Are you looking for the Best Outdoor Solar Lights to buy in 2023? Today we’ll check out the eight best solar lights for your pathways or garden and which type is perfect for your needs.
Solar landscape lights have come a long way since the old low-voltage (wired) or ultra-expensive halogen bulb models of days gone by.
Today’s LED Solarlights are the best, low-cost way to illuminate paths and outdoor spaces at night. They also provide enhanced safety and an excellent walkway or garden patio atmosphere.
Because of the large number of solar light options, shopping for the best solar light for the home – can be overwhelming. If you’re looking for the best solar-powered motion security light for your home, we’ve put together this short list of the best outdoor solar lights you should consider.
The Best Outdoor Solar Lights (2023)
Editor’s Choice: Best “Pathway” Lights: “Signature Garden” Solar Lights
Who makes the best outdoor solar lights? Topping our list of the best solar path lights for homeowners – are the “Signature Garden” super bright solar garden lights.
The solar glow solar path lights provide excellent illumination and are durable enough to withstand the elements, no matter what part of the country you live in.
The key features of this product include the following:
Stainless steel and ABS plastic construction
Super bright – 15-lumen rating
Weather-resistant
No additional installation
Six lights to a box
The Signature Garden super bright solar garden lights provide the most powerful solar lighting and have received excellent reviews from customers who have purchased and used them over long periods.
We find they look good along lawn and garden paths, produce more than enough light to see by at night and stand up to even the harshest conditions.
Our research indicates these lights can remain in place even during winter and experience no adverse effects from snow, ice, or cold temperatures. However, we do not recommend leaving solar lights in the ground – during snowy winter months. (See our FAQ section below).
Although the downsides of these solar lights are difficult to find, a few critics have said that they have broken the ABS plastic spikes while pushing them into the ground. Even though this doesn’t appear to be a significant problem, owing to Signature Garden’s high-rated customer service.
The signature Garden support staff has been reported to replace spikes quickly and free of additional charge.
SIGNATURE GARDEN – “BEST CHOICE” SOLAR LIGHT SET
Best “Adjustable” Solar Lights: “URPOWER”
One of the most useful kinds of outdoor solar lights – is those that have multiple settings. In this category, URPOWER’s (great product – weird name) is fully adjustable and considered the brightest solar lights you can buy in our reviews.
Key features of this product include:
Adjustable light direction
High and low light modes
Up to 200 lumens of light output
Produces light for 8-10 hours
Waterproof
It can be placed on the ground or mounted on the porch/deck
The two significant advantages of the URPOWER lights that stand out in reviews are their high light output and the long period they can remain lit once charged. To guard against shining light where you don’t need it – the directional adjustability of each solar light we found is a significant plus of these solar lights.
While most users are enthusiastic about the URPOWER lights, at least one slight design flaw negatively impacts the user experience.
The same button used to turn the lights on and off also controls the high and low light settings, making these lights a bit cumbersome to set up.
Once installed the way you want them, you should have no further difficulties enjoying this product.
URPOWER – ADJUSTABLE SOLAR LIGHTS
Best Value “Pathway” Lights: “GigaLumi 12-Pack Stainless Steel.”
In the “Value category,” the GigaLumi solar light 12-pack stands out as the best solar light for pathways you can buy. Although not as bright as the “Signature Garden” solar lights, our top pick, these solar path lights, are still an excellent option and, again, an exceptional value.
Key features of this product include:
Stainless Steel
Attractive, Modern, Sleek Design
Weather-resistant
Warm-white LED lighting
Our research indicates these solar lights emit a decent amount of light despite their relatively low lumen rating. With warm LED lights and stainless steel construction, these solar garden lights add an elegant touch to any pathway.
GigaLumi – BEST VALUE SOLAR LIGHT SET
Best “Hanging” Stained Glass Solar Light: “Moonrays LED”
Not all of the best outdoor solar-powered lights are ordinary pathway ground-stake lights. The Moonrays LED 92276 is a beautifully designed stained glass hanging light attached to a 30” high spike and placed in the ground along pathways.
Key features of this product include:
It lasts up to eight hours on a full charge
Durable construction with metal, glass, and plastic
25-inch clearance above ground
Attractive stained glass lantern lenses
In reviews of the Moonrays 92276, buyers frequently comment on its attractive appearance and solid construction. Although these lights are sold individually, many people are so satisfied with their first light that they buy more to illuminate the rest of their gardens.
They hang about 25” overall above the ground after installation.
One part of this hanging outdoor light that could be of higher quality is the on/off switch. Some reviews have noted that it may come loose while installing the batteries during the initial setup.
It is, however, relatively easy to put back in place and should give you no additional trouble once your light is set up.
MOONRAYS – BEST SOLAR LIGHT POLE DESIGN
Best Wall Mount Solar Lights: URPOWER Motion Lights
If you’re looking for Solar Security Lights, this light from URPOWER is an excellent option. It is one of Amazon’s best sellers. Like URPOWER path lights, these wall-mounted versions produce more than ample light than less expensive brands and are durably constructed.
Key features of this product include:
Very bright and long-lasting
Weather-resistant
10-foot motion sensor range
120-degree sensor angle
Four lights to a pack
The universal advantage we note with the URPOWER solar lights is their brightness. Almost all users find that these lights supply plenty of light and don’t take an undue amount of time to charge up.
With four lights to a package, it’s also easy to provide wide-ranging coverage for large or oddly shaped yards.
Some users have had one complaint with these lights: they can be a bit confusing to set up. Unlike lights with a simple on/off switch, these have a pin that must be pushed in to switch from the off to the on position.
Once you have them set up, though, you shouldn’t have to bother with the pin again.
URPOWER – BEST WALL-MOUNT SOLAR LIGHTS
Best “Copper finish” Solar Garden Lights: “Voona” – 8 Pack
For those looking for a little higher-end finish, Copper finishes have become very trendy in the modern home and garden design lately, so we decided to highlight this copper-finished outdoor solar light 8-pack from Voona.
Key features of this product include:
8-lumen rating
Handsome faux copper finish
The plastic lens creates a projected lighting pattern
Eight lamps to a pack
Several customer reviews of these Voona path lights note that they are well-made, particularly for their price point. The pattern projected onto the ground through the light lenses is also cited as a major advantage, making garden spaces more visually appealing and exciting by night.
Among reviewers, the one criticism that appears reasonably frequently is that these lights do not always stay on all night, particularly during the winter when there are fewer daylight hours.
Even at a minimum charge, though, you can expect these lights to stay on for 4-5 hours after dark.
VOONA- COPPER SOLAR LIGHTS
Best “Solar Ground Lights”: Tysonir 12-Pack Ground Light Set
Solar Ground lights are all the rage these days. Because they don’t stick up high above the ground, they aren’t exposed as a trip hazard or subject to damage. Solar ground lights are securely installed flush with the ground, steps, landscape stones, or mulch. The possibilities are endless.
Less conspicuous, these waterproof outdoor solar-powered ground lights include 8 LED lights inside each ground light. Automatic switching turns the lights on in the dark, staying powered for up to 8 hours at night.
The key features of this product include the following:
- Flush Design – with Multiple Applications
- Automatic Switching
- Twelve LED lights to a pack
According to our research, the Tysonir solar ground lights should last several years and are very durable in almost any condition.
One difficulty some buyers have had with these lights is putting them in the ground. While they are relatively durable once set up, they can be tricky to push into the ground.
If possible, try to install ground lights when the ground has a little moisture in it, as this will help soften it enough to make pushing the stakes in easier.
Tysonir – Best Solar Ground Lights
Best Solar Flagpole Light: “Deluxe” Solar Power Flagpole Light
If you have an outdoor flagpole, proper lighting for it can be essential. Flagpole lights are slightly different from standard garden pathway lights, as they are specifically designed to mount on a flagpole and provide direct downward illumination for your flag.
If you’re looking for the best light for this application, we recommend the Deluxe Solar Flagpole Light. This model is the Improved Version of the Standard model and comes with more photovoltaic cells to store more power and create better lighting at night.
Also, If you’re on a budget – check out their standard model, which is less expensive.
The key features of this product include the following:
Extra-strength LEDs for maximum coverage
Easy installation
Mounts directly beneath flagpole ball
Compliant with US Flag Code
Most buyers of this solar flagpole light find that it produces more than enough light to keep their flags visible overnight. Ease of installation is another major plus with this product, as it can be attached using the flagpole’s existing hardware. The light is also quite well made and seems able to stand up to the elements over a prolonged period.
A criticism a few reviewers have had is that this light shines more or less straight down, meaning that it can have some difficulty illuminating the entirety of large flags when fully extended in the wind. In most cases, though, this won’t be a significant problem.
Also, if you buy this light, make sure you switch the light to “On” before you complete the installation – This will save you a trip back up to the top of Your flagpole!
DENEVE – FLAG POLE LIGHT
Now that you know how to enhance your “Outdoor Space,” – Check out The Best Indoor Water Fountains you can buy – And add a little “Feng Shui” to the Inside of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Outdoor Solar Lights
What are the Best Types of Solar Light Bulbs?
While there are still a few manufacturers, including incandescent or halogen bulbs in their solar lights, most top manufacturers have switched to using LED bulbs.
For many reasons, LED or “light-emitting display” bulbs are a perfect fit for solar lights. LED bulbs display or emit light in a specific direction – not in every order.
They run “cool” and take little power to operate, so the display lasts longer on a single solar charge and most often last for the life of the product.
How Long Do Solar Batteries Last?
Thanks to improvements in Solar panels and rechargeable batteries, Outdoor Solar light batteries can now hold power longer and are incredibly easy to install.
The typical duration of a solar light battery is two years. This, of course, depends on whether you leave your solar lights activated (with battery) year-round – or remove the battery and store solar lights for the winter season (northern climates with snow).
Can Solar lights be Installed Anywhere?
Nowadays, Solar Lights are manufactured to be installed almost anywhere outdoors. This includes the ground, walls, and even hook installation options. Other popular locations for solar lights now include boat docks, flagpoles, and even solar-powered security lights. Each of these is featured in the reviews above.
Can Solar Lights Be Used Year-Round?
Most ground-installed solar lights are fine for use in normal temperature conditions. But for areas of the country that do experience snowfall, ground-installed solar lights should be removed, battery disconnected and stored before winter.
Practical reasons for removing solar lights before winter include; shorter days (less sun to charge the solar lights), deep snow, and the use of shovels or snow blowers which would damage solar lights.
The exception to this rule may include Wall Mounted Security solar lights or Solar lights for Flagpoles located high above the wet snow-covered ground.
Tip: Save Battery Life for Solar Batteries:
To maintain longevity when storing your solar lights, Remove the solar batteries, place them in an airtight Ziploc bag and keep them in a dry location. In the Spring, plug the batteries back into the solar lights, and you’re ready to re-install your solar lights.
What Is The Best Type of Outdoor Solar Light?
As noted in our Reviews above, Outdoor Solar Lights are available in various mounting types. From in-ground ambient/accent garden lights, adjustable/directional spotlights, wall-mounted security lights, and flagpole downlights, there is a solar light to warm up every spot in your yard, garden, or patio.
What Types of Solar LIght FInishes Are Available?
In addition, many manufacturers offer everything from Stainless steel, copper, bamboo, aluminum, and even stained glass. Pick the finish that best suits your outdoor decor and enhances your own aesthetic.
Conclusion
Before making your final decision on which solar lights to buy, consider how each of these lights will look in your outdoor spaces. The best-looking lights for your space depend heavily on garden decor or walkway decor.
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It’s also essential to keep the amount of light you need in mind. A lower-powered garden light such as the Moonrays 91381 will do nicely if you’re looking for a little ambient lighting.
However, Suppose you need full power illumination, though. In that case, you’re likely best off choosing the SolarGlow, and if you are looking for an “Adjustable” Solar light path, check out URPOWER garden lights.
Thanks to their durability, sound light output, and attractive appearance, we recommend the SolarGlow solar garden light as the best option for most buyers. Depending on your personal tastes and needs, the right Outdoor Solar Lights for you may be one of the other models from our Product Reviews.
Thanks again for visiting BestHomeGear.Com – and good luck with your Outdoor Solar Light buying decision!
References & Further Reading
- 6 Tips For Installing Outdoor Solar Lighting in Your Yard – DoitYourself.Com
- The Best Space Heaters You Can Buy – Besthomegear.com
- The Evolution of Solar Lighting – HarvardUniversity.Edu
- The Best Folding Wagon You Can Buy – Besthomegear.com
- Quick Tips to Make Your Solar Light Batteries Last Longer – Solaradvantage.net
- The Best Leaf Blower & String Trimmer Combo Package 2020 – Besthomegear.com
