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An energy-efficient, easy-to-install option for your home and garden. Solar Led Deck Lights
For hosting barbecues or just having drinks the porch or patio, outdoor lights are ideal for creating a cozy and inviting space. On a practical level, they also help increase your property's safety and security. Solar-powered outdoor lights are a sustainable option that eliminates the need for long, ugly cords or constant battery replacement. Plus you can use them just about anywhere you want—no outlet required.
These lights are available in several styles and use solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity, which is then stored. With that in mind, it's crucial to think about placement for optimal sunlight exposure. While some sunnier regions are going to naturally be better suited than others for solar power, solar-powered outdoor lights work in “most areas of the United States,” according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Here's our lineup of the best solar-powered outdoor lights we recommend, plus some tips on what to consider while you shop.
For more great ways to brighten your outdoor space, check out the best garden lights, solar pathway lights, and outdoor string lights.
Ideally, your property should have a mix of solar-powered outdoor lights, including ground lights, accent lights just above eye level, and fixtures installed on the roof or driveway. For walkways, pathway lights on stakes are a popular choice. For decks, patios, and fencing, a set of small, wall-mounted fixtures are effective and outdoor string lights are always festive. There are also motion-sensor lights to increase security and decorative lights to accent gardens and landscaping. Almost all solar-powered outdoor lights are LEDs, with either integrated or replaceable bulbs.
Likewise, solar-powered outdoor lights typically offer decent water-resistance, if not fully waterproof, so it's important to pay attention to the weather resistance rating. For the water and dust-proof rating, the first number refers to the dust-proof capabilities on the Ingress Protection (IP) scale of 1 to 6 and the second number refers to the water resistance on a scale of 1 to 7. For total weatherproofing, look for ratings around IP65.
Consider what kind of atmosphere you’re trying to create with solar-powered outdoor lights. Design is largely based on your personal preferences and the style of your outdoor space. For a more modern look, cool white lights with a minimalist design may suit your style, whereas traditional fixtures with warm white lights can be a better fit for rustic homes.
We considered all of the different lighting needs you may have in different areas of your outdoor space. We also combed through professional assessments and reviews of these lights and read through hundreds of consumer reviews. Below, find our picks for the best solar-powered outdoor lights on the market, which cover options at different price points and in different styles to give you outdoors lights that best fit your needs.
This set of 12 solar-powered outdoor lights win our top spot for versatility and value. The mini LED lanterns easily stake into the ground, ideal for illuminating everything from driveways to garden beds to pool areas.
Along with a adding decorative touch, these lights help make your property safer to navigate at night and can increase home security. The solar-powered outdoor lights are durable, waterproof, and easy to install, though they may tip over if you accidentally nudge them with the lawn mower.
These solar-powered outdoor lights offer three modes of operation: always-on, motion-sensor, and dim always-on that automatically brightens if motion is detected.
The wide-angle, wall-mounted lights are capable of detecting movement from 26 feet away within an angle of 120 degrees, plus they're waterproof and are a great value with two fixtures per pack. The only drawback is that the motion sensor is sensitive, and there's no adjustment option.
If you like the style of vintage Edison bulbs, these solar-powered outdoor lights are worth a look. They feature 12 LED bulbs over 27 feet of weatherproof wire, with an on-off button, so when you’re ready to turn in for the night, you can power them down.
The LED bulbs are said to last for 20,000 hours and the solar panel is rated at about 1,000 charges. (In other words, this set of lights may last you about 2.5 years.) Direct sunlight for at least six hours is recommended for a full charge. The bulbs are also weather- and shatterproof, and bright enough to grill and eat by on your deck.
The lights definitely give off an elegant and romantic vibe, so whip them out on date night, or for drinks with good friends. These lights also come with a two-year warranty.
This versatile fixture has three mounting options: as an outdoor wall light, on a flat surface such as a pillar or column, or on a stake to use as a pathway light.
The 50-lumen simulated flame light gives off a gentle but steady glow and requires no electrical wiring and almost zero maintenance, other than the occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth. You can also turn off the solar-powered outdoor light manually to save bulb life.
This 33-foot string of lights comes in multiple hues, including purple, orange, green, multicolored, blue, and pink. The long string features 100 bright LED lights with eight different lighting modes, including combination, fireflies flashing, waves, fading, and steady on, so that you can match your outdoor lighting atmosphere to the event or your mood. These lights are easy to store, durable, and have a high energy conversion rate.
The string lights and the flexible copper wire they’re on are water-resistant and easy to shape, so you can wrap them around trees, gazebos, fences, or anything else.
Ensure the lights get at least six hours of direct sunlight, and they should work for eight or more hours at night.
This eight-pack of small decorative lights is ideal for decks, fences, around your front door or pool, and scattered around your space at parties. The warm light shines through a hollowed-out patterned grid that creates beautiful shadows and lights.
The solar panels in the lights absorb sunlight throughout the day and then can provide up to 12 hours of illumination at night. The set of lights is weather-resistant and durable. You can simply set them down on a surface, or install them more permanently on a fence with the installation kit included in the package. The ideal height for installation is 3.3 to 4.9 feet.
These outdoor solar lights offer both practicality and whimsy in one neat package. The weather-resistant solar-powered lights feature seven colorful built-in LED “flower” light bulbs on bendable premium wire stems, allowing you to shape them into different configurations.
After soaking up the sun during the day, they automatically turn on at night. The built-in batteries allow the lights to work for 8 to 12 hours after a full charge.
Installation is a snap: Simply insert the landscape solar lights into the ground and you’re done. These fun flower lights are a great choice for parties or any time you're eager to add some light and color to your outdoor space at night.
The Kaxiida solar garden pathway lights are some of the most durable pathway lights on the market right now. Capable of withstanding temperatures of -20 degrees celsius to 50 degrees celsius. The solar-powered outdoor lights have the highest possible water and dust resistance rating of IP68.
The lights also come with three different lighting modes to fit your own personal preferences. Each lighting setting comes with a different battery range between 8 and 14 hours. The lights can be staked into the ground or mounted on the walls, which is nice if you want to do both without buying separate sets of lights.
If you want to light a walkway or path near your lawn, the Balhvit glass solar outdoor lights are a worthy option. Made with diamond glass and stainless steel instead of plastic, the solar-powered outdoor lights are built to last for years without any major damage or discoloration over time.
What sets the lights apart from many, similar pathway options is the unique light pattern that almost resembles a bright sun displayed on the ground. As a result, you could place these lights strategically to show off the beautiful pattern across your entire outdoor space.
For a minimalist look, these Solpex solar-powered outdoor lights are small enough to install on deck railing or at the edge of steps. Like many other options we cover, they charge during the day and automatically turn on at night without a timer.
When fully charged, the lights are said to last up to 10 hours and are designed to cast a dim glow. Keep in mind that screws are required for installation.
These solar-powered outdoor lights are a standout, with integrated LEDs that recollect fireflies filling six rustic mason jars. The solar-powered lights feature handles for hanging on trees or hooks, though they look just as lovely set on outdoor tables flanking stairs.
The jars are built not just to keep water and dust o, but are also designed for extreme weather including storms, snow, and extreme heat.
Tom Price is an Associate Editor of Commerce for Popular Mechanics, and also contributes to Runner's World, and Bicycling. He has previously covered product reviews, startup news, and even professional wrestling. In his free time, he enjoys watching pretentious TV, low-brow movies, and exercising for beauty, not health. If you are interested in exploring more of his work, check out his website.
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