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10 Best Outdoor Solar Lights

The best outdoor solar lights help illuminate your garden and make it more sparkling at night. It also allows you to finish more tasks outside; even when it’s late.

Nevertheless, many people are hesitant because of the increase such addition may cause to their electric bill.

One solution is using solar energy. The best solar outdoor lights save electricity and are environmentally friendly. What are the best outdoor solar lights? 

Garden Products today will help you find the answer. Let's start exploring!

Elissa Sanci
  Jun 6, 2023 10:15 PM
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Types of Products

We can categorize outdoor solar lights (1) into three different groups based on their light output. Each group has its signature features, as well as pros and cons. Considering your requirements beforehand will help you find what suits you.  

Motion-Activated Lights

You can tell from its name that movement is what triggers this type of light. It doesn’t remain activated all the time but only when there is motion detected (2). Thanks to its operation principle, this light helps save a large amount of solar energy.

You often encounter this type of product in lights created for specific lighting needs. An example is when consumers demand a high degree of security.

Under such circumstances, the Aootek Lights or BAXIA Lights is a wise choice. 

Dusk-to-Dawn Lights

Dusk-to-Dawn solar lights also use a sensor for automatic illumination. However, instead of depending on motion, it depends on external light. 

A solar light of this type lights up when sunlight starts to fade. It will remain in its activated state until sunrise the following day. 

Most of the products you see on the market today belong to this group because it provides optimal efficiency and high convenience. 

Some good examples of dusk-to-dawn lights are the URPOWER 2-in-1 Solar Lights and the Greluna Solar Wall Lights.

Timer-Controlled Lights

If you want the highest level of control over your outdoor lighting system, timer-controlled lights are ideal for you. 

The main concern for users of solar lights is how limited the source is. We need to consider lighting duration, more specifically how long the lights work and when it starts working. Timer-controlled lights allow you to control this aspect.

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Last update on 2023-06-06 / Prices / Affiliate links / Images, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Buying Guides

In this section, we will share with you how to shop for the most suitable outdoor solar lights. Keep our buying guides in mind next time you go shopping. 

Installation

Depending on the site of installation, users can choose a suitable kind of outdoor light. 

Path lights are stake-like lights with solar panels on top that you often find on the sides of the main pathway. If you can guarantee that your path receives sufficient sunlight throughout the day, a path light like the Solpex Landscape Lights can be an option. 

Another choice is step lights, with an example of the JACKYLED Solar Lights. You will find these lights helpful on stairs as they illuminate the steps. You won’t have to worry about tripping over when walking around at night.

You can also choose string lights, like the Brightech Ambience Pro Lights. This product consists of a long cable connecting several light bulbs. This kind of outdoor light adds an aesthetic touch to your space. 

There are other kinds of lights with different uses. Examples include spotlights, fence lights, and floodlights. Eventually, it all comes down to where you want to implement your lights. We suggest that you think about this aspect in advance. 

Brightness

Consumers can find out how bright outdoor solar light is through its number of lumens. The larger the figure is, the brighter the light will be.

How many lumens one needs from their light depends on their setting and requirement. The range usually starts from 5 lumens to as much as 350 lumens, with the latter often seen in floodlights.

An example of a good floodlight is the Link2Home Outdoor Solar Light. Another product that deserves your attention is the Richarm Solar Flood Lights Outdoor Remote, one of the best outdoor solar lights with remote control. 

Battery life

Do not forget about how long you want your solar light to last. A standard outdoor solar light can work for 6 to 8 hours after each charging. Yet, there are products whose battery life is shorter, only about 4 hours. 

If battery life is your main concern, opt for motion-activated lights. This type of product only lights up when it detects motion. Thus, it can save a certain amount of energy. 

How We Tested?

When we make our evaluation, we rely on function, brightness, durability, and so forth. Our best outdoor solar lights review is a combination of multiple aspects on which we do our research.

Our ultimate goal is to ensure the products presented will be worthy investments for our customers. Therefore, we integrate various factors to generate a holistic approach to find out the best products. 

Reviews

After testing and researching, we have put together a list of the 10 best outdoor solar-powered lights you can find at the moment. Read on to discover our suggestions.

1. Solpex Solar Landscape Lights - Best for All-Rounder

Solpex Solar Landscape Light (link)

Important Specifications

  • Light fixture form: Path

  • Style: Classic

  • Operation: Dusk-to-Dawn

  • Material: Plastic

  • Type of Bulb: LED

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Reasons to buy

  • Unique design for beautiful lighting pattern

  • Automatic operation

  • Easy installation

  • IP44 waterproof

Reasons to avoid

  • Lights may fade over time

Product's highlights

The solar lights from Solpex receive thousands of positive reviews for their excellent features. They are considered “Amazon’s Choice” in Landscape Path Lights.

The operation is pretty simple. You turn on the switch to charge the lights throughout the day. Then when the sun starts to set, the lights will be activated automatically.

A distinctive characteristic of this model is its ability to withstand extreme weather. With a waterproof rating of IP44, it can function even in heavy rain and snow.

Besides doing an extraordinary job of lighting up your area, the Solpex model is a top-notch choice for decorative purposes too. It boasts a unique design with a cone and double rings to spread the light around.

You have two choices for lighting color, warm white and cold white. Each style has its charms, so it’s all up to you to decide which color better fits you. 

A standard pack comes with 8 lights, but you can choose a 12-light pack if you need more bulbs to illuminate your space. 

Many people encounter the problem of lights not working at night. A possible reason is its position. If the light stands too close to other light sources, it may not work. You can relocate it or get rid of other light sources to solve the problem. 

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2. Signature Garden Solar Lights - The Runner-Up 

Signature Garden Solar Garden Lights 

Important Specifications

  • Light fixture form: Path

  • Operation: Dusk-to-Dawn

  • Material: Stainless Steel

  • Type of Bulb: LED

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Reasons to buy

  • Bright

  • All-Weather/Water-Resistant

  • Simple installation

  • Stable stakes

Reasons to avoid

  • Questionable battery life

Product's highlights

Each pack of this model comes with six 15-lumen lights, enough to cover your path. The light emanating from this product is bright, lighting up your entire pathway with no spot left behind.

You can place these lights along your pathway, or highlight the beauty of your garden. There are several ways to use these lights. You may want more than one pack to light up the area in your style. 

All the lights use stainless steel as their material. Thanks to this high-quality material, they can work well in any weather condition. The durable material also means these lights will work for many years to come. 

With this product, the brand offers a 100% lifetime replacement policy. If there is an error from the manufacturer, you can exchange the light for a brand new one.

In addition to stainless steel, these lights come in black plastic. Of course, plastic lights are less durable, but the difference is minimal. On the other hand, the price is lower. 

You can also opt for an 8-light pack if you have a larger space. 

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3. SUNNEST Solar Outdoor Lights - Best for Budget

SUNNEST Solar Outdoor Lights 

Important Specifications

  • Light fixture form: Path

  • Operation: Dusk-to-Dawn

  • Material: Stainless Steel

  • Type of Bulb: LED

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Reasons to buy

  • Long working time

  • Waterproof IP44

  • Easy installation

  • Wide application

Reasons to avoid

  • The lights may not be bright enough for purposes other than decoration

Product's highlights

The selling point of this product is how much you get at such a reasonable price. The pack contains 12 lights and costs you only slightly over $20.

With 12 lights per pack, you can install it anywhere you want, from your pathway to your garden, yard, etc. These lights will brighten up the area no matter where you place them.

To install these lights, you only need to spend a few minutes assembling them. First, remove the isolator tab under the light cap. Then piece every part together, pull the stakes out of the tubes and push them into the ground. Your lights are ready to illuminate your space!

There are different color choices, including cool white, warm white, multicolor, and white. Note that the last option comes with 16 lights in a pack, making it appropriate for larger spaces. 

Just because the price is low doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice any quality. The lights are weatherproof, with a waterproof grade of IP44. Exposing your lights to rain and snow will no longer be a worry. 

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4. Aootek Solar Lights - Best for Security

Aootek Solar Lights 

Important Specifications

  • Room Type: Patio

  • Operation: Motion-Activated

  • Color: Black

  • Type of Bulb: LED

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Reasons to buy

  • Cool special features (motion sensor, 3-way lighting modes)

  • Ultra-bright LED lights

  • Wide-angle illumination

  • Waterproof IP65

Reasons to avoid

  • The inconsistent quality between different modes

Product's highlights

If you’re looking for an ultra-bright light, look no further. The high-efficient LED lights from Aootek are here to provide you with the best level of security.

This model has three lighting modes for you to choose from:

  • Security mode: The motion sensor turns the light on and off automatically.

  • Permanent On All Night: The light is turned on and stays activated all night.

  • Smart Brightness Control: The light stays activated all night, turns brighter when detecting motion.

Each mode has its perks and suits different requirements. You can alternate based on what you prefer every single day.

The motion-sensing feature on this product is hyper-sensitive. The upgraded Motion Sensor Detector and Greater PIR sensor come together to give users a sensing range of up to 26 feet within an angle of 120 degrees. 

The lights offer high efficiency, with a 20.5% solar energy conversion rate. Thus, the whole unit is much more energy-saving. 

Aootek has specially designed this model so it can withstand even the most severe working conditions. IP65 waterproof and heatproof ensures that the lights always supply utmost security regardless of the surroundings. 

Besides the basic 2-light pack, you have the option of a package with 4 lights.

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5. BAXIA TECHNOLOGY Solar Lights  - Best for Durability

BAXIA TECHNOLOGY Solar Lights 

Important Specifications

  • Room Type: Outdoor

  • Operation: Motion-Activated

  • Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

  • Type of Bulb: LED

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Reasons to buy

  • Sensitive motion sensor

  • Ultra-bright LED lights

  • Long working time

  • Durable materials

Reasons to avoid

  • Recharging may take a long time

Product's highlights

Made of high-strength ABS, the model from BAXIA offers consumers excellent durability. It’s dustproof, waterproof, heatproof, and frostproof. Therefore, you can implement it anywhere outside. 

The motion sensor can detect movement at a distance of 10 to 16 feet, with the angle ranging up to 125 degrees. Once sensing motion, the light will turn on automatically and last for about 30 seconds.

There is no dim mode on these lights. The lights are either on or off. This feature means better vision at night since there will be no misunderstanding from insufficient lighting. It also improves security. 

Each light in the 4-piece package contains 100 LED bulbs. With a brightness of 2000 lumens, this product can be a wise choice for security.

It takes this model anywhere between 6 to 8 hours to recharge. Once at their maximum capacity, the lights can last for up to 12 hours. 

If you find your lights not bright enough, it may be because you haven’t charged them enough. Keep in mind that on cloudy days or in winter in general, the lights will need more time to charge fully. 

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6. URPOWER 2-in-1 Solar Lights - Best for Winter

URPOWER 2-in-1 Solar Lights (link)

Important Specifications

  • Light fixture form: Spotlight

  • Operation: Dusk-to-Dawn

  • Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

  • Type of Bulb: LED

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Reasons to buy

  • Two brightness levels

  • Separately adjustable light and solar panel 

  • 2-in-1 functions

  • IP64 Waterproof

Reasons to avoid

  • The lights may not last long

Product's highlights

The 2-in-1 Solar Lights from URPOWER are, without a doubt, the best outdoor solar lights for winter. You can adjust the solar panels on their own for optimal sun exposure in the winter when sunlight is less available. 

Besides being separately adjustable, the panels are wide, allowing the lights to charge their battery faster. Once fully charged, the lights can generate up to 200-lumen lighting.

This model provides two brightness levels. In low light mode, the lights can work for 10 hours. The number for high light mode is 6 hours. You can choose what fits your case based on the level of brightness you want. 

The 2-in-1 feature means that you can use these lights as either spotlight or wall lights. If you use them as spotlights, use stakes to stick them into the ground. As for wall lights, you can use screws to hang them on the wall. 

There are two light color options, cool white and warm white

Note that the lights will not function in the presence of other lamps. Avoid direct light when you use this product. 

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7. JACKYLED Solar Step Lights - Best for Step Lights

JACKYLED Solar Step Lights 

Important Specifications

  • Light fixture form: Path/Step

  • Operation: Dusk-to-Dawn

  • Material: Stainless Steel

  • Type of Bulb: LED

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Reasons to buy

  • Bright light

  • Easy installation

  • IP44 waterproof

  • Wide application

Reasons to avoid

  • Some lights may have a problem staying on throughout the night

Product's highlights

The Solar Lights from JACKYLED require no expertise to get set up. You can install it on any ground as long as sunlight reaches that area. Besides being an excellent step light, this model can work on the pathway, deck, yard, and so on.

Each light features 3 LED bulbs. Together they generate impressive brightness to light up every single step of yours. 

Compared to other products, this model takes a shorter time to fully charge. The 2V 120MA wide solar panel absorbs sunlight much better.

Moreover, the 1000mAh battery on this product allows it to work longer than other 200 to 600 mAh lights. The battery is also replaceable. When the quality deteriorates, you can buy another one instead of changing the whole light.

The supplier uses stainless steel for the entire unit, with an extra durable shell for better weather withstanding. IP44 waterproof allows the light to function even in wet conditions. 

In addition to the standard white light, you can opt for warm light, blue, green, or orange for more colorful and vibrant lighting. 

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8. Brightech Ambience String Lights - Best for String Lights

Brightech Ambience String Lights 

Important Specifications

  • String length: 27 feet

  • Material: Rubber

  • Type of Bulb: LED

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Reasons to buy

  • Aesthetic design

  • Shatterproof S14 bulbs

  • Weatherproof with signature WeatherTite technology

Reasons to avoid

  • The bulbs may not be bright enough

Product's highlights

The Brightech product is a stylish addition if you want to create a vintage bistro ambiance right at your home.

The 27-feet string includes 12 replaceable LED bulbs, with detachable solar panels that you can adjust for better exposure to the sun. The lighted portion is 20 feet, enough to light the space up aesthetically.

The flexibility of this model makes it a suitable lighting option for special events like birthdays or weddings. The soft light will set a gentle mood for every participant. 

All of the bulbs have plastic shells which are shatterproof. They also have a maximum heat resistance of 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Say goodbye to the constant fear of your lights breaking while it’s working.

Brightech has its WeatherTite technology to ensure that its product can withstand harsh weather conditions. Winds of up to 50MPH, heavy rain and snow, nothing these lights can not endure.

Besides the standard 27-feet string, you can choose one with a higher length of 48 feet

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9. InnoGear Solar Lights - Best for Spot Lights

InnoGear Solar Lights 

Important Specifications

  • Light fixture form: Spotlight

  • Material: High-impact ABS Plastic & High-Efficiency Monocrystalline Silicon

  • Type of Bulb: LED

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Reasons to buy

  • Separately adjustable light and panel

  • Two lighting modes

  • Long working time

  • High solar energy conversion rate

  • Easy installation

Reasons to avoid

  • Lighting quality may decrease over time

Product's highlights

If you’re looking for the best outdoor solar spot lights, there is no better choice than this model from InnoGear. With bright LED lights, it can illuminate your area even on the darkest nights.

There are two working modes, high and low. In high mode, you get a maximum of 6 working hours. Meanwhile, you have twice as much (12 hours) in low mode.

The unique design lets you adjust the lights and the panels on their own instead of monitoring the whole unit. You can rotate the panel up and down for as much as 180 degrees for efficient sunlight capturing. The light head is 90-degree rotatable, letting you point it in any direction you desire. 

The standard way of installation is staking them into the soil. However, you can mount them onto your wall for another lighting option. 

With advanced technology, these lights can convert solar energy at a rate that is 30% faster than old versions. This upgrade is essential in saving time as users won’t have to let it charge for long periods. 

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10. Greluna Solar Wall Lights - Best for Wall Lights

Greluna Solar Wall Lights

Important Specifications

  • Light fixture form: Path/Wall

  • Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

  • Type of Bulb: LED

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Reasons to buy

  • Two-color modes

  • Easy installation

  • Weather-resistant

  • Multi-functional

Reasons to avoid

  • Lighting may weaken over time

Product's highlights

The Greluna solar lights incorporate two color modes into one single unit. For day-to-day use, you can use the standard Warm White. When you want to add some festive decoration, Color Changing mode is the way to go.

If you want something warmer for daily lighting, you can choose Yellow lights instead of Warm White. Either way, you still have the option of Color Changing.

Although the description categorizes this product as path/wall lights, you can use them for multiple purposes.

You can install them in your driveways or on the fence. They can become the best outdoor solar lights for trees if you want them to be. 

The material used is high-quality ABS. With this type of material, all the lights are much more durable. The performance is consistent in different weather conditions. 

The average charging time for the Greluna product is 6 hours. You should ensure sufficient charging time so your lights can work to their maximum capacity, which is 8 hours of continuous lighting. 

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FAQs

1. Do outdoor solar lights need direct sunlight?

Direct sunlight allows the solar lights to charge faster and store more energy. As a result, they can work longer at night.

Nonetheless, they still charge in indirect sunlight. It will take more time, and they will collect less energy, but it doesn’t mean they won’t work.

2. How many lights do I need for my space?

The larger your space is, the more lights you need.

It’s important to remember that a standard pack of 12 lights can light up an area of a 27-foot strand. You can roughly decide on how many lights you need from this starting rule. Yet, we advise you to check for information on coverage from the product’s specifications.

Check this video out to see how different types of outdoor lights fit into different spaces:

3. How long do outdoor solar lights last?

In general, they last for up to 4 years. The number, however, varies depending on models and brands. Some suppliers offer batteries to change. Meanwhile, with other brands, you have to purchase a brand new set of lights. 

The lifespan of solar lights also depends on how you use and maintain them. If you don’t expose your lights to extreme conditions, your lights can work for a longer time. Cleaning your panel regularly helps, too. 

Final Words

We have introduced to you the 10 best outdoor solar lights. Besides, we have also given you in-depth reviews of each model. The ultimate winner is the Solpex Solar Landscape Lights, but you can choose what suits you the most based on your requirements.

We hope our best outdoor solar lights review has made the decision-making process easier for you. 

Thank you for your time. See you in the next update!

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