Best Overall
Brightech Ambience Pro Solar String Lights
Best Bang for the Buck
Aootek Solar Security Lights
Best Path
Beau Jardin Color-Changing Solar Pathway Lights
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Outdoor solar lights simplify exterior illuminance , offering beautiful , functional ignition without the need for wiring . These lights are usable in a diverseness of forms to help ameliorate home safety and security , light up patios and walk paths , or create a intimate glow around yourlawn , garden , or pool . They ’re economical , too , since they harness power from the sun rather than your electrical energy nib .
The biggest downside to outdoor solar lights might be how well - stock the grocery is with easy - to - utilization and reliable choice , which can make finding the correct visible light or set of lights for your prop and esthetic preferences a challenge . To help narrow your option , we spend two weeks testing 10 popular picks and grass them base on installation , light quality , appearance , durability , and value . Our favorite was theBrightech Ambience Pro Solar String Lightsfor their copious yet attractive output , high - quality construction , and easy military operation . interpret on to hear about all of the choice we examine and get ahead crucial insight to aid you select the best outdoor solar lights for your budget and needs .
Outdoor Solar Lights Comparison Chart
Our Top Picks
Solar outdoor lights foregather energy from the Sunday to provide light well into the night . The best outside solar lights are dependable , beautiful , and virtual tools forlighting your gardenor other out-of-door spaces .
Our Ratings : Installation5/5 ; Light Quality4.6/5 ; Appearance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.3/5
The Brightech Ambience solar train lights combine heavy - duty construction with an attractive visual aspect and relatively easy installation . The 27 - foot strand has 12 shatterproof and weatherproof Edison - styleLED light bulbsthat emit quite a little of luminance for up to 6 hours . Although we had to use a few superfluous fasteners to hang them so they did n’t sag , we take account these lights ’ sturdy feeling and vintage style . It ’s also nice that you’re able to put back individual bulbs if they go against or fire out .
Another standout feature article of this stage set is its solar panel , which amount with an adjustable angle mounting square bracket with establish - in choice for attach to a bet , on a squeeze clamp , or virtually anywhere with the addition of a screw . Overall , this is an improbably gracious - looking light source set with plenty of instalment flexibility , smart and spread light , and heavy - duty hardware that assure a long working life .
What our examiner says:“We love just about everything about these lights other than the fact that we now want another hardening to completely ring our patio . Still , one set is a great start decimal point , and the price is right for add up on more as require . ”—Mark Wolfe , Product Reviews tester and writer
Read our full critical review : Brightech Ambience Pro Solar String Lights
Get the Brightech outdoor solar lights atAmazon , Lowe’s , The Home Depot , orBrightech .
Our evaluation : Installation3.5/5 ; Light Quality4.8/5 ; Appearance4/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Value4.8/5
With three utilitarian fashion and almost endless installation options , this four - pack of lights from Aootek offer excellent economic value at an low-priced damage . These bright bloodless LED lights do with screws and anchors for mount almost anywhere , include on wall , deck railings , fence situation , and steps . They have an IP65 rating for dust and pee resistance , and ours sat outside in below - freezing temperature and sporadic rain for several weeks with no ominous effects .
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
While Aootek suggest a runtime of up to 9 hours , these light only outride on for about 4 time of day when go down to always - on mode during tests . The other two modality are motility - sensing ( light turns on high when bodily function is detected ) and movement - sense dim - to - bright ( always - on dim light brightens to high for 15 endorsement when activity is discover ) . Just be sure you choose which modality you want before installation , as the mode clitoris is on the backside of the light and becomes inaccessible once you climb it .
Get the Aootek outdoor solar lights atAmazon .
Our Ratings : Installation4/5 ; Light Quality5/5 ; Appearance5/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Value5/5
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
If you ’re in the securities industry for pathway lights that are both burnished and attractive , look no further . These Beau Jardin solar path lights are made from rust - resistant sword with slurred spyglass nicety that make a beautiful design as they light the ground . While the bright white Light Within is probably unspoilt in terms of profile , you could also alter the lighting ’ yield to lovesome light , aristocratic , hot garden pink , teal , or color - changing mode .
These solar lights are easy to tack by seize the included spikes to the sword Charles William Post and driving them down into gage or landscape gardening . As the sun go under , they flitter to life and cast their intricate mandala - similar patterns on the land . Though many of the lights we test did n’t inhabit up to their manufacturing business ’s runtime claim , the Beau Jardin lights were still shining the next morning and only exclude off as the sun begin to rise . Over the next few weeks , the lights withstood rain and wind , working well even after cloudy days .
Get the Beau Jardin outdoor solar lights atAmazon , Walmart , orWayfair .
Photo: Amazon
Best Step
Audles Solar Step Lights
Our military rank : Installation4.5/5 ; Light Quality5/5 ; Appearance4.5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value5/5
Most solar walkway lights are design to be installed in the reason alongside sidewalks or patios , meaning they do n’t always do a great line of work of illume steps and stairs . The Audles solar step lights , however , attach instantly where stairway treads see risers , offering effective kindling that increases safety without the need for complicated wiring . We installed ours on our concrete whole step using the included stick - on pads , but this six - pack of lights also come with plenty of fasteners .
Since we did n’t get these on our steps until recently in the afternoon on a cloudy day , we did n’t expect much the first dark . But wow , were they shining — even if they only stayed on for about 3 hours . Once they got a chance to sit down under the sun for a full twenty-four hours , they supply effective kindling for our stairway until dawn the next dawn .
Photo: Amazon
The Audles lights are well made and durable , but if you have a wide set of step , you ’ll likely require one sparkle at either end of each step to guarantee enough Light Within . If you have a narrow stairway , putting them on just one side may be sufficient to safely illuminate your course .
Get the Audles out-of-door solar lights atAmazon .
Best Post
Kemeco LED Cast Aluminum Solar Post Light Fixture
Our rating : Installation5/5 ; Light Quality5/5 ; Appearance5/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Value4.5/5
The Kenmore contribute stamp - atomic number 13 solar post may be just the slate for those who want a classic - face light-colored mending . This self - moderate lamp and mount fundament are great for front lawns , gate , drive , backyards , and other outdoor distance . While it outputs plenty of light through each of its four ice - layer crank panels , the visible radiation itself is a pleasant , warm blanched color that feels bright and cozy rather than aggressive and garish .
This was the very first light we install for testing , and since we were n’t exactly quick about screen everything else , it got a good couple of month ’ exposure to a wide range of condition . High temperatures and freezing ones , full sun , cloudy days , wind , rain , and snow — nothing bother this light . We put in it at the corner of our fencing by putting four screws through its base , and it cursorily became a received part of our yard . It turn on dependably every night and stayed on well past the 8 - hour St. Mark mentioned by the producer . The jump on groundwork is also obliterable if you ’d rather put this light atop a 3 - in pole or C. W. Post ( not included ) .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Kemeco outdoor solar luminousness atAmazon .
Best Spotlight
Linkind StarRay Solar Spotlights
Our Ratings : Installation4/5 ; Light Quality4.8/5 ; Appearance4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4/5
Linkind ’s solar landscape inflammation offers brilliant ashen light , two installment options , and horizontal and vertical adjustability in a indestructible IP67 - rat software program . As with many solar twinkle , they mechanically turn on at twilight and off at dawn . They offer three brightness modes for up to 24 hours of runtime , though they only stay on for about 4 hours while set on eminent , and only some units stay on all night long on low-toned .
Still , these lights put out quite a shiny spotlight whether on humble , medium , or high , make them ideal for illuminate deck , driveways , sidewalk , and slough . They do n’t have a movement sensing element , however , so be certain you desire ongoing illumination in whatever location you place them . Included ground stakes make them incredibly ready to instal as footpath lights , but establish them as wall - mounted solar lights is a bit more metre - consume ( though still easy enough for a DIYer who is n’t in a hurry ) . Once they ’re up , they work reliably in all sort of weather condition and temperatures .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Linkind out-of-door solar lights atAmazonorLinkind .
Best Flood
Ring Solar Floodlight
Our Ratings : Installation3.5/5 ; Light Quality5/5 ; Appearance4/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Value5/5
The Ring solar floodlight is a versatile outside solar brightness that render reliable and bright illuminance as well as optional sassy consolidation . This is the only visible light we test that has a backup shelling , and at 1200 lumens , it ’s also the brightest igniter we test . Moreover , it ’s one of the only options whose solar panel is separate from the lightness itself . The two lights on either side of the unit ’s independent trunk are adjustable , as is the motion detector , which has a sensing compass of up to 45 feet . Both the flood and the panel are relatively with child , making this plunk ideal for those eager to enhance perceive and literal security around their homes .
There ’s a flock we ’ve come to like about this light , but we were n’t too keen on it ab initio . As observe , this model consists of two pieces , and both ask induction . Screws are include and the actual process is easy enough , but mounting two pieces is obviously more meter - exhaust than one . The actual battle we had was setting it up as a smart light . We failed to pair our lighter with our existing Ring organisation many times before we realized we were missing an integral bit : aRing Smart Lighting Bridge . This is a separate purchase , but with it , you could enjoy all the features this brawny solar light has to pop the question , including customizable options , mobile notifications , and remote app control .
Photo: Amazon
What our tester says:“This Light Within took us on a journeying . We love Ring products and expected to like this light properly aside , but induction and apparatus soured us a morsel at first . Now that we have it up and endure , we really appreciate the gumption of certificate it provides via lustrous , apparent motion - activated light and mobile notification . ”—Michelle Larson , production Reviews tester and writer
Get the Ring outdoor solar light atAmazon , The Home Depot , orRing .
Best Fairy Lights
Amir Solar String Lights
Our valuation : Installation4.5/5 ; Light Quality4.5/5 ; Appearance5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value5/5
Fairy lights are a flying and inexpensive direction to add ambient glow that ’s more fanciful than usable . With 120 warm white LED incandescent lamp along 39 substructure of pliant pig wire , these Amir decorative solar garden lights bring an alluring storybook quality to any setting .
We ’ve owned two curing of these light : one we ran along the perimeter of a pandemic - made nursery years ago , and the other we instal along our cat ’s outdoor patio just a few weeks back . They ’re gentle to shine in dearest with , and we can see buying more sets to string along railings , across bushes , or around tree trunks .
Photo: Amazon
As solar lights with an IP65 rating , these Light are mean to be outdoors . However , we successfully used them inside for a spell , though they did n’t last as long after charging under intermittent indoor light . When installed outdoors and excite via the power of the sun , these lights regularly last a full 12 hour . Unlike most other lights in this tilt , you’re able to alternate them on even if it is n’t dark .
Get the Amir out-of-door solar lighting atAmazon .
Best Decorative
Kooper Solar-Powered Integrated LED Outdoor Lantern
Our Ratings : Installation5/5 ; Light Quality4.7/5 ; Appearance5/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Value5/5
While many people desire out-of-door luminance for their functionality , others may opt them purely as a decorative statement . For a really sensational look , consider these eco - friendly solar lights from Kooper . They look beautiful during the twenty-four hours and mechanically make a capture floral and dragonfly light pattern at evenfall . The assuasive , affectionate glow they emit lasts for up to 8 hours and complements any backyard , patio , or walkway .
These in an elaborate way pattern visible light are lightweight while at the same time remaining rust fungus - resistant and IP65 water - resistant . Their handles fold down for tabletop exercise or can be cover for hang the lights on trees or small nail . Ours stayed put on an outside hook and low-toned arm without issue during several weeks of wind , rainwater , and snow . While these decorative outdoor solar lantern already come in a face pack of two , combining multiple sets would be an effective way to create a lawful oasis .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Kooper outside solar lights atWayfair .
Best Flagpole
Kayiune Waterproof Solar Flagpole Light
Our evaluation : Installation3.5/5 ; Power4.8/5 ; Appearance5/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Value4.3/5
The Kayiune solar ranging pole light feature 32 LED lights along a ring designed to encircle a pole and illuminate a flagstone from below . The light from the circle of light-emitting diode is uniform and flattering , assist to showcase flags of all sizes and colouring . It fits pole as minute as 2 inches or as wide as 6 inches in diameter .
As much as we like the look of this lightness , we incur the meeting place process more or less tedious . Though the induction steps were nonrational enough , the included instructions were n’t particularly helpful . Just be aware that you need to be capable to splay the ring of assembled light source over the top of the flagpole once you have it together . If your pole is too tall , you ’ll need to put the lights together around the pole itself . Also , the light relies on hose clinch to hold tight to the pole , which take forever and a day to tighten with a screwdriver . If you have a exercise and a 7 - millimeter socket , you may finish this part much more quickly .
Photo: Amazon
We set up the Kayiune in the late afternoon , so it did n’t get the recommended 6 to 8 hr of solar commission before fall , but that did n’t seem to feign its runtime . It lit up like a champion as dusk arrived and rest lit all night . Like many waterproof lights for out of doors , it has an IP65 rating for weewee resistor , and ours fall up faithfully even after we sprayed it forcefully with a hosiery for a full 10 minute .
scan our full critical review : Kayiune Waterproof Solar Flagpole Light
Get the Kayiune out-of-door solar twinkle atAmazon .
Photo: Wayfair
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Outdoor Solar Lights
outside solar lights should be durable , reliable , and useful , so those are the tone we target to evaluate in our trial run . After install each luminance in a emplacement that beget ample sun during the day but would do good from more illumination at dark , we get them charge and waited to see if they ’d flick on once the Lord’s Day went down . We compared their cleverness and time how long each light last . We also looked at these aspects again after a few cloudy solar day and set how the lights get along in less - than - ideal charging term .
We leave behind each visible radiation up for at least four days but some stayed installed for several weeks . They were met with hot good afternoon sun , below - freezing nightlong temperatures , and plenty of wind , rain , and snow . Once we took them down , we drop them on our concrete garage level and test whether all their features still worked as well as they did on day one .
What to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Solar Lights
Outdoor solar lights can function a variety of role , from make a warm and cozy ambiance to providing security department ignition . When shopping for the honest outdoor solar lights for your space , debate the lighting type , cleverness and preferences , charge fourth dimension , runtime , and installation cognitive process .
Type
There are various types of outdoor solar lights . In fact , there ’s a solar version of almost every democratic wired out-of-door lighting type , includingsolar Emily Post detonator lightsas well as the following :
Brightness and Settings
To choose the right brightness level for solar lights , consider their intend use . When lighting a patio dining surface area , dimmer , softer lights will facilitate set the mood . For surety inflammation , the brightest outdoor solar lightness can help oneself start and peradventure place intruders .
scant light is measure in lumens . The in high spirits the lumen , the brighter the lighting . Most indoor dark lightness produce under 50 lumen , while flood lights often acquire around 1,000 lumens . For ornamental illuminance ( like for strand Inner Light and other ambient options ) , under 100 lumen ought to do the trick . useable lighting for paths and step should be around 100 or 200 lumens . For solar - powered security department lights , reckon for options that emit over 700 lumen .
colour temperature and luminousness sometimes go hand in hired man . Warmoutdoor light bulbshave a yellow tone for setting a intimate ambience , and they ’re often on the dimmer side as well . Cool igniter have a whiter or risque hue accommodate for functional or security lightning , which means they also tend to be brilliant .
Photo: Amazon
Some outdoor solar igniter run with a dewy-eyed on / off mechanism , while others have adjustable options and modes . unremarkably find options include adjustable brightness , automatic on / off , ambient sparkle - perception , motion - sense features , and faint show features ( like dash or blink options ) .
Charging Time and Runtime
Outdoor solar light harness vitality throughout the day and usually take around 6 to 8 hours to charge . Once to the full charged , they can run anywhere from 4 hours to more than 10 hours into the night .
Factors like the atmospheric condition and solar panel position can bear upon both the charging time and battery life of outdoor bulbs . When it comes to solar light performance , the sunnier , the better . If you plan on installing solar lights in a shady area , turn over investing in a solar light with a separate solar jury , which can be position in an area that incur more unmediated sun a few feet aside from the lights .
Some solar igniter have an ambient light sensor that can flip-flop them on automatically when the sun sets , while others have manual of arms on / off switches . If electric battery life is a main priority , expect for lights that can be manually check to save power . Another option is motion - sensing luminance , which only switch on when they sense body process nearby .
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
Installation
In ecumenical , out-of-door solar ignitor are designed with ease of installation in mind . They ’re ideal for consumers who require simple light root that do n’t necessitate outside wiring .
Lighting type and intended location will at last check the installment cognitive process . There are many ways tohang outdoor string lights , which can just be draped wherever they ’re want . likewise , staked lights can be easily inserted into soft terra firma . Wall light or deck lights often involve to be mounted , but many come with hardware like screws for this purpose .
When determining an installation location , it ’s also deserving considering how the lights will look during the day . For example , if the lights are installed in an receptive area , prefer for unobtrusive or attractive design that will look just as nice during the day as at night .
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
The Advantages of Owning Outdoor Solar Lights
One of the biggest advantages of outdoor solar spark is their ease of use . Solar exterior lights need little more than a cheery berth to buck — no electric receptacle or extension cables are required . This also provide for more flexibility during placement , since they do n’t need to connect to an outlet . Outdoor solar luminosity can go just about anywhere as long as the solar instrument panel receive enough cheer .
Once installed , outside solar lights are low maintenance . These lights often use long - lasting LED bulb , and some may need a fresh battery only every few years to maintain performance . Like other solar - powered product , these ego - sufficient lights are eco - friendly and wo n’t add a single cent to your electric measure .
In sum , the main benefit of solar - power outdoor lights are :
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
FAQs
Outdoor solar Inner Light boast several benefits over their wired counterpart . They ’re easier to install , more eco - friendly , and wo n’t bring to your electric bill . But if you ’re still wondering if outside solar lights are good for your backyard , pack of cards , or garden , reviewing reply to the following often inquire query might help .
Yes ! gamy - quality out-of-door solar light can operate just as well as their wired alternative . Their only downside is that their performance can be affected by the amount of sun they receive . Some of thebest place to set up solar lightness in your outdoor spaceis along a paseo , on stairwells , or around landscaping features .
It depends on the luminosity . barrage fire life sentence and runtime depend on the character of the solar instrument panel and battery , atmospheric condition , and solar panel emplacement . Some outdoor solar lights have a maximum runtime of over 10 hours , which mean they will last through the nighttime .
Yes , solar brightness level assemble might from the sun , so they ’re an eco - friendly ( and economical ) choice .
Most solar ignitor need several hours of direct sun to charge their electric battery fully . Some outside solar light can still charge in region with collateral sunlight , but their performance and runtime will be diminished .
Whether you provide solar lights on or off is mostly a personal orientation . Many users like their lights to trade on automatically at dusk and , therefore , opt to provide them on . If you ’d wish to moderate whether the light is on or off , keeping it off until you ’re ready for it will be better .
The downside of solar lights is that they need being charged by the sun to officiate right . Very few solar light have battery - backup big businessman , meaning they will not work as effectively if they are not set up in a blank that flummox ample sunlight .
Most outdoor solar lights do not postulate any sustenance other than periodic wiping of their solar venire . Whether they are yourhouse ’s solar panelsor those on asolar generatoror outdoor light , keep them clear-cut of dirt , junk , and dust using a soft cloth or modest soap and piss will help them last as long as possible .
Meet the Testers
Michelle Larson has been a author and editor for more than 10 years in the fields of health , business , and the habitation . Because she ’d rather expend a little more up front than buy a dick or appliance double , she strongly trust in the power of inquiry and reviews for discover quality items that are meant to last .
Glenda Taylor is a product examiner and writer specializing in the construction , remodeling , and genuine estate industry . She tests a wide image of power tools as well as other rest home melioration , household , and lawn - and - garden products .
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product examiner with an extended background in the nursery and landscape gardening industriousness . For more than 20 years he mowed , edged , plant , cut , cultivated , irrigated , and renovated beautiful landscapes . Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor big businessman equipment , hand tools , lawn - care products , and other outdoor - exist goods .
Additional research provided by Jasmine Harding .
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