Outdoor solar lights are a fantastic way to illuminate your yard, garden, or outdoor living space without having to run electrical wiring. Choosing the right solar lights for your needs and setting can make all the difference in terms of functionality and aesthetics. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best outdoor solar lights available and provide tips for selecting the right products for your unique space.
How Do Solar Lights Work?
Solar lights are powered entirely by sunlight through the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels. The PV panels convert solar energy into electricity that charges the light’s built-in batteries during the daytime. At night, the charged batteries power the LED light bulbs, creating a fully autonomous lighting system.
Here is a quick overview of how solar lights work:
- PV solar panels absorb sunlight during the day and convert it into electricity.
- The electricity charges the batteries integrated into the solar light fixture.
- After dark, a sensor detects the lack of daylight and automatically turns on the LED bulbs.
- The charged batteries provide electricity to illuminate the solar LED bulbs throughout the nighttime hours.
- When the sun comes up, the cycle repeats itself with the PV panels recharging the batteries.
This closed-loop system means you never have to hardwire outdoor solar lights or change batteries. As long as the solar panels can access direct sunlight during the day, the batteries will recharge automatically.
Benefits of Solar Lights
Installing solar powered lighting provides many advantages compared to traditional wired lighting:
- Eco-Friendly – Solar lights are powered by clean, renewable energy from the sun. They do not require any electricity and eliminate the need for wires and conduits.
- Cost Effective – While the upfront cost is higher, solar lights pay for themselves over time since they do not have electrical bills associated with them. Added electrical costs for installation are avoided as well.
- Easy Installation – Solar lighting sets up in minutes without complicated wiring. Most solar lights just need to be staked or mounted in a sunny location.
- Versatile Placement – Since no wiring is required, solar lights can be installed anywhere outdoors without proximity to an electrical source.
- Low Maintenance – Solar lights don’t have bulbs that need replacing. As long as the solar panels can access sunlight to charge the batteries, the LED bulbs will continue to operate nightly.
- Enhanced Safety – Solar path, stair, and deck lighting improves visibility at night for safer outdoor navigation. Motion-activated solar security lights deter unwanted visitors.
- Decorative Appeal – Solar lighting offers a range of stylish decorative models to enhance the ambiance and aesthetics of any landscape or exterior space.
Factors to Consider When Buying Outdoor Solar Lights
There are a few key factors to keep in mind when selecting outdoor solar lighting to ensure you choose the best options for your particular setting and needs:
Type of Solar Light
There are many types of solar powered lights available designed for different applications:
- Pathway lighting – Low-profile lights illuminate walking paths, driveways, sidewalks, and garden pathways.
- Spotlights – Direct focused light beams to highlight features or light pathways.
- Step/deck lights – Low-voltage lights mount along steps and decks to improve safety.
- Security lighting – Motion-activated lights deter intruders and illuminate dark areas.
- Wall-mounted – Stylish fixtures designed to mount on exterior walls.
- Floodlights – Provide broad illumination from light mounted high on a pole or wall.
- Solar lanterns – Freestanding units often made of decorative natural materials and designs.
- In-ground – Recessed fixtures create dramatic uplighting effects in landscapes and gardens.
Light Brightness
Consider the brightness level needed for the space the solar lights will be installed. Light brightness is measured in lumens, typically:
- 100 lumens – Accent lighting such as along pathways and steps.
- 400-900 lumens – Driveways, patios, small yards, and security lighting.
- 1000+ lumens – Larger areas including long driveways, backyards, and gardens.
Brighter lights require larger solar panels to power them. Determine the minimum light output needed for safety and visibility in the specific area.
Solar Panel Size
The size of the solar panel directly impacts the brightness of the light. Larger solar panels can charge brighter LED bulbs and battery packs with more capacity. Some key specifications to look for:
- Panel wattage – Choose a solar panel with at least 1 watt of power, but preferably 2 watts or greater.
- Panel surface area – Look for a panel size of at least 6 x 3 inches per light. Larger deck or flood lights will require 10 x 6 inch solar panels or bigger.
- Sunlight requirements – Make sure the solar panel will receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Quality of Lighting Components
Higher quality components lead to brighter, longer-lasting outdoor solar lighting. Some key features to look for include:
- LED bulb type – High-efficiency SMD LED bulbs last the longest. Avoid older COB bulb technology.
- Lumen maintenance – LEDs producing at least 70% of original brightness after 30,000 hours.
- Battery – Lithium-ion and lithium-iron-phosphate batteries handle temperature extremes well.
- Water resistance – IP64 and higher ratings indicate the ability to withstand outdoor environments.
- Light color – Choice of warm (3000K), bright (4000-5000K), and daylight (5000K+) color temperatures.
Top Outdoor Solar Lights
With the variety of solar lights available, which are the best performers? Here are our top picks for solar powered outdoor lighting:
Brightest: Ankace Solar Spotlights
- Two adjustable spotlight heads with 1,500 lumens each
- Dual 15 watt monocrystalline solar panels
- Built-in lithium-ion battery
- Smart motion sensor with auto on/off
- weatherproof aluminum housing
The Ankace Solar Spotlights live up to their ultra-bright 3,000 lumen rating to light up large areas. The two flexible spotlights provide excellent coverage with the ability to angle each light head. They work great to illuminate a patio, large yard, or even dark alleys and barns.
Best Path Lights: Gigalumi Solar Pathway Lights
- Durable polyethylene housings
- 200 lumen output per light
- Monocrystalline silicon solar panels
- Wide light coverage pattern
- Weatherproof IP65 rating
Gigalumi makes our favorite solar pathway lights constructed of durable, corrosion-proof polyethylene. The wide angle illumination spread and unique rippled lens design distribute light evenly. They come with sturdy ground stakes for quick and easy installation.
Best for Security: Sunforce Solar Motion Security Light
- Powerful 500 lumen flood light
- Integrated infrared motion sensor
- 180° motion detection range
- Adjustable light fixture head
- Weather-resistant powder coated aluminum
The Sunforce Solar Motion Light deters intruders with a bright flood light and infrared sensor. The adjustable fixture head tilts to aim the light precisely where needed. It automatically turns on when motion is detected up to 50 feet away.
Most Stylish: Urpower Solar Mason Jar Lights
- Decorative cracked glass mason jar design
- Bronze finished hanging handle
- 4 LEDs plus 1 wider spread spotlight
- Works up to 8 hours per charge
- Waterproof rating of IP44
These Urpower Solar Mason Jar Lights feature lovely cracked glass jar shades with metal hanging handles. The built-in solar panel charges the batteries located at the top of the jar. They give off a beautiful warm glow perfect for backyard patios and gardens.
Best In-Ground Well Lights: Low Voltage Path Lights
- Durable glass lens and aluminum housing
- 10 lumen LED light
- Casts light up to 25 feet
- IP68 rated fully waterproof
- Easy in-ground or well installation
Low Voltage Path Lights are versatile recessed lighting fixtures made to withstand wet environments. Their petite size makes them perfect to line pathways, light stair treads, accent gardens, or brighten up terrain.
Tips for Installing Solar Lights
Follow these tips for properly installing and positioning your new solar powered lights:
- Fully charge the solar lights before first use by placing in direct sun for at least 8 hours.
- Determine the optimal angle for the solar panels to capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day.
- Face solar panels south for those located in the northern hemisphere, and north for the southern hemisphere.
- Remove any obstructions that may block sunlight from hitting the solar panels during peak daylight hours.
- Place motion sensor lights in locations where the sensors will reliably detect movement and avoid false triggers.
- Position pathway lights along the side of the path, not in the center where they may get blocked or damaged.
- Use spotlights to highlight architectural or landscaping focal points for dramatic nighttime effects.
- Check periodically that debris is not blocking the solar panels or LED bulbs and clean as necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do solar light batteries last?
Most quality solar lights will operate for 6-10 hours on a full battery charge. Lithium-ion batteries can last 3-5 years. Extreme hot or cold temperatures can impact battery lifespan.
How much direct sunlight is needed for solar lights?
Solar lighting needs at least 6-8 hours of direct, unobstructed sunlight daily to sufficiently recharge. More sunlight equals a brighter light output at night.
Can solar lights get wet?
Solar lights with water-resistant ratings of IP44 and higher are designed to withstand rain and sprinklers. Fully submersible IP68 lights can be partly or fully underwater.
What are the best solar lights for flower pots?
Small, low-profile pathway lights work well illuminating flower pots. Stick-on spotlights are another option for a focused beam on a specific pot. Configure them to avoid glare.
How do you keep solar lights charged in winter?
Place solar lights in optimal southern exposure to maximize winter sun. Remove snow buildup regularly. Bring lights indoors to charge on sunny winter days.
Do solar lights work on cloudy days?
Solar lights will still charge on cloudy days but may not charge fully. They receive about 25% of potential energy from the sun on overcast days compared to a clear day.
Choosing the Best Solar Lights for You
Outdoor solar lighting provides a versatile, eco-friendly solution for illuminating your exterior spaces without electrical wiring. Evaluate your specific lighting needs and match those requirements to solar-powered lights designed for the application. Look for quality construction and components that will provide long-lasting solar lighting performance. With the right solar powered lights installed in optimal sun exposure, you can enjoy the convenience, safety, and ambiance they provide to your outdoor areas day or night.