The best outdoor solar lights are an efficient and sustainable way to brighten a space, helping you save on electricity costs and avoid the hassle of outlet plugs and battery replacements. The most effective options are durable enough to withstand inclement weather, powerful enough to function just like electric lights and remain reliable for several years. Our top pick, the AloftSun Solar Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights, checks all these boxes with 30 powerful LED bulbs and several modes to choose from.
The best outdoor solar lights are powerful and reliable, capable of brightening any size space.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
“Solar lights are a great way to tap into the immense power of the sun and use natural resources for your lighting needs,” says interior designer Jen Sarantakis, adding that they “cut down on electricity costs that you would incur with outlet lighting.” Read on for our top picks for the best outdoor solar lights to brighten your yard, driveway or patio.
Number of lights: 2 | Modes: 3 | Lumens: 800 | Battery life: 6-8 hours
Pros:
Motion sensor-equippedWaterproof and frost-resistantLong lifespan
Cons:
Limited installation options
With 30 durable LED lights in each stake and a long runtime, the AloftSun Solar Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights are a great choice for keeping your space well lit. Each light offers 800 lumens, which is on the higher end of Sarantakis’s recommendation for reliable security lighting. They also offer an extended runtime with less charging, so you can rely on brightness regardless of the weather.
The lights have an IP68 waterproof rating, which protects the product even when submerged in water (up to one meter). Plus, they’re resistant to high temperature, snow and frost, so they can run all year round.
There are three modes to choose from: constant on, high light sensor and medium light sensor. The brightness is also customizable depending on preference. Just keep in mind these are designed to work as stakes, so they can’t be hung or wall-mounted.
Number of lights: 2 | Modes: 1 | Lumens: 14 | Battery life: 8 hours
Pros:
Charming designWeather-resistant build
Cons:
Brightness can’t be adjusted
At just over $14 for a pack of two, the Hampton Bay Parkwood Outdoor Solar Path Light offers a great value and excellent design. The lantern-style aesthetic with water glass adds a classic look, and it can be purchased in packs of up to 12 to suit any size walkway.
The brand claims that the LED bulbs delivers an eight-hour run time when charged fully, and they’re weather-resistant thanks to their durable metal poles and plastic cages.
However, the lights have a very barebones design. There is no option for brightness adjustment or motion sensor activation. They turn on and off automatically, with many reviewers noting that they stay illuminated most of the night when fully charged.
Number of lights: 1 | Modes: 2 | Lumens: 120 | Battery life: Not listed
Pros:
Modern designMade from sturdy aluminum, glass and stainless steelBright output with 120 lumens
Cons:
No timer or customization settings
For a high-quality solar light that delivers reliable power and a modern design, consider the Helios Solar Light. It features 120 lumens of both white and warm lights to illuminate everything from walkways to entire patios and pool areas. It also offers a reliably sturdy design made from durable materials, including powder-coated aluminum, glass and stainless steel.
The light comes with stakes for installing along a pathway, but it also includes a mounting plate for planting on hard surfaces like walls and decks. These lights are sold individually, but owners have reported needing only one or two for adding substantial light to their outdoor space.
MOST POPULAR
Number of lights: 4 | Modes: 3 | Lumens: 1,000 | Battery life: 8-12 hours
Pros:
Highest waterproof ratingFlexible installation optionsLong battery life
Cons:
A common use for outdoor solar lights is to illuminate your path when you get home at night. The Nipify Solar Motion Sensor Spot Lights get the job done, thanks to the built-in PIR sensor which reliably captures motion and activates light when it’s most important.
They offer three lighting modes—Sensor light Mode, Dim Light Sensor Mode and Constant Light Mode—allowing you to change the settings based on whether you’re spending time outside or just want to keep the lights on standby to save energy. The battery life is strong, with the brand claiming it lasts up to 12 hours on a full charge.
These lights can be installed both as stakes as well as mounts, and have an IP65 waterproof rating that allows them to sustain rain, wind, snow and heat. Although they offer 1,000 lumens of brightness, some owners have reported the illuminated area is smaller than expected. Fortunately, they are available in several pack sizes, including a 12-pack, which can help illuminate larger areas.
Number of lights: 1 (299 bulbs) | Modes: 1 | Lumens: 1,000 | Battery life: 15 hours
Pros:
Easy installationAlmost 300 powerful LED bulbsFast charging
Cons:
Flood lights are ideal for illuminating large areas like pool decks, driveways and backyards. The Jackyled LED Outdoor Solar Flood Light makes this easy with a simple installation process: Just connect the cord, assemble the pieces and mount them with screws and anchors.
This light promises reliable brightness, with 299 LED bulbs that produce 1,000 lumens to cover a 120-degree area. The brand also claims that its solar panel charges 22% faster than its predecessor, requiring just over six hours of charging to deliver 15 hours of power.
It also features an IP65 waterproof rating and can withstand all four seasons. Just keep in mind that this light will automatically turn on at night, which means there are no option for motion activation or other customizations.
Number of lights: 8 | Modes: 2 | Lumens: N/A | Battery life: 10-13 hours
Pros:
Rust-resistantMotion sensor-equippedUp to a 13-hour battery life
Cons:
A favorite of Sarantakis, these charming pathway lights are “pretty and well-made…ideal for outdoor pathway lighting.” Made from shatter-resistant diamond glass, they are not prone to fogging, unlike many plastic alternatives. Plus, after charging during the day, the lights automatically turn on at night, building up to 13 hours of power.
These lights are also waterproof and rust-proof, with an IP65 ranking that makes them durable enough to withstand all types of weather. Choose from three lighting modes: bright, multicolor-changing or fixed.
Reviewers love that the diamond glass delivers an eye-catching shadow on their pavement and that the battery life is reliable. However, some have noted that the build can be fragile, especially when they come into contact with lawn care machinery.
Brightech Ambience Pro Solar Powered Outdoor String LightsShop At Amazon
Number of lights: 12 | Modes: 1 | Lumens: Not listed | Battery life: 5-6 hours
Pros:
Shatterproof and waterproof bulbsAutomatic on/off function
Cons:
Brightness cannot be adjusted
The best outdoor string lights can elevate the vibe and aesthetic of your outdoor space, and solar options offer those benefits with extra flexibility since no outlets are needed. The Brightech Ambience Pro Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights deliver brightness in style, thanks to the Edison-style bulbs with one watt of power to add a twinkling brightness to any space.
These string lights are designed with durability in mind; the bulbs are plastic and shatterproof, able to withstand up to 50 mph winds, 122-degree temperatures and water coming from all directions.
While they should last up to six hours on a full charge, keep in mind there are no settings to adjust color or dimmability—they function with a simple on/off design.
Number of lights: 1 | Modes: 1 | Lumens: 80 | Battery life: Not listed
Pros:
Can be controlled via a smartphone appMotion sensor-featuresEasy installation
Cons:
Although these pathlights are powered by the sun, they offer a lot of high-tech features that expand their functionality beyond just turning on at sunset. Compatible with the Ring app, you can control these lights from anywhere, and the app notifies you when motion is detected. These lights can also be voice-activated when grouped with a device like the Amazon Echo. Plus, they’re weather-resistant and able to withstand temperatures ranging from -4 to 120 degrees.
However, they’re not waterproof, and some owners have reported issues after long-term exposure to wet weather. It may be best to keep them in protected areas, especially during long stretches of rain.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The home team at Forbes Vetted has tested and evaluated hundreds of products designed to elevate outdoor spaces, including smokeless fire pits and cantilever umbrellas.
Monica Petrucci, the author of this article, is a commerce writer at Forbes Vetted who covers home topics. She has researched and tested countless home and outdoors products over the years, from outdoor string lights to grill covers.
For this article, we consulted with interior designer Jen Sarantakis of Jennifer Sarantakis, Inc. She provided insight into how outdoor solar lights work and offered expert recommendations and guidance on choosing the most reliable models.
We regularly conduct extensive research and update our existing articles to ensure we provide the most relevant information to our readers. This piece was last updated in August 2025.
How We Chose The Best Outdoor Solar Lights
We conducted in-depth research for this article, consulting experts and analyzing consumer reviews to identify the most reliable products.
We used insights from Sarantakis, who provided her expertise on how outdoor solar lights work and which specs to prioritize in high-quality models, including lumen range, materials and bulb type. Her recommendations directly informed our selection.
We also included Sarantakis recommendation for the Beau Jardin Solar Pathway Lights, including her firsthand experience and why she recommends them from both a design and functionality perspective.
Additionally, we read through consumer reviews on several major retailer sites, noting common pros and cons. We prioritized positive customer feedback and only included models with a four-star rating or higher.
How To Pick The Best Outdoor Solar Lights
First, think about the function you’d like your solar lights to serve: Are they mainly decorative, or do you need them to be bright enough to illuminate your dark driveway? You should also consider manufacturer details such as materials used, installation and battery life.
Brightness
While shopping for outdoor lights, look for the number of bulbs and lumens, and then consider their purpose. String lights meant to add ambience to a patio space may not need to be as bright as a fog light to guide you down a dark walkway.
For architectural landscape spaces, Sarantakis recommends a lumens range between 200-400, while lights used for security purposes should have a range between 400-800 lumens.
Charging Time And Battery Life
Be sure to look at product descriptions that estimate the amount of time needed to charge the solar lights in direct sunlight, as well as how much time a full battery provides.
Keep in mind that the weather can greatly affect your solar light’s functionality. “Since the amount of outdoor sunlight isn’t always predictable, solar lights can fade out at more quickly at night…and therefore not [be] as reliable as outlet exterior lighting,” Sarantakis says.
Installation
Consider where you’d like your solar lights to be installed: Will they be stakes in the grass along the walkway, affixed to the side of your house or hanging from posts in the backyard? Some solar lights offer multiple installation options, but not all.
It’s also a good idea to read through consumer reviews to better understand how difficult the installation process is before making your purchasing decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Best Brand Of Solar Lights?
Our top pick for the best outdoor solar lights is the AloftSun Solar Motion Sensor Outdoor Light. With a durable, waterproof build, powerful brightness and an efficient motion sensor they’re a reliable and effective option for most homes.
Do Solar Lights Charge On Cloudy Days?
Solar charging is directly impacted by the strength of sunlight exposure on any given day, which means you’ll end up with less battery power on cloudy or rainy days. “Solar lights are best used in warmer, sunnier climates,” Sarantakis says. “So if you live in a rainy, colder or a climate with limited sun, solar lighting won’t be that effective.”
How Do Solar Lights Work?
“Solar lighting stores energy from the sun during the day and converts it to electricity via the photovoltaic effect, which allows the bulb to illuminate your outdoors at night,” explains Sarantakis. The photovoltaic effect generates voltage from light exposure, creating an electric current that can be used to power light bulbs.
Comments are closed.