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The 9 Best Outdoor Solar Lights To Brighten Up Your Yard

If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly way to illuminate your outdoor space at night, solar lights are your best bet. Capable of providing brightness around your home with minimal effort on your end, the best outdoor solar lights are powerful, durable and attractive—and they don’t make a dent in your power bill. Our top choice for most people are the affordable and versatile Aloftsun Motion Sensor Solar Landscape Spotlights, which allow you to customize your lighting.

Outdoor solar lights operate on a simple principle: they use solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity, which is then stored in the lights’ batteries and used to illuminate your home at night. “Outdoor solar lights are low-maintenance, environmentally friendly and visually appealing, making them an excellent choice for most people,” says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi. Additionally, installation is usually straightforward. “There’s no wiring involved, so they’re ideal for homeowners looking for a fast and easy DIY project,” adds John Barnes, design expert at Lamps Plus. Below, we’ve rounded up the best outdoor solar lights on the market to enhance your facade, walkways and more.

Best Outdoor Solar Lights Overall

A Versatile Pick With 3 Lighting Modes

Aloftsun Motion Sensor Solar Landscape Spotlights

Number of lights: 2 | Modes: 3 | Lumens: 800 | Weather-Resistance Rating: IP68

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Long lifespan
  • Motion sensing capability

Cons:

  • Can’t be hung
  • Not decorative enough for some

The AloftSun motion sensor solar lights are a versatile and affordable option for most households. These lights offer three customizable modes: dim light or high light when motion is detected, no light with high light upon motion detection, or a constant medium light. Equipped with 30 LED chips, they provide a bright pathway and can detect motion up to 33 feet away. They are also waterproof and frost-resistant, ensuring durability even after harsh weather conditions. Installation is flexible, as these lights can be staked into the ground or mounted on a wall. Additionally, they have a 40,000-hour lifespan, providing several years of reliable use.


Best Value Outdoor Solar Lights

Attractive Path Lights For Under $9 Each

Hampton Bay Parkwood Outdoor Solar Path Light

Number of lights: 10 | Modes: 1 | Lumens: 14 | Weather-Resistance Rating: IPX5

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Stylish look
  • Weather-resistant

Cons:

  • Only run for eight hours at a time
  • Not motion activated

For just $35, you can get four attractive path lights for under $9 each. These lights offer plenty of value, starting with easy installation: simply place them in the ground wherever you want, and you’re done. The 15-inch lights feature a water glass lens that creates a pleasant pattern on the ground while producing 14 lumens of bright lighting. Hampton Bay’s Jefferson lights are truly hands-off, automatically turning on at dusk and running for up to eight hours when fully charged. The only time you’ll need to interact with them is if you want to adjust their positioning. Although these weather-resistant lights are not motion-activated, they reliably illuminate a clear, consistent path when needed.


Best Motion-Sensor Outdoor Solar Lights

An Option With 2 Light Settings

Linkind StarRay Solar Spot Lights

Number of lights: 2 | Modes: 2 | Lumens: 650 | Weather-Resistance Rating: IP67

Pros:

  • Waterproof
  • Motion sensing capability
  • Can be staked or hung

Cons:

  • May blink at dusk
  • Not decorative

Linkind’s StarRay lights offer flexible motion-sensing options. You can set them to turn on for 25 seconds when motion is detected before shutting off, or to stay on at a dimmer setting and brighten for 10 seconds upon detecting motion. These waterproof lights can be staked in the ground or mounted on a wall, depending on your preference. With a built-in solar panel, you have the freedom to pivot the light up, down, and side to side for optimal coverage. The lights automatically turn on at dusk and shut off at dawn to conserve battery life.


Best Outdoor Solar Lights On Amazon

A Best-Selling Pack Of 4 Lights

Nymphy LED Solar Lights

Number of lights: 4 | Modes: 3  | Lumens: 400 | Weather-Resistance Rating: IP68

Pros:

  • Three brightness modes
  • Can be staked or hung
  • Easy to install

Cons:

  • Solar panel doesn’t rotate
  • Some reviewers say they’re prone to water damage

Nymphy’s LED outdoor solar lights are fan favorites on Amazon, with over 6,600 5-star reviews. Available in packs of four or six and in three color options, these lights can be staked in the ground or mounted on a wall, allowing you to direct their spotlight wherever needed. They automatically turn on at night and offer three brightness settings—low, medium and high. Made from high-impact ABS material, these lights are both waterproof and frost-proof, ensuring they can withstand outdoor conditions.


Best Smart Outdoor Solar Lights

Lights That Let You Control The Action From Anywhere

Ring Smart Pathlight

Number of lights: 1 | Modes: 2 | Lumens: 80 | Weather-Resistance Rating: N/A

Pros:

  • Smart lights
  • Syncs to Amazon Echo
  • Motion sensor that sends you alerts

Cons:

  • Pricey
  • Ring doesn’t sell replacement batteries

Ring offers path lights packed with features that fans of the brand’s smart home security systems will appreciate. These lights can be controlled via an app, allowing you to toggle between functions like motion sensing or simply turning them on and off as needed. This feature is especially handy for travelers who want to ensure their lighting doesn’t reveal that they’re away from home. Ring’s lights deliver an impressive 80 lumens of brightness and even send you alerts when motion is detected. You can group your path lights with other Ring lights for seamless operation or control them individually. Additionally, if you’re not always near your phone, you can conveniently control your lights through your Amazon Echo.


Best Outdoor Solar Lights For Winter

Stunning Bulbs With Discrete Solar Panels

Canora Grey Arrowsic Resin Wall Light

Number of lights: 1 | Modes: 2 | Lumens: 150 | Weather-Resistance Rating: N/A

Pros:

  • Rust-proof
  • 50,000-hour bulb life
  • Stays bright for up to 12 hours

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Not bright enough for some

Outdoor solar lights are typically affordable, but if you’re looking to invest in something premium, consider these wall lights from Canora Grey. Made from weather-resistant resin with a sleek black finish, these wall-mounted lights feature built-in LED panels at the top, so there’s no bulky solar panel to disrupt your decor. They automatically turn on at dusk, delivering an impressive 150 lumens of brightness for up to 12 hours. These lights are also waterproof and rust-resistant, making them a durable option for year-round use. With an impressive 50,000-hour bulb life, they promise years of reliable performance.


Best Splurge Outdoor Solar Lights

Sleek Lights Made From Stainless Steel And Aluminum

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