A patio is also called courtyard, forecourt or yard. It is a paved outdoor open space used for dining and recreation. It adjoins a home. It is a lighting system composed of a solar panel, lighting fixture, rechargeable battery and an inverter. It is easier to install and maintain as it is portable and wireless. It lacks electricity costs and maintenance costs. It is used for illuminating streets in remote areas without a grid. It is an environment-friendly, green and carbon-free method of outdoor lighting. It illuminates your path to help your family and guests. It has light-sensitive photocells that activate automatically at dusk and in dark cloudy weather and turns off automatically at dawn.
A solar patio light needs direct sunshine on the surface of its panel to produce the maximum rated power of the panel. The factors that determine the performance of a solar electric fence charger are equatorial direction, proper mounting angle, height, time and clear cloudless sky. If you are in North America or northern parts of Asia, you should mount your solar panel south, facing the equator to capture the maximum amount of sunshine. And if you live in South America, South Africa or South Asia, You should mount your solar panel facing the north towards the equator.
Reviews of the Best Solar Powered Patio Lights
**Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
Top 12 Best Solar Patio Lights Reviews
There is a wide range of solar powered patio lights available in the market in-store and online. Choosing the perfect solar patio light can be a tedious and confusing task. We have analyzed and listed our top-rated solar patio lights to make your life easier. We hope that this curated list will help you choose the best solar powered patio light for your need.
1. URPOWER Waterproof Solar Patio Lights With Motion Sensor
This is a great outdoor solar security light for your aisle, backyard, deck, driveway, doorstep, garden, porch, patio, stairways, or yard. Four LED lights are included in this package to install in any sunny place outside your home.
- Heatproof and waterproof:
Its heatproof and waterproof rating is IP64.
- Motion-activated:
It turns on at night when the motion sensor detected and turns automatically off after the motion stops. Its sensing range is ten feet with a one hundred and twenty-degree sensing angle.
- Automatic operation:
It will turn on/off automatically upon the approach of humans, predators, or vehicles. It will identify the day or night automatically.
- Easy to install:
It is easy to install, using the included four expansion pillar-hinge, four installing screws, four key pins and user’s manual.
- Long working time:
Its solar panel is as efficient as to absorb maximum sunlight in all seasons. It will work for up to twelve hours continuously, throughout the year.
Pros:
- These lights are waterproof, as they come with a rubber gasket or a seal around their edges to prevent rainwater or moisture to enter them.
- They are heatproof and can withstand extreme temperatures.
- They are wireless and need a few seconds to mount.
2. Solar Outdoor Patio Lights with Twenty LED Bulbs
These warm LED bulbs are suitable for both indoors or outdoors use. Each strand is twenty feet long with twenty bulbs spaced twelve inches apart, its lighted portion is nineteen feet long.
- Adjustable angle:
The angle of its solar panel is adjustable.
- Efficient battery:
They charge fully within four hours and can work continuously for sixteen hours.
- Weatherproof and shatterproof:
These bulbs can withstand blizzards, fog, haze, mist, gusty winds, scorching heat, extreme temperatures, ice, heavy splashing rain, hailstorms, smog, sleet, dust storms and thunderstorms. Their waterproof rating is IP44. They are virtually shatterproof, don’t worry even if you drop them accidentally.
- Eight different working modes:
It has the combination, waves, sequential, Slo-Glo, chasing/flash, slow fade, twinkle/flash, and steady on working modes.
- Warranty:
This strand is backed by a one year warranty.
Pros:
- This strand is backed by a one year warranty.
- It is super easy to install, just hang it in any sunny place.
- Their wire is bendable and flexible.
3. Maggift Solar Powered Automatic LED Garden Lights for Patio, Yard and Garden
These bright sparkly lights make a lovely ambience. Eight LED lights are included in this package, which is enough to illuminate even a long pathway or driveway.
- Automatic on/off:
These lights turn on automatically at dusk and turn off automatically at dawn.
- Easy to install:
They can be installed within minutes without any tools, digging or drilling. You will have to attach the stake to its base and then push the stakes into the soft soil of your garden.
- Wireless:
These lights don’t need any wiring or adapters.
- Weather resistant:
They are completely weather resistant.
- Long working time:
They can work for up to ten hours in all seasons after six hours of charge.
Pros:
- These lights work automatically
- They are cordless
- You can save a big buck without having to pay a professional installer.
4. TomCare Solar Lights Upgraded, Waterproof Flickering Flames Torches Lights for Patio Driveway
This package has four flickering flame torches. The charming ambiance they create is so enjoyable.
- Automatic on/off:
These lights turn on automatically at dusk and turn off automatically at dawn.
- Attractive and safe design:
They have an attractive and safe dancing flames design.
- Easy to install:
They are wireless and can be installed in a few seconds by pushing their extend pipes and plastic ground spike into the soft soil of your garden. No drilling or tools are needed. Just follow the instructions given in the user’s manual.
- Waterproof and weatherproof:
Their waterproof and weatherproof rating is IP65.
- Long working time:
These lights work for twelve hours after eight hours of charge.
Pros:
- They can absorb maximum sunlight in all seasons.
- They have an attractive design
- They are durable and long-lasting.
5. iThird Solar Motion Sensor Security Lights for Patio
This is a motion activated solar security light. It is suitable for your aisle, backyard, deck, driveway, doorstep, garage, garden, porch, patio, stairways or yard. It will keep you alert, safe and secure from burglars and predators during the nighttime.
- Adjustable modes:
It has three adjustable modes:
Always on mode: Stay on dim all night.
Dim light mode: The lights will stay on dim when no motion detected and then turn on bright when motion detected;
Sensor Mode: Stay off when no motion detected and then turn on bright when motion detected;
- Durable design:
It is constructed out of ABS and rustproof stainless steel.
- Motion sensor distance:
It can detect motion up to sixteen feet.
- Warranty:
It is backed by thirty days money back and one year warranty.
- Built-in Better Light Sensor and Infrared Sensor Square Head:
Compared to other sensor ball head lights, the sensor square head of iThird solar outdoor light gets bigger and more powerful so as to it become more sensitive and have a longer sensor length.
Pros:
- Its weatherproof, waterproof and rustproof rating is IP44.
- It works for up to twelve hours
- Included screws, pins and manual makes its installation, a breeze.
6. Brightech Ambience Pro – Waterproof LED Outdoor Solar String Heavy Duty Patio Lights
This strand has twelve LED Edison bulbs. The LEDs are wrapped in a layer of silicon for protection and also encased in durable plastic bulb covers to provide as much protection to the lights as possible.
- Automatic on/off:
Its panel has photocells which turn the strand on/off automatically.
- Durable design:
They are made out of unbreakable plastic shells, they won’t crack even after falling off.
- Easy to install:
You can install its solar panel in two different ways 1. use its clips to attach it to your pergola roof or 2. push its stakes into the soft soil of your garden. You can install these string lights as a scalloped carnival canopy over your terrace. No tools, digging or drilling is required, within a few seconds they are ready to use.
- Weather resistant:
It is built with Brightec’s durable WeatherTite Technology.
- Warranty:
They are backed by THREE years warranty.
Pros:
- They can work for up to six hours continuously.
- They are dustproof, weatherproof and waterproof.
- It has a warranty for a long period of time.
7. Maggift Solar Pathway Garden Lights for Patio
These solar lights can make your aisle, backyard, deck, driveway, doorstep, garage, garden, porch, patio, stairways, yard or walkway attractive and charming.
- Bright and beautiful light:
It has crystal clear plastic lens for maximum illumination.
- Easy to install:
It can be installed within a few minutes. Just remove the tab under the light cap, pull out the bottom spike from the tube and insert them into the soft soil of your garden.
- Waterproof and weatherproof:
Its tough and tight seal is fully weather resistant. Its waterproof and weatherproof rating is IP44.
Pros:
- This light can last for more than eight hours at night.
- It is easy to install.
- It is waterproof and weatherproof.
8. Davinci Outdoor Solar Post Lights for Patio
This affordable light will add beauty and charm to your home.
- Automatic on/off:
It has a built-in photosensor which turns it on/off automatically.
- Beautiful and durable design:
It is constructed out of industrial grade plastic with UV fade protection. It has a hardened tempered glass to protect its solar panels. It is matte textured finished.
- Easy to install:
It features a super simple installation. Its included stainless steel screws go vertically through the base of the fixture and into the top of the post. Its flexible “fuzzy fit” design means you can easily mount it on top of any wooden or PVC vinyl post. It is completely wireless.
Pros:
- You will get full refund within thirty days of purchase.
- Its weatherproof rating is IP44.
- It runs for eight hours constantly.
9. Greluna Outdoor Solar Wall Lights for Deck, Fence, Patio, Front Door, Stair, Landscape, Yard and Driveway Path
This is a two in one solar light. It has two colour changing modes: warm white is perfect for daily use and colour changing mode is great for festival decoration.
- Warranty:
It is backed by six months warranty.
- Waterproof and weatherproof:
Its waterproof and weatherproof rating is IP45.
- Easy to install:
This package includes eight LED lights that have sixteen screw plastic grooves and sixteen screws to make its mounting quicker and easier.
- Long working time:
They work for up to eight hours.
- Durable design:
They are made up of high-strength ABS material.
Pros:
- These are perfect for everyday use and for decorations for festivals.
- They are backed by a warranty.
- They can absorb maximum sunlight.
10. TONULAX Solar Outdoor Lights for Patio and Yard Decoration
This gorgeous light appears like a real lily. It is made up of tame fabric in two breathtakingly beautiful colours: red and purple.
- Adjustable leaves and stems:
Both leaves and stems are propped up by iron wire which gives ultra flexibility and bendability. You can bend its leaves and stems into different angle and directions. These lily shaped flower solar lights will stay in shape even after thousand times of bending and rotating.
- Warranty:
These lights are backed by six months refund guarantee and one year warranty.
- Sturdy stakes:
Both of them have iron stakes. Their stems are made up of ABS material and stainless steel.
- Weatherproof and waterproof:
They are rated IP65.
Pros:
- They are shock and vibration resistant, won’t break if birds or bees hit them.
- They can be installed with a few minutes, without professional assistance.
- They can change seven colours each.
11. GIGALUMI Solar Deck Lights for Outdoor Pathway, Yard, Patio and Fences
These twelve lights are great for your aisle, backyard, deck, dock, driveway, doorstep, fence, garage, garden, mailbox, porch, patio, stairways, yard, wall or walkway. They have a bronzed finish.
- Automatic on/off:
They turn on/off automatically at dusk/dawn.
- Easy to install:
You can mount them both horizontally or vertically using the given screws.
- Warranty:
They are backed by one hundred and eighty days warranty.
Pros:
- They are waterproof and weatherproof, don’t worry about splashing rain or hailstorms.
- They are made up of strong ABS material.
- They have an attractive finish.
12. OPERNEE Solar Outdoor Lights for Patio, Yard, Walkway, Pathway and Outside Wall Garden
This is a very bright solar LED light.
1.Built-in photocell sensor:
It turns on/off automatically at dusk/dawn.
- Long working time:
Its working time is up to ten hours.
- Warranty:
It is backed by money back and replacement warranty.
Pros:
- Its waterproof rating is IP54.
- It is easy to install using the anchors, hinges, key pin and screws.
- It has ten LEDs.
Ultimate Buying Guide – Solar Patio Lights
Different Types Of Solar Patio Lights
There are many different types of solar lights suitable for your patio.
- Solar floodlights
Solar floodlights provide a wash of bright light over an expanse. Floodlights are ideal for crowded and congested nighttime parties. Floodlights illuminate the dancefloor very well.
- Solar string lights
Solar string lights decorate your patio. They can be installed in a number of different ways, hang them in a straight line, twist them around pillars, fence or railings, or hang them in patterns.
- Solar spotlights
A solar spotlight is a strong source of light. It is a high-intensity discharge lamp with high colour temperature. Its lens is adjustable and can be manually focused. The intensity of its beam is also adjustable. It has an iris to adjust the size of the angle of the beam. Some spotlights have colour gels to change the colour of the beam for decorative purposes. Solar spotlights also provide extra security if installed above your staircase, BBQ grill, pool or pond. You can highlight the beauty of your flowerbed using a solar spotlight. They help you find your keys easily when you enter your driveway. They keep prowlers away.
- Solar stake lights
Solar stake lights are also called spike lights. They are the easiest to install. No drilling, digging or tools are needed, simply push them into the soft soil of your patio. With a fully adjustable head for tilt and rotation, they are ideal to illuminate trees and items of interest in your patio. They can also be used near water features and place a coloured lamp in the fitting for a more dramatic lighting effect. Many have glare shield attachments to reduce direct glare from the lamp source. The spike or stake comes in a number of finishes from copper and brass that will blend naturally into your patio environment.
- Solar motion sensor lights
Solar motion sensor lights have PIR (passive infrared) detectors, which alert you as soon as they sense human body temperature around them. These lights are used to deter burglars, intruders and vandalism. They provide you with safety and security at nighttime. They have photosensors which turn them on/off automatically at dusk/dawn. They are perfect for your patio as they give off a dim light constantly and turn bright when motion is detected
Things to consider when buying a good solar patio light
- Dimensions of your patio:
Measure the length and width of your patio. When you are going to buy a solar string lights, it must be at least five feet longer than the length of your patio. When you are looking for stake lights, you can find packages of six, eight, twelve or more solar lights. Select the number of lights according to the dimensions of your patio. When you are going to buy a spotlight or a floodlight, check the wattage and the lumens. When you decide to purchase a motion sensor light, check its motion detection distance and angle.
- Energy management chip:
Pick the solar patio lights that have an energy management chip, as it consumes minimum energy and outputs maximum lumens.
- Warranty:
Pick the solar patio lights from a reputable manufacturer. The longer the duration of the warranty the longer will your solar patio lights last. Make sure you buy the one with the longest refund, FREE replacement and maintenance warranty.
- Affordable cost and cost-effectiveness
There is a wide price range of different solar patio lights by various brands available on all online stores. You can add to cart on any online store with a single click but remember to compare the prices of similar items. Select the one that has a discount off its original price. Some brands provide their regular customers with a coupon having a special deal. Keep in mind that you save your buck off shipping charges. I recommend you not to buy the ultra cheap ones as they require regular maintenance or an eventual replacement. Just buy the one with a price that perfectly matches your budget and gives you more bang for your buck.
- Automatic on/off
Select the solar patio lights that have light-sensitive photocells that activate automatically at dusk and in dark cloudy weather and turns off automatically at dawn. Install the lights and forget them, they will work on their own.
- Charge Capacity
Select the solar patio lights with the battery that can charge as fast as possible even in partial sunlight, cloudy, shady or rainy environments. It should last for several hours of constant use. Pick the ones whose battery has a long cycle life. Its battery must have a fast and deep discharging capability. It must have a high speed charging and extremely low self discharge. It must be resistant to vibration. It must have a wide operating temperature range. It must also have high energy density and low internal resistance.
- Durable design
Make sure the solar patio lights that you are going to buy are corrosion resistant as birds with sharp claws will sit on them all day long. Pick the ones that are UV resistant, as intense sunlight exposure can fade or discolour them. Make sure the outer frame is constructed out of rust-resistant stainless steel.
- Ease of installation
Buy the ones which can be quickly installed using the screw-in hooks. No drilling or cutting is required. Make sure its carabiners, extension cord, guy wire kit and zip ties are included. Make sure the instructions manual is included. It should be easy to mount yourself without the assistance of a professional electrician.
- Water resistant and weather resistant
Your solar patio lights will face heavy rainfall, so you should be sure that it has a water resistant sealing. Pick the ones that can withstand gusty winds, heavy rainfall, hailstorms, hurricane, scorching heat, snowfall, sleet, fog, haze, smog and mist.
Final Verdict
After thorough research, I have concluded that the title for the best solar patio light goes to URPOWER Solar Lights Wireless Waterproof Motion Sensor Outdoor Light for Patio, Deck, Yard, Garden with Motion Activated Auto On/Off (four pack). It is a great outdoor solar security light for your aisle, backyard, deck, driveway, doorstep, garden, porch, patio, stairways or yard. Add to cart now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012ZPKNFE/
You can also go for Solar Outdoor String Lights- Shatterproof Globe Patio Lights with twenty LED Bulbs & eight Light Modes, Outdoor Hanging Lights for Patio Garden Backyard Bistro Pergola Gazebo Party Decor, Black Wire by Brightown. These warm LED bulbs are suitable for both indoors or outdoors use. Add to cart now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KC95D9X/