Pathway lights will need to come with a stable staking option. You will want to ensure that the stake that is included will give it a firm implant into the ground. This will help it withstand wind and other weather conditions.
The best pathway lights are also small and come in packs of six or more. This allows you to outline a whole path and add some extra security to your home when you’re moving around at night.
String Lights
String lights are made by many popular brands and are a great way to decorate your yard or patio. All string lights should be shatterproof and made of durable plastic. This will ensure that if they fall or become unattached, they won’t suffer permanent damage.
Lanterns
Lanterns are best for patios and decks because they offer low and warm lighting. This can give your back outdoor area a nice ambiance and make it an excellent place either alone or with friends.
If you are looking for something for security or brightness, you should select a floodlight or spotlight.
Solar-Powered Motion Lights
Solar-powered motion lights are an important addition to any home. This is partly because they allow you to know who is around your home. Even if you are asleep, a bright motion-sensored light will wake you up and alert you that someone is near your front or back door.
Motion lights can be an amazing way to keep your home secure. If people are snooping around your home or yard, they will be deterred when a bright light pops on. Try to choose a motion light that doesn’t stay on for too long after being triggered.
If a bright light is shining into your home for several minutes, it can distract you from sleeping or watching TV. The best motion-sensored lights usually stay on between 30 seconds and 2 minutes.
Get one with at least 16 feet of motion detection. This will allow you to know when people or animals are in your yard before they are actually near your home.
Solar-powered motion lights are best when they are mounted to a wall near a door. They will also light your path when you are walking from the car to the door. This takes away the hassle of needing to switch a light on and off.
Indoor Solar Lights
Many people wonder if they can use solar lights indoors. The answer is yes, but you will need a specific kind. The inside of your home is less likely to get direct sunlight for as many hours, so you will need solar lights that are geared toward working on fewer hours of direct sunlight if you don’t plan on having an outdoor unit.
Most people use a solar panel or solar battery that stays on the roof or other outdoor area, then connect them to the indoor lights. This way, you can use your lights as you normally do and hang them in wherever you want in your home.
The inside of your home will need to be powered by large panels so that you get enough lighting to last throughout the night and days. Bright lights may need more panels or longer direct sunlight, so consider warm lighting for your home.
Other Considerations
Solar lights also need to be able to withstand all weather conditions. They will see rain, snow, sleet, and hail. The more durable and waterproof, the better.
You should also look for an option that is easy to install. Most solar lights are. A good installation kit should come with screws, hook, stakes, and anything else that may be needed for quick and easy installation. Assembly instructions should also be included.
Almost all solar lights are budget-friendly, and many cheap options still offer high durability. Most are under $50 unless you need to buy in high quantities. Either way, you can get cheap and efficient solar lighting on almost any budget.
No wires are required for most solar lights. Try to stay away from solar panels that need cables. You will be able to put them anywhere in your yard and not have to worry about running wires and cables into an outlet or outdoor electrical supply.
Overall, solar panels are a cheap and easy way to keep your home lit up all the time.
