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The Best Solar Outdoor Lights

Last updated on August 15, 2024
Categories Garden & Outdoors, Home Tags

We looked at the top 18 Solar Outdoor Lights and dug through the reviews from 20 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Solar Outdoor Lights.

Best Solar Lights

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

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Our Picks For The Top Solar Outdoor Lights

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

Aootek Waterproof LED Security Solar Lights, 4-Pack

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Aootek

Waterproof LED Security Solar Lights, 4-Pack

On the highest brightness mode, these solar lights are capable of lighting up any driveway. The motion sensor is sensitive enough to detect everything from a passerby to oncoming vehicles. The solar batteries allow them to stay charged up even on cloudy days.

Overall Take

Bright and SensitiveThese long lasting bulbs are bright enough for any size yard.

 Runner Up

Brighteck Ambience Pro Unbreakable Solar Lights

Brighteck

Ambience Pro Unbreakable Solar Lights

The shape of these bulbs make them perfect for setting up a cafe atmosphere outdoors. The solar lights are as sturdy as they look and can stand up to multiple nights of rain. The auto shutoff option gives added convenience.

Overall Take

Durable and StylishUse these Edison bulbs for a cafe vibe.

  The Best Value

Brightown Adjustable Flexible Solar Lights, 2-Pack

Brightown

Adjustable Flexible Solar Lights, 2-Pack

These string solar lights are economical and ideal for festive occasions. They are easy to install and can be placed in a variety of configurations. There are eight separate modes to match any decor.

Overall Take

Warm and Cozy LightingWinter gets brighter with these easy-to-install string lights.

 We Also Like

FALOVE Garden Outdoor Dusk-To-Dawn Solar Gutter LED Lights, 6-Pack

FALOVE

Garden Outdoor Dusk-To-Dawn Solar Gutter LED Lights, 6-Pack

Six hanging LED spotlights come in this set, ready to be arranged along any fenceline or gutter with no need for drilling or wiring. These weatherproof beacons automatically turn on as the sky gets darker, casting atmospheric light all night and turning off automatically at dawn.

Overall Take

No-Tool InstallationFor anyone looking to easily create a relaxing and picturesque atmosphere, these outdoor dusk-to-dawn solar gutter lights are an excellent choice.

Pros
" The 5 inch by 7-inch size helps get light to where you need it, plus at only 1.5 lbs they can be easily mounted to gutters or flat vertical surfaces without any problems. It has an automatic on/off that is..."
Cons
"The warranty period is not mentioned. The quality of lighting / brightness is not up to the mark."

Buying Guide

Outdoor lighting can do a lot for a house. Accent lights along the path to the front door can provide a subtle and safe welcome home, and the right string lights can turn any patio into a party. They can even be a literal lifesaver when used for home security.

But that comfort isn’t always free. We’ve all had a groan at our power bill the month after those outdoor holiday lights come down. Imagine that all year round, and you can see why outdoor lighting is considered a luxury — unless, of course, you get a good set of solar-powered lights.

If you don’t know anything about solar power, outdoor lights are a good place to start. This kind of lighting solution might cost a bit more upfront, but you’ll continue to save over the years. A good set will soak up the sun during the day, then use that energy to light up your exterior, without an extra penny on your own electricity bill.

Most solar light kits consist of the lights themselves and a photovoltaic panel. This PV panel should be placed and angled in such a way that it absorbs the maximum amount of sunlight, which is what will power the lights. If you live in a sunny part of the country, you can expect a full night’s worth of power (and then some) out of the power that PV panel generates during the day. If you’re in cloudy or rainy climates, you’ll want to invest in bigger or more advanced PV panels, though even the cloudiest days should produce a few hours of light with most modern solar rigs. A large nickel-cadmium battery can also mitigate some of this with its ability to store more power for a longer period of time.

The next thing to consider is what kind of lighting you’ll need outdoors. If you’re looking for walkway lighting, there’s not much need to worry about power. All you usually need is a dim glow in the first few hours of the night, and most any rig can handle that. Some walkway lights will even have the PV panel built right into the light itself, making installation a breeze. On the other hand, you want to make sure that the lights are durable and waterproof, since they will usually be placed low to the ground. One great feature that most walkway lights have is a timer that makes sure they only light up when the sun goes down, or a motion sensor that turns them on as needed.

Patio lighting will need to be a bit more powerful, and these kinds of lights usually come with a bigger PV panel to accommodate that. When in doubt, get a few more than you need.

Security lighting will need to be bright, first and foremost. You want something that a potential intruder won’t be able to ignore, so look for something that puts out at least 700 lumens, or 300 apiece if you’re using multiple lights. This usually won’t be sustained, all-night power, so most solar kits will be up to the task even if the weather hasn’t been cooperative.

No matter what you get, rest assured in knowing that you’re saving money in the long run. And thanks to the power you conserve, you’re helping the planet as well.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
25

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the solar outdoor lights available to purchase.
18

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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20

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Solar Panel America, Best Reviews Guide, Solar Technology Hub, Your Energy Blog, Let's Tend the Garden.

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User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 18 Solar Outdoor Lights and also dug through the reviews from 20 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Solar Outdoor Lights.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

Brightown Adjustable Flexible Solar Lights, 2-Pack

Key Takeawy

These string solar lights are economical and ideal for festive occasions. They are easy to install and can be placed in a variety of configurations. There are eight separate modes to match any decor.

What to Look For

Because you won’t need to hook up your solar lights to your home electrical system, maintenance is relatively easy. Still, there are a few things you should check periodically to make sure your lights are operating at their full capacity.

  • First and foremost, check your PV panel for dirt and grime every once in a while. If your lights aren’t getting power, the panel might be obstructed with pollen, leaves or other debris. A quick wipe can make a world of difference.
  • Next, check your battery about once a year. While the sun can provide unlimited power, that doesn’t mean your battery can hold it forever. If it runs down, it can typically be recharged or a replacement can be ordered from the manufacturer.

More to Explore

Solar energy isn’t just easy to install on your driveway. It scales up just as well when it comes to large energy demands, like those of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Tesla was able to set up a solar storage facility capable of powering facilities like the beleaguered Hospital del Nino, and it was able to do it in just a few weeks. That’s a fraction of the time it would take to set up a traditional power station.

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