Are you tired of tripping while walking to or from your driveway at night? Is it too dark to enjoy your garden or patio at night? If so, then it might be time to brighten up these spaces.
Since you’re not going to want to run electrical wires and install a lighting system, you’ll want an alternative. We’ve reviewed a variety of products to help you find the best solar lights for your yard.
Here, you will learn about each product so that you can make the right decision. You’ll also find a short FAQ section to answer common questions.
We know that it can be somewhat of a challenge to read about 10 different products all at once. Therefore, we made it a little easier with a table. Get specifics right away and learn more about the items you like.
If you’re looking for something high-tech without the hassle of installation, then the LITOM solar light might be ideal. It has upgraded LEDs for more power and a special chip for energy management. Therefore, it can be seen from farther away without being too bright.
In fact, the area of illumination and angle are increased by about 50 percent with this product. Just one light can reach out about 200 square feet. Four lights can have you seeing over 800 square feet away!
Because it uses solar power, the sunlight is the energy source. It soaks up the natural sun and stores it all day. Then, it will light itself for 20 seconds at a time whenever it senses motion at night.
This product can also prolong its lighting time if any motion is detected again while it is currently lit. Therefore, you can safely get where you’re going. Plus, this helps if someone or something else triggers the sensor; you can find out who or what it is.
There are three modes for this light, which is ideal for many uses. You can use it in the backyard, front door, driveway, garage, porch, pathways, and more.
2. URPOWER Solar Motion Sensor Outdoor Light
Those who like the URPOWER brand and previous model will also like this one. It is a similar design, but it’s much smaller. The internal circuit diagram was designed specifically by the manufacturer.
This product features eight LED lights, while other brands usually use four or 12. Therefore, you get something brighter than four lights that lasts longer than 12. Please note that the eight lamps are within one light; you do not get eight separate products in the package.
You’ll find that these solar lights are automated. They’ll turn on during the night if motion is detected through the sensor. Plus, they will shut off automatically when the movement has stopped.
Of course, these lights have a sensing range of up to 10 feet with an angle of 120 degrees. This is perfect for small areas, such as the patio, garden, or front door. However, you can always install more than one light for your particular area.
Since the light is designed for use outside, you will find that it is waterproof. That means it won’t collect water and short out over time. It’s also heatproof, allowing you to use it on extremely hot days.
3. URPOWER Solar Lights for Patio Yard Driveway Pool
URPOWER is one manufacturer that likes its products to look technologically advanced. The 2-in-1 Solar Lights are its third-generation spotlights. They’re designed to be adjustable to hang on the wall or go into the ground.
Of course, they’re rechargeable. The light soaks up the sunlight all day and then uses it as energy to make the product work. It’s also very durable and waterproof, so it can withstand the elements throughout the year.
The fully adjustable light and panel make it easy to get what you need. You can adjust the solar panel backward more to catch more of the sun. Plus, you can also reposition the light itself so that you can point it outward, downward, or upward.
With its 2-in-1 functionality, you can put it into the ground like traditional solar lights. However, you can also use the included screws and mount it on an outside wall. Just make sure that it can get a full charge during the day.
It also features two modes (low light and high light), allowing you to make it brighter when needed. Plus, it automatically turns itself on at night and shuts off at sunrise.
4. Nekteck Outdoor Solar Spotlights
Amazingly, Nekteck has a similar spotlight to the URPOWER brand. They’re also 2-in-1 and adjustable for the wall or ground.
It’s an upgraded fourth-generation solar panel light system. You get more advanced LED lights with 200 lumens to make the most out of your solar energy. Therefore, you’ll light up more of your space at night.
This product is ideal for a variety of areas around your yard. Use it to light up the pool or landscaping. However, you can also illuminate the walkways and driveway with these lights, too.
With the two lighting modes, you can switch to manual where it’s always on. Plus, you can leave it on automatic to turn on at night to stay on until the sun comes back up. Each light features four LEDs with a low or high range.
Primarily, your lights will stay lit for up to 10 hours once they’ve been charged fully. The dusk-to-dawn sensor is ideal here because it will switch from outputting light to drawing in energy from the sun. Therefore, you don’t have the hassles of remembering to shut off the light each day.
5. LITOM 12 LED Solar Landscape Spotlights
From a galaxy far, far away, you’ll find the LITOM brand of solar spotlights. This tech-savvy product has a head (light source) that looks almost like a spacecraft. The cold-white light is very bright, but you can also find warm white and multiple colors.
Each light comes with 12 LEDs that produce 600 lumens. There’s also a 90-degree solar panel that’s adjustable, as well as a 120-degree light angle. Plus, these lights use a 18650 lithium battery (rechargeable,) so it lasts longer.
The always-on mode does feature two different options. Its low-light version will work for up to 12 hours, and the high-light option can work up to six.
This product can detect brightness changes in the environment. When the sun goes down, it senses this and will turn on at your predetermined setting. Then, it will turn itself off when the sun comes up.
With 2-in-1 functionality, you can mount it on your outside wall with the included screws. However, it also features a stake at the bottom to go into the ground, making it highly versatile. That way, it is suitable for patios, yards, decks, driveways, and much more.
6. Hikeren Solar Lights Outdoor
If you’re interested in a security light but want it to run on solar power, this is the product for you. Made by Hikeren, this solar light is made using high-impact plastic, so it won’t shatter or break due to the extreme temperatures. Plus, it is waterproof with an IP65 rating, so it will withstand any weather conditions.
This solar panel and light are not attached and are connected using a 16.4-foot cable. Therefore, you can install the panel where it will see the most sunlight while the light is where you need it to see at night.
You won’t need any electricity, but you will use a rechargeable 4400mAh battery, which is included. Plus, it will charge in about 6.5 hours and give you up to 18 hours of light.
Of course, the solar panel and light holder are also adjustable up to 180 degrees. Therefore, if you misplace it or need to tweak it after installation, it will be much easier.
The light itself holds 30 LEDs, so it is guaranteed to light up even the darkest of spaces. Plus, it works well for many areas of your home, including the garage and front door.
7. Aityvert Solar Flickering Flames Torch Lights
Those who are looking for something intriguing that lights up the path will like the flickering flames solar lights. Made byAityvert, they’re a safer alternative to using real lanterns and fire. Each light features 96 LEDs to help cast a soft, mood-enhancing glow.
Because these lights feature a dancing flames pattern, they are primarily used for parties, camping, and BBQs. However, you can have them up all year long to light up the driveway or pathway. Show your sense of boldness and uniqueness!
With these solar-powered lights, you don’t have to worry about electricity, oil, fire, or pollution. It’s designed to collect solar energy from the sun throughout the day. At night, they turn on automatically.
Each light comes with a 2200mAh rechargeable battery built into it. Therefore, it can cast light for up to 12 hours during the summer and five hours in winter once it is fully charged. Generally, it will take about six to eight hours for a full charge.
There is no wiring required, so installation is easy. Just stick the stakes into the ground and make sure they are secure!
8. Enchanted Spaces Bronze Solar Path Light
While most people don’t get solar lights based on the designs they make, you may be impressed enough to want them for your home. Made by Enchanted Spaces, these bronze solar lights feature real glass for the lens. Plus, it has a design on it, which creates a star-shaped effect on the ground.
The stakes are made of metal, as well, which makes them highly durable and strong. With such sturdy construction, they’ll last for many years.
You’ll get six lights in the set, but each one features a AA 500mAh rechargeable battery. Therefore, it will soak up the sun’s rays all day and produce extra bright light throughout the night.
With a stake that goes four inches long, you’ll be able to secure the light into the ground. Then, the light will sit 12 inches high from the ground, giving plenty of illumination where you need it most.
Of course, it could take some trial and error to figure out the best placement. If you hope to see the full “star” effect, you’ll have to place them a few feet apart. Remember, part of the design will likely be on the grass and part on the sidewalk.
9. GIGALUMI Hanging Solar Mason Jar Lid Lights
Those who want something a little different will like the product from GIGALUMI. These solar lights look like mason jars complete with the lids. Plus, they can hang almost anywhere, though you do have to make sure they’re placed appropriately to catch the sun.
You’ll get six lights, complete with the lids and hangers. Each one is about five inches tall. While they’re designed for hanging, you can also place them directly on the ground or on a table for mood lighting.
They’re set to automatically turn on at night. Plus, they will light up for about eight hours on a full charge. Generally, it will take six or more hours to charge them completely.
Inside the jar, you will see the fairy-string of lights. The glass is patterned, so it will look different based on where it sits. However, this means you’ve got something unique for the spaces around your home.
Of course, the lights are weatherproof, so you can leave them out when it’s raining. This is beneficial because you don’t have to take them in during the snow or rain.
10. Brightech LED Outdoor Solar String Lights
When it comes to outdoor lighting, you may want something more traditional. Brightech has its outdoor string lights in the shape of real light bulbs. However, the lights are LED and solar-powered.
These Italian-style bistro lights can transform your space into a fun, quirky retreat. They’re pergola lights, but you can use them along the pathway or anywhere else you have the room. This allows you to create the right mood to enjoy your evening.
They’re bright enough so that you can eat or cook outside, but they aren’t overpowering. The warm glow will help you unwind after a hard day.
You can either attach them with the supplied clips (such as to a pergola roof), or you can stake them into the ground. It only takes about six hours of sunlight to charge them. Then, they will work for up to six hours of lighting.
Brightech uses its own WeatherTite technology, making these lights waterproof. You can use them in damp climates and direct rain or snow. The solar panel is also separate from the lights, so it can be installed in the best place to see the most sunlight.
How to Install Solar Yard Lights?
The way you’ll install solar yard lights depends on the set-up. Many of them feature stakes at the bottom. You just insert the stake into the ground where you want the light to shine.
Others must be installed on the wall of your garage or home. To do this, you will need to place the product correctly and screw it into the wall. Often, this requires you to use a drill to make holes.
If you do install the product onto your home, make sure that it is where you want it to be. Otherwise, you will have a variety of holes in the woodwork or siding.
Placement is key regardless of the type of solar lights you choose. You need to focus on getting the most sunlight for the solar panel. However, you also have to ensure that the light is directed so that you can see properly.
Why Don’t My Solar Yard Lights Work?
The most common reason that solar yard lights don’t work is that they aren’t getting the right amount of sunlight. They have to be in direct sunlight for hours. Their current placement might have them seeing the sun for a few hours, which isn’t enough.
For each hour of sunlight the product gets, you will get up to two hours of light from it. If you require the light to work up to eight or 12 hours (depending on the model), it needs four to six hours of sun.
Consider moving your light to a new location that sees more sun during the day. This will ensure that it works correctly.
Another common problem is that the solar panel gets dirty. If it can’t soak up enough of the sun’s rays, it won’t work at night. Plus, the light is always outside, so it is bound to get dusty or dirty at times.
To combat this issue, just wipe off the solar panel, which is usually on top of the light. Use a slightly dampened cloth, but don’t use any chemicals or soap. Test it the next night to ensure that cleaning did the trick.
Conclusion
When it comes to the best solar yard lights, we have three winners. Since the lights we reviewed were so different, we chose one from each ‘category’.
If you’re looking for the traditional stake-in-the-ground version, the LITOM 12-LED Spotlights are ideal. They’re very bright and feature two light modes. Plus, you can choose from a variety of colors.
Those who want something that attaches to the wall of the home or garage will like the Hikeren Solar Lights. It has 30 LEDs and is quite easy to install. Plus, you can put the solar panel farther away from the light for optimal sun exposure.
Some homeowners dare to be different, so the GIGALUMI Hanging Mason Jar Lights might be perfect for you. They’re brightly lit, but you can hang them from trees or anywhere else. Plus, you can hold them to walk around at night or put them on a table.
Really a great review! You systematically went through all the points that a buyer would want about these lights. Your comparisons really helped illustrate each unit’s strengths/weaknesses, and you were to the point. Thanks
I purchased 2 sets Nekteck Outdoor Solar Spotlightsfor front yard and back yard to bring out landscaping. It is the perfect light to enhance trees and river rock in front yard. There is enough lighting I don’t need to put on the porch/deck lights anymore. I purchased the warm lighting (not bright white), so it accents the property in the trees/rocks. I feel more safe with the lighting walking in from the driveway (not tripping), and I received many compliments with neighbors (not blinding light for them either). Also, found myself using in backyard to light along the porch so I don’t trip and fall coming off the porch into the grassy hill. I use for my dog’s light for the 1/2 acre so I can see him and not blind my neighbors behind me. Easily installed, definately would recommend to anyone looking for quick nighlight and/or landscaping enhancements.
Really a great review! You systematically went through all the points that a buyer would want about these lights. Your comparisons really helped illustrate each unit’s strengths/weaknesses, and you were to the point. Thanks
I purchased 2 sets Nekteck Outdoor Solar Spotlightsfor front yard and back yard to bring out landscaping. It is the perfect light to enhance trees and river rock in front yard. There is enough lighting I don’t need to put on the porch/deck lights anymore. I purchased the warm lighting (not bright white), so it accents the property in the trees/rocks. I feel more safe with the lighting walking in from the driveway (not tripping), and I received many compliments with neighbors (not blinding light for them either). Also, found myself using in backyard to light along the porch so I don’t trip and fall coming off the porch into the grassy hill. I use for my dog’s light for the 1/2 acre so I can see him and not blind my neighbors behind me. Easily installed, definately would recommend to anyone looking for quick nighlight and/or landscaping enhancements.