The Best Outdoor Solar Powered Lights
Solar lights are economical, ecological and adaptable – there’s no wonder that solar lanters are at the peak of their popularity. Perfect for inside and outdoor use, we just can’t seem to get enough of them. So what’s the secret to their success?
Well, it’s quite simply! At their best, they will light up your home beautifully and like any other solar panels, they will do so while cutting your electricity bill. These lights are great for outdoor spaces, but the solar panel (which is often independent from the light itself) needs to be placed in a sunny spot in order to soak up as many rays as it can. Once fully charged, you can expect up to 8 hours of shine time.
Every light contains a rechargeable battery that holds the solar energy. These generally last for 2 years or more before replacing, which is great news for saving those dollars for other fun!
Let’s get down to it. Read our picks for the Best Solar Lights of August, 2019:
1) Nekteck Solar Lights 2 Pack
Overview
This pack of 2 solar lanterns is a good little set of four lights that can be used virtually anywhere. They arrived quickly and were all nicely wrapped up. These lights are also waterproof, come with a sensor, as well as a larger solar panel to absorb more energy.
What We Like
We tested these lights in multiple outdoor locations including our office garden, around the front driveway, and fixed to the walls for security lighting. They are so simple to move and although the solar panel is attached to each light, they are unobtrusive and will just sit there quietly until dark, when they suddenly light up the entire neighborhood.
What Needs Improving
From an aesthetic point of view, the solar panel is a little unsightly, but honestly, you don’t really notice it.
Nekteck Solar Lights Outdoor, 2-in-1 Solar Spotlights Powered 4 LED Adjustable Wall Light Landscape Lighting, Bright and Dark Sensing, Auto...
- Upgraded 4th Generation Solar Lights & Panel-The Advanced 200 lumen LED solar lights make full use of the solar energy so it can achieve high lumen output at night. This allows you to fully enjoy how it glows your yard, your pool or even the landscape in the garden at night. It also illuminates the pathways, walkways, driveway and your path to home for security
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2) Maggift Hanging Solar Lights 2 pack
Overview
We loved the look of these, and were not disappointed when we unpacked them. They’re unusually charming, nicely made and with an equally nice price tag.
What We Like
We had a really windy night whilst we were trying these lights, and when they swung gently, a lovely effect was created – the light and shadows moving across the pathway in a really pretty way. This is enhanced when they’re hung from the tree branches. Maggift have very kindly included the batteries with these lights – great.
What Needs Improving
They could do with being a little bit brighter. The light given off is more of a soft glow than a ‘there are no shadows to hide in’ glare. But for the cheap price, we’re happy.
MAGGIFT 26 Inch Hanging Solar Lights Dual Use Shepherd Hook Lights with 2 Shepherd Hooks Outdoor Solar Coach Lights, 2...
- Solar powered -- powered by free solar energy and no electricity required. The solar panel supports long-term operations. Package includes 2 hanging solar lights, 2 shepherd hooks.
- Easy to Install- assemble the shepherd's hooks by screwing the poles together, then stake them into the soft ground and hang the lights. There is a tab on the light cover, please remove it before charging.
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3) AGPTEK Solar Lantern
Overview
These lights are a great bargain buy if you love doing any outdoors activities that involve being in the dark. They seem solidly made and shine bright even in bad weather.
What We Like
Neat, lightweight and practical pretty much sums up this lantern. Incredibly simple yet effective. There are three ways of powering up these lights, which is extra convenient. There is a solar strip, battery supply and you can even charge up using a USB connection. You even get 100,000 hours of lightbulb life meaning they never have to be re-charged.
What Needs Improving
This is super affordable so of course you could get even brighter lights by investing more, but in all honesty, we doubt you’ll need to. A great solar lantern.
Solar Lantern, AGPtek 5 Mode Hand Crank Dynamo 36 LED Rechargeable Camping Lantern Emergency Light, Ultra Bright LED Lantern -...
- 5 CHARGING METHODS: Solar Powered, Crank Dynamo, Car Adapter, USB or 3 x AA Battery.
- GREEN POWER: Hand Crank Dynamo Solar 36 LED Lantern Outdoor Super Bright Camping Work Light
- LOW ENERGY CONSUMPTION: Built in the Polysilicon solar panels, More brighter than the other camping light and lower energy consumption
4) Mason Jar Solar Lights 4 Pack
Overview
This year has seen the rise in popularity of mason jars in everything from fancy cocktails to interior design. These solar powered mason jar lights are right on trend. Moreover they feel well made and durable.
What We Like
These super fun mason jar lights are simple to install and look amazing in any space. The lights are 100% solar powered and there is one AAA battery that you can put in as a back up. They seem to last a long time from a day’s sun exposure, and, although not super bright, give off a lovely soft light.
What Needs Improving
Given that these lights are at the more affordable end of the spectrum, they’re not as dazzlingly bright as the more expensive counterparts.
CHBKT 4-Pack Solar-powered Mason Jar Lights (Mason Jar / Handle Included),20 Bulbs Jar Hanging Light,Garden Outdoor Solar / Hanging Lantern,Decor...
- Creative Design:This scales pattern glass jar with metal carrying ring is made of premium thick glass. Round base with square body makes it attractive and special. Creative Solar Mason Jar Pendant Lights Firefly Lights with 20 warm white Micro LEDs, makes your surroundings romantic and fairy. Long lasting LED bulbs, little heat, safe to handle even after long-time use.
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5) Solar Torches (6-pack)
Overview
This vivid torch display looks beautifully realistic and is ready to impress. Well made and powered by solar, these torches are a great find and will last you for years.
What We Like
Made with 96 LED light beads, these torches will gently flicker to create the perfect atmosphere whether it’s an ordinary day of the week or a special occasion. They will light up for up to 10 hours on a single charge. They are waterproof so you can leave them exposed in your garden even in the rain, snow and hail.
What Needs Improving
The charging time is a little slow at 5 hours, but if you keep them exposed to some sunlight most days, you won’t have an issue.
Solar Torch Lights, 6-Pack of OxyLED Garden Pathway Light with Realistic Dancing Flames, Waterproof Landscape Lighting With Auto On/Off Dusk...
- ✡ VIVID FLICKERING FLAME: Formed by 96 LED lamp beads, the light flickers like an extremely vivid dancing flame, provides a perfect campfire ambience for every garden party, BBQ session, or camping weekend
See our other top recommendations for the home:
