Best of Machinery
  • Tools & Equipment
    • Power Tools
    • Hand Tools
    • Air Tools
    • Tool Accessories
    • Planes, Chisels and Files
    • Welding & Soldering
    • Measuring & Layout
    • Heating, Venting & Cooling
  • Outdoors & Garden
    • Mowers
    • Grass and Hedge Trimmers
    • Chainsaws
    • Leaf Blowers and Vacs
    • Pressure Washers
    • Lawn Care
    • Generators
    • Watering, Hoses & Ponds
    • Winter & Snow Equipment
    • Lighting
  • Paint & Decorating
  • Tips & Guides
  • Home
  • »
  • Outdoors & Garden

10 Best Solar Lights in 2022

Illuminate Your Outdoor Space with a Solar Light

  • Adrian White Expert

    Adrian White

    Adrian White is a professional health, wellness, agriculture, and sustainability freelance writer and herbalist for nearly a decade, and an organic farmer for over a decade. She is co-owner and operator of Jupiter Ridge Farm, growing diverse vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms in the Driftless Area of Iowa in the Midwest.

    Read More »
  • Anna Ryan Editor

    Anna Ryan

    Anna Ryan is a writer, copywriter and editor. She has a wide range of knowledge and, because of this, has been able to contribute to a variety of different genres, including article and blog writing.

    As an editor, she has polished and perfected an array of pieces for diverse readerships and audiences.

    Read More »
  • Briana Yablonski Expert

    Briana Yablonski

    Briana is a plant and ecology enthusiast who is happiest when she’s working on a project. She has spent over ten years learning about and working with sustainable agriculture, both on research plots, in educational labs, and on commercial farms. She currently spends time growing vegetables in her market garden.

    Read More »
  • Updated: May 4, 2022

We may earn commission from our brand partners when purchasing products through our links. Learn more.

Solar Lights

Fitting your garden with a range of solar lights can be a brilliant way to keep things exciting and attractive without racking up a huge energy bill. As solar lights rely on the sun’s light for power, they’re sustainable and a great way to rejuvenate your home for the upcoming season. The best solar lights operate well and are super attractive, making your home a beacon.

They should always be waterproof so they can stay outdoors in all weathers. They should also have an automatic operation. Solar lights can be left to their own devices; they’ll work to provide your garden with light, security, and attraction. They’re a great addition to any modern home, so you may want to consider getting some now before summer rolls around.

We’ve taken the time to research the highest customer-rated solar lights for your garden, so you don’t have to.

Expert Tip

Check of Adjustable Panels

Briana Yablonski

Look for a light that includes an adjustable solar panel. By orienting the panel in a south-facing direction in the Northern Hemisphere, you are able to capture the largest possible amount of sunlight. This decreases problems with lights not having enough power to function throughout the night.

View the Best Solar Lights, Below.

  • Aootek 182 Led Solar Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights
  • TomCare Waterproof Flickering Flames Solar Lights
  • Sunnest Stainless Steel Outdoor Solar Lights
  • LITOM 12 LEDs Solar Landscape Spotlights
  • Brightech Ambience Pro Outdoor String Lights
  • SEZAC Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights
  • URPOWER Landscape Light Security Solar Lights
  • BEAU JARDIN Pathway Outdoor Solar Lights
  • AmeriTop Solar Security LED Flood Light
  • Signature Garden 6 Pack Solar Garden Lights

1. Aootek 182 Led Solar Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights

Best Solar Lights for any Purpose

Aootek 182 Led Solar Outdoor Motion Sensor LightsRead Customer Reviews →

These exceptionally priced LED outdoor solar lights offer three different usage modes: automatic illumination for security detection (which turns off after 15 seconds), permanent illumination for nighttime activities, and “smart brightness” for saving energy. The lights dim with less activity but brighten when detecting more movement. The sensors can catch the movement up to 26 ft. away. They run on 2200mAh rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for optimal charge and brightness. The solar panel is made with 1.2W Monocrystalline silicon that has a 20.5% conversion to LED. Put these lights anywhere - they can be mounted on walls, roofs, gutters, or porches. Alternatively, you can set them up at ground level in gardens, lawns, pathways, or near driveways.

Why we liked it: These are some of the best solar lights for multiple purposes, with incredible brightness for solar charging and battery-saving. What’s not to like?

Check Price on Amazon ➞
Pros
  • 3 settings for 3 different uses
  • Very bright LED lighting
  • Waterproof and Heatproof
  • Sensitive automatic detection
  • Wide span of illumination
Cons
  • Only 15 second illumination detection time
  • Unswitchable modes when permanently mounted
Key Specs
Light Source TypeLED
Quantity2
MaterialPlastic

2. TomCare Waterproof Flickering Flames Solar Lights

Best Solar Lights for Ambience

TomCare Waterproof Flickering Flames Solar LightsRead Customer Reviews →

Bring warm vibes to your next evening barbeque or party with these realistic firelight LED solar lights. They emit brilliance just like a torch or candle! They're completely safe and pose no fire hazards, unlike real torches or lamps. The lights turn on automatically as soon as the sun sets, with help from built-in rechargeable 2200mAh batteries. The lights are small and about 43 inches in size. They're also very durable and waterproof. They require about 8 hours of charging time, and, at their peak, the lights will stay on for approximately 12 hours.

Why we liked it: These are the best outdoor solar lights for aesthetics. They're perfect for bringing a cozy flickering fireside ambience to outdoor gatherings at dusk or nighttime.

Check Price on Amazon ➞
Pros
  • “Best in Show” – Very Beautiful
  • Evocative of flames or candles, 100% flame-free
  • Highly durable and weatherproof/waterproof
  • Both battery and solar-powered, low energy consumption
  • No assembly or wiring required
Cons
  • Limited brightness
  • Low illumination run time
Key Specs
Light Source TypeLED
Quantity4
MaterialABS Plastic

3. Sunnest Stainless Steel Outdoor Solar Lights

Best Low Maintenance Solar Lights

Sunnest Stainless Steel Outdoor Solar LightsRead Customer Reviews →

Brighten up your yard with elegance. These LED solar lights run entirely on solar energy, using an amorphous silicon 2 25mA 0.5W solar panel - no batteries needed. They're visually inconspicuous with a timeless style that can enhance any landscape. There's practically zero set up and maintenance needed— just stake them around your yard, lawn, or garden wherever you would like cool, natural lighting. These lights withstand all types of weather. They'll last you years and years with their high-quality stainless-steel manufacturing.

Why we liked it: These are some of the best solar lights for anyone who wants something stylish and easy to set up. They're very low maintenance with no batteries to charge— just long-term solar illumination from lights that can easily withstand all types of weather.

Check Price on Amazon ➞
Pros
  • Completely solar-powered, no charging needed
  • IP44 waterproof stainless steel, durable, and weatherproof
  • Effortless assembly
  • Cool and attractive LED light hues
  • Great run time: 6 to 10 hours
Cons
  • No battery back-up for manual lighting
  • Ground-level lighting only
Key Specs
Light Source TypeLED
Quantity12
MaterialStainless Steel
Expert Tip

Look at Programable Options

Briana Yablonski

Think about how long you want your solar lights to run. Are you looking for lights that turn on only when they detect motion? Or are you hoping to illuminate your path from 10-12 PM or from dawn until dusk? If you want your lights on at a certain time, look for lights with built-in time controls.

4. LITOM 12 LEDs Solar Landscape Spotlights

Best Solar Lights for Security

LITOM 12 LEDs Solar Landscape SpotlightsRead Customer Reviews →

This pack of 12 sleek outdoor solar lights is bound to be an attractive option to many buyers for different reasons: security, lighting up yards for night gatherings, illuminating flags, and more. The lights emit a cool white color that is natural and inviting. You can toggle the brightness with an easy-to-use switch for high or low brightness. When fully charged from the batteries and Monocrystalline Silicon solar panel, these give light between 6 and 12 hours. The solar lights themselves are manufactured with a high-impact ABS plastic for resilience.

Why we liked it: This is a durable and attractive option for the wider population. The lights are appealing for security reasons - the automatic detection light-up feature makes this product one of the best solar light options for keeping you safe at home.

Check Price on Amazon ➞
Pros
  • Adjustable shining angles and solar panels
  • Comes with rechargeable batteries
  • Includes motion detection
  • Durable and waterproof
  • Bright and dim manual settings
Cons
  • Not as bright as other similar types
  • Expensive option
Key Specs
Light Source TypeLED
Quantity2
MaterialHigh-impact ABS Plastic

5. Brightech Ambience Pro Outdoor String Lights

Best Solar Lights for Special Gatherings

Brightech Ambience Pro Outdoor String LightsRead Customer Reviews →

A string of these could mean the difference between an ordinary gathering and an unforgettably beautiful outdoor party. These café-style lights are completely solar powered and require no plugging or wiring to run. The bulbs are shatter and water-proof, as well as being resistant to snow and wind. They bring cool white light to porches, patios, balconies, and beyond. After a full charge, they’ll light up your desired space for 5 to 6 hours.

Why we liked it: This is the best solar lights choice for whipping out at parties, weddings, birthdays, or backyard camping occasions to add a little something special. Their appearance outshines how much they actually illuminate surroundings, bringing a special, aesthetic vibe to the table.

Check Price on Amazon ➞
Pros
  • High rating for rustic “bistro” ambience
  • “String-able” and movable solar lights for hanging
  • 3-year warranty covers defects
  • No cord, plug, or outlet needed
  • No wiring or fire hazards, emits safe light
Cons
  • Low on the lighting and illumination scale
  • Expensive
Key Specs
Light Source TypeLED
Quantity12
MaterialPlastic, Rubber

6. SEZAC Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights

Best Solar Lights for Reliability

SEZAC Outdoor Motion Sensor LightsRead Customer Reviews →

Straightforward and reliable, these motion-detecting LED solar lights— which run on panel, battery, or both— are a popular option. The four lights in all require hanging or wall mounting but are very easy to set up. Each comes with a 2000 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery for storing solar charge. The high lighting run time topping charge is around 8 to 10 hours. These lights include a long night mode, a motion sensor mode, and a security-focused strong motion sensor that picks up movement from 10 to 16 feet away.

Why we liked it: These solar lights aren’t number one in terms of sleekness, beauty, or ambience. But for functional purposes, like replacing outdoor overhead lighting with something less energy-consuming, they do an excellent job and look great mounted on roofs, pillars, and walls.

Check Price on Amazon ➞
Pros
  • 3 different lighting modes to explore
  • Waterproof and resilient
  • High quality batteries with solar panel
  • Excellent brightness and illumination
  • Very long run time (8 to 10 hours)
Cons
  • Requires wall-mounting
  • Function over form
Key Specs
Light Source TypeLED
Quantity6
MaterialAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

7. URPOWER Landscape Light Security Solar Lights

Best Solar Lights for Power

URPOWER Landscape Light Security Solar LightsRead Customer Reviews →

These powerful, outdoor solar spotlights are rechargeable and can be located in-ground. If you don't have room in your garden, they can also be screwed onto a wall mount to illuminate more of your landscape. They're waterproof and durable enough to withstand all kinds of weather conditions.

You can easily adjust the light angle to illuminate the perfect spot on your garden path. This will help keep you safe during the night without costing you a lot to run. They have an automatic operation that will illuminate your outdoor space as soon as it gets dark. They run on a solar-powered lithium battery.

Why we liked it: These versatile LED spotlights are incredibly powerful and can be easily adjusted, providing hours of bright light.

Check Price on Amazon ➞
Pros
  • Versatile use
  • Run for 6-9 hours when charged
  • Waterproof and durable
  • Adjustable angle
  • Automatic operation
Cons
  • Batteries might need replacing after 18 months
Key Specs
Light Source TypeLED
Quantity2
MaterialAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

8. BEAU JARDIN Pathway Outdoor Solar Lights

Best Solar Lights for Aesthetics

BEAU JARDIN Pathway Outdoor Solar LightsRead Customer Reviews →

This is a beautiful and very durable option for lighting up and accentuating your outdoor space. You’ll be the envy of the neighborhood! Made with rust-proof stainless steel, these are among the best outdoor lights. They're easily installed by hammering them into the ground along walkways, in gardens, or next to steps and raised beds. Each light stands about 16.5 in. tall and is about 4-5 in. in diameter. Each one utilizes a rechargeable AA Ni-MH battery to emit light for stunningly long periods of time.

Why we liked it: These solar lights are the perfect aesthetic enhancement to beautiful gardens and landscapes at night and in the evening. Their dappled patterns are beautiful— and the lamps themselves are beautiful in yards and gardens even by day!

Check Price on Amazon ➞
Pros
  • Beautiful and timeless appearance
  • Very long run time (8 to 12 hours)
  • Efficient solar-powered charging
  • Gives off gorgeous dappled light and fractal patterns
  • Waterproof, weatherproof, extremely durable
Cons
  • Less about brightness function, more about beauty
  • Can only illuminate ground-level areas
Key Specs
Light Source TypeLED
Quantity8
Material Stainless Steel

9. AmeriTop Solar Security LED Flood Light

Best Solar Lights to Help you Sleep Soundly at Night

AmeriTop Solar Security LED Flood LightRead Customer Reviews →

This is the best choice for those with security and safety at the forefront of their minds. The flood light description is no exaggeration; the lights come with 128 intense LED beads that beam 800lm and 6500K brilliance, stopping even the stealthiest in their tracks! Its solar capabilities are very efficient with upgraded polycrystalline silicon manufacturing. When in action, this security light can capture an angle of 270 degrees from its front, detecting motion up to 26 feet away. Now that’s safety!

Why we liked it: This solar lights option is extremely security-forward. We had to choose it as the best solar lights to help you sleep soundly at night, especially with the amazing motion-sensing capabilities and impressive brightness— and it's all completely solar-sourced!

Check Price on Amazon ➞
Pros
  • Very sensitive motion sensors
  • Ultra bright and wide angle of illumination
  • Adjustable angle for both light and solar panel
  • Extremely water- and weather-resistant
  • Very durable make and material
Cons
  • Form over function
  • Requires assembly and hanging
Key Specs
Light Source TypeLED
Quantity2
MaterialHigh-impact ABS Plastic

10. Signature Garden 6 Pack Solar Garden Lights

Best Solar Lights for Subtly

Signature Garden 6 Pack Solar Garden LightsRead Customer Reviews →

This set of 6 is the perfect accent to a cute garden or landscape. They require no assembly or wiring - these solar lights are ready to go wherever you need. Stake them along beds, paths, or hedges. They charge on solar panel power but include a battery that needs replacing over the years. Otherwise, they're long-lasting, resilient, beautiful, and affordable, perfect for enhancing outdoors around your home after dark. They're one of the best solar lights budget options.

Why we liked it: These are some of the best outdoor solar lights. They're probably the smallest and most inconspicuous choice. They provide tons of light in your garden at night, and they're incredibly resilient to the elements to boot.

Check Price on Amazon ➞
Pros
  • Petite size accentuates gardens and small paths
  • Stainless steel and very weather resistant
  • Stands up to moisture (rain, snow, frost, etc.)
  • Charming appearance
  • Great brightness for solar power
Cons
  • Need replacing over the years
  • Only ground-level illumination
Key Specs
Light Source TypeLED
Quantity6
Material Stainless steel

Solar Light Buyer’s Guide

Solar powered lights are great devices for a wide range of outdoor landscapes. They don’t rely on electricity or any other power source, which is why they’re so versatile – you can use them in any yard or garden! As well as giving an aesthetic look to your garden space, solar lights will provide a lot of illumination without costing you energy or money. There are a wide variety of solar powered garden lights available on the market that all have different purposes.

Solar Lights for Garden Aesthetics

Solar powered lights, such as the Brightech Ambience Pro Outdoor String Lights, or the Litlom 12 LED Lights, have been manufactured for aesthetics. These kinds of solar powered lights will have a low lumen level and are designed to look pretty in garden spaces. They’re typically the most popular kind of solar-powered lights for outdoor spaces – they really make all the difference to your garden.

During the summer, outdoor solar lights will make your garden, yard, or other outdoor landscape inviting no matter how late or dark it is. If you want to keep the party going all night, this kind of solar light is best for you.

Solar lights in grass

Solar Lights For Security

Solar power doesn’t just have to be an attractive accessory. There are a great variety of lights available on the market that are manufactured to provide safe and secure illumination to dark spots. Outdoor solar lights provide you with illumination during the night. They can be secured on your front or back porch and are typically powered with motion sensors.

These lights will run without any energy charges, which is why they’re great for family homes. Being secure doesn’t have to be expensive, and now everyone can have access to home security.

Advantages of Solar Powered Lights

The light and illumination industry is perhaps one of the biggest. Solar powered lights are becoming increasingly popular due to how sustainable they are and how cheap they are to run. Solar powered lights have a range of benefits for users, including:

  • They’re easy to install and use, as they typically run automatically.
  • They’re an environmentally friendly power source.
  • They’re affordable outdoor lighting that doesn’t require electricity.
  • They are safe to install as no power chords are required.
  • They’re water-resistant and suitable for all weather conditions.

Solar powered lights can provide great illumination, security, and brightness to a variety of outdoor spaces. Some lights even operate as bright as electrically operated lamps, as long as they’re installed correctly.

Installing Solar Powered Lights Outdoors (In-Ground)

Outdoor lighting is not only a matter of security but can also add beauty and attraction to your home. Having bright lights around your yard can make your space feel safe and more inviting. Many families will install solar-powered lights to their front or back yards during the summer months so they can make the most out of the great outdoors, no matter how late it gets.

To make the most out of your solar lights, you need to install them properly. Installing solar lights in your garden doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does require some focus and planning. You need to ensure that they can absorb enough sunlight to be charged all night. Many of the solar lights found in this review can simply be pierced and pushed into the soft ground of your front or back yard.

A close up of a large solar light

These solar lights have a sharp base that’s designed to be pushed into the earth. If you want to install solar lights elsewhere around your garden, you need to make sure to:

  • Drive the foundation stick of the solar light (or your own DIY version, which you can make from wood or metal) deep into the earth. The deeper this foundation is, the sturdier the lights will be.
  • Make sure that your lights are placed at even widths apart to provide total illumination across your garden. This will also contribute to the aesthetics of your solar garden lights.
  • Angle the solar panels so that they’re looking up to the sky. They need to be able to absorb as much sunlight as possible to work well.

The Importance of LED

Solar-powered garden lights absorb sunlight to be used as power for their bulbs. In most cases, these lights rely on LED bulbs for a bright and even illumination. LED stands for ‘light-emitting diodes.’ They’re usually more efficient than standard bulbs, which is why they’re commonly used with solar power. The reason LED lights are better than standard bulbs is because they have more diodes.

The more diodes there are within a light fixture, the brighter the illumination. Solar power is a renewable energy source as it relies on natural sunlight to produce electricity or, in this case, illumination. In order to make outdoor solar lights as efficient and eco-friendly as possible, most manufacturers rely on LED bulbs. LED bulbs are very bright –  they’re ideal for illuminating dark corners of outdoor landscapes.

Solar Lights for Gardens Queries

Solar power is still a fairly new concept, which is why a lot of people may be uncertain about whether it’s suitable for their garden. We’re going to answer some of the most asked questions about solar power and solar-powered garden lights so that you can find the best ones for your home.

How Do Solar Lights Work?

The fact that solar lights don’t rely on electricity, or have any wires or power outlets, is certainly confusing for a lot of consumers. However, once you understand how it all works, solar lights are really quite simple and genius for our eco-conscious times. Solar yard lights generate and store their own power during the day, similar to a satellite that’s located in space.

This power stored is generated by direct sunlight, which is why these kinds of lights may take a long time to charge. The solar panels are typically found on the top of the garden lights, and they can sense when the sun is shining. They use this as a cue to generate and store energy. Once this light source has gone and night has fallen, the solar lights will light up the garden.

As they don’t require electricity, power outlets, or even wires, solar-powered lights are ideal to use outdoors. They can provide just as much illumination as regular lamps, but without the hassle.

solar lights in a line in gravel

How to Clean Solar Lights?

As most solar lights within our yards and gardens are water-resistant, you typically leave them outside for most of the year. But this causes our solar lights to become muddy, dirty, and potentially damaged. To keep your solar lights in working order, you need to make sure you clean them regularly. Be mindful to remove any debris from the solar panel, as this will impact their illumination! Cleaning the solar panel is actually incredibly easy.

  • Use a damp paper towel or washcloth to remove any dust.
  • Wipe the surface to remove any grime.
  • You can use warm water and dish soap for tougher stains.

How to Fix Solar Lights?

When solar lights stop working, there are typically only two areas you need to repair.

The Light Fitting/Bulb: You can easily pull these apart with a simple screw mechanism to change, alter or remove.

The Batteries: These can either be recharged if possible or may need to be removed and replaced with new ones.

Did You Know?

Solar garden lights create energy in a similar manner to satellites in space – they both generate and store their own power.

    Related Posts

    • 10 Best Motion Sensor Lights in 2022

      10 Best Motion Sensor Lights in 2022

    • 10 Best Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights in 2022

      10 Best Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights in 2022

    • Best of Machinery Logo

      At Best of Machinery, we deliver tips, tricks and helpful guides for your everyday DIY and gardening needs.

    • Categories

      • Tools & Equipment
      • Outdoors & Garden
      • Paint & Decorating
      • Tips & Guides
    • Quick Links

      • Home
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Sitemap
    • Social Media

      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • Instagram
    © 2023 Best of Machinery
    DMCA.com Protection Status

    Search