The number of households that choose to use solar powered lights is increasing day by day. This should not be surprising given the many advantages that solar lights have over other kinds of lights.
Best Outdoor Solar Lights – Quick Pick
If you’re in a hurry, here are our two favorite outdoor solar lights in this review.
- BlackLemon LED Solar Spotlight – Editor’s Choice for 2019 (best Value for the Money)
- URPOWER Solar LED Lights – (Auto identify day or night, Strong range of motion detector, Lightweight)
If you have a big outdoor area, like a garden, then solar lights are the most sensible choice of lighting.Outdoor solar lights have many benefits. They are easy to install, cheap to maintain, and can save you a big amount in your electricity bill.
If you have come to look in on the best solar lights in the market, you have come to the right place. I have made a list of the 10 best solar lights for your outdoor space in this article. But before that, let us look at how solar lights work and why they are important.
Table on Content
- The 10 Best Outdoor Solar Lights in 2019
- The 10 Best Outdoor Solar Lights Reviews in 2019
- 1. BlackLemon LED Solar Spotlight
- 2. URPOWER Solar LED Lights
- 3. 45 LED Wireless Solar Motion Security Light
- 4. GardenBliss 10 Pack of Outdoor Solar Garden Lights for Your Yard Path Lawn and Landscape Lighting
- 5. OxyLED Solar Light
- 6. GDEALER Solar Outdoor String Lights
- 7. Litom 24 LED Outdoor Motion Sensor Solar Lights
- 8. Holan 12 LED Motion Sensor Solar Light
- 9. Moonrays Payton Solar LED Lights
- 10. BAXIA TECHNOLOGY Solar Motion Sensor Lights
- How do Solar Lights Work?
- Why use solar lights?
- How to choose good solar lights
- The verdict
The 10 Best Outdoor Solar Lights in 2019
The 10 Best Outdoor Solar Lights Reviews in 2019
I have compiled a list of the 10 best solar lights available in the market. These lights have some of the best features there can be in a solar light and I highly recommend them for use.
1. BlackLemon LED Solar Spotlight
Specifications:
Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.6 x 4 inches
Weight: 1.8 lbs
Lithium-ion Battery: 2200 mAh
LED quantity: 4
This solar light is very impressive and even though it is a bit expensive, I think it is well worth the money.
It can be either wall mounted or installed on the ground, and I liked the freedom to choose my installation options. If you choose to mount it on a wall, you do not need to buy additional screws as they come inside the package with the lights.
As this solar light is made for outdoors use, it is weatherproof and is made from thick, durable plastic. It looks like it will stand the test of time. The thick glass on the LED protects the light from damages as well.
Another feature that I liked personally was the built-in solar panel. The solar panel is fairly large, and can store sunlight and emit light for about 11 hours when fully charged.
You can adjust this solar panel so that it faces direct sunlight for optimal charge.Its range is about 10 feet, which is good for a solar spotlight. Additionally, there is a switch to moderate the light intensity, which I thought was a very clever feature. As the package describes, it can be used for your garden or patio area, driveway, and your pool area.
This product will not disappoint you because it delivers everything it promises.
Features I liked:
- Weatherproof
- Versatile installation options
- Good range of light
- Adjustable light intensity
- Working capacity
- Made of durable materials
2. URPOWER Solar LED Lights
Specifications:
Night sensor:10Lux Auto identify day or night
Li-ion battery: 3.7V 900mAh
Auto identify day or night
LED Quantity: 8 LEDs
Dimensions:125*96*50mm
Motion Sensor: up to 3 meter and 120 degree detection range.
This solar light by URPOWER is one of the best motion sensor solar lights out there. It can detect motion from up to 12 feet away and lights on when it senses any motion.
It can be best used in driveways, front doors or even your backyard to scare away small wild animals that disturb you in the night. It detects even the slightest motion and lights up at once, so there is no lag time.
The thing with this device is that it is very lightweight, so you can use double sided tape to mount it up on your walls. But it is still made of durable plastic, so it can resist weather damages pretty well too.
Another thing I really like about this light is that it can give off enough light even if it is charged for only 6 hours. This means that you will find it working throughout the night especially during the winter.
It is impressive that this light covers a considerably big area. It can cover a circumference of up to 25 feet if placed strategically high enough.
With a long lifespan of 5 years, this solar light by URPOWER is definitely an investment you will not regret making.
Features I liked:
- Auto identify day or night
- Strong range of motion detector
- Lightweight
- Made from durable materials
- Long lifespan
3. 45 LED Wireless Solar Motion Security Light
Specifications:
Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 4.5 inches
Weight: 1.5 lbs
LED quantity: 45
Batteries required: No (built-in batteries)
Lumen rating: 450 lumens
This solar light is the epitome of versatile solar light. Magictec solar lights have strong motion detectors that can detect motion up to 30 feet away.
It contains three modes so that you can use the solar light according to where you want to install it:
- Full-on mode. From sunset to sunrise, the solar light will remain on and at full brightness (charge this should be from 8-10 hours). The solar light will automatically turn itself off at daybreak.
- Reduced light mode. After sunset, the solar light will remain on, but at a reduced brightness. When movement is detected by the motion detector the solar light will automatically go to full brightness and remain there for 15 seconds, then the light will automatically return to reduced brightness.
- Motion Detector Only mode. After sunset, the solar light acts solely as a motion detector. The light remains off at all times until movement is detected. When movement is detected, the light will turn on to full brightness and remain on for 15 seconds, and then the light will automatically turn itself off.
The lights are pretty bright when motion is detected and they have a quick response time. When set on reduced light mode, they are quite dim and can be used as accent lights.
This light contains 45 LED lights, so you can rest assured regarding the brightness. I would use these lights for outdoor security lighting because it gives off a bright, bluish white light.
Features I liked:
- Weatherproof
- Versatile with 3 lighting modes
- Easy to install
- Brightness
4. GardenBliss 10 Pack of Outdoor Solar Garden Lights for Your Yard Path Lawn and Landscape Lighting
Specifications:
Dimensions: 14.2 x 10.1 x 5.2 inches
Weight: 3.2 lbs
Type of bulb: LED
Batteries required: Yes (included)
This solar light is a very good bargain given the quality it delivers at the price you pay for it. It comes in packs of 10 lights and includes 20 posts.
I really liked the options regarding the height of the lights. You can either use the tall option and use two posts per light, or the short option using only one post per light. The posts are 4 inches tall, and is the ideal height for either of the two height options.
Decide if the taller or shorter height option will blend in best with your garden or you can even use a combination of both. These lights are very quick and easy to install, and take less than a minute each to do so.
The lights can stay on for about seven to eight hours if fully charged, and give a soft white glow. They are perfect for installing along pathways or driveways.
Another great feature is that these lights are waterproof and can withstand rain and snow. The LEDs have a 20,000 hours life, so you need not worry about replacing these any soon.
The finish of the product looks extremely expensive. It is made out of strong plastic and has a matte finish to it. Overall, a pretty good solar light at a pretty good price!
Features I liked:
- Easy installation
- Matte finish on product
- Long lifespan
- Versatile height options
5. OxyLED Solar Light
Specifications:
Weight: 1 lb
Dimensions: 3.6 x 15.7 x 4.1 inches
Batteries required: Yes (AAA size)
Style: Hummingbird, Butterfly and Dragonfly
Color: Multicolor
Finish: Chrome
This solar light by Esky is probably one of the prettiest looking solar lights available in the market. They come in packs of three, with a butterfly, a hummingbird and a dragonfly light each.
This light changes colors beautifully from red, violet, blue to green and can work from dusk to dawn. The bright colors it gives off is perfect for decorative lighting, especially during spring and summer. I have to admit, looking at this light can be quite therapeutic!
It is very easy to install, and will only take about a couple of minutes to have them up and running. All you have to do is set them up on the spikes included in the package and viola, your lights are ready!
The lights are weatherproof and can stand rain and snow. They are made of sturdy plastic so you do not need to worry about them breaking easily. I would glue the spikes together while installing them so that moving them from one place to another is easy.
They can work for up to seven hours and come on automatically at dark. They look good in almost any place, but I liked to set mine up in my yard and along the flower beds.
All in all, this is a very dainty looking solar light and is also sturdy and strong at the same time.
Features I liked:
- Product design
- Light color changes
- Easy installation
- Waterproof
- Durable
6. GDEALER Solar Outdoor String Lights
Specifications:
Length: 6m
Length from solar panel to first LED: 150cm
Spacing between 2 LEDs: 20cm
Charging time: approx. 12 hours, may be varied due to weather conditions
Working time: 8-10 hours
LEDs: 30 pcs
Modes: steady & flashing
Light color: white/warm white/blue/multicolor
Lifespan: up to 5000 hours
Switch: Power ON/OFF, MODE
This solar light by GDEALER is perfect for festivities like Christmas, New Year or even for day to day use! This is a smart alternative to traditional string lights.
The lights are wired directly to the solar panel so you do not have to worry about setting it up. All you have to do is place it on your garden, porch, deck or gate and set up the solar panel. It is as simple as that.
The length of the lights is 20 ft so it covers a pretty large area. There are 30 waterproof LED lights that can stay on for eight to ten hours.
The lights give a soft glow unlike other types of festive lights that are mostly neon and hard on the eyes. This can be used indoors too, as the length between the first LED bulb and the solar panel is 150 cm so a little strategic planning can transform your whole room on special occasions.
This light has two modes, one where it stays on steadily and another where it flashes on and off. However you prefer your light, it can be used to meet your needs.
With a long life of up to 5000 hours, you can expect these lights to last a long time so it is a smart investment for your festive lighting.
Features I liked:
- Length of string
- Long lifespan
- Lighting modes
- Soft glow
7. Litom 24 LED Outdoor Motion Sensor Solar Lights
Specifications:
Weight: 8.8 ounces
Product dimensions: 6.1 x 4.1 x 1.8 inches
Voltage: 3.7 volts
Color temperature: 8000 Kelvin
Battery required: No
This solar light by Litom is a compact but powerful solar light. Compared to other solar lights, this solar motion light just shines brighter due to the 24 powerful LED lights, which is perfect for security for your home or business accommodations.
The 3 LEDs setup on both sides of the solar lights creates a wider range of luminosity. The maximum lighting angle can reach 270 degrees and can provide very good visibility at night.
Litom Solar motion light comes with a sensitive sensor ballhead, and the recommended installation height is 5.6-6.6 FT. It can detect motion up to 10-26 feet away at a 120 degree angle. This light automatically turns on when it senses the motion.
This light comes with 3 different motion sensor modes: medium light mode, dim light sensor mode and full light sensor mode. You can choose the most appropriate mode for your needs. The light stays on for 8-9 seconds when it detects motion.
It is very easy to install and can be mounted on the wall. A wall plug and screws are provided with the light so no cable or wire is necessary.
This solar light is made of high-impact ABS material and is very sturdy. It is also waterproof so it can withstand rain and other extreme weather conditions.
Features I liked:
- Compact design
- Good lighting range
- Strong motion detector
- Versatile sensor modes
- Easy installation
8. Holan 12 LED Motion Sensor Solar Light
Specifications:
Solar panel:0.65W,17% efficiency
Li-ion battery:1200mAh
LED:1W,6000K-6500K,160 Lumens
Solar charging time: 6-8 hours
Product Dimension: 3.5*4.5*1.5 in
Net Weight:7oz(200g)
Waterproof grade: IP64
Solar panel life span: 5 years; LED Lifespan: 50,000 hours
For those of you who feel skeptical about this solar light given its size, you are in for a surprise.
This solar light by Holan is very bright and provides perfect illumination for your driveway or front door. It has a very strong motion detector and can detect motion from up to 25 ft away and project light up to 20 ft away.
The light turns on only when it detects motion, and it stays on for about 15-20 seconds after it detects motion. This is why this light is perfect for your front porch as it stays on for long enough to unlock your door.
The light is very sturdy and lightweight, and can withstand harsh weather.
I feel this solar light is a good investment as it has a long lifespan as well. The solar panel has a lifespan of 5 years and the LED has a lifespan of 50,000 hours.
Overall, this solar light is a smart buy with its price and the features that come at the price range.
Features I liked:
- Long lifespan
- Strong motion sensor
- Lightweight
- Brightness
9. Moonrays Payton Solar LED Lights
Specifications:
Weight: 2.5 lbs
Dimensions: 15.9 x 4.7 x 4.7 inches
Luminous flux: 2 lm
Batteries required: Yes, rechargeable AA batteries included
Color temperature: 3000 Kelvin, warm white
Another model of a pretty solar light, the Moonrays Payton solar light is a decent solar light for your outdoor decorative lighting purposes.
The light is made of durable plastic and has a hammered glass effect. This means that it gives off a 2.4 lumens “splintered” light effect about 360 degrees and covers up to 12 inches of area.
It is very easy to install. All you have to do is stake it to the ground.
Its charging time is 8-10 hours and can remain fully lighted for around 8 hours.
These solar lights come 8 in a pack pre-assembled and with pre-charged AA NiCD batteries.
One thing that you have to know is that these lights are strictly meant for decorative purposes. They work great for your garden or along walkways and as accent lights. But if you are looking for strong outdoor lighting, this might not be what you are looking for.
Features I liked:
- Lighting effect
- 360 degrees angle coverage
- Easy installation
- Durable materials
10. BAXIA TECHNOLOGY Solar Motion Sensor Lights
Specifications:
Weight: 6.4 ounces
Dimensions: 5 x 4 x 2.1 inches
Batteries required: Yes, 1 Lithium Metal battery
Voltage: 3.7 volts
Wattage: 0.55 watts
Another solar light that exemplifies the adage, ‘good things come in small packages’.
This light by Baxia Technology gives off a very bright white light. It has a strong motion detector and can detect motion up to 30 feet away if placed high enough.
It contains a rechargeable lithium battery and can store enough sunlight to work up to 12 hours if fully charged.
It can be used as a spotlight due to the brightness of the LEDs and I would suggest placing it around the perimeter of your house or on your front porch.
It was manufactured for security purposes. This is apparent because of the brightness of the light and that it stays on for 30 seconds after it detects motion.
It is very durable and its compact size makes it easy to handle. Setting up this light is very easy, you can just tack it on your wall in an area that receives plenty sunlight.
This is a great solar light if you are concerned about the security of your house and are looking to improve it right away.
Features I liked:
- Compact design
- Brightness
- Easy installation
- Strong motion detector
How do Solar Lights Work?
Solar lights use solar-cell technology in a very straightforward manner. Basically, solar cells convert solar energy to electricity by absorbing the sunlight through a silicon semiconductor, which causes electrons to move freely, and thus produces current.
The main components inside a solar light are the battery, the LED and the controller board. The solar cells are directly wired to a standard AA sized battery.
During daytime, the solar cells produce enough power to charge the battery. At night, the cells stop producing power, and when the photo-detector senses little or no light, it activates the battery and turns the LED on.
Why use solar lights?
Solar lights have many advantages over normal lights. Let me list a few of these advantages below:
1. Low energy costs
Solar lights are comparatively less expensive than normal lights because they can help you save money on energy bills. They give the same amount of light as an electric light, but for a much lesser cost.
You will not need additional hardwiring while setting up solar lights, you only need to pay the upfront costs. So they cut down on wiring and other additional costs as well. This also makes solar lights much safer to use around places that are exposed to water, such as a swimming pool.
2. Low maintenance
Solar lights do not need as much maintenance as traditional electric lights do. Since most solar lights are designed for outdoor use, they are sturdy and in most cases, weatherproof.
They also have lesser parts and as a result, you will not need to constantly repair or buy new parts.
3. Environmental benefits
Perhaps the most important benefit of using solar lights is that they are environment friendly. These lights use sunlight and convert it to light energy, and not heat energy. So they do not give off emissions.
Another thing is that since sunlight is a renewable source of energy, you do not need to fear running out of it as opposed to other energy sources like oils or coal.
4. Versatility
Solar lights are extremely versatile. You can use them as you want and as per your needs.
Whether you want to light your outdoors or indoors, solar lights come in a variety of sizes and have different features so that you can get the exact lighting for your home that you want.
5. Easy installation
As I said before, solar lights do not need to be wired. This will save you a lot of hassle while setting up your solar light.
Installing a solar light is very easy. All you have to do is find a good spot, then either hang it or stalk it to the ground.
How to choose good solar lights
There are some things you have to consider before investing in solar lights for your home. These are a few things you should consider:
1. Intended use
One of the first things to consider before buying a solar light is its intended use. What do you intend to do with your solar light? Where do you want to install it?
I have said before that solar lights are versatile in regards to its uses. You can use solar lights to light up walkways, an outdoor space, on your patio for an ambient lighting, or on your driveway.
You need to decide on what solar light to buy with its use in mind. If you are looking to light up a walkway, you could use either low lights or tall lamps. If you want to light up your patio, buying more decorative style of lights, like string lights or blown-glass lights, are the better option.
Once you decide on its use, you can go on to consider a few more things.
2. Brightness
The brightness of the solar light is another important thing to consider. The brightness of light is measured in lumens and it can vary according to each model of solar light. Solar lights generally have a higher lumen rating than traditional lights.
According to its purpose, you need to decide on the level of brightness of your solar light.
If you want to use it to light walkways, you will need about 100 lumens. However, you will need a much higher rating if you want to light a bigger outdoor area. If you are using your solar lights as security floodlights, you will want around 700 to 1300 lumens.
3. Batteries
Solar lights use batteries to give off light. There are mainly two kinds of solar lights available- one with replaceable batteries and another with built-in batteries.
The lights with replaceable batteries have a longer life. You can change the battery after the current battery runs out or stops working.
The lights with built-in batteries must be discarded and replaced with a new one after it runs out of its battery. An upside to this kind of light is that it is cheaper than the battery-replaceable models.
You can choose which type to get according to your needs.
4. Range
The range of the solar light refers to the area it sheds light on. Again, this depends on the model of the solar light.
Some lights have a small range of 2 feet while some have a large range of up to 38 feet. The range of light also depends on its intended use.
You could want your solar light in a small range if you want to light up walkways. Whereas, you will need a bigger range if you want to light up a bigger space or use your solar light as security floodlights.
5. The hue
Since most solar lights use LED bulbs, they will emit a bright white light. If you want a different type of hue, then you need to look for lights labeled as “amber” or “soft white”.
The hue of the solar light will also depend on its use. If you use your solar lights for ambient lighting, then bright white will probably not be a good option. Choose the hue according to the purpose as well.
6. Choosing a style
Solar lighting is available in many different styles that can be fit to illuminate different outdoor areas.
For distinguishing a walkway or the perimeter of a patio, I advise you to use fixtures with ground stakes. Rope lighting is very convenient to wrap around railings, furniture, or even branches to create a focal point. Individual solar lanterns can be fastened to walls or even the trunks of trees to light the way.
Also, string lights come in many colors and material that will create a festive vibe for an outdoor party.
The verdict
Out of all these great solar lights with unique features, I would have to say the BlackLemon 2-in-1 solar light wins my vote. With all its great features like light intensity options and installation options, this solar light is definitely a smart investment for fulfilling your solar lighting needs.
Whatever solar light you choose, make sure it meets your needs and fulfills your purposes well. Please comment below if you know other products that could have been on this list!
