Solar lights come as decorative lighting systems that light up your garden with a sense of mystery. Other solar security lights are bright and powerful, notifying you of any movement in the garden at night.
If you have no idea on which solar system would suit your garden, then take a look through this review.
We pitted the 10-best solar lighting system for your yard against one another. This review has something for every garden need, from ornamental lights to security lighting systems.
Our Top Picks
Before you get into the 10-best solar lighting systems for your yard, take a look at our top three choices in this review.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Best Overall: Solar Light Path
These ornamental lights retain a high level of functionality while bringing a sense of style to your yard. The soft glow of the lamps is ideal for lighting up pathways and walkways around the home, or lining flowerbeds. - Runner Up: URPower Adjustable Solar Spotlight
If you’re looking for a solar lighting system that’s bright and offers excellent coverage, then this system is your best bet. The powerful beams of light from this LED system act as a spotlight and they’re excellent for lighting up darker areas of your yard that present a security risk. - Budget Pick: Solar-Powered LED Bronze Garden Lights
If you’re looking for a solar security lighting system for your yard, then the Sunix is your best option. This security light is bright and comes with motion sensors to detect any movement.
Solar Lighting Systems Reviews
Solar Light Path
The Solar Light Path is out top choice in this review. These lights aren’t fantastic if your top priority is producing as much light as possible. However, they provide a beautiful dim glow that ideal for lighting up pathways, walkways, and flowerbeds.
What sealed the deal for us in this review is the light spectrum. Most other LED solar garden lights will cast a generic sphere of light around the lamp head. However, with these lights, the design of the glass in the lamp produces a beautiful spiraling light spectrum that’s as unique as it is functional.
- SIZE & RUSTPROOF SUBSTANTIAL GLASS / STAINLESS STEEL: Garden solar path light measures 16.54" in height x 4.72" in diameter. Wireless solar Pathway Light with auto sensor made of stainless steel with watertight diamond glass lightshade that enables you to use this bright solar garden light outdoor durably. Modern substantial textured touch of Metal and Glass quality of this solar power walkway light for garden patio lawn and backyard is much better than solar path way lighting made of plastic.
- EASY ASSEMBLY & USE: In-ground solar light is out of the box with ease. No addition tools required to install this solar ground lighting outdoor. Wireless setting up and operation with this LED solar landscape lighting. Quickly install this modern solar ground garden light by pushing this glass solar landscape light outdoor into the ground.
- ï‚·3 LIGHTING MODE & AUTO ON/OFF: The solar powered light are designed with 3 lighting modes (Bright White & Multicolor & Fixed Color), you can have the bright white lighting or mulitcolor chaning mode, or set any of the mulicolor to the fixed mode. This ourdoor lights has a solar panel that absorbs sun light during the day to convert sunlight into electricity to recharge the AA Ni-MH battery (included). Solar power lights automatically turn on at night and turn off at dawn. The pattern cast thourh the high transmittance glass lampshade of this solar light is also attractive; solar path light white is a perfect addition to your backyard especiatlly for your party or Christmas!
- HIGH EFFICIENCY & ECO-FRIENDLY: Solar 10 Lumens output with one white LED of this solar ground pathway light. Diamond shaped LED lights of this decorative solar lights outdoor are powered by solar panel (located on the top of the cap), which give off glowing light that lasts up to 8-12 hours (no extra electricity needed); 100% SOLAR-POWERED. White led solar lights stay lit all through the night and into the morning. Enjoy free lighting of this solar powered path light glass for whole night!
- ï‚·IP65 WATERPROOF & ALL-WEATHER-RESISTANT : Glass solar outdoor path light is waterproof. No worries about rain, snow, frost or sleet. Stainless steel and rugged ABS plastic construction gives the longest-lasting life of any LED lights on the market. The bright light given off by this stainless outdoor solar light provides safety of passage when no light source is available. Whether your mode of transportation is by vehicle or by foot let the illumination of this solar plant light guide you!
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This system stakes into the ground, and our only concern with the lights is that the stakes appear somewhat flimsy. You’ll find that the lights start to fade after four to five months of use. Fortunately, you don’t have to replace the entire lamp head. Open the top of the unit and replace the battery.
Each solar light will cover a space of around 4-feet, with the six-pack of lights covering around 100-square feet. The lights come with a warranty to cover any defects, and there are isolated reports of the lights not charging or dimming after a few months of use.
The system features an automatic on/off switch and offers decent charging in overcast light conditions. With a full charge, we expect that these lights will last throughout the entire night.
- Waterproof – Yes.
- Function – Path light.
- Automatic operation – Yes, with on/off switch included.
- Placement – Stake.
- Bulb – LED.
- Operating time – 6-8 hours on a full charge.
- Warranty – Limited warranty covering defective lights.
- warm LED color available.
- Excellent for lighting pathways.
- Replaceable rechargeable batteries.
- Good customer service.
- Consistent but dim light.
- Plastic stakes are a bit flimsy.
URPower Adjustable Solar Spotlight
The versatility of these lights is excellent. You can use them as a directional spotlight for your yard, or to light up pathways and walkways around your property. You can mount this model to your wall, or stake it into the ground, wherever you like in your yard.
These lights have an automatic setting, as well as an on/off switch. When you leave the lights in the off mode, helping enhance your battery life when fully charged. The lights also feature settings for dim and bright, allowing you to customize your light settings for specific areas of the garden.
- 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 LED solar spot lights can provide up to 200lms lighting for 6-10 hrs
- 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, signpost, pool, Also as Solar Wall Lights to light up your front door, driveway, pathway
- Dusk to Dawn, Auto ON/OFF: The solar powered lights will automatically turn ON at night, and OFF at dawn. No electric bill, and no need to manually turn it on/off. It’s a prefect outdoor lighting choice to save energy and time
- IP64 Waterproof: URPOWER solar outdoor spotlights are made of high-quality plastic that allows it to withstand adverse weather conditions. With an IP64 rating, URPOWER ensured that these lights would last you all year long
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The directional adjustment of this solar set up allows you to point the lights at a specific spot. On the brightest setting, these lights illuminate an area of 15-feet. However, at the highest setting, you’ll be lucky if you get three to four hours of service life out of the lights, even with a full charge.
The only issue we have with this light is the weak battery life. After a few months, the battery loses efficiency, reducing your lighting time. Fortunately, the manufacturer sells additional batteries separately.
- Waterproof – Yes.
- Function – Spotlight, and path light.
- Automatic operation – Yes.
- Placement – Mount or stake.
- Bulb – LED.
- Operating time – 6-9 hours with a full charge.
- Warranty – None.
- Adjustable light and solar panel.
- The light holds up to any weather conditions.
- Charges on overcast days.
- Dimmer option available.
- Light starts to fade after a few months.
- Inconsistent settings.
- Light may only last for 2-3 hours after charging on overcast days.
Solar Powered LED Garden Lights
With a stainless steel body for added durability and weather resistance, these lights are a popular choice for the garden. They’re great for lighting pathways and walkways around the yard, and the downward design of the lighting area makes them ideal for providing light on paths in dark areas of the garden.
The ribbing found on the light lens causes the light to scatter as a wave, rather than provide a glow. You’ll need to stake these lights into the ground, with no mounting option available. The lights offer automatic operation, with no on/off switch available. However, in our testing, we found that the light sensor is sensitive. It turned on as soon as the light started to fade in the evening.
- Solar Powered Path Lights: Maggift warm white pathway lights 6 Pack powered by solar are the perfect decorative outdoor lighting and no electricity required. They are charged in full and direct sunlight for 6-8 hours, the lights automatically turn the lights on at dusk and off at dawn. Measures: 4.9 x 4.9 x 17.01 inches.
- Beautiful Pattern: Light brightness is 6 lumens, which is 4 X BRIGHTER than general solar garden lights. Warm white LED and lampshade reflector which allow light to flood the space, whilst creating beautiful shadow patterns on the ground. Add a charming, decorative glow to your pathway, decorate your garden, porch or yard.
- Weather Resistant: These outdoor solar lights are made of high quality thick PLASTIC. Suitable for outdoor use, the light can work normally under all kinds of weather with the waterproof rating of IP44 and weatherproof, no worries about rain, snow, frost, or sleet (except rainstorm).
- Easy to Assemble & Install: NO WIRES. These solar garden lights can be done in a few minutes. Just connect the parts and stake into the ground where there is sun shines. For your convenience, we provide the rechargeable batteries.
- Tips: There is a tab on the light cover, please remove it before charging.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
While the solar panels do charge the light in overcast conditions, we found that we could only achieve half of the recommended lighting time after two days of cloudy weather. The sensitivity of the sensors also switches the unit on if the afternoon light gets lower than usual.
We like that the shaft of the unit is longer than other models in this review. The extra length on the shaft translates into higher dispersion rates on the ground. If you’re looking for a basic, no-frills solar lighting system at an affordable price, this system is a good choice.
- Waterproof – Yes.
- Function – Path light.
- Automatic operation – Yes.
- Placement – Stake.
- Bulb – LED.
- Operating time – 6-9 hours with a full charge.
- Warranty – Lifetime warranty.
- Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service.
- Stainless steel body.
- Wide lighting area.
- Struggles to reach a full charge in indirect lighting conditions.
- LED housing seems loose.
URAGO Bright Path Garden Lighting
This model comes with three function modes. You can select your lighting preference from always-on, bright or dim mode, and motion detection. Flip between modes using the selector switch on the side of the unit.
Due to the versatility of lighting spectrums, this lighting system is ideal for use anywhere in the garden. It makes an excellent dispersion light for lighting up pathways around the yard, and the spotlight function works well.
- HIGH BRIGHTNESS & ATTRACTIVE PATTERN - Urago's solar outdoor walkway lights solar powered adopts high power LED lamp beads and high transmittance lampshade to make our solar lights brighter than ordinary solar path lights. Plus, it is more perfect to project attractive Mandala pattern, adding a finishing touch to your daily and holiday decorations like Halloween and Christmas. Use garden lights to extend your evenings. Be ready to get compliments from neighbors! NOTE: SPIKES ARE INSIDE THE TUBES
- DUSK TO DAWN LIGHT UP ALL NIGHT - Urago's solar lights outdoor waterproof use thickened, corrosion-resistant materials that are more durable and rust free than cheap solar garden lights. Premium solar panel and higher capacity rechargeable battery means our solar outdoor lights can effectively absorb more sunlight and converts it into electricity. Charging for 6-8 hours in the sun can continuously glow for 8-12 hours, which greatly meets your needs for brightness effect and lighting duration.
- CREATIVE DESIGN & WIDE APPLICATION - Urago's 10 pack outdoor solar pathway lights are well designed and height adjustable. The exquisite black appearance and crystal clear cover make solar yard lights look more advanced and textured. Upgraded ABS plastic ground pegs provide better stability and sturdiness. With IP44 waterproof grade, you can use solar landscape lights anywhere outdoors, such as garden, lawn, flower bed, patio, pathway or deck, etc. No worries about rain, snow or bad weather.
- WORRY-FREE INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE FREE - Urago's maintenance-free solar powered outdoor lights are easy to assemble, just remove the isolator tab under the light cap and insert the stakes into ground as a solar ground lights or put it on flat table. The solar backyard lights are 100% solar-powered, they automatically turn on at dust and turn off at dawn, making it more cost-effective. Our solar lawn lights are designed just for you to be easy to use while saving you money on electricity!
- PUTTING THE URAGO INTO BACKYARD - We are so certain you won't find cheaper solar powered outdoor lights that we offer such a great valuable pack. With these decent outdoor solar landscape lights, your garden will continue to shine after dark. In any case the LED pathway lights stop working, please email us and talk to one of our helpful & friendly staff.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The solar panels, found on top of the housing, charge well in indirect lighting conditions. If you leave the lights in motion-only setting, they’ll last throughout the entire night without any hassles. The motion detection switches off after 15-seconds, preserving battery life.
The motion detector has a range of 26-feet in a 180-degree field, making them suitable as security lights around the perimeter of the yard. The one drawback of this model is that we found it challenging to mount the lights into hard surfaces, like walls.
While covered by warranty, the batteries seem to fade after around four to five months.
- Waterproof – Yes.
- Function – Path light or Spotlight.
- Automatic operation – Yes, motion detection included.
- Placement – Mounted.
- Bulb – LED.
- Operating time – 6-9 hours with a full charge.
- Warranty – Replacement or refund for faulty lights.
- The light offers three lighting modes.
- Weather-resistant, suitable for use in cold temperatures.
- Bright.
- Easy mounting.
- Mounting will not work on rock or bricks.
- The light dims slightly after 4 to 5-months.
- Occasionally gets stuck in mode.
Litom Solar Outdoor String Lights
With 200-LEDs over a length of wire spanning 72-feet, this lighting system is ideal for entertainment areas. The lights cycle through eight modes, and they’re an excellent way to bring your garden to life at night. Wrap the lights around tree trunks, your pergola, or the edge of the gutters for a dramatic lighting effect.
If you place them around the perimeter of your patio pergola or gazebo, they provide enough lighting to entertain guests, without feeling intrusive. You can choose from cool white, warm white or colored bulbs. Switch through the modes to create the ideal ambiance for the occasion, and then enjoy the evening.
- [Made to Satisfy All Need for Decoration]-The solar outdoor string lights have been fully optimized for performance in order to achieve various decorative effects. 200 bright LED bulbs uses low heat beads, reduce power consumption and at the same time greatly improve service life, the built-in battery capacity has also been increased. In addition, it has high tenacity and can be easily bent into various shapes to meet your decorative needs.
- [Excellent Quality] - Our solar Christmas lights adopt more advanced monocrystalline solar panels and upgrade their size. It can now receive, store and release solar energy more efficiently, greatly improving the solar energy conversion rate. Solar string lights has IP65 waterproof material and can be used outdoors whether it is raining, foggy or snowing.
- [8 Modes]-The solar Christmas lights outdoor have 8 different lighting modes, which can be adjusted by the "mode" button behind the solar panel. You can adjust to the most suitable lighting mode according to your decoration needs, and it also has a memory function, so there is no need to re-set it.
- [Widely Used] - The solar string lights outdoor waterproof is 66 ft long, the LED lamp bead spacing is 0.33 ft, and the lead length is 6 ft, which can be easily installed wherever decoration is needed. At the same time, christmas lights outdoor has a soft light line, which can be flexibly DIY designed into various creative shapes you want.
- [Ideal Decoration] - When there is enough light, solar twinkle lights for outside will automatically turn on the charging mode; when the light is dark enough, it will emit a warm glow. Christmas lights can not only decorate gardens, courtyards, trees, porches, fences, taverns, but can also be used for weddings, parties, Christmas, New Year parties, creating a warm and joyful holiday atmosphere
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One gripe about this lighting system is that after you switch it off, it reverts to its original settings. Therefore, if you want to go back to your preferred setting, you’ll need to cycle through all of the modes again.
These lights have a warranty on any defects, and they’re waterproof as well. Use this system year-round as a lighting solution, or for a decorative effect during the festive season.
- Waterproof – Yes.
- Function – Path light.
- Automatic operation – Yes, also features an on/off switch.
- Placement – Mounted, with a stake for the solar panel.
- Bulb – LED.
- Operating time – 6-8 hours on a full charge.
- Warranty – Replacement or refund for defective lights.
- The light features eight modes.
- Durable with long service life.
- The bulbs come with cool white, warm, or colored choices.
- You can charge the solar cells separately from the lights.
- Charges in indirect lighting conditions.
- Not very bright.
- Returns to original mode at the end of the power cycle.
SEZAC Solar Lights Outdoor
If you’re looking for a solar-powered security light for your yard, then the SEZAC is your best option. This security lighting system provides a bright, powerful light spectrum through 26-LED bulbs. The exciting feature about this light is its dual operation.
The unit casts a dim light in regular operation. However, when it detects motion from up to 20-feet away, it increases the light intensity for security purposes. By conserving energy with its dual system, this security light will last through the night, without giving you any hassle.
- [Three Intelligent Lighting Modes]: The upgraded solar lights outdoor has 3 modes to meet your different needs: 1.) Dim long light mode, 2.) Strong light sensor mode, 3.) Motion sensor mode. The powerful sensor ball head provides powerful motion sensitivity up to 10-16 feet, providing convenience and safety for your life.
- [Waterproof IP65]: Waterproof coefficient IP65,the Professional IP65 waterproof. Even on rainy days it can light your garden, yard, garage, driveways, front doors, backyards, walls, etc.
- [Solar Security Lights eco-friendly]: The Solar lights with rechargeable battery allows the solar lights to be continuously illuminated for longer periods of time to meet every day lighting needs. The solar panels work during the day to store electricity and light up the outdoors for you at night.
- [Ultra-Bright Solar Lights]: Upgraded powerful LED Solar Motion Sensor Lights, providing a bright for a wide area. More sunshine it charged and it can illuminate longer. Note: If there is no good sunlight for several days, thus the light may not light up at night. Please light up after 8-10 hours of charging.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The solar panels in the unit feature construction with an aluminum alloy that has a light conversion efficiency of 19-percent and the 26-bright LEDs produce 450 lumens of light. With an IP65 certification, this security light from Sunix is weatherproof and resistant to water and heat.
On a full charge, this unit gets between six to eight hours of service life before it needs recharging. The light takes approximately two to three hours to reach a full charge in direct sunlight. It’s easy to mount this unit to any wall, with all hardware included in the box.
- Waterproof – Yes.
- Function – Security light.
- Automatic operation – Yes, motion detection included.
- Placement – Mounted.
- Bulb – LED.
- Operating time – 6-9 hours with a full charge.
- Warranty – Replacement or refund for faulty lights.
- color choices for the housing available.
- This unit offers you bright, powerful light.
- Automatic off timer.
- Weatherproof.
- Not as bright as metal-halide lights.
- The battery may have issues, but the warranty covers it.
Newhouse Lighting FLTORCH2 LED Island Torch
Is there anything more romantic than sitting around the pool on a warm summer evening, with the flames of Tiki torches dancing in the background? While this sounds like an ideal way to experience the dying days of summer, it also presents a risky situation. The lamps present a fire hazard if someone tips them over.
Newhouse decided to give this authentic lighting system a modern touch. The Island Torch by Newhouse has the appearance of a genuine Tiki torch, without the oil and flames. These torches feature warm LEDs that produce a flickering effect, similar to the light spectrum emitted by a real flame.
- REALISTIC DANCING FLAME DESIGN: Beautiful LEDs cast a safe, mood-enhancing glow that is much safer than real flames. Flickering effect looks just like a real flame!
- SOLAR LIGHTS: No more messing with messy oils or wicks! These easy-to-use solar torches are quick to install and powered completely by the sun.
- EASY TO INSTALL: No wiring required! Simply attach the included poles to the torch head and place wherever you like. Looks great in the yard or garden, or by pools, patios, fences or decks.
- DUSK-TO-DAWN LIGHTING: These torches automatically turn on when the sun goes down and turn off when it's light.
- SATISFACTION : Be confident with your purchase knowing this product is backed by a 1 year limited against manufacturer defects.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
With the automatic operation, your Tiki torches will look fantastic around the pool or your gazebo. Stake them into the ground, and let them light up your evenings. These solar lights are available in two or four-packs, with an adjustable pole that extends up to five feet in length.
- Waterproof – Somewhat.
- Function – Path light or decorative lighting.
- Automatic operation – No.
- Placement – Stake.
- Bulb – LED.
- Operating time – 6-8 hours on a full charge.
- Warranty – Limited.
- A range of color choices.
- Bright lighting.
- Batteries are replaceable.
- Not very weather resistant.
- Needs ground for staking, not suitable for patios.
Signature Garden Solar Garden Lights
This solar lighting system comes in a six-pack of lights for use in your garden. Stake the lights anywhere you like, and let the solar panels soak up the sunlight. You get eight hours of service life on a full charge, with an on-off switch to ensure that you don’t waste the battery life of the unit.
- WEATHER-RESISTANT! No worries about rain, snow, frost, or sleet; High-quality stainless steel construction gives the longest-lasting life of any LED lights on the market! Made tough and sealed tight!
- GARDEN BEAUTY! Beautify your outdoor garden, pathways, and landscape; Signature Garden LED lights will make your garden, pathways, and flower beds looking great for many years to come
- NO-HASSLE INSTALLATION! Simple, EASY installation out of the box! There’s NO HASSLE because there are NO WIRES! Runs completely on solar power; Turns on at dark, off at dawn!
- NO-HASSLE INSTALLATION! Simple, EASY installation out of the box! There's NO HASSLE because there are NO WIRES! Runs completely on solar power; Turns on at dark, off at dawn!
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Batteries require replacing every four to five months, and you’ll notice them start to dim when it’s time for a replacement. The body of this solar light has a stainless steel finish, making it weather-resistant and waterproof.
The best part about these lights is that they come with a 100-percent lifetime guarantee against defects. If anything goes wrong with your lights, return them to the manufacturer for a replacement set.
- Waterproof – Yes.
- Function – Path light or Spotlight.
- Automatic operation – Yes.
- Placement – Stake.
- Bulb – LED.
- Operating time – 6-8 hours on a full charge.
- Warranty – A lifetime replacement guarantee.
- Lights pathways.
- Good customer service.
- Weatherproof.
- Batteries may require replacement after 6-months of use.
Sunforce Solar Motion Light
This motion-sensing solar light has a high light output and can detect movement within 30 feet at a 180-degree angle.
It’s ideal for use as a security or floodlight.
The amorphous solar panel charges in all daylight conditions, which means it doesn’t require direct sunlight.
- Adjustable side lamp heads move upwards, downwards and horizontally for maximum lighting coverage
- Ideal for all locations: entryways, garages, pathways, sheds, and remote areas
- Amorphous solar panel charges in all daylight conditions does not need direct sunlight
- Charges during the day and works at night. 2 adjustable settings: detection distance and light duration
- Includes: 120 LED motion light, Solar panel with 15 ft. (4.5m) of wire, 3 x AA rechargeable batteries and Mounting hardware
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It’s sturdy, weather-resistant and can be mounted just about anywhere. It also comes with 15 feet of wire between the panel and lamp.
- Waterproof – Yes.
- Function – Spotlight or security light.
- Automatic operation – Yes, motion detection included.
- Placement – Mounted.
- Bulb – LED.
- Operating time – 6-9 hours with a full charge.
- Warranty – Limited warranty.
- Range of color choices to suit the theme of your home.
- The unit lights up the area well.
- Good customer service.
- Weatherproof.
- Long cable between solar panel and light.
URPOWER Solar Lights
This solar-powered lighting system works well as a spotlight or a security light. The unit provides up to 12-hours of continuous lighting, with large solar panels that capture light in overcast conditions. The manufacturer rates the lifespan of these lights at 5-years, which is considerably longer than most systems mentioned in this review.
- Super Bright Lighting: URPOWER solar motion sensor lights provide high brightness and 120 degrees lighting angle, brighter and wider lighting than others’ 28-50 leds lights
- Motion Activated Auto ON/OFF: The outdoor solar security lights will automatically turn on for 30 seconds when motion is detected with 16-26ft at night. It will automatically turn off when there is no motion, and turn off during the day
- Longer Working Time: The solar powered motion lights with 2200mAh battery can work more than 300 sensing times at night, after the 8 hrs exposure to sunlight in the daytime. No dim mode design also extends the lighting time
- IP65 Waterproof: Our IP65 waterproof solar outdoor lights can withstand extreme weather conditions. It’s great outdoor motion sensor light for front door, garage, backyard, garden, porch, pathway, etc
- Solar Powered & Energy-Saving: Solar motion sensor flood lights are a superb way to keep your pathways and other outdoor areas illuminated while saving the environment and keeping your light bill low (Note: please turn on the switch on the back of the light before first use)
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The unit comes with a motion sensor that detects movement 10-feet away from the lamp, at a 120-degree angle. The system features an automatic on/off cycle, with two brightness settings. These lights come in packs of four, and they’re heat-resistant and waterproof.
- Waterproof – Yes.
- Function – Path light or Spotlight.
- Automatic operation – Yes, with motion detection.
- Placement – Stake.
- Bulb – LED.
- Operating time – 6-8 hours on a full charge.
Warranty – Limited warranty.
- Adjustable solar panel and light.
- These units are an excellent choice for both security and pathway lighting.
- Motion detection.
- Weatherproof.
- No mounting for security lamp.
- No warm LED option.
Buyer’s Guide to Outdoor Solar Lights
Is your yard missing something? You finished putting together your pergola, and the new stone pavers on your walkway look fantastic. However, as the sunlight starts to fade on a great day, you realize that your yard could do with some light.
Solar lighting solutions offer an affordable and pragmatic solution to your garden lighting needs. By using solar, you don’t have to worry about laying electrical cable under your lawn. The lights absorb the suns energy during the day, and covert it to light at night.
Installing a solar system in your yard is not as expensive as you think. Most systems are available at online retailers for less than $100. The solar technology revolution saw battery life improve, while LED bulbs continue to draw less power as the industry progresses toward more efficient technology.
In the past, solar lights were weak, and they failed before the middle of the night, leaving your yard in darkness. Today, solar lights are powerful and efficient, with many models available for your home.
This buyers guide gives you everything you need to know about installing and using solar lighting systems in your yard.
Why Use Solar Lights?
Previous generations of solar lighting systems were inefficient. It was common for these lights to fade out after a few months. The batteries couldn’t handle to repetitive on-and-off cycle, and most lights produce dim lighting effect t after a few months of use.
New generations of solar lights are far more efficient and effective at lighting up your yard. Progression in LED and solar technology means that these lights no require less energy to operate while producing a bright light that lasts for months on end.
Solar lights can save you money on your monthly energy bill, and they work even if you have a power cut.
- Solar Light Functionality – There is a range of solar lights to suit any application in your yard. If you want a warm, friendly glow to your pathways, a bright security light, or a garden spotlight, there is an LED solar solution for any application.
- Year-round Lighting – Not all solar lights provide year-round lighting functionality. Some lights are not suitable for use in cold weather conditions during the winter. However, most systems are waterproof, and you can rely on them to make it through a storm.
- Placing Your Solar Lights in Your Yard – Most solar lights are versatile, and you can place them anywhere in the garden. However, security and spotlights are only suitable for lighting up dark areas of your yard. Using a security light to light up an entertainment area is a mistake. These bright lights will make conditions uncomfortable for your guests.
- Solar lights also come in mounted or stake options. Most wall-mounted solar lights are either spotlights or security lights. Staked models are for lighting up pathways and flowerbeds as the sun starts to fade in the evening.
- Understanding How Sunlight Affects Conditions – Some high-powered solar lights can charge the battery on overcast days. However, if you want the best operating service from your lights, then they’ll need to charge in direct sunlight. Two or three days of consecutive overcast weather will affect the charging of your solar lights battery.
Varieties of Solar Lights
There is a vast selection of solar lighting options available for your yard. Use this guide to help you understand what lights will suit your needs and garden.
- Garden light Accents – Accent lighting involves the use of soft lighting in areas of your garden, such as walkways and paths. Accent lighting is not meant to be a powerful lighting solution. You use these types of solar lights to provide lighting in flowerbeds, in tress, or around garden ornaments.
- Pathway Lighting – This lighting solution stakes into the ground around the walkways of your home. The lights produce enough luminescence to stop people from tripping or stumbling over pavers or steps in your yard.
- Security and Spotlights – These types of solar lighting systems produce a bright and intense light. Most models come with motions sensors to detect movement from up to 30-feet away. These lights are great for lighting up darker areas of your yard that pose a security threat. Most security lights include a mounting bracket and a separate solar panel.
- Bulb Types – Solar lighting relies on LED bulbs. LED is energy-efficient, producing as much light, if not more, than an incandescent globe. However, the LEDs use far less energy, making them suitable for use in solar systems.
- LED Colors – LEDs come in two colors – warm white and cool white. Cool white light provides a sterile look, and it’s suitable for lighting up your flowerbeds. Warm LEDs produce a light that’s more akin to an incandescent bulb. Warm LEDs suit entertainment areas.
Solar Light FAQs
From our experience, people have the same sets of questions relating to solar powered outdoor lighting systems. We put together this list of frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot your solar lighting issues.
How Long Do Solar Lights Last?
Improvements in solar and LED technology mean that cells and lights now last much longer than previous generations of LED lighting. In the past, you were lucky if you got three hours of service life out of a solar light. Innovations in the sector led to service life’s nearly tripling over the last few years. Today, some solar garden lights can last for up to 9-hours on a single charge in direct sunlight.
Are Solar Lights as Effective as Normal Lights?
In most cases, solar lighting systems can’t offer the same light output as an incandescent or LED light inside your home. However, LED security lights are bright and efficient, making them the ideal choice to replace metal-halide or high-pressure sodium lamps typically used in these types of applications.
Will Solar Lighting Save Me Money?
All solar lights run on solar power, and there’s no need to connect them to a power source. As a result, you get to light up your garden for free, with nothing but the suns help.
How Do Solar Lights Work?
Solar lights work by capturing the suns energy using solar panels. The panels store the energy and use it to power the light when the sun goes down. The panel releases a steady supply of energy throughout the night. As the energy levels start to get low, you’ll notice that your garden light starts to get dimmer and dimmer, until it switches off entirely. When the sun rises the following day, the solar panels recharge automatically.
Do Solar Lights Work on Overcast Days?
Solar panel efficiency is making leaps and bounds. Today, Solar panels can extract energy from sunlight, even on overcast days. However, if you have persistently cloudy weather for a few days in a row, it may affect the solar panels energy collection. This effect results in dimmer light operation at night.
Do Solar Lights Come with a Guarantee?
Most solar garden light manufacturers offer a guarantee or warranty on products. The type of warranty differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some may offer a limited warranty, while others offer replacements or refunds. Check online to see what warranty to manufacturer offers on the unit you are interested in purchasing.
Where Is the Best Place to Use Outdoor Solar Lights?
You can use solar lighting anywhere in your yard. We recommend you use security lights to light up dark corners or areas of your yard where criminals might take cover. Spotlights are excellent for highlighting plants and trees at night, and pathway lighting can line your pool area or walkways around your home.
Do I Need Cool or Warm LEDs?
LEDs are available in two colors – warm and cool. Cool white LEDs have a sterile visual effect that makes them suitable for highlighting the colors in your garden at night. However, they’re a terrible choice for entertainment areas, and your guests may find this light spectrum intrusive. Warm LEDs are better for places around the yard, such as the patio or gazebo.
Conclusion
Solar technology continues to advance, and the recent ranges of solar lighting solutions for the home are impressive. We think that all of the products in this review are worth the price tag.
However, if we had to choose one system, it would be the Enchanted Spaces Solar Light Path. You get an ornamental lighting system that’s ideal for lighting up pathways and flower beds. The light isn’t intrusive, and it provides an excellent service life.
We think that the URPower Adjustable Solar Spotlight is another terrific option. We love the way you can adjust the lighting areas, and the solar panel to suit anywhere in your yard. However, the light is significantly brighter than the Enchanted Spaces Solar Light Path, so be careful about using these lights around entertainment areas.
If you need to secure your property, then we think that the Sunix security light is an excellent option.
Overall, solar lighting for your yard is a cost-effective solution to using traditional lighting methods. Solar options may not offer the same kind of reliability and light strength as traditional electrical lighting, but it’s still sufficient for use in your garden.
Solar lighting systems are also affordable, and most in this review is under $100 for a set. Most products come in packs of two, six, or ten lights, so take that into account when you order. The best part about using a solar set up is that you don’t have to worry about hiring an electrician to set things up. You also don’t have any additional electricity charges on your monthly utility bill.
Select one or two of the lighting solutions mentioned in this review, and light up your life, and your yard, with a solar solution that’s affordable, effective, and stylish.
8 Comments
I really like URPOWER Solar Lights – they are bright and dependable. They light up my dark walk way without having to spend a ton of money on installation of electric lights. On sunny days (including partial sun) they get enough of a charge to stay on all night long. On cloudy days, the light stays on for less time, but still long enough to provide the light that I need. I will be buying some more for the back of the house.
URPOWER Solar Lights even better than I expected! I wanted some light for the backyard when using my smoker, the barbecue, grabbing some lettuce from the garden at dinnertime. In the past I’ve had mini lights going around the fence but they don’t provide much light. Initially I was going to put all four along the back of my house but then seeing how much light they put out I realized I could put one on the back of the house, one of the fence to the left, one at the middle of the back of the fence and one on the fence to the right. As my dog walks around the yard they come on. It’s also going to plenty of light for when I’m putting things on or off the grill or using my smoker which I plug in just behind the house.
These were super bright right out of the box – no sun needed! All you have to do is use the little pin provided to click each one on. To install them it’s just one screw (provided) at the top. They look great and work great AND don’t cost anything to run since they’re solar – perfect!
BEAU JARDIN Solar Lights are very easy to install, simple but quite elegant, very nice affordable lights. It is crazy how just adding a few little lights makes such a difference. They look fantastic.
I have recently purchased LITOM 12. I really like this new and improved design. They look much better then the ones with the detached panel.
It’s a great source of knowledge; I think it will be helpful for lot of people who are looking for best outdoor solar lights. Thank you very much for sharing this article, this is really helpful for me, thanks again!
As a driver, I have tested out a lot of outdoor solar driveway lighting, but it doesn’t make me pleasure.
Any suggestion? Thank you!
Solar lights are great investments because they are easy to install and use; they save energy, and don’t require high maintenance. Many people prefer them because they can provide a brighter light than conventional wired alternatives.
I don’t need to worry about the first time buying a solar light as your post intends to help me choose the most appropriate solar light that could meet my needs.
Litom solar lights are good because they have motion sensors. They are waterproof and look beautiful. After reading your article I have decided to buy Litom.