Additionally, the Urpower lights come with two different installation options—you can insert them into the ground using the provided stakes or mount them to the wall using the included hardware. The lights are available in three different color options: cool white, warm white, and multicolor. They don’t come with any pattern options, such as blinking or strobe modes, and they aren’t particularly sophisticated in terms of design. However, for basic solar spotlights, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better value than the Urpower Outdoor Solar Spotlights. Solar lights can still work in indirect sunlight and on cloudy days, but they may not stay on as long. For best results, place your solar light in a location that gets several hours of direct sunlight each day. When you see an IP rating with an X in it, this means the product does not offer protection for that category. For example, IPX4 means the device is protected from water splashes in all directions, but not from dust and debris.

Additionally, choosing high-quality solar lights with a larger battery capacity and more efficient solar panels can also help extend their lifespan and ensure they provide effective and efficient lighting for many years. Some of the solar lights on this list have small solar panels on each individual light, while others have a single external solar panel that powers the entire set of lights. You might prefer the latter if you want to use solar lights under a porch or covered patio; you'll be able to give the solar panel direct sunlight while keeping the lights where you want them. If you’re looking to illuminate a specific area—whether it be your house, driveway, landscaping, or pool—the Urpower Outdoor Solar Spotlights are an excellent choice. In our testing, the automatic dusk-to-dawn lights remained on for 7 hours and 46 minutes on a full charge. They put out an impressive 200 lumens of light on the highest mode (there’s also a low setting). The lights themselves can be adjusted up to 90 degrees to direct the light where it's most needed, while the solar panel can be angled up to 150 degrees, so you can face it where it will receive the most sunlight during the day. We noted that the only feature, aside from its solar capabilities, is an on/off switch. Our lab testing also revealed some conflicting results. On the one hand, the frosted glass shattered during our golf ball test; on the other, the solar panels still worked. The manufacturer claims the product is weatherproof and wasn’t damaged when we poured water directly above it in the lab. We also haven't noticed any issues with the light being damaged by storms so far in our real-world testing. Why You Should Get It: Their IPX7 rating means they can be submerged in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes, making them very water resistant.These lights will be fine in normal rain and snow showers, but you may want to bring them inside during heavy downpours combined with wind. You'll often see the water protection listed as an IP rating, an international standard that looks like "IP45." They also work in low light conditions over winter. They don't stay on as long as the PowerBee lights, but on most nights, even in winter when it gets dark early, they last for at least eight hours. Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the light fixture, and avoid using any abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that may damage the surface. The Home Zone Solar Powered Wall Lantern Lights also survived our water, golf ball, and freezer testing—a testament to their impressive IP67 weather-resistance rating. Overall, this would make a great choice for anyone who wants a wall-mounted light for illuminating a small area.

There are a few special features you may want to consider, depending on your needs and budget. Some outdoor solar lights are WiFi-enabled, so you can control them from your phone. Others feature the ability to change color or patterns (i.e. blinking or strobe lights), which can be fun during the holidays and when hosting parties. Solar lights, compared to low voltage and line voltage outdoor lights, are safer and more DIY-friendly since there's little to no wiring required at all," says Sarah Jameson, marketing director of Green Building Elements. "In most cases, there is no need to bring in an electrician to install it." We found the lights give off a soft, clear, pleasing light that makes them ideal for decorating a patio. The design is sleek and simple and quite similar to non-solar string lights. However, the strands of lights can't be connected to one another since each needs its own solar panel to charge. You can hang up multiple strings next to each other to give the appearance of them being connected, though. For an affordable lighting option that adds ambianceto your outdoor space, we recommend the 33-foot-long Brightown Outdoor Solar string lights. Available in seven colors (we tested white), these fairy lights survived all of our durability tests and were easy to install, with only two stakes needed for the solar panels. And because they are solar-powered, you don’t need electricity for them to work, unlike many other outdoor string lights. Just note that they are not a great option if you want to add bright light outdoors.

Solar lights do not require an external power source or electrical wiring, making them a cost-effective alternative to traditional lights. They are also low-maintenance, as they do not need to be connected to a power source or have their bulbs replaced as frequently. If the solar light is not holding a charge or is not as bright as it used to be, the battery may need to be replaced. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the type of battery to use and how to replace it. Installing solar lights is a relatively easy and straightforward process that can be done without the need for special tools or electrical wiring. However, the installation process may vary depending on the type and style of solar light, and you should refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions for specific guidance. We added these fairy lights to our test in 2022 and they survived one of the coldest winters in recent years in our test garden. Why You Should Get It: If you'd like a sturdy motion-sensing solar light, our testers found this to be one of the best solar lights in this category.

The best solar lights have special features like on/off switches, timers, or motion sensors. Some solar lights, like the Brightown Outdoor Solar String Lights, even have different light settings like a slow fade or twinkle. The lights have two modes. The first is a non-motion-sensing, lower brightness (about half power) that switches to a brighter light for 10 seconds when motion is detected. Once motion stops, the light dims itself. The second mode keeps the light off when there's no motion then switches to a bright light for 25 seconds when motion is detected. We didn't notice a big difference between dim light and bright light modes, however. Solar lights stay on until the batteries run out or the photoresistor detects the absence of light (in the case of dusk-to-dawn lights). Wall-Mounted Lights: Wall-mounted solar lights can come in several different forms, like lanterns, spotlights, flood lights, etc. Regardless, mounting lights to a wall or fence can help illuminate the perimeter of your space for added guidance. Why You Should Get It: These solar lights are perfect for those looking for a soft, ambient outdoor lighting option. They're also available in seven colors.Solar lights do not emit any greenhouse gases or other pollutants, making them an environmentally friendly lighting option. If they also have a motion sensor, they won’t contribute to light pollution, helping to reduce the impact on natural ecosystems. Installing these lights is quite simple, with one option being to simply connect the light to a spoke and drive the spoke into the ground. Screws come with the light if you'd rather mount it, providing a bit of flexibility in how you're able to put the lights to use.