Outdoor solar lights will add an extra twinkle to your garden pathways, fences, and patios. Between security-, decorative- and spotlights, we give a bird’s eye view on the best outdoor solar lights available today.
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A recent study by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) revealed that each household spends about $117.65 on electric bills every month. In attempts to lower this average cost, homeowners are opting to use cheaper and more energy-efficient options.
That’s why outdoor solar fence lights (and other solar solutions) are gaining popularity pretty fast. They are not only efficient, but also require little to no maintenance.
Here is a compilation of all the best options money can buy. We have also included a detailed buyer’s guide to help you make educated purchase decisions.
Types of Solar lights
Before we dive deeper, let’s have a quick glance at the main types of outdoor solar lights you can choose from.
- Spotlights – Used to light up certain designated areas such as entryways. Good for security thanks to motion detection features.
- Decorative solar lights – Add an extra touch of beauty to your landscape.
- Path or stairs lights – Typically used to illuminate driveways, stairways, and paths.
Luposwiten is a world-renowned creator of outdoor solar lights, with a solid reputation for making high-quality products.
- 400 Lumen brightness.
- 120-degree lighting range.
- 10 to 16 feet movement detection range.
The Luposwiten Solar Motion Sensor Outdoor Solar Lights are the very definition of a practical, yet affordable solar solution. Each pack includes 4 solar lights packed with numerous features.
To begin with, these outdoor solar-powered lights have motion sensors. They will automatically light up when the sensor detects motion. Installation is straightforward and it doesn't need any wiring.
To top it off, the Luposwiten solar lights were designed to last. They have an impressive lifespan of up to 5000 hours.
With a waterproof rating of IP65, the outdoor spotlights are weather-resistant. They can resist rain, heat, and cold weather.
Tech Specs
With 28 LEDs that give 400-lumen brightness, the lights have a good lighting range spanning 120 degrees.
The motion sensors also work well. They can detect movement within a radius of up to 16 feet. The lights will automatically turn on if the sensors are triggered. They will light up for 30 seconds and shut down automatically if no more motion is detected.
- Great motion sensitivity.
- Water-, heat-, and freezeproof with an IP68 rating.
- A lifespan of 5,000 hours.
- Automatically turns off 30 seconds after motion is detected.
- Versatile and can be installed on the fence, deck, stairway, driveway, and more.
- The power button could have been bigger.
- Mounting instructions could have been better.
The Sunface Solar Deck Lights are one of the best decorative solar lights providing a warm ambient glow.
- Turns on automatically when it's dark and turns off during the day.
- Produces a soft, warm light.
- Keeps its charge throughout the night.
If you are looking to brighten up your landscape, these ones are for you. These decorative lights are perfect for lighting up your paths or any perimeter fence (including your swimming pool).
An advantage of the Sunface Deck Lights is that they are completely automatic. They have a built-in sensor so your lights will automatically switch on at night and switch off in the morning.
Whether you want a subtle white color to light up your stairway or are looking for a more colorful option to decorate your garden, these outdoor solar lights are perfect. With two light settings, you can either choose a warm white lighting or a color change setting.
Tech Specs
The solar lights have 7 vibrant colors that will transition slowly across the color spectrum. Installation is a breeze and the required mounting screws are included in the package.
Moreover, these lights will work well even in the harsh winters. They are made from durable ABS plastic which is fairly weather-resistant.
And because Sunface believes strongly in the quality of their solar lamps, they offer a 60 day money-back guarantee in case you are dissatisfied with your purchase. As an added benefit, the solar lights come with a 12-month warranty.
However, note that these are not motion-sensing lights so they are not suited for security. Additionally, the light they emit isn’t overly bright — just enough to light up your pathway or fence.
- Unique color changing or solid color options.
- Ideal for year-round use.
- Easy to install.
- The single color setting can only be set to white.
- No motion-detection.
Meet the Urpower Outdoor Solar Light, a versatile light packed with all the features needed for all your outdoor lighting needs.
- Short charging time.
- 3 practical working modes.
- Built-in motion sensors.
The flexibility and reliability of this outdoor solar light make it one of the best options available today. It has a unique three-sided design to illuminate a wider area, which is a feature other solar lights don't really offer.
Additionally, it has three light control modes. The medium-light mode lasts for up to 12 hours when the battery is fully charged.
You can also select the dim setting if you want low light (18 LED) all night. In this setting, if the sensors detect motion, the solar fence lights provide full illumination (44 LED) for approximately 15 seconds before returning to low light.
In the third setting, your lights will only light up (44 LED) automatically when motion is detected. The light turns off automatically after 15 seconds.
Tech Specs
However, the feature that really shines in these solar lights is the short charging time. The battery will fully charge in 6 to 8 hours and can last for up to 12 hours. This means your battery will still charge even on days with little sunshine.
The motion sensor is also highly sensitive and can detect motion in a 120 degree range within a 9 to 16 feet radius. Also, its cool, white color makes it ideal for use on any outdoor space including fences, yards, patios, stairs, walls, decks, and more.
- Auto on and off settings.
- 120 degree motion detection range.
- 9 to 16 ft motion-sensing radius.
- Waterproof and heat-resistant.
- Durable and well made.
- The switch could have been more strategically placed.
- The battery could be more long-lasting.
The Greluna Solar Wall Lights is yet another solid and versatile outdoor solar light worth considering.
- Two working modes: color changing and warm white.
- Durable.
- Pack of 8 should cover small to medium size gardens.
Do you want to add a little charm and twinkle to your deck or yard? These warm decorative solar lights could be exactly what you are looking for. With a brightness of just 10 lumens, the lighting is soft and warm.
On top of that, you’ll have two modes to choose from. The single color setting produces a warm white glow, while the changing color mode adds that extra festive mood to your outdoor space.
Installation is easy with 16 screws needed for mounting. And to ensure that your solar lights serve you for years, they are well made with top quality ABS material.
The lights work well all year round regardless of the weather. They are waterproof, heat-, and dust-resistant. Moreover, because no wiring is needed, these can be quickly installed anywhere in your outdoor space.
Tech Specs
Another great feature of the Greluna outdoor decorative lights is that they take a short time to recharge. The battery will be full in just 6 hours and it will last for 8 hours. On the downside, the battery may not last the whole night.
Their design is beautiful and their versatility makes them a great solar lighting option. You can use them to illuminate your porch, yard, driveway, fence, landscape, deck, and any other outdoor space.
- Easy installation.
- Weatherproof.
- The battery recharges in 6 hours.
- Versatile.
- Battery capacity could have been bigger.
- Lifespan could be longer.
If you are looking for a versatile and reliable outdoor solar light for your garden or fence, here is a great option worth considering.
- Three working modes.
- Wide motion sensing range.
- Bright 42 LED light.
The Sezac solar lights are one of the best motion-sensing security solar lights available. They are packed with 42 LEDs for bright and reliable light to illuminate dark areas in your driveway or yard.
Whether you are searching for a decorative, spotlight, or pathway light, this is a great choice. It has three intelligent working settings: dim light, strong light, and motion sensor mode. This allows you to select the mode that best suits your lighting needs.
The solar light is also waterproof and is reliable even on the rainiest of days. Installation is a breeze, too with only one screw (which is included in the package) needed to mount your light.
You can use the Sezac outdoor solar lights to brighten up your garden, light up your driveway, yard, entryways, and more.
Tech Specs
This solar light comes packed with a powerful rechargeable 2000 mAH battery to last you throughout the night. The light is ultra-bright.
Additionally, it has a motion sensor that detects movement within a range of 10 to 16 feet. This range is among the widest you’ll get at this price point. The motion sensor is also highly sensitive and responds instantly.
- Easy installation.
- Waterproof.
- Versatile mounting options.
- Adhesive tapes provided could be a little stronger.
Wrapping up this list of best outdoor solar lights is another top-quality decorative option.
- Powerful rechargeable 2000mAh battery.
- Charming dancing flames design.
- Automatic dusk and dawn on and off switch.
As a general rule of thumb, any outdoor solar light should be well-made in order to withstand all weather conditions. This solar light has an IP65 weatherproof rating and can withstand rain, snow, dust, and frost.
Specially designed as a decorative light, these will automatically add a beautiful touch to your outdoor space. Plus, these solar lights produce colorful flames. They are a perfect decor item during festivities and garden parties.
The Aityvert wall mounted night lights have a built-in light sensor. It will automatically turn on the lights when it is dark and turn them off during the day to charge. There’s no need to manually turn them on or off.
Tech Specs
On top of that, these solar fence lights come with a 2000 mAh battery. This is large enough to power your lights throughout the night. It needs 8 to 10 hours to fully charge, depending on the amount of sunlight available.
When fully charged, these units light up for about 10 hours. During winter, their working time is roughly 5 hours.
The 66 LEDs give a soft and warm light, enough to illuminate your path at night. But the light produced is not bright enough to use as a security light. The colorful dancing lights are a real mood-lifter during the dark winters, though!
- Dustproof and IP65 waterproof.
- Easy to install.
- Produces a warm mood-boosting soft glow.
- Up to 10 hours working time.
- On and off button could have been easier to access.
- Could be a little bigger.
Other Notable Products
- 120-degree movement detection angle.
- Waterproof and heat resistant.
- 8 hours charge time with 400 lumens brightness.
Here is another product worth noting. It is dust-, heat-, and water-resistant. On top of that, it has a wide motion detection angle of 120 degrees. And it automatically lights up when it detects motion within a 3-5 meter radius.
The lights themselves are quite bright. Combined with the motion detection feature, they are ideal for use as security lights in your fence, driveway, landscape, patio, etc.
- Built-in motion sensor.
- 16-foot movement detection radius.
- 90-degree motion detection angle.
With 150 lumen brightness, 24 pcs LEDs, and an automatic on and off dusk and dawn switch feature, this is another great option. It is elegant, yet durable and blends in well with any outdoor space.
This solar-powered light requires 12 hours to fully charge and has a unique overload protection feature that prevents your battery from overcharging.
- Beautiful design.
- Easy installation.
- Reliable day-night auto on/off sensor.
Next is one of the best decorative fence solar outdoor lights. It has a short charging time of only 6 hours and can stay on for up to 8 hours. With a strong ABS plastic cover, the lights are durable and weather resistant.
The lights are also easy to install. Their design is elegant. Moreover, they’ll automatically turn off during the day to charge.
- 120 degrees wide detection angle.
- IP65 waterproof.
- Two working modes.
This is one of the most affordable outdoor security solar fence lights. It has a wide 120 degree angle and a built in motion sensor. The 30 LED setup produces super bright light and has two working modes. It can either light up when motion is detected or stay on the whole night.
- 8 to 10 hours working time.
- Fully charges in 6 to 8 hours.
- IP44 weather-resistant.
The Jackyled solar lights are a great option for installing in garden steps and stairs. They are considered a value pack for anyone who needs to illuminate a wide area. The pack has 16 lights made from durable stainless steel and a strong PC.
Additionally, the solar lights are waterproof and easy to install. They produce a perfect warm, bright light for your deck, stairway, lawns, etc. And the 1000mAh battery can last for up to 10 hours when fully charged.
- 100 powerful LEDs.
- 125 degrees wider detection angle.
- Long lifespan of 50,000 hours.
Now introducing another awesome solar light from Luposwiten. It features a 125-degree motion detection angle with a 26 feet detector length. This range is wider and longer than that of most options reviewed above.
What’s more, this light has an impressively long lifespan of up to 50,000 hours.
Should I Buy Outdoor Solar Lights?
Garden Atmosphere
Outdoor solar lights are a great way to brighten up your summer evenings. Whether you want a solar light to mark your pathway or to decorate your landscape, there is something for everyone.
You can now spend more time outside with your loved ones chatting over a BBQ, or taking part in outdoor games. And the best part, there’ll be no extra cost added to your power bill.
Increased Security
Intruders often love to take advantage of dark gardens to spring an attack. But with solar-powered lights, this is nothing to worry about. Your security lights will illuminate your property uninterrupted.
And if your outdoor solar fence lights are installed with motion sensors, they will immediately light up when the sensors detect motion. This is a great feature to discourage trespassers and intruders.
Lots of uses
Outdoor solar lights have a bucketload of uses. The fact that you can install them in any outdoor space that receives direct sunlight makes them even more versatile.
The perfect location to install your outdoor solar lights will, of course, depend on your purpose of installation.
You can install outdoor solar-powered lights in balconies, fences, pathways, porches, walls, stairways, patios, landscapes, decks, driveways, and more.
Easy Installation
Another amazing benefit of outdoor solar panels is that installing them is a breeze. There’s no wiring needed.
Additionally, they can be installed in any location that receives direct sun. There’s no need to worry that your light is too close to an electric connection or gas.
What’s more, you do not require to spend extra resources hiring professional help (unless you want to, of course). You can install these lights in minutes by yourself.
Easy Maintenance
One of the greatest features of solar lights is that they require very little maintenance. Their batteries recharge automatically. You do not need to switch them on and off. Plus, they do not require regular monitoring since most of them are weatherproof.
The only thing you’ll need is an occasional wipe to remove any debris and dust that might have fallen on the solar panels.
Outdoor Solar Light Features to Consider
Motion Sensor or Always on
Most outdoor solar security lights only stay lit at night for a maximum of eight hours. To ensure the batteries last longer, some options include motion sensors. They’ll only light up when they detect motion.
The sensing angle can be as large as 270 degrees within a 10 feet range (or more). Motion sensor solar light lamps are ideal for pathways. Additionally, they’re a great intruder-deterrent feature.
Always-on outdoor solar fence light options are ideal for decorative purposes. They are also perfect when you want to monitor what's happening outside or to alert likely intruders of your presence.
Waterproofing & Material Quality
Like with most other outdoor fixtures, ensure that your outdoor solar light can withstand harsh weather and climate conditions. It should be sturdy enough to resist moderate to strong winds.
Your outdoor solar lights should also be water- and dust-resistant. Although most options are usually weather-resistant, it's a good idea to switch them off and store them in a protected space during winter. Consequently, they will serve you for longer.
Type of light (warm or cold) and design
A majority of the outdoor solar lights available in the market today use LED bulbs. And as you already know, these produce bright white light. This kind of light is perfect for security lights especially.
If you want decorative path or accent lights, consider those that emit a warmer and softer glow. Most of these options will have a tinted cover.
Security or Decorative
Without a doubt, this is the single most important factor you must consider when searching for outdoor solar lights. The purpose of your lights can be classified into two main categories: decorative and security purposes.
Decorative solar lights create a soft and warm ambiance for a beautiful and inviting landscape. The glow they produce is dim and is not enough to use as a spotlight.
On the other hand, solar fence lights meant for security purposes are super bright and can illuminate a wider area.
Brightness – Number of lumens of light
A few years back, most outdoor solar lights were very dim. This made them suitable for decorative purposes only. However, with the introduction of LEDs (light-emitting diodes), this has now changed.
Solar lights are now brighter and more reliable. But they are still not as bright as electric bulbs.
Any light with 100 LEDs or more is bright enough to light up a pathway. Decorative lights should have about 50 lumens, while security lights should have a higher number of LEDs for brighter light.
Please note that you will need twice as many solar lights as the number of electric lights you would normally need to achieve optimum lighting.
Mounting Type & Battery Life
Outdoor solar lights are designed to work all year round. They’ll charge in both direct and indirect sunlight. But, security lights often come with higher-capacity batteries. These must be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time for them to fully charge.
Meaning, their mounting type should allow exposure to direct sunlight for the better part of the day.
Shed, path, landscape, and other decorative lights often emit dimmer lights, Most of them will work well even with small batteries.
Common Questions About Outdoor Solar Fence Lights
How do outdoor solar lights work?
The science behind the performance of an outdoor solar light is pretty straightforward. The solar light has an upward-facing panel packed with numerous photovoltaic cells.
During the day, these cells absorb sun rays and the energy is used to charge a rechargeable battery stored inside. The energy stored in the batteries is then used to power a bulb at night.
How to clean outdoor solar lights?
The best way to clean your outdoor solar panel is to wipe it gently using a clean, damp cloth. If your solar panel is extremely dirty, you can use chemical glass or window cleaners.
But in most cases, a damp cloth will be enough. Always avoid using abrasive materials such as scorers, Brillo pads, or bleach. They may damage your solar panel.
How long do outdoor solar lights last?
With the right care and maintenance, an outdoor solar fence light will work for years before it needs to be replaced. Its batteries can last for up to 4 years and the LED bulbs can serve for a whopping 10 years.
And when the battery is fully charged, a solar light will stay lit for 8 to 15 hours.
Do outdoor solar lights need direct sunlight?
A solar light still charges when exposed to indirect sunlight. However, these lights can only achieve their optimum performance when they are exposed to direct sunlight – at least for the better part of the day.
Please note that if an outdoor solar light is used for long periods in indirect sunlight, its charging ability weakens.
How to fix outdoor solar lights that stop working?
First and foremost, ensure that your solar panel is clean. Be sure to check that your outdoor solar light is positioned properly. It should receive as much direct sunlight as possible.
If your outdoor solar light is still not working, test if the batteries are faulty. And if it fails when using a different regular set of batteries, consider contacting your retailer for further troubleshooting options.
Do outdoor solar lights need rechargeable batteries?
Yes, they do. Outdoor solar fence lights are powered by sunlight. Thus, they need somewhere to store the energy absorbed from the sun rays. You can use either NiMH or NiCd rechargeable batteries. These are readily available in most local stores.
On the other hand, normal alkaline batteries may cause corrosion and irreversible damage to your solar lights.
The Best Solar Fence Lights Verdict
In a nutshell, the Luposwiten 28 LEDs Outdoor Solar Lights (4 Pack) stands out as the best solar fence light. The Solar Decorative Fence Lights (6 Pack) are equally great decorative lights that provide value for your money.
Hopefully, this article provides all the info you need. Happy shopping!
Luposwiten is a world-renowned creator of outdoor solar lights, with a solid reputation for making high-quality products.
- 400 Lumen brightness.
- 120-degree lighting range.
- 10 to 16 feet movement detection range.