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When it comes to outdoor lighting, instead of relying on plugs, extension cords, and electrical outlets to help the lights shine bright, why not use the power of the sun? Solar-powered lights are an eco-friendly way to illuminate your outdoor space. From string lights to lanterns to security lighting, solar lights are the perfect landscape solution for making your outdoors a little brighter. We found the brightest and best solar powered lights perfect for your outdoor space.
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Not only does this lantern top our list for best budget solar light, it should also be recognized for its modern, chic design. This silver lantern is perfect for patios, deck, or pergola decorating, or accenting your outdoor furniture. Instead of a typical bulb, the lantern is illuminated by an LED candle with a flickering flame which gives off an inviting light you can enjoy while entertaining or enjoying your outdoor space.
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These string lights come with 24 bulbs that can easily change from a soft white light to multiple colors all from the click of the remote—making these solar string lights perfect all year long. The solar powered lights will stay lit for eight hours each night. The solar panel can be installed in the ground or mounted on a wall or fence, offering flexibility when you install your string lights. Tip: String them around your patio umbrella for a fun flourish.
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Powered by 55 lumens, this spotlight from Hampton Bay is a great option to light a pathway or walkway to your home or add some extra lighting in a garden bed. When the sun sets, you’ll get up to eight hours of light. These lights are easy to install, weather-resistant, and the rechargeable battery is already included.
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What’s great about this flood light is there’s no electrical wiring needed, meaning these solar lights offer extra security lighting in areas of your outdoor space that don’t have outlets or electricity. The motion-activated lights are bright with three bulbs that shine at 2,000 lumens each. The sidelights are fully adjustable, so they can illuminate more area. These lights can also be set to a timer so every night your outdoor space is well-lit.
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There’s no need to install boring, basic wall lights when you can have a set of these ultra-chic solar wall lights. Each has a modern silhouette that’s visually “softened” by the wavy, water-inspired glass lantern panels. The dusk-to-dawn feature automatically turns lights on at dusk and off at dawn. The lights are easy to install and look great on various styles of homes.
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This solar light connects to other Ring devices like lights, doorbells, and cameras and can be controlled through the Ring app or Alexa-enabled devices. This motion-activated light shines at 800 lumens and is great for garages, fence lines, and outdoor areas. Plus, the light can be installed on a flat surface in just a few minutes.
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If you need lights on steps or around fencing, try these step lights from Genket. These outdoor step lights are fully charged after six to eight hours in the sun. The lights are also waterproof, so they’re a great option around a pool.
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If you’re looking for something other than traditional pathlights, check out these solar lights from Kopper. The hollow-carved design leaves a fun pattern on the ground at night and provides a warm glow on sidewalks and paths. The dusk-to-dawn technology means you’ll have six to eight hours of light from these solar lights.
Solar lights come in a variety of styles and are relatively inexpensive because they aren’t drawing any electricity. When choosing the best outdoor solar lights, there are a few things to consider:
Solar lights need plenty of sunlight to properly charge–usually around six to eight hours. Once fully charged, the battery will power the light, and depending if the solar light is constantly on or only turns on because of motion, the light should have power for up to eight hours. Choose a light that can be powered all night long so you don’t find yourself in the dark.
Decide the amount of light you’ll need. From a soft glow, a spot light, or an accent light, the brightness of the light will determine which solar lights will work best. If the intent of the solar light is for security, you’ll need a light that is between 50 and 250 lumens. For accent lights, 20 lumens per square foot creates ambient lighting.
Just like traditional outdoor lighting, solar lights come in a variety of styles and are made from a variety of materials. No matter your style and design preference, you’ll find plenty of solar light options.
We researched solar lights from the most popular brands and selected options based on brightness, charging time, weather resistance, and other factors.
Typically solar lights fall into three different categories: dusk-to-dawn, motion activated, and timer-controlled.
These are the most common types of solar lights. Dusk-to-dawn lights use sensors to detect sunlight and will automatically illuminate after the sun sets and remain on until the next day when the sun rises again. Because of their design, dusk-to-dawn solar lights work well as decorative lights around a home.
To conserve energy, these types of solar lights only activate when motion is sensed. These types of lights are great options for spot and security lights.
These types of solar lights allow you to determine when the lights will turn on and how long the lights will stay on. Often, these settings are controlled from an app.
If you’re using the sun to power lights, you may be wondering why solar lamps need batteries. Solar lights need batteries to store electrical energy, which can later be used to power the lights at night or when there are periods of low sunlight without a supply of electricity.
It can be confusing when choosing solar lights in lumens instead of wattage. Plus, depending on the type of lights you're installing, you’ll need different lumens. Here’s a short list of recommended lumens for common outdoor lights.
There are many brands to choose from and you’ll ultimately want to choose a brand that creates a product that works for you and your outdoor space. Some of the most highly reviewed brands are Westinghouse and Hampton Bay.
The best wattage for solar lights really depends on how you intend on using the lights. Solar lights are often measured in lumens. Typically 100-200 lumens or 40 watts is a great option for solar lights that line walkways and driveways. For lights that cover a broader area, choose 1100 lumens or 80 watts to ensure the space is properly lit.
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