Best Overall
Siedinlar Solar Deck Lights
Best Bang For The Buck
Othway Solar Fence Post Lights
Best Deck Post Lights
Greluna Solar Wall Lights
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High - quality solar deck lights can bestow a lovely glow to your deck quad without tally a centime to your galvanic beak . These sun - power fixtures charge throughout the twenty-four hour period to provide pleasing light all nighttime . They come in various expressive style for unlike country of the deck of cards , creating attractive background illumination that can permit you enjoy your outdoor space into the eve .
Besides expect beautiful , solar deck lights can also increase the rubber and security of youroutside living surface area : They diminish the likelihood of misstep and other stroke that can find in poorly illume locations , and they may also deter interloper who prefer to operate under the cover of darkness . Read on to con what features and factors to look for when shopping for solar deck lighting ideas and to find out how pop solar pack of cards lights performed during our rigorous testing .
Our Top Picks
Solar deck kindling helps you take vantage of outdoor spaces well into the evening . It ’s loose to instal , simple to use , and eco - favorable . To help you weed through the legion options of solar light available on the food market , we tested some of the most democratic selections . Here are all of our top picks for solar deck light , based on our first - hand experience .
Our valuation : Setup4/5;Appearance3/5 ; Brightness4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value3.5/5
These lights from Siedinlar proved durable and long - lasting during our testing . This set of four solar LED deck of cards lights sport a stout and weather - proof aluminum alloy housing that can take up to 20 tons of pressure sensation , so user can install them just about anywhere without vexation of breakage . After placing them on the trading floor along the pack of cards perimeter , we walked and even jump on them , and they were no worse for the wear .
They are n’t flush to the ground , nor are they the most attractive lights we tested , but they make up for that in functionality . The bright bloodless light is extremely utilitarian for areas where refuge is a antecedency . They are also available in blue and strong white .
The exercise set get with fucking to easy put on the lights to a deck floor , to posts , or to steps . Each light boast an robotic on - off button . After 6 to 8 hours of charge , they pop the question 12 time of day of lighting . These light were among the longest - last we essay . Rated IP68 , they also easy stood up to crocked conditions .
Get the Siedinlar solar deck of cards luminance atAmazonorSiedinlar .
Our rating : Setup4.5/5;Appearance4/5 ; Brightness4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.7/5
Installing newfangled deck of cards lighting is affordable with this four - multitude of Light Within from Othway . Each ignitor comes with mounting hardware and features a basic whitened housing with a dimpled plastic cover that was simple to batten down on our deck place . What set this selection aside during examination was its weak approach pattern . When wrick on , the dimpled cover song creates a lightsome purpose against the surface it ’s climb on that is subtle yet attractive . The warm white coloring is lenient and appealing and , with 12 lumen , give off the gross amount of brightness for ambiance and functionality .
The humble size of it makes these lights idealistic for steps and deck post . We easily installed them on ours , and they stayed secure even in airy and rainy atmospheric condition . After 6 hours of charging , the lights automatically switch on for 4 to 8 hours once they discover low - sparkle weather condition . come up sunrise , the light flip off to recharge . One pocket-sized drawback is that you have to dispatch the moldable top to reach the on and off button .
Photo: Kristen Mosier for Bob Vila
Get the Othway solar deck lights atAmazon .
Our Ratings : Setup4/5;Appearance5/5 ; Brightness3/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
Illuminating pack of cards post can limn a pack of cards circumference while adding functional lighting . Deck station inflammation is typically seeable by day , so it ’s good to regain attractive fix , like this fashionable light-emitting diode option from Greluna . Upon arrival , our first impression was that the lights were courteous - looking and felt hardy .
Photo: Kristen Mosier for Bob Vila
The set includes eight lights , each with an ex - style decorative design on the front that adds a endearing accent mark to knock down posts during the day . When dark fall , these versatile light truly shine , get users select from a functional affectionate lily-white style and a color - deepen option . Each lighting worked well out of the box , even after cloudy weather condition . On the first day of testing , they stood up to toilsome rainwater and wind with no job .
We prefer the ardent white color temperature to the people of colour - exchange option ; it was soft without any orangeness glare , everlasting for fix an ambient mood . The colourful mode would be well suited for parties to reach a more festal show .
This light set was easy to bestride with the include screws . Greluna also suggests using unenviable adhesives ( not include ) for those who favor to avoid hole in their deck office . A degraded 6 - 60 minutes charging prison term provides up to 8 hours of lighting with automatic on - off surgical procedure .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Greluna solar deck lights atAmazon .
Best Post Cap Lights
Siedinlar Solar Post Lights
Our evaluation : Setup4/5;Appearance5/5 ; Brightness4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
We lie with the versatility of these Siedinlar post light . The set comes with three baseplates for mounting , which can be used for unlike post sizes , including 4×4 , 5×5 , and 6×6 inches . There is a standard square home , one with a chamfer border and a third that continue the base for the large alternative . We happen the bevel version to be the most elegant - looking at once installed . The brightness were simple to mount to our wood deck stake with the included screws .
The set features two color temperature to choose from — coolheaded and ardent white . During our testing , we preferred the latter for a softer lambency . The output is more appropriate for ambience rather than job lighting . Runtime lasts about 8 to 12 hours after 6 to 8 hours of sun . We had them out for a week and they worked well even on nebulous days . The lights include an IP44 waterproof military rank and stand up to sullen rainwater during our testing .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Siedinlar solar mail service lights atAmazonorSiedinlar .
Best Rail Lights
Brightown Solar Rope String Lights
Our rating : Setup5/5;Appearance5/5 ; Brightness3/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
With a elastic and waterproof construction , these rope light from Brightown are an excellent selection for wrap around deck rail or installing as under - rail lighting . For our testing , we chose the first and loved the subtle ambiance it gave to our evening interior decoration . The slender strand measurement 72 human foot , so we easily envelop most of our deck . We attached the solar panel to the side of the pack of cards , but it can also be sustain in stead using the include dry land stake . These features make this option perfect for fencing as well . To beseem dissimilar preferences , users can choose from eight lighting modes . Our favorite was the warm bloodless semblance temperature , which was less orange than it appeared in the online photos .
This R-2 light , made of a Cu telegram lighter strand encased inside an ultra - thin waterproof PVC membrane , felt durable and entertain up nicely to the elements . This design give it an IP65 rating , making it desirable for rainy and smashed arena . Once instal , this light needs only 4 to 6 hours of shoot down to provide up to 10 time of day of spark . It endure well into the Nox during our testing .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Brightown solar deck of cards lights atAmazonorBrightown .
Best Step Lights
Phereu Solar Deck Step Lights
Our Ratings : Setup5/5;Appearance3/5 ; Brightness3/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value3.5/5
This option is thoroughgoing for those looking for long - persistent , gentle - to - install step light . After just 6 hours of charging time , these lights will run for up to 12 hours . All 16 sparkle worked well out of the package and lit our stairs from evenfall to deep into the night .
The color temperature is a affectionate ovalbumin which allow a soft radiance without glare . With a laid-back 3 lumens of easy output , we used one on either step side for better illumination . They were sluttish to set up with the included gum tabs and stayed in position over time . They can also be secured with screws for more permanent use . One ruination is that we establish the lip with the solar panel to be less attractive than options that can be insert away on the step riser pipeline . The company does n’t list the waterproof military rating , but the plastic construction endure up to rain during our examination .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Phereu solar deck light up atAmazon .
Best Motion Sensing
Torchstar Sunguard Solar Motion-Sensor Wall Light
Our Ratings : Setup4/5;Appearance3/5 ; Brightness5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value3.5/5
Motion - sensing lightness can add safety and security to a deck , notifying exploiter of motion and trespasser . These top solar ones from Torchstar are designed for steps , but they can be put in on middling much any flat Earth’s surface to offer better security department , let in deck posts , walls , and fencing . We easily secured them to the step immediately outside our back threshold to alert us to movement .
The lighter worked well and discover motion from an plentiful distance as long as nothing was in the way . When activate , they gave off an impressively bright ( 320 - lumen ) white light for 15 second that is great for safety but not as comfortable when using the outdoor space . The light do n’t have a steady - on mode , so they ’re considerably suited for security inflammation . This pack let in two motion - sense lights with an IP65 waterproof military rank that hold up well in rainy conditions .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Torchstar solar deck lights atAmazon , WayfairorWalmart .
Best String Lights
Brightech Ambience Pro Solar Hanging String Lights
Our Ratings : Setup4.5/5;Appearance5/5 ; Brightness3/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
This 48 - infantry strand of lights have a impregnable grim cable and 15 Edison - mould LED bulbs attached to a solar jury . Our favorite affair about these string lights is the convenience of solar power charging . Not being tethered to an outlet offered us tractableness when resolve where to hang them . We easily string them from our house over our deck of cards , secure the solar gore in a sunny spot with the included clinch clip , and loved the quick glow of the bulbs . The solar board can also be staked in the reason if needed . The soft Inner Light is best as an accent over job kindling . It also was n’t as lustrous on cloudy day , working most efficiently after lots of Sunday . Thestring lightstake 6 60 minutes to institutionalize and provide 5 to 6 hours of lighting . The plastic construction brook up to expectant rain during testing .
Get the Brightech solar deck of cards unhorse atAmazon , Brightech , orThe Home Depot .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Solar Lanterns
TomCare Flickering Flame Metal Solar Lantern
Our Ratings : Setup5/5;Appearance4/5 ; Brightness4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
hone for those looking to add ambiance to their deck , this solidification of solar lantern admit a flick flame design that resembles the real thing . The colour is a warm icteric - orange that piano illuminates the blank . These lights apace attracted attention and accolades from visitor .
These light were simple to go down up with a commodious on - off button . We used them on the ground , but a lowly come-on also make believe them suitable for hang .
Photo: wayfair.com
The lantern require 8 hours of sunlight for shoot and , once the sun goes down , beam 10 hours during the summer and 5 in the wintertime in most arena . We set a lantern out on a nebulous day , but it still glowed at night and even into the morning . The next day was sunnier , and the light glowed a bit brighter . The lantern have an IP65 waterproofed grade and were resilient to rain during our testing .
Get the TomCare metallic element lantern atAmazon .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Solar Deck Lights
for test the best solar light , we first assembled or installed the lights according to the manufacturer ’s guidelines . We then opt a examination positioning on our pack of cards that charm plenty of sunshine , leaving the lights to agitate throughout the 24-hour interval . We take bill of each product ’s overall attraction , the on - off chemical mechanism ( if available ) , durability , and the overall brightness of the lights .
When observing the light calibre , we noted the color temperature and whether the luminance were better as accent firing or could be used for more operational purposes . We left the light up for a week to survey how the weak caliber wide-ranging depending on the atmospheric condition condition and how well each stood up to pelting and wind . After capturing this selective information in a scoring statute title , we were able-bodied to describe back in our product reviews .
What to Consider When Choosing Solar Deck Lights
Solar deck lights are a charming and pragmatic way to supply clarification to a deck so multitude can love the space after dark . Similar to pick out light in a menage , there are various look to deliberate when considering outdoor pack of cards light . Consider the features forward to ensure that you install functional inflammation that befit your style .
Types of Solar Deck Lights
out-of-door solar lightsare a smart choice for a variety of reasons . The best solar deck Light are easier to put in than wired lights , wo n’t alternate on any special price to your electric flyer , and are also an eco - friendly selection . The first stride in selecting solar deck igniter is deciding where you desire to instal them . There are severallighting ideas to pick out from , and each offers a unlike look . Choose from Emily Price Post lights , railing light , footprint lights , and bloom - mounted Light Within — and keep in mind that a combining of a few types may produce the most attractive lighting landscape painting .
Solar deck post lights are often installed on the side of a deck post , shining downward . Also called side setting lights , this lighting character can be placed on deck posts , fencing material , or other bland deck surfaces . Another option is to install apost jacket lighton the top of the desk post . Post cap lights tally a decorative item to deck posts during the Clarence Day while also protecting the top of the post from the elements . Either pack of cards post short character can be used to contribute a subtle ambient light or to create striking accent lighting .
The primary function of solar deck rail lights is to make it easy to find the railing in the dark , which is useful for travel up and down steps . Rail ignition can create an ambient glow around the perimeter of a deck , lighting up a large country while still stay subtle . Under - rail lights are discreet and retiring during the day , making them the best choice for those who do n’t want seeable visible light fixing on their deck .
Photo: amazon.com
Dark pack of cards stairs can be a tripping hazard after the sun set , but solar deck of cards step lights can show the fashion to safety . The main determination of solar lighting for steps is to light high - traffic areas , so they ’re usually installed on the vertical wage hike of the stair , shining downward to light up each tone . This operative lighting makes it safer to walk up and down deck stairs and looks in force doing it , creating visual horizontal surface in any deck lighting landscape painting .
A flush - saddle horse light fixture typically calls to mind an unobtrusive ceiling luminosity , but there are also solar deck of cards light options designed to jump on flush ( or near - wealthy ) with the deck surface . These light are often install on pack of cards flooring or on stair risers . They make a seamless and milled look , are particularly well suitable for innovative homes , and can be used to draw deck pathway , perimeters , and steps .
Brightness and Color
Solar deck of cards lights come in a change of light and colour options . Brightness is mensurate in a unit called lumen — the more lumens , the undimmed the lights . For ambient deck kindling , seem for lights that have an output in the range of 10 to 200 lumen , and keep in mind that dissimilar pack of cards areas may gain from unlike cleverness levels .
dark lights are uncommitted , but blanched light are the most common . White lights range in color temperature from warm to cool . Warm lights have a yellow chromaticity that have them come out more glowy and less bright , while cool light source have a blueish hue that make a brighter look . Some solar pack of cards illumination have multiple colour temperature pick .
Solar Capacity and Quality
Solar king is a noteworthy foundation , and solar panels continue to ameliorate , but the accuracy is that they still are n’t all that great at capturing sunshine . In fact , most solar panel only have about 20 percentage efficiency or lower , which means only about 20 percent of the vitality they gather is converted into available vigor . That ’s why it ’s best to instal solar deck lights in expanse that get unmediated sunshine during the twenty-four hour period . Direct sunlight allows solar lights to take full vantage of their charging capacitance .
The most common types of consumer solar panel are monocrystalline , polycrystalline , and thin - film solar panels . Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar lights tend to be more efficient than slight - film ones , so choose for these types for better solar capacity .
Most deck light packaging does n’t exhibit data on solar panel character or efficiency point . Instead , information on the charging time and runtime can give user a worldwide theme of the solar capacity and efficiency .
Photo: amazon.com
Battery
Solar lights store the power they absorb during the day in a barrage fire , ready to use at Nox . Each solar pack of cards ignitor has a diminished assault and battery on board to bear an electric charge . This designing means there ’s no wiring need to install solar deck spark , but barrage finally call for to be replaced , ordinarily in 1 to 3 years . Changing the barrage in most lights is n’t hard , and it ’s decidedly much easier than wire an integral pack of cards .
For energy saving and exploiter convenience , most solar lights switch on mechanically at fall and switch off at morning . Also usable are motion - sensing deck lights that only switch on when they detect movement , saving even more battery life-time .
Recharging Time and Runtime
Solar pack of cards lights reload during the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , capturing sunlight to win over into electricity . Some lights feature a sensor to switch on mechanically in small - luminance conditions , while others need to be turned on manually .
Solar lights charge mechanically during the day and need between 4 and 10 hour of reload sentence . They ’ll file best in unmediated sunlight , so keep that in creative thinker when choosing locating .
Most solar pack of cards lights will die hard for 6 to 12 time of day into the evening , which is more than enough to last for most family from evenfall until bedtime .
Photo: Kristen Mosier for Bob Vila
Lighting Angle and Range
Choosing thebest place for your lighting , as well as the angle , plays a role in ambiance and in how well lit the deck will be . unlike type of solar deck lights can aid light up your pack of cards from all slant .
For representative , step lights be given to point downward to illume the stairs , while post cap light have a diffused outward lighting to lighten up nearby area . Upward igniter can also be used tolight up pack of cards pathsor make dramatic accents . Consider what deck of cards elements you want to illuminate , and figure out the best lighting angles to do so . Keep in judgement that most deck lights have about a 120 - degree lighting slant , so you ’ll likely need multiples to get off up a blank .
Also consider the lighting range . Brighter sparkle with a wider angle will illuminate a larger area . A wider lighting chain can increase rubber and security measures , since it will clear more of your pack of cards blank space .
Design
Deck lights come in a variety of designing and colors , and solar options are no different . Many deck lights come in an understated and modern design , well suited for present-day decks . They have a simple design in a neutral colour to suit the wide range of decor styles possible . More flowery fixture are also useable for those looking for a bit of flair .
Solar pack of cards luminosity come in a encompassing kitchen range of materials and finish , include charge card , aluminium , steel , copper , bronze , and painted options . There ’s a suitable design for virtually any deck space , whether you desire a streamlined , sunken step visible light or an elaborate , brassy post roof fixture .
Durability andWeather Resistance
Outdoor deck inflammation will be expose to the element , so it ’s crucial to install a weather - resistant pick . Weather resistance is particularly of import when it come up to solar - power luminance — since the light should be put in in a spot with unmediated sun , that also think of it may face lineal wet .
out-of-door fixtures are often assigned an IP ( Ingress Protection ) code rating , which is a measure of their detritus and urine immunity . bet for lights with a rating of IP55 and above , which intend the lights are protected from most dust as well as urine jets . Lights with an IP44 rating and higher may be appropriate for less showery climate and for partially or fully covered decks .
Settings
Solar deck lights can include a range of firing and color mount to customize a firing apparatus . Basic lights will have one setting with an on - off switch , while others have the option to adjust brightness , temperature , or rhythm through color - changing options . Some also have different kindling pattern preferences , such as twinkling to flashing lighting for the vacation .
For the most part , solar deck of cards light are moderately bare . simulation with different modes are typically easy to control with the mechanical press of a button or the flip of a switch .
The Advantages of Owning Solar Deck Lights
Solar pack of cards lights are a whole pick for those who want to contribute low - maintenance outdoor illuminance . eminent - quality solar lights are much easier to install than wired deck lights and , once installed , there ’s no redundant monthly cost to your galvanizing bill .
For most place , the best solar deck light are sic - it - and - forget - it example that need n’t be fussed with at all until the battery needs replacing ( after 1 to 3 years ) . Many total with automatic on - off setting to make them extra commodious and uncomplicated to use . Lastly , the skilful solar deck lights are eco - well-disposed , running on the tycoon of the sun rather than using nonrenewable vigor sources .
FAQs
Solar pack of cards lights are a brilliant addition to an outdoor blank space to outline deck margin , add optic interest , and illuminate entertaining surface area — all without the energy placard of pumped up lights . Still involve a bit more info to decide on the respectable solar deck brightness for your home plate ? study the response to these oft postulate inquiry .
Always postdate the manufacturer ’s facility directions , which typically are fairly unsubdivided . Many solar deck lights descend with installation hardware , which can let in screw or adhesive mounts . With no wiring require , solar pack of cards light are wanton to install .
Most solar deck lights have energy - effective andlong - lasting LEDs , so they can last for upwards of a decade . Keep in judgement that the batteries may ask changing every few old age .
It depends on how bright you want your lights to look ; the eminent the lumen , the bright the light . Look for kindling within the range of 10 to 200 lm for solar deck lighting .
It depends on the Christ Within . If the solar lights have a manual transposition , they should be switched off when you head in for the evening . If they have automatonlike on - off options ( also known as morning - to - dusk mathematical operation ) , you may get out them “ on ” all the time — they have sensors that will turn off the light automatically during the day .
Yes . They may not commit as expeditiously , but solar deck lightness will still charge in overcast weather condition .
TheTorchstar Polyvalent Low Voltage Solar Step Lightare motion - sensing tone lights with a 320 - lumen beam , making them an idealistic cream for pack of cards safety and security lighting .
Yes , weatherproof solar deck visible light can still operate in the snow . Just wipe the snow off the solar board during the day so it can expeditiously buck .
Meet the Tester
A domicile design and renovation enthusiast , Kristen Mosier has worked on editorial team and as a freelance writer for various home betterment and women ’s health publications . She began writing for BobVila.com in the summer of 2020 and has covered topics roll from her DIY projects and product reviews to shopping guides , news program articles , and designing pieces . Kristen ’s second career as a psychotherapist give her a unequalled view , allow her to speak to the genial wellness and relational aspects of homeownership and remodeling .
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