Investing in a reliable lighting system is essential for any garden landscape. This is not only for the added security measures, but also because it enhances the aesthetics. Plus, it acts as a guide for traffic or people walking on a landscaped path.
However, choosing between the different landscape lights may not be the easiest thing to do. You are probably aware of the three main types — solar, LED, and halo.
Frankly, each type has its own pros and cons, with the decision depending on your personal preference and needs. Still, we think that solar lights carry the highest potential.
Now, these require more frequent maintenance and intricate placement for optimal sun exposure. However, the main advantage is that you don’t need a nearby power outlet; thus, you will save money on electricity bills. Plus, you can also act environmentally friendly in the process, given the fact that all your lighting systems will need is the sun.
Another cool thing about these is that they don’t include any kind of wiring. Thus, while you should ensure proper sun exposure, solar landscape lights can be set in flower beds. Additionally, you will not need the help of a professional to install these.
Solar options are great for the spring and summer seasons. The longer sun hours will ensure that your garden is well lit throughout the night (better charging potential).
With all of this in mind, it is clear that such a lighting system can be a worthy investment. However, you need to choose the right model in order to claim these benefits. For this purpose, we have created a list of the best solar landscape lights, including a buyer’s guide and FAQs. Let’s get right to it!
Best Solar Landscape Lights Reviews
Comparison Chart
TomCare Solar Lights Upgraded, 43″ Waterproof Flickering Flames 96 LED Torches Lights Outdoor Solar Landscape Decoration Lighting Dusk to Dawn Auto On/Off Pathway Lights for Garden Patio Driveway (4)
LITOM 12 LEDs Solar Landscape Spotlights, IP67 Waterproof Solar Powered Wall Lights 2-in-1 Wireless Outdoor Solar Landscaping Lights for Yard Garden Driveway Porch Walkway Pool Patio 2 Pack Cold White
Solar Spotlights, Magictec Warm Light 2-in-1 Adjustable 4 LED Wall/Landscape Solar Lights with Automatic On/Off Sensor, 2 Pack
Nekteck 4 Pack Solar Lights,2-in-1 Outdoor Solar Spotlights Powered Adjustable Wall Light Landscape Lighting,Bright and Dark Sensing,Auto On/Off for Yard, Pathway, Walkway, Garden, Driveway
TomCare Solar Lights Upgraded
When it comes to providing your garden with enough light, torches seem like an ideal option. This product offers four flickering torches that run on solar power and will provide you with adequate light throughout the night. Coming from a reputable manufacturer and made to last with waterproof technology, it is a great investment for any eco-friendly enthusiast.
Product Highlights
The main highlight that separates this product from its competitors is the increased height. You are looking at torches that are 43 inches tall, featuring an extra stake and a plastic connector for increased stability.
The best thing about TomCare solar lights is that they do not require a professional’s help to be installed. In fact, given the fact that there are no wires or screws, all you will need to do is securely fit them into the ground.
We did say that this lighting system can provide you with a cozy atmosphere from dusk till dawn. While the charging time for the 2200 mAh battery is set at 8 hours, you can expect up to 10 hours of continuous lighting during the summer. During the winter season, you can expect half the amount of continuous lighting, or roughly 5 hours.
Frankly, apart from the simple installation, you will not need to invest a lot of effort in maintenance or turning it on/off either. Once it collects enough solar energy, the lights turn on automatically.
Apart from the four torches, you get four extendable pipes, plastic ground spikes, and a user’s guide to instruct you on the assembly.
However, the flickering effect is a bit foggy. Apart from that, we can’t really complain about the quality of the LEDs in these torches.
The product itself holds great value and is absolutely recommended to anyone with a backyard.
What’s to like about the TomCare Solar Lights Upgraded
There are a number of features that we love about this product. First, it is made to last and offers a long working time even during the winter season. Not only that, but the fact that these torches are well-made makes the installation quite simple. Plus, the maintenance requirements are close to none.
What’s not to like about the TomCare Solar Lights Upgraded
On the other hand, the flickering inside could have been made better. Still, there is not a lot of room for concern, as you are getting enough brightness nonetheless.
PROS
- Incredibly easy to install and maintain
- Offers a bright, solar-powered glow
- Runs on a 2200 mAh battery
- Made to last with waterproof technology
CONS
- Flickering effect is blurry
LITOM 12 LED Solar Landscape Spotlights
When it comes to getting the best value for landscape lighting, LITOM is one of the most trusted companies. This offer is highlighted by two solar-powered torches that have 12 LEDs and a total illumination of 600 lumens. The best thing is that these are multi-functional and can be set anywhere in your yard.
Product Highlights
First, it is incredibly important to note that this product is made according to the latest industry standards. In fact, it has certifications from RoHS, CE, and FCC. It is made out of ABS plastic and is made to withstand harsh weather conditions.
This is mostly due to the featured IP67 technology that offers excellent waterproof protection. Thus, you can be quite sure that, even during the autumn and winter season, this LITOM lighting system is sure to provide you with good results.
As we mentioned above, you are looking at two solar-powered torches that offer an angle of 120 degrees and a 90-degree solar panel. When it comes to the battery, it is a 18650 lithium model that can be charged within 8 hours of time.
Unlike the aforementioned product, this one offers two brightness modes. Deciding to go for the low light will allow more than 12 hours of continuous working time. On the other hand, the high light mode results in half that amount of time. Keep in mind that, once the sensor detects there is enough outside light, it will automatically switch to power-saving mode.
What we love about this product is that you can both stick it in the ground or attach it to a wall. Both installation options are quite easy to figure out using the provided manual.
However, the stakes are quite short compared to the aforementioned product. Also, it would be nice if the battery could last longer.
Other than that, this LITOM product is a worthy choice that will do you justice.
What’s to like about the LITOM 12 LED Solar Landscape Spotlights
This product does a great job of lighting the area directly in front of your house. With a 120-degree angle, you are sure to get optimal illumination results. This is especially true, considering the different brightness modes offered with this product.
Also, it is quite versatile, well-made, and can be installed in a couple of different ways, which certainly contributes to its value.
What’s not to like about the LITOM 12 LED Solar Landscape Spotlights
Still, we have to say that the battery is nowhere near as powerful as in some of its competitors. Not only that, but we were not happy to find that the height is under the industry standard (below 30 inches).
PROS
- Can be installed on a wall or spiked to the ground
- Offers cold, white illumination (600 lumens, 120-degree angle)
- Offers two brightness modes (including power-saving)
- Made to withstand harsh conditions
CONS
- Quite short
- Battery is not powerful enough
Magictec Solar Spotlights
When it comes to choosing the top solar landscape lights, there are a couple of things that you will want to focus on. Among the most important is the design, as well as a battery that ensures a long working time. This product seems to offer reliable illumination and a sleek design, which is the reason why it is one of our favorites!
Product Highlights
Much like the aforementioned two products, this one is highlighted by a sturdy design featuring waterproof and heatproof technology. What this means is that, no matter the ongoing weather, you will be able to enjoy great illumination in your garden.
Among the most important aspects is the installation, and this product doesn’t require a lot of knowledge or experience. You are getting everything needed, including the screws, but you won’t be required to use power tools. Frankly, both the wall mounting and installation on the ground can be done within a couple of minutes.
What we love about this product is that it offers up to 10+ hours of continuous working hours once fully charged. Of course, the operating time depends on the brightness mode that you choose (there are two). This battery uses the same as the TomCare product, which offers 2200 mAh and takes 8 hours for a full charge.
It offers warm, white, LED light, and it is highlighted by 200 lumens, given the 4 LEDs that are inside each of the torches. Also, it has an illumination angle of 180 degrees.
Still, while it seems to offer proper lighting, we don’t think it is bright enough, especially for areas that have no other source of illumination.
However, given all the circumstances, including its price, design, and specifications, we consider it a good choice. It offers great value for anyone on a sensitive budget.
What’s to like about the Magictec Solar Spotlights
As we mentioned above, the Magictec solar-powered lighting system is user-friendly and can be installed within minutes. It offers a great illumination angle and two modes that you can choose between. Thus, you can customize the operating time.
What’s not to like about the Magictec Solar Spotlights
On the other hand, the 200 lumens that are provided by each of the two lights may not be enough for lighting a darker area.
PROS
- Can be mounted on the wall or spiked into the ground
- Highlighted by a reliable ABS plastic waterproof design
- Operates up to 12 hours once fully charged
- Offers two brightness modes
CONS
- Battery takes time to fully charge
Nekteck 4 Pack Solar Lights
Moving on with our list, you are looking at a pack of solar-powered lights that are ideal for pathways, yards, and driveways. It comes with a reliable design and an efficient, large, monocrystalline silicon panel that is made to charge the lights faster.
Product Highlights
First, a great thing about this offer is that you are getting four lights, with each being highlighted by 10 LED bulbs. Keep in mind that this results in 200 lumens per single light, which can be effective as long as all are pointed in the same direction.
The illumination angle is set at 180 degrees for the solar panel, while the light head is set at 90 degrees. This product is quite effective for lighting yards, garages, walkways, driveways, and ensuring optimal security
This product comes with two brightness modes, with one being a power-saving mode that allows 10 hours of continuous lighting. However, if you want an optimal brightness level, then you will need to deal with just 6 hours of working time.
Much like the products before, this one is quite easy to install, which is why we consider it a user-friendly lighting system. You can decide on wall mounting or ground installation.
It is made according to the industry standards of the CE and FCC. However, we still think that it could be a bit more durable, especially when it comes to waterproofing. On the other hand, if any kind of issue pops up, you should not worry due to the 2-year Nekteck warranty.
Overall, this is a reliable lighting system that comes at an affordable price. It offers powerful illumination, as long as it is directed properly!
What’s to like about the Nekteck 4 Pack Solar Lights
We always emphasize the importance of easy installation, and this Nekteck product offers that. Using 4th generation solar lights, you can be quite sure that your garden will be well lit throughout the night.
What’s not to like about the Nekteck 4 Pack Solar Lights
However, it is highlighted by an eco-conscious design, which means that the power-saving mode may not offer enough brightness.
PROS
- Offers warm, white light at an angle of 180 degrees for the panel and 90 degrees for the light head
- Fully charges within 6 hours and offers up to 10 hours of working time
- Quite easy to install with no power tools
- Includes a 2-year limited warranty
CONS
- Power-saving mode is not bright enough
URPOWER Solar Lights
Last but not least is this 2-pack of 3rd generation solar outdoor spotlights. This landscaping light system can operate under high-heat and harsh weather conditions, including rain and snow.
Product Highlights
The first thing that we love about this product is that it can be both attached to a wall or installed in the ground. This allows versatile use and ensures that you can illuminate much more than just the area in front of your house.
It has a lithium battery that can be fully charged within 7 hours, as long as there is enough sun. Fully charged, you are looking at up to 9 hours of continuous operating time. Additionally, this product offers 200 lumens per single torch, with each LED bulb being set at 50 lumens.
Much like most of its competitors, it offers both an automatic and a manual switch. Thus, once dusk falls and the battery is fully charged, the light is sure to power up on its own.
This is a sturdy lighting system that is quite easy to install, and it should withstand water damage quite well. There is no doubt that this product offers great value and quality — however, this doesn’t mean that it is flawless.
First, we have an issue with its operating time. With a 2200 mAh battery, it needs to run longer than 9 hours. Also, the plastic is a bit brittle.
Other than that, you are still looking at a reliable landscaping lighting system that can be used to illuminate different areas!
What’s to like about the URPOWER Solar Lights
We love the fact that this product offers warm, white color and a bright glow that comes from the two included torches. Also, with the simple and versatile installation that this product offers, you have nothing to worry about as a novice owner.
What’s not to like about the URPOWER Solar Lights
It simply doesn’t offer a great amount of operating time. This can especially be an issue during the winter season, considering that this is the time when there is even less sun exposure.
PROS
- Highlighted by 180-degree solar panel rotation and 90-degree light head rotationOffers 200 lumens per single light (warm white)
- Comes with IP65 waterproof technology to withstand liquid damage
- Quite easy to install (wall-mount/ground)
CONS
- Plastic is a bit brittle
BUYER’S GUIDE
Investing in any landscaping feature, especially if it is as important as an illumination system, should be done with the utmost care. While following a certain recommendation for the desired model can seem like the right thing to do, it is always important to do your own research.
Here is a couple of key features that you should keep in mind when searching for the top solar landscape lights.
Brightness
Brightness determines how powerful your illumination system will be. Unlike some other features, this one doesn’t depend on solar power but rather on the bulbs that are used in the solar-powered lights.
In most cases, you will be looking at LEDs that range anywhere between 20-50 lumens per piece. Given the fact that most lights/torches feature 4 LED bulbs, you shouldn’t go below 200 lumens per lamp.
Ideally, a 2-pack would offer 600 lumens.
Installation
We mentioned the importance of user-friendly installation several times. All the products listed above can be assembled and installed without the use of power tools.
Your best bet is to look for models that can be both installed in the ground and mounted on a wall. This is not only because of multi-functional purposes but also to ensure you will be able to illuminate an area from the desired angle.
Design
The design, much like installation, plays a huge role in the overall value of solar-powered lights. Our personal favorite is torch-like lights, but you can go for shorter stake lights, as well.
A sleek design allows for 180-degree rotation of the solar panel, as well as 90-degree rotation of the light head.
Lighting Range
It is important to determine how far away a solar-powered light will illuminate the desired area. The main idea is that you should get at least a lighting range of 12 yards — anything below that is quite useless.
Types of Bulbs
Lastly, there are a couple of different bulbs that can be used in solar-powered lights. There are the so-called CFLs or the low-energy light bulbs. These emit fluorescent light and are made to have a long life.
Similarly, light-emitting diodes are more commonly known as LEDs. These have been around for quite some time now, with the main benefits being low heat output, long life, and bright light.
FAQs
How Do Solar Lights Work?
The main concept behind these is that the lithium battery is charged through the solar panel, which is exposed to the sun for 6-8 hours. Once fully charged, the lights are automatically turned on and operate continuously for the next 6-12 hours depending on the brightness mode. There is no electricity usage or power outlets included.
How to Clean Solar Lights
This all depends on the model itself. However, you are best off wiping the glass lights with a cloth. On the other hand, removing dirt and debris can be done by uninstalling the lights and using a vacuum cleaner to remove any excess. Then, reassemble the light and place it back on the wall or in the ground.
How to Fix Solar Lights
Once again, this depends on what the problem is. While solar lights don’t require a lot of maintenance, there is still room for things to go wrong. We suggest that you consult with a professional or customer service before doing anything on your own.
Is Outdoor Solar Lighting Weatherproof?
A reliable model should offer waterproof technology (optimally IP67), as well as be heat-resistant and able to illuminate under harsh conditions.
What are the Benefits of Outdoor Solar Lighting?
First, you will save money due to the fact that you won’t be using electricity for outdoor lighting. Additionally, these have a longer life than most common halo lights and are also easier to install. Lastly, as long as they are properly placed and secured, solar lights are perfectly safe for you and the environment!
FINAL VERDICT
There are a myriad of advantages to installing outdoor solar lighting. These are multi-functional lights that come at a great price.
Our personal favorite has to be the TomCare Solar Lights system. It offers 4 powerful torches that are incredibly easy to install and maintain, and they offer optimal brightness levels. However, the other four products hold immense value, as well, and it all comes down to your preference and budget.