Beautifying your garden at night is now easier than ever before with solar patio lights. No more extension cords or hefty electricity bills. Only beautiful yards!
These lights are a blessing for all my friends who look for eco-friendly options when it comes to home décor. Totally charged by solar energy, they have simplified outdoor lighting. Moreover, these lights are popular for the way they cast gentle shadows that are perfect for all-night parties.
However, it is not an easy task to choose the perfect one given that the market is filled with hundreds of products. In order to help you, I have compiled this guide to give you a glimpse of the best products out there today.
This guide includes a detailed discussion of the pros and cons of each product. And after the detailed reviews of my top recommendations, you will also find a handy buyer’s guide.
Hi there! I am Stacy Smith. And I will take you through the five best solar patio lights available on the market today!
So, without any further ado, let’s dive right in.
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Top 5 Solar Patio Lights
1. Brightech Ambience Pro
The first product on my list is the Brightech Ambience Pro. If creating a vintage vibe is what you are aiming for, this solar-powered pergola light is one of the safest options to consider. It creates a canopy over your porch, patio, or gazebo. A perfect choice to create retro decor with a soothing party ambiance!
Product Highlights
The durability that this item offers needs special mention. The light is of commercial grade and comes with waterproof and shatterproof S14 bulbs. These bulbs are made out of shatterproof plastic shells that can easily survive temperatures up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
It has an in-built WeatherTite technology that can easily withstand wind speeds of up to 50MPH and also rain and snow. So, you can install it in your favorite outdoor location and enjoy the beautiful warm glow throughout the year.
Furthermore, each strand of this light is 27 feet long, with every bulb placed at a distance of 20 inches from the last one. A significant portion of my patio gets lighted with this long string of light.
Also, the lights are pretty efficient if you want to spend a solitary evening in the yard reading or enjoying a warm homely gathering with your friends. Even if you have to grill your food during barbeque nights, it provides a good amount of illumination for that.
What’s There To Like About It?
What impressed me the most about these solar patio lights is how efficiently they function. After using them for a few months, I realized that these lights illuminate for as long as 6 hours when fully charged.
Moreover, these lights are very versatile. You can place them anywhere with the stake and clip that comes with the package. Since these do not need an electrical connection, you can easily light up any space without having to worry about a power outlet.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
After using this product for a while, I have to say that I made a great choice with this one. However, I should mention that initially, I had trouble setting it up. The user manual is not very clear, and I had to call a friend to help me out with setting it up.
Pros and Cons of Brightech Ambience Pro
Pros
Cons
- Ideal Solar Outdoor Lights: 27 ft long durable Chistmas string lights with 12 LED lights and detachable solar panel with on/off switch located on the back. 20" between bulbs, 6' from solar panel to the first bulb. The lighted portion is 20 feet. LED bulbs last 20,000 hours and solar panel is rated at 1,000 charge lifespan (can last approximately 2.5 years). Direct sunlight is best for a full charge, though you can get some use from charging in indirect light.
- Commercial Grade WeatherProof Patio Lights with Shatterproof S14 Bulbs: Brightech’s Ambience Pros hanging string light has our WeatherTite technology - withstood winds up to 50MPH, rain & snow. The bulbs are shatterproof plastic shells, with heat resistance up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Flexible heavy-duty cord withstands the wear of indoor and outdoor use. Make your pergola, porch or other space to be an enticing, relaxing and soothing winter holiday retreat with Brightech LED outdoor lights.
- Flexible Installation & Widely used Patio Lights: Solar patio lights string don't need an outlet, place the solar panel almost anywhere with the included stake and clip. Brightech outdoor decorative bistro lights are the perfect decoration for balcony terrace, garden, Bistro, pergola, gazebo, tent, barbecue, city roof, market, cafe, umbrella, dinner, wedding, birthday, party, Xmas etc.
2. Sunlitec Solar String Lights
If you are looking for solar patio lights to light up your beautiful yard, Sunlitec Solar String Lights make an excellent option to consider. Sunlitec is a popular name in the market, and I was quite eager to try out this product. And I have to tell you that I was pretty impressed.
Product Highlights
This item comes with a power backup of 4500 mAh and takes 8 hours in direct sunlight to get fully charged. The solar panel is of 3W/5V premium quality and converts energy pretty efficiently. However, if you opt for the USB charging option, you can get it fully charged in less than four hours.
Moreover, with this pack, you get 25 G40 solar LED bulbs placed at an equal gap of 10 inches from one another. Also, the bulb temperature reaches up to 3000K and provides a soft and white glow that is perfect for a cozy ambiance in your patio or the backyard.
Furthermore, the bulbs have quite a long life. With proper maintenance, they can run as long as 50,000 hours and use very little power. This, in turn, increases the life of your solar panel. You don’t have to frequently buy replacements and spend that extra money every few months to light up your patio in the evening.
What’s There To Like About It?
I really like the fact that this product is highly water-resistant and weatherproof in general. I don't have to run to my patio to remove the lights every time there is unexpected rain. This light can survive rainfall and high wind speed without breaking.
Moreover, I really find it difficult when string lights get tangled. On the other hand, this item is completely tangle-free and enables you to expand it and make loops to make installation easier.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
I am quite impressed with how the lights function. However, I have to say that I did face some difficulty after I was done installing them. The on and off button is not clearly marked, and it might lead to some confusion. However, you can color these two portions differently for clear understanding.
Pros and Cons of Sunlitec Solar String Lights
Pros
Cons
- DURABLE INDOOR/ OUTDOOR STRING LIGHTS: Adorned with 25 high quality LED balls to protect the light from rain water and breakage, with a 50,000 hours bulb lifetime.
- AMAZING LIGHTENING MODES: Get livelier with the fabulous variety of lightening modes designed to sooth you in every mood. Prepare for a fun filled evening! When shopping for string lights, go for the best.
- DUAL CHARGING OPTIONS: With a premium 3w/5v solar panel and a USB charging port, nothing can go wrong! Giving you two cool options to choose from, 8 hours charging time for solar panel and 4 hours for USB charger.
3. Hmcity Solar Lights Outdoor
Next up on this list, I have Hmcity Solar Lights Outdoor. This product is a good option for everyone who likes a little versatility when it comes to home décor. You can easily try the lighting variations that this item offers. To know more about this item, read on.
Product Highlights
It comes with an enhanced PIR inductor that enables you to experiment with the different lighting modes that it offers. The first is a security mode that enables the motion sensor to switch on whenever it senses people around.
The second one is a permanent all night mode that keeps the light on all night. And the last mode is the smart brightness control. It keeps the light on overnight and enhances the brightness as soon as it detects any motion.
Furthermore, it comes with highly efficient solar panels. They are made out of adopted monocrystalline silicon solar cells and have a conversion rate as high as 20.5%. It saves 15% more power than regular panels that are available on the market.
Moreover, this item’s durability also needs a special mention since it is extremely well-equipped to handle difficult weather conditions.
What’s There To Like About It?
I have always liked products that come with good build quality, and this product stands out in this respect. The lamp body is made out of high-impact ABS, and this makes it temperature and water-resistant. If handled with a little care, it can last for quite a long time.
Also, I did not have to worry at all about setting it up as no electric wiring is required. The package comes with pillar-hinges and screws that are needed to install the lights. Grab some mounting tape and thin wires, and get as creative as you can!
What’s There Not To Like About It?
The only complaint that I have with the lights is that I expected them to be a little bigger. When it comes to brightness and even spread, it does a great job. However, if you want lights to add up to your patio décor, they might be a little small to be noticed.
Pros and Cons of Hmcity Solar Lights Outdoor
Pros
Cons
- 1.Enhanced PIR Motion Inductor：Hmcity Solar Lights Outdoor bring 3 lighting modes. Mode 1 (Motion sensor turns the light on when people comes). Mode 2-Permanent On all night(it turns on at night and stay all night). Mode 3-Smart brightness control(the Light stays all night and turns brighter when it detects motion)
- 2.High Efficient Solar Panel:Adopted monocrystalline silicon solar cells, the conversion rate reaches up to 20.5%. It has 15% electricity more than other products in the same solar light time, Made with high impact ABS lamp body that has high-temperature resistance, anti-corrosion and waterproof too,which ensures longer usage time.
- 3.Wider lighting Angle & Larger Coverage: Equipped with 120 led upgraded high power LEDs & 270° wide lighting angle, solar lights can provide excellent brightness and larger illumination coverage to light up a yard of 30㎡ Pendant Lights.
4. Solpex Store 8 Pack Solar Lights Outdoor
For those who are looking for porch & patio lights that offer a variety of handy features and functions, Solpex 8 Pack Solar Lights Outdoor is an impressive option to consider. Not only does it flood your patio with warm white light at night, but it also amps up your outdoor décor.
Product Highlights
This light runs on 100% solar energy and does not need any electricity to function. All you have to do is turn on the switch. And the solar panels will automatically absorb the direct rays of the sun. This item is designed to switch on at dusk and switch off at dawn automatically.
And if you are looking for a light variant that is highly weather-resistant, this is your pick because it comes with a weatherproof rating of IP44. These outdoor lights can survive unexpected rain, snow, and even frost, so with it installed on your patio, you do not have to worry about anything.
Long story short, the weather will not cause any hindrance to the pathways from getting lit up at night. Moreover, it comes with 21 lumens that are quite good and sufficient for patio lighting.
What’s There To Like About It?
What I truly loved about this product is how my garden got a little makeover after I installed it. It comes with lamps that have double rings, which adds a special and beautiful snowflake-like design. The serene glow is a perfect fit for your garden, patio or yard.
Also, installation is a cakewalk with this item. You will need no added tools or accessories to get these lights to beautify your yard at night.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Honestly, I expected the lights to be brighter. It does light up my patio evenly; however, it is a little dim. I have a large patio, and I feel that a higher lumen product would have sufficiently lit all corners of my patio. That being said, it is a great fit for compact patios and porches.
Pros and Cons of Solpex Store 8 Pack Solar Lights Outdoor
Pros
Cons
- 【Classic Design】The unique design of the double rings solar garden lights make the light spot extremely beautiful and add beauty to the surrounding environment. These garden lights are an excellent outdoor decoration choice.
- 【Energy Saving】100% solar energy. Turn on the switch, the pathway lights will automatically absorb the sunlight during the day, and they will automatically turn on at night and turn off at dawn. These landscape lights are very energy-saving and environmentally friendly.
- 【Easy Installation】No need to install other tools or wires. Just remove the isolator tab under the cover, turn on the switch, install the pole and spike, and insert the solar lights outdoor waterproof into the soft ground.
5. Towkka Solar Lights Outdoor
I could not have ended the list without mentioning Towkka Solar Lights Outdoor. This brilliant option comes with 3 lighting modes to suit your multiple lighting needs. In case your patio needs a wider lighting angle, this item is a perfect fit since it has great motion sensors to adjust the light according to your requirements.
Product Highlights
What makes this product stand out is its versatility. It offers you 3 lighting modes that can be easily adjusted according to your requirements. You get a motion sensor mode, a dim light sensor mode, and a constant-on mode.
For reading on your porch, you can shift to the ‘constant on’ mode. And for a romantic evening with your partner, you can put the light on dim light sensor mode.
Moreover, the PIR motion inductor is highly upgraded in this item, so it can easily detect any motion within a range of 3 meters and at an angle of 120 degrees. This enhances the illumination range to 300 degrees, which means that your yard and patio will get a warm glow of light throughout the night.
Also, its solar panels are highly efficient and offer a conversion rate of 17%. Additionally, the battery is 2200 mAh and is rechargeable.
What’s There To Like About It?
I understand how difficult and tiresome it gets when the after-sales service of a product is bad. However, with this item, there will be no such problem. The company’s customer service executives are very fast and efficient when it comes to resolving your concerns.
Moreover, once you install these lights, there will be no need to replace them anytime soon. Made out of durable and high-impact ABS material, this item will not face a hard time during torrential rain, snowfall, or extreme heat.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
The way this light illuminates my patio, I can hardly have any complaints about it. However, it needs to be kept in mind that it does not hold power for too long. For a product as good as this one, it should come with a battery that can hold charge better.
Pros and Cons of Towkka Solar Lights Outdoor
Pros
Cons
Buyers Guide
With all the details that I have shared so far, you are only halfway to your destination. There are a couple of things that I need to share with you before you decide on buying a solar light that would make the patio look more beautiful than ever.
After going through this brief buying guide that I have compiled for you, I hope you can make a more informed choice. Without any more delay, let’s dive right in.
1. Brightness Of The Light
When choosing a solar patio light, one of the most important considerations is the brightness. Mostly, the intensity or the light’s brightness is measured in lumens.
You will find the lumens to be clearly written on the pack of lights. Different solar lights will provide diverse lumen output. Mostly, the output ranges between 12-1500 lumens and above. Based on where you are placing the light and how big an area that is, choose a bulb with lumens that would fit your requirement.
2. Battery
When it comes to battery, you must look into both the type of battery that you are using and also the capacity it offers. Mostly, battery capacity is shown in ampere/hour(Ah) or milliampere-hour (mAh). If you are going by the battery capacity, opt for one that has a high mAh because a battery with high capacity will last longer.
Coming to the types, there are mostly 4 major varieties that are available on the market. The lead-acid batteries have the highest capacity, and then there are lithium-ion batteries, NiMH, and NiCAD batteries.
3. Type of Solar Panel
Depending on its material and design, solar panels are broadly categorized into 3 types - monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and amorphous. The first variety is highly efficient in storing solar energy and effectively converts it into electricity. You can choose lights with amorphous solar panels if you are looking for a more affordable variant.
Frequently Asked Questions
After long discussions with fellow homeowners, I realized that there are a lot of frequently asked questions about solar patio lights. In this section, I have tried to answer a few of such questions. Read through them and resolve your doubts.
After using it for a few months, I have realized that cleaning outdoor solar lights is not really a very difficult task and it does not take up much time. Most of these outdoor lights are IP65 water-resistant, so you can easily use a damp cloth or wet towel to clean them.
But before you proceed with that, I would highly recommend that you remove all the dust that accumulates on the lights. If the dust is not removed, it might lead to scratches.
You can use warm water and dish soap to create a mixture to clean the lights. However, one thing that you should be extremely careful about is the bulbs. They need to be handled with care, or else they might break.
My suggestion is that you handle it with proper care and caution, and your cleaning worries will be at bay.
There’s no reason for solar lights not to get charged on cloudy days. But, if you take a look at the mechanism, you will understand that these panels derive energy directly from the sun’s rays. So, on days when the sun’s exposure is less, weather conditions can cut down the power received by the panel to as low as half.
In winters, this might be a problem given the days are shorter, and the sky is often full of clouds. On such days, the solar lights can run at 30-50% efficiency. The opposite is true for summer months when days are longer and the sun is brighter.
If you are going to be traveling for a while and won’t be using the lights, take the batteries out. I recommend that you remove the batteries from the device, charge them and store them properly. When you are storing them, make sure that you do not keep them in areas that are dark, or else they will end up losing the charge quicker than usual.
My Final Recommendations
You have now reached the end of this informative guide, and I hope you have learned a few things about the best solar patio lights.
Lights are a significant element when it comes to beautifying your outdoor space once the sun goes down. And it is very crucial that you know how to decide on a string of light that is going to suit your requirements. I had fun conducting an extensive trial to review the lights, and I hope you had fun reading about them.
I would also like to share my favorites with you before signing off. Brightech Ambience Pro is the best overall for being an all-rounder. If you are looking for longevity, Sunlitec Solar String Lights is the perfect option to consider. And for an affordable choice, Hmcity Solar Lights Outdoor takes the prize.
And with that, it’s a wrap. Until next time, take care!