It could be beneficial to consider setting up varied lighting solutions in various spots within your house. Such positions could comprise walkways, below or on staircases, above doorways, and many more. The possibilities are infinite.
However, finding an outlet to plug in all these fixtures can get a little tricky, especially if they’re far from the house. This is the leading reason why so many people prefer using outdoor solar lights instead.
Not only are these outdoor solar lights budget-friendly and eco-friendly, but they also don’t need to be plugged into an electricity source. Why? Simply because they don’t use any electricity. A plus, since you don't have to worry about your electricity bill.
These outdoor solar lights not only help you find your bearing outside while in the dark, but they also work great at complimenting your exterior and landscape. Additionally, they are so easy to install. To install, you only need to insert them on the ground, and you're all set up.
Outdoor solar lights come in a wide range. They include everything from regular area lights to floodlights, spotlights, wall lights, and others.
Most outdoor solar lights automatically turn on at dusk, using the solar energy they collected during the day to illuminate all night long. This means that you can use them for aesthetic and security purposes.
As a bonus, some outdoor solar lights will come with intelligent features like remote control through an app on your device and motion sensors. Here are some top recommendations for the best outdoor solar lights in the market.
The Best Outdoor Solar Lights for You
1. Signature 6 Pack Solar Garden Lights
- SIX (6) LIGHTS COVER YOUR PATH! Bright clear light shines forth...
- NO-HASSLE INSTALLATION! Simple, EASY installation out of the box!...
- 100% SOLAR-POWERED! Save money on electricity when you use the...
- WEATHER-RESISTANT! No worries about rain, snow, frost, or sleet....
- GARDEN BEAUTY! Beautify your outdoor garden, pathways, and...
Solar garden lights provide a wonderful low-light ambience and great focus on your lovely garden. It provides such an aureate garden light illumination, especially when dusk descends, to your pathways, stair, walls, and other obstructions in your exterior for safety.
This makes it perfect for your garden lighting. These garden LED lights come in a set of 6 and have been known to go really well with a set of Phlox and Hostas in the garden.
These solar LED lights will automatically turn on at dusk and turn off, after eight or more hours of lighting, at the light of dawn. To install these lights, simply push the stakes into the ground.
These garden lights have a rechargeable battery. Charge it up in the sunlight and admire the beautiful lighting at night.
These garden lights are not only attractive but also durable. Mainly because they are rain, frost, snow, and sleet-resistant. For qualifying purchases, they also come with a trustworthy replacement lifetime warranty if they fail.
Each garden light will produce a rated 15 lumens, which may not be as bright as other specific models, but it should be enough for garden lighting and enough to see while in the dark. Overall, these are considered as one of the best outdoor solar lights for your garden.
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2. Ring Solar Path lights
- Perfect for walkways and pathways – a solar-powered pathlight...
- Ring Bridge included – this Starter Kit includes a Ring Bridge...
- Smart features – when connected to a Ring Bridge, get mobile...
- Easy setup – connect to the Ring Bridge, customize your...
- Powered by the sun – place your Ring Smart Light in direct...
These are considered as one of the best outdoor solar lights that come with intelligent features. It stands at 17 inches tall, has a 4.3-inch head diameter and the entire device only comes in black. These solar-powered path lights are very well noticeable when staked upon your pathway.
The top of these lights holds a small solar panel and further down is a plastic shaft that holds the LED bulb and is tapered at the shaft. These solar-powered lights provide 50 rumens of path lighting. The Ring solar path lights come in separate pieces, but connecting these parts together doesn't take more than a few seconds.
Remember, you have to plug in the Ring Bridge to an outlet in the house, somewhat near the Ring lights. After this, all you need to do is register everything on your Ring app, which is available for iOS and Android users.
Ring’s leading trade is in home security cameras and video doorbells, so it's smart pathway lights do more than act as a great pathway light. For instance, using the Ring app, you can link the path lights to the Ring video doorbell. When the lights detect any motion, they connect to the video doorbell that automatically starts recording.
This is quite a clever feature that comes quite in handy in path lighting to your home.
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3. Ring Solar Steplight
- Perfect for steps and walkways – a solar-powered steplight that...
- Ring Bridge included – this Starter Kit includes a Ring Bridge...
- Smart features – when connected to a Ring Bridge, get mobile...
- Easy setup – connect to the Ring Bridge, customize your...
- Powered by the sun – place your Ring Smart Light in direct...
Another solar-powered product from Ring, these step lights are one of the best outdoor solar lights available.
The best outdoor solar lights don't just make your front yard look cool. They also help enhance your security. Like all the solar lights from Ring devices, these step lights have an in-built motion sensor.
They can detect movement and alert you by turning on or brightening their lights. When connected to other Ring products, they can trigger the other lights to activate or the security cameras and video doorbells to automatically start recording.
All this, and they make such beautiful walkway lights that brighten the stairs leading to your house to make sure that you and your guests have a visible and sure footing.
At 4 x 3.4 inches, these solar-powered step lights are small enough to attach to every step without taking up too much walking space or drawing unwanted attention to themselves but provide 50 lumens of brightness which is more than enough for your lighting needs.
It also has solar panels that perpetually keep its batteries charged, assuring you of long battery life, meaning you don't need to purchase disposable batteries.
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4. Brightech Ambience Pro String lights
- Energy Saving Outdoor String Lights: 24 ft long string lights...
- Commercial Grade Weatherproof Patio String Lights: Brightech’s...
- Flexible Installation & Widely Used Backyard Lights: Brightech...
- Classic Cafe Ambience: Brightech indoor outdoor string lights use...
- Brightech's 3-Year Product Warranty: We proudly stand behind all...
Nothing sets that summer mood on your patio like these string lights. They'll have your courtyard looking like an outdoor lounge or that Italian cafe. Rated as one of the best solar powered string of LED bulbs, they are designed to look like a Thomas Edison lights' retro-version.
After soaking up a good amount of sunlight during the day, they'll cast a warm, gentle glow on your yard for a good six hours of lighting in the evening. These string light bulbs are made of shatter-proof plastic that is designed to withstand rain, winds of up to 50 miles per hour, as well as snow, and temperatures that go up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50°C).
This set of string lights comprise of 12 lights that are attached to a 27-foot-long cord, with a solar panel at the end. These beautiful string lights turn on automatically when they are fully charged and go off when they're out of charge.
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5. LITOM 12 LEDs Solar Landscape Accent lights
- 【Cool White Solar Spotlights】Brighter 12 LEDs with Wider...
- 【2 Brightness Lighting Modes(Always on)】Low Light Mode(12hrs)...
- 【Leading IP67 Waterproof Technology】Made of high-impact ABS...
- 【2 in 1 Function & 2 Installation Options】Stick into the...
- 【Supreme Quality Ensured】LITOM outdoor LED solar powered...
Accent lighting is for homeowners who want to add character to cherished or sentimental objects or areas. Accent lights can be put up on feature walls or garden landscapes, and general locations. You could consider using up-lighters or ground lights which direct the light upwards.
Litom’s solar landscape lights will definitely impress you if you’re looking for the best solar lights. With 12 LED arrays giving off 600 lumens, these lights will give you the high brightness you want. The package has screws and stakes included, meaning they could work as excellent spotlights, accent lights or even ground lights for your walkway.
They have in-built solar panels mounted on the head of the spotlights, which makes them somewhat more compact. However, this compact design can be a little limiting when the lighting mode and the solar panel needs to be adjusted to an optimal position.
The Solar Landscape solar light comes in several varieties:
- Warm White with 3000K
- Cold White with 6500K
- A multicoloured version that lets you switch between the cold and warm white
Each solar light has a rechargeable in-built 18,650 mAh battery which should provide at least 12 hours of night lighting in low light mode and at least 6 hours in high light modes. These lights will automatically turn on at dusk and turn off at dawn.
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Other solar lights worth mentioning include:
- Agoist Solar Ground Lights
- Aityvert Solar Lights Solar Tiki Torches
What to Consider for The Best Outdoor Solar Lights
A. Type of Solar Lights
Since the stored solar energy is quite a limited resource, it is imperative to consider when you want your solar lights to turn on and for how long. Outdoor solar lights are generally categorised into three types based on light output:
a) Sensor motion-activated - these types of light are only triggered by motion. They work great in conserving solar energy, which is great for floodlights or specific lighting needs like in your back yard
b) Dusk-to-dawn -these solar lights use a daylight sensor to turn on when the daylight starts to fade and remain on until the sun rises the next day. Areas that experience winter may have trouble with these types of lights because they'll have trouble storing enough solar energy to stay bright through the nighttime
c) Timer-controlled lights - give you the most control since you can specify what time you want your lights to turn on and for long
B. Solar panel
Solar panel lights use different types of solar panels:
- Monocrystalline - most effective but are a little pricey
- Polycrystalline
- Amorphous - Both Polycrystalline and Amorphous are a little less pricey but also a little less efficient
C. Lighting needs
Function is one of the most significant determinants when it comes to settling for what solar lighting you need. Generally, the more functions the solar light has to offer, the more expensive it will be. A great example is the fact that solar street lights will cost you way more than garden lights.
Atmospheric lights don't work so well for security, but LED lights with motion sensors work great for security and can be put in a nearby garage, pathway, or even your backdoor.
Frequently Asked Questions on Outdoor Solar Lights
1. What if there’s no direct sunlight?
Outdoor landscaping solar lights can situate a distant PV panel on a sunnier site in the yard. This can then be wired to the solar-powered lights that are in the shaded place.
Even then, when there's not much sunlight, especially if you live somewhere in the United Kingdom or Portland, these solar lights will still run. The only downside is that, without enough sun, they can’t offer enough nighttime lighting.
Additionally, some models that come with different working modes can help save on solar energy.
2. Are my solar lights weather-proof?
Generally, outdoor solar lights are made to withstand different weather and temperatures. However, some models made of glass can’t be placed outside, especially when you notice a lot of snow or rain at the time. These specific lights shouldn't be exposed to harsh weather conditions, such as extreme windstorms, since they will be easily damaged.
You have the option of getting the hanging fixtures that are sold separately. Besides this minor downside, with water features, these hanging outdoor lights run well in lining the pools or ponds.
