When it comes to lighting up your property, you’ve got many choices. However, most homeowners don’t want something that’s hard to install. Therefore, you may want to consider solar options.
The best solar landscape lights are those that work properly, are easy to install, and look beautiful along the walkway. Of course, they need to be bright enough for you to see. We take a look at 15 different products to help you choose the right one.
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Pros and Cons of Solar Landscape Lighting
Outdoor lighting is essential for your landscape design. Most homeowners need it because you never know when you’re going to come home in the dark.
Outside lighting can increase your safety and protect the home from intruders. Plus, it acts as a guide for people who are unfamiliar with the landscape.
Understanding the pros and cons of adding solar landscape lighting is the first step to deciding if it is right for you. Here are a few things to consider:
Advantages of Solar Landscape Lights
We’re going to start with the benefits of solar landscape lights. You can add them to your flower beds, driveway, garden, walkway, or patio.
You don’t require an electricity source to power up the lights.
Since you don’t need electricity, the landscape lighting can go anywhere that receives enough sunlight during the day.
The landscape lights you choose aren’t going to increase the energy bill you receive.
During the summer, the days are longer, so the lights are going to stay on more frequently. Since you might be entertaining long into the night because of the warmth, this is ideal.
You can install these lights where you often dig, such as a vegetable or flower garden, without worrying about doing damage to electrical wires.
Since you don’t need any wiring, solar lights are much easier to install and can be done yourself without hiring a professional.
Some lights can cost a bit more, but you’re not going to require any maintenance fees for the lifetime of the lights. They don’t need electricity to run and don’t require battery changes and the like.
As they don’t use electricity, solar landscape lighting is an eco-friendly option and can also lower your carbon footprint.
No one is going to chew through, cut, or trip over the electrical wires because there are none.
Cons
Though there are many benefits of using solar landscape lights, there are a few issues you might face. Learning about them is important so that you can decide if this is right for your home.
Solar lights use the sun to charge up the batteries. Therefore, you need to have them in a spot that sees plenty of sunlight.
If anything blocks the sun (trees, bushes, plants, or shrubs), they aren’t going to work.
They can’t be used around structures that shade the area for most of the day.
You need to clean them regularly to remove the dirt and other debris that might block the solar panel from charging the batteries.
Solar lights might not stay on throughout the entire night, especially around dawn.
The 15 Best Solar Landscape Lights on the Market
We have created a table with a list of our 15 products. This helps you see what’s in store for you while you read the rest of the review.
The Linkind brand features solar spotlights, each with 12 LEDs in them. The cold white light ensures that you can see where you’re going, regardless of the time of night. It also comes with a rechargeable lithium battery.
These lights are quite unique, and you get four of them in one pack. There are two modes (low-light and high-light). This product is designed to notice the change of brightness and can choose the most appropriate light mode for you.
Of course, these lights are waterproof because they’re used outside. They also offer heat-resistant technology and are made of ABS plastic. This makes them very durable so that they can withstand all types of inclement weather.
Installation is easy, and you’ve got two methods from which to choose. You can stick them into the ground with the included stakes. However, they can also be mounted on the wall, and the package comes with appropriate screws to do this.
2. Nekteck Outdoor Solar Spotlights
The Neckteck brand features two solar lights with a panel that can be rearranged to get the most sunlight. It features 200 lumen LED lights and outputs significant light during the night. You can use it around the pool, in the yard, or anywhere else.
These lights are designed to be resistant to the weather. That way, you can leave them out during sleet, rain, frost, and snow. They are still going to work no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.
Of course, two brightness modes are always on. It comes with an automatic switch, as well. The four LED bulbs can provide high or low light.
This allows it to stay on for up to 10 hours after it has been completely charged. It also has a dusk-to-dawn sensor, which turns on at the beginning of the night and turns off at dawn.
3. URPOWER LED Solar Spotlight Wall Landscape Light
If you’re interested in something a bit different and multicolored, then the URPOWER brand might be ideal. It features rechargeable batteries, and the solar panel is adjustable. That way, you can always ensure enough sunlight hits the panel to charge it up for the next night.
This product is quite easy to install and doesn’t require tools. Just insert the lower part of the stake onto the base and insert it into the ground. Of course, this also makes it easier to adjust when needed.
The entire product is waterproof, which means you can leave it outside when it rains. It’s also durable enough to handle rain, sleet, and light hail.
Of course, the light itself also adjusts, so you can choose the right angle for your particular needs. It also changes from red and green to blue and yellow throughout the night.
4. Magictec LED Wall Landscape Solar Lights
When it comes to choosing solar lights, Magictec has what you need. Its spotlight comes in a two-pack and is designed to withstand any weather conditions. It’s waterproof and durable, but it is also heatproof and rugged.
The product can be installed on the wall or on the ground. You get the screws necessary to handle the work. However, you don’t need tools (other than a screwdriver for wall mounting), and no wiring is required.
This unit can adjust a full 180 degrees so that you can put light where it is needed most. You can also change around the solar panels to soak up the most sunlight to charge it.
With the lithium-ion battery, you can use the light for over 10 hours with a full charge. Plus, it is rechargeable, so it can be used for many years.
5. Mini 50X Twin Solar-Powered LED Spotlight
With the Mini 50X, you get two solar-powered spotlights. Each puts out 60 to 100 lumen, and they are made of cast aluminum. They produce warm white light instead of the colder, brighter option.
It also features a special magnifier lens and has an output angle of about 45 degrees. That way, it can cover a wide area where an average fixture might not. Of course, you also get a clear lens that is impact-resistant.
The solar panel is actually not attached to the lights and comes by itself. It operates on remote control and includes a lithium battery. It’s designed for use outside, and all parts are waterproof.
With the light, you get three brightness levels. Each can run between five and 15 hours with a full charge and depending on how bright it is. You may also mount them on the wall or into the ground.
6. APONUO LED Solar Powered Landscape Lights
If you’re looking for something that is strong and has a powerful output, the APONUO brand might have the landscape lights for you. Each light has a 150-lumen output that produces warm white light.
There are also two brightness levels. The high brightness lasts for eight hours while the lower brightness can last 12 hours.
These landscape spotlights are designed to turn on at night and power off when the sun starts to rise. Therefore, you don’t have to remember to turn them on or off.
Of course, these work very well as accent lights for gardens, fountains, sculptures, and more. You can also use them to provide light along walkways.
It features a separate solar panel, which does mean that the lights have to be plugged to the panel for it to work. Every component is waterproof, and this can help the light work better than other options.
7. DINGLILIGHTING LED Solar Landscape Spotlights
Those who want the solar panel to be separate from the lights might like the DINGLILIGHTING brand. You get two solar spotlights and one solar panel. This does mean that the panel must be connected to the lights with cords.
However, all of the components you need are waterproof, so no moisture can get inside and ruin the connection. It also comes with an automatic timer, so it shuts off at sunrise.
You’ve got more flexibility with the solar panel being separated from the light. You can move the panel to a spot that sees more sunlight while the lights can illuminate spaces that may see more shade. Plus, the lights can be adjusted without having to move them.
With two ways to mount it, you can put it on the wall or on the ground. You get the proper tools you need to install it, and it’s easy to do.
8. Flalivi Solar Ground Lights
Do you want some lighting for your home but want it to be unique and different? If so, then you might like the ones from Flalivi. With the compact design, you get wide solar panels, and each one has eight LEDs. The set of eight each comes with a rechargeable battery.
It needs about four to eight hours of charging to illuminate for 6 to 8 hours a night. The weather can affect the charging/working time.
These lights only take a few moments to be installed in the ground. You don’t need adapters or wires, either. They sit low to the ground, as well, so you don’t have to worry about your view being obstructed.
The IP65 waterproof rating allows you to use them outside anywhere. It keeps out the water and moisture and can work in the rain, sleet, snow, and other inclement weather.
9. Claoner 32 LED Solar Landscape Spotlights
The Claoner brand gives you two different cold-white solar LED lights. Each light has 32 LEDs inside. This makes it one of the brightest lights on the market.
They also charge quickly and last longer because of the lithium battery, which is rechargeable. You’ve also got three brightness levels.
The low light works about 25 hours, while the medium version can last 15 hours. On high-light mode, you can get eight hours of full light.
You don’t require electricity because of the solar panels on top of the lights. It absorbs the sunlight throughout the day.
It’s made of polycrystalline silicon for the solar panel. The rest of it uses high-impact plastic so that it is strong enough to withstand impacts.
Of course, there have been significant technology breakthroughs, and the Claoner brand uses them all. That way, you’ve got a waterproof light that is also heatproof.
10. GIGALUMI Solar Outdoor Garden Landscape Lights
Do you have a large space to illuminate? If so, then the GIGALUMI brand might work best because it comes with 12 different LED lights. You can choose between multi-color, warm white, white, or color-changing options.
These lights are quite easy to install. Just remove that insulator tab, which is under the cap. Then, you push it into the ground. They automatically shut off when the sun comes up and turns on at night.
Since they are powered from the sun, they don’t raise your electric bill. Plus, they stay lit up to eight hours a night.
You are going to find that these lights are weatherproof. There’s no need to rush out in the rain or snow to remove them. Just let them sit out there and look beautiful and light up your pathways so that you can see at night.
11. BEAU JARDIN Solar Pathway Outdoor Landscape Lighting
The BEAU JARDIN brand offers an eight-pack of outdoor garden solar lights. They’re rustproof and made of stainless steel and glass.
Of course, this does mean that you need to be a bit careful while you’re mowing around them. Still, you can easily remove them from the ground and put them back in when you’re done.
These lights provide you with a decorative effect on the ground. You can easily see how far they go, which allows you to strategically place them as you need them for light or beautiful effects.
You’re not going to need special tools to install them, either. Insert the stakes into the ground and let them stand upright.
The solar panel absorbs sunlight throughout the day, which converts to electricity that can be used at night. You get a Ni-MH battery, which is rechargeable. The solar lights come on at night automatically and can shut off to conserve leftover battery power during the day.
12. Solpex Solar Pathway Lights Outdoor
Many homeowners want decorative lights, and the Solpex brand has what you need. These solar lights look beautiful and can decorate driveways, gardens, and patios. You don’t need any electricity to run them, either.
They use sunlight to charge the battery inside. Then, they are set to automatically turn on during the night and shut off when the sun rises. You should charge them for about four to six hours, which offers you about six to eight hours of illumination.
These lights are to be used outside where they can get plenty of sunlight. This also ensures that they are weather-resistant. You don’t need to worry about frost, sleet, snow, and rain.
Of course, you get six of these lights, which might be enough for a small walkway. Generally, you should space them about three to five feet apart so that each light produces enough illumination in which to see.
13. TomCare Solar Flickering Flames Torches Lights
When it comes to choosing lights for the outside of your home, it’s best to choose something exciting and bold. TomCare offers solar lights that look like flickering flames. The gorgeous design appears like dancing flames.
It’s a safe alternative to fire, and the LEDs here have light cast off in a soft glow. The height of these torches is 43 inches from point of stake to the bulb. Therefore, you should knock off a few inches for it to be in the ground.
This product is fully solar-powered, so it doesn’t need batteries or an electric source. It is designed to collect the sunlight to store energy and use it at dusk. Of course, you do get a rechargeable battery to light up the night for about 10 hours in the summertime.
It takes eight hours to charge. You also get something that is durable and waterproof.
14. Homeimpro Moon Crackle Glass Globe Stake Metal Lights
The Homeimpro brand features a beautiful accent piece in the shape of a moon with a glass globe inside. It’s made of bronze, so it is weatherproof and looks amazing in any backyard.
It’s a solar-powered light and charges up during the day. You do need to turn it on so that it soaks up the sun’s rays. Then, it automatically turns itself on at night and illuminates for six hours with a full charge.
Of course, it stands quite tall, so you might not want to use it as safety lighting along the walkway. However, it can be put in the garden or by the patio to give you light while you’re outside at night.
The durable construction here ensures that it is going to last a long time and look beautiful throughout the years. You can even move the solar panel (found in the middle of the long staff).
15. TONULAX Solar Lights Outdoor
If you enjoy flowers and want some accent lighting, the TONULAX brand has what you need. These solar garden lights look like large lilies. They’ve been upgraded with fabric so that they even look and move similarly to flowers.
The solar panel is now wider, as well, so it can soak up more sunlight throughout the day and can even work when the sky is partly cloudy. You can use it in the garden or as a pathway light.
This artificial flower stake light works well outside. It features waterproof glass. The stem and flower parts are made with high-quality material, so it withstands inclement weather.
Its stems and leaves use iron wire so that you can move them and place them how you want. This means you can adjust the angle of light and make the flowers look more realistic.
Where to Place Solar Landscape Lights?
The placement of your solar landscape lights is paramount. If you put them near a wall or under the shade, they aren’t going to get enough sunlight to work all night or at all. Before you buy them or place them, pay close attention to your yard.
Watch where the sunlight normally stays the longest. That way, you can place them there. If you choose the brands that have separate solar panels, you have a bit more leeway as to where they can go.
How to Install Solar Landscape Lighting?
The installation process is straightforward for solar lights. Usually, they have a tab to insulate between the panel and the battery for shipment. Remove that tab so that the lights can gather the sunlight.
Some lights come with stakes that must be put on to the base, but others are already done for you. Now, put the light where you want it and slowly press it into the ground. You may need to hammer it gently if the ground is dry and hard.
Why Won’t My Solar Landscape Lights Work?
If your solar landscape lights aren’t working, there are a few things you can do. Make sure that the solar panel isn’t dirty; wipe it clean.
You may also need to reposition the light so that it sees more sunlight during the day. Many products now include rechargeable batteries, but if yours doesn’t, you might need to replace them.
Another way to jolt the light into working is to turn it to the off position so that it doesn’t turn on. Then, let it charge a full three days (72 hours). The battery still uses some of the energy when it is daytime, so this can help it get a full charge and last longer.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best solar landscaping lighting, you’ve got many options. While we focused primarily on how the lights worked, you may be more interested in accent lights.
Therefore, we believe that the Claoner brand of the spotlight is one of the best options. It’s very bright and can be changed to different angles.
However, if you want something more decorative, the TONULAX brand with the lilies works well. It comes in two different colors, and you get two of them.
I don’t know who designed all these high lumen product but seems none works! These sellers are counting on knowledgeable customers to know more than they do in order to fully explore the advantages of green energy.
These lights can significantly help make my place more accessible and secure for me and my loved ones at twilight. They would certainly enhance or highlight my outdoor areas’ landscape.
These solar landscape lights are gorgeous. But unfortunately, I don’t think I can afford them even though I want them so bad, to be honest. Hopefully, someone will gift them to me for my birthday, though! Let’s see.
I don’t know who designed all these high lumen product but seems none works! These sellers are counting on knowledgeable customers to know more than they do in order to fully explore the advantages of green energy.
These lights can significantly help make my place more accessible and secure for me and my loved ones at twilight. They would certainly enhance or highlight my outdoor areas’ landscape.
These solar landscape lights are gorgeous. But unfortunately, I don’t think I can afford them even though I want them so bad, to be honest. Hopefully, someone will gift them to me for my birthday, though! Let’s see.