The 5 Best Solar Outdoor Spotlights [Review]

The recent rise in popularity of solar-powered outdoor lighting is easily explicable.

Obviously, it's nice that you don't need to pay for energy, but for most people, the fact that you don't need to install wiring is more important.

Remove the light from its packing, activate it, and position it along your path or in your garden.

In addition, all solar lights have a built-in darkness sensor that enables them to switch on automatically at night and off in the morning.

In other words, all you need to do is install the lights; the firm will handle everything else.

Given the competitive nature of the solar lighting sector, it may be difficult to discover the finest solar spotlight on the market.

In light of this, we conducted research and compiled a list of the seven most effective solar-powered spotlights on the market in 2022

Solar Spotlights We Think You Will Like

OUR TOP PICK

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The solar-powered Litiom spotlight is the most deserving of first place among the best outdoor landscape lights since it seems and operates like a premium product.

At 600 lumens, these are among the brightest solar lights, and any money you spend on them is an investment.

They are very bright and provide two lighting options that can be changed to suit your needs: one is a low light that creates a relaxing atmosphere, and the other is a high-brightness setting that is great for highlighting certain areas.

In addition to anchoring the Litiom solar spotlights to the ground, you can also use them as security lights by attaching them to walls and fences, enabling you to be rather creative with their use.

IP67, one of the most modern waterproofing technologies, is included in Litom lights. Therefore, you will never need to be concerned about extreme weather or sudden adjustments, since they will constantly prevail.

They can easily function for up to 12 hours, offering nearly half a day of free, high-intensity light, and they only require around five hours to charge, so the charge time to run time ratio is ideal.

Unfortunately, these solar-powered outdoor spotlights do not come with a warranty, but they do feature a 30-day return policy and courteous, eager-to-help customer service.

Pros

  • Weatherproof: This is crucial for outdoor equipment.
  • Continuous Light: These spotlights can run for 12 hours continuously.
  • Versatile: These lights have 2 separate lighting modes.

Cons

  • No Warranty

EDITORS CHOICE

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The second item on our list is the well-known Urpower solar landscape spotlights; they are a good alternative to the previous solar lights.

The option to spin the solar panel separately is a really cool feature, especially if you have a lot of shadows.

Moreover, Urpower solar lights provide two lighting modes that may be toggled on the fly.

The Urpower solar lights are manufactured with IP64 waterproofing, which, although not the highest rating by modern standards, is sufficient if you are in a location with calm weather and minimal precipitation.

In terms of illumination, these pups can run for up to 9 hours, which is more than enough, but they also take around 5 hours to fully charge, which I believe to be a good run/charge ratio.

Last but not least, they have a light intensity of 200 lumens, which is one-third that of the preceding offering.

If required, you may purchase solar lights with greater brightness, however, I found 200 lumens to be plenty for my purposes.

Finally, Urpower does not provide a warranty, but considering the company's customer service and Amazon's 30-day return policy, this should not be an issue.

Pros

  • Adjustable: This light has a rotatable solar panel to make sure you get enough light.
  • Continuous Light: These spotlights can run for 9 hours continuously.
  • Versatile: These lights have 2 separate lighting modes.

Cons

  • IP64: This will only protect from water splashing

BEST VALUE

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Nekteck solar lights are an amazing piece on our list of the best outdoor spotlights; they are of exceptional quality and are certain to garner attention.

These are the only solar spotlights with a warranty; others provide customer service, but it's crucial to have a warranty in case anything goes wrong.

The two lighting settings are wonderful for sometimes stirring things up, as well as being suitable for fulfilling specific needs.

In addition, the Nekteck solar light's 10 hours of running duration is more than enough, and the solar panel requires just around five hours of direct sunshine to fully charge the battery.

Nekteck may say that they are completely waterproof, but based on user comments and the absence of an IP rating on the product sheet, it is logical to believe they are not.

However, I would still recommend them from the bottom of my heart since they are of the best quality and will be excellent for you if you reside in a place that does not get extreme precipitation.

Pros

  • Warranty: This light comes with a 2-year purchase warranty.
  • Continuous Light: These spotlights can run for 10 hours continuously.
  • Versatile: These lights have 2 separate lighting modes.

Cons

  • Waterproofing: This model is not entirely waterproof.

RUNNER UP

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Despite a few shortcomings, which we will explain later, the InnoGear solar lights make our list of the best outdoor solar spotlights for landscapes despite being among the best available.

Since it may be difficult to get direct sunlight when the light and solar panel are attached to the same component, I am a fan of this model's solar panel angle rotation.

With an IP65 waterproofing technology, it is perfectly safe to use them in harsh weather and on rainy days, as they will protect your lights from powerful water jets as opposed to just water splashes, as other versions on the market do.

The positive side is that they can run for up to 12 hours, which is equivalent to half a day's worth of free energy.

The negative feature is that it requires up to 7 hours of charging, which is the longest charging period on our list of goods.

However, seven hours is still an acceptable amount of time and is not a deal-breaker.

Last but not least, they are not covered by a guarantee. I don't want to seem redundant about this warranty stuff, but I want you to have a thorough understanding of what you are about to acquire.

Pros

  • Weatherproof: This model is weatherproof and IP65 waterproof.
  • Continuous Light: These spotlights can run for 12 hours continuously.
  • Versatile: These lights have 2 separate lighting modes.

Cons

  • Charging: This model requires 7 hours of charging.

RUNNER UP

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The 50X spotlights from Mini are not confined to landscapes; I can see them being used around the house.

Their small size makes them perfect for widespread use across the room, and their ease of installation is even more alluring.

Despite appearances, each of these little lights delivers 100 lumens!

They may work for up to 12 hours, however, the fact that they can be positioned around the house may reduce this time, since some regions may get less sunlight than others, resulting in solar panels that generate less energy.

However, their average charge duration is around five hours, which surpasses a reasonable proportion.

In addition, they are made from high-quality materials and equipped with IP55 waterproofing technology, making them unobtrusive and suitable for the vast majority of users.

Pros

  • Weatherproof: This model is weatherproof and IP55 waterproof.
  • Continuous Light: These spotlights can run for 12 hours continuously.
  • Versatile: These lights have 2 separate lighting modes.

Cons

  • No Warranty

Buyer’s Guide

Several considerations must be made while selecting the finest solar spotlights.

And in this part, we'll assess these elements so that you may make the best option possible for your requirements

The 5 Best Solar Outdoor Spotlights [Review]

Purpose

The first consideration is the intended use of solar spotlights.

Are you curious about security lighting or accent lighting? Or maybe you are looking for both.

Brightness

Additionally, you must evaluate the brightness of the solar spotlights.

Solar lights are available in a wide range of luminosities, ranging from 10-lumen solar accent step lights to 15,000-lumen solar floodlights, so you must choose one that matches your needs.

Temperature

Additionally, the light temperature must be considered.

Solar lights are available in several colors, including natural white, warm white, and cool white.

Warm white is evocative of traditional incandescent light bulbs, while cool white seems more modern. Natural white is somewhere between black and white.

Waterproofing

Additionally, the waterproofing of the solar spotlights must be considered. Some solar spotlights are waterproof and functional over the winter, whilst others are not.

The IP rating identifies the water tightness of the lamp.

Choose a solar light with an IP rating of 65 or above if you live in a high-rainfall area since anything lower may not provide sufficient protection and you will have to store your lights during the winter.

Installation

Additionally, you should consider installation simplicity. Some solar-powered spotlights have mounting hardware, while others do not.

If you lack confidence in your ability to install anything yourself, you may choose to get a light that comes with mounting hardware.

Efficiency

Additionally, you should assess the effectiveness of the solar panels. Solar spotlights are typically composed of LEDs and a number of other components that need power from solar panels.

Having solar panels with a high efficiency exposed to the sun will ensure their functionality and minimize their replacement frequency.

Run Time

On a full charge, solar spotlights generally last between five and twelve hours.

To ensure that your lights get optimal sunlight throughout the day, you must evaluate the duration of your lighting needs and the position of the sun in relation to your lights.

Online Reviews

In addition, you should examine the ratings of solar spotlights.

By reading user reviews, you may have a better knowledge of what to expect when you purchase the product. This will help you choose the ideal solution for your needs.

Light Replacement

Examine how long the lights will last and how straightforward it will be to replace them.

If you need them to last longer than six months or if you need replacement components, make sure they are conveniently accessible.

How To Fix Broken Solar Lights

There are a number of reasons why your solar lights may not be working, including defective wiring, dead batteries, and a lack of sunlight.

Solar light repair is not rocket science; you can fix it yourself at home even if you lack technical ability.

There are several reasons why your solar light is not working; in this section, we will explore the most common issues and how to fix them.

Battery Pull Tab

The majority of newly-purchased solar lights will include a battery pull tab.

A pull tab is an insulator that stops batteries and circuits from being energized before use, safeguarding the battery during travel and storage.

Simply put, your solar light will not operate unless you remove this insulator.

Not to worry, it's rather straightforward. In accordance with the instructions and after removing the tab from underneath the battery contact, your solar light will perform properly.

Switches And Microprocessors

You will be astonished at how many people are ignorant that their lights have an on/off switch. If you cannot find the on/off switch on your solar-powered light, do not worry. Several models are missing.

Obviously, the switch must be turned on if it is off. However, if your solar light is still not working, turning it on and off may resolve the problem.

The benchmark Turning off your solar light, waiting 20 seconds, and then turning it back on is effective in ninety percent of cases. So, give it a try.

On occasion, the microprocessor (CPU) of your solar light may get confused; restarting your solar light may address this issue.

Please reference the manual for your equipment and according to the directions to reset the settings on your solar light.

Direct Sunlight

Clearly, solar lights need sunlight to operate, and one of the key reasons your light is not working is that it is not getting sufficient sunlight.

If your solar-powered lights do not get enough sunlight, the batteries will not be fully charged, and the lights will stop functioning.

Ensure that there are no large trees or buildings near your solar light since their shadow will prevent your solar panels from receiving sufficient sunlight.

Contrary to common opinion, solar-powered lights may still charge when placed in the shade. In reality, it is possible that they are energized by artificial light.

However, the less direct sunlight they get, the less efficient and shorter-lived they become.

Therefore, if your solar panels are shaded at any time of the day, especially during the middle of the day, you should move your solar lights.

Many may not realize this, but the angle of your solar panel is vital. This is because the sun may be covered by many components, such as clouds, rain, or fog, especially during the winter months when sunlight is scarce.

Your location will affect the best tilt of your solar panels. Your solar panels should be tilted at 30 degrees in the summer and 45 degrees in the winter.

Adjusting the panel of your solar light to these angles will ensure that it collects more initial sunlight, so generating more energy and increasing the duration of your solar lights at night.

Cable Management

Some solar-powered lights consist of a solar panel that is detachable from the light bulb and connected to it by one or two cords.

If the cables between the solar panel and the batteries are not connected firmly, the solar panel will not be able to charge the batteries, resulting in a dim light show.

To fulfill their hunger, squirrels may consume the wire from your solar lights.

In contrast to conventional lighting, solar lighting is quite safe, and the electric shock will not kill any hungry squirrels.

Electrical tape is capable of solving any issue. On occasion, though, the damage is irreparable and the whole cable must be replaced.

If you lack technical expertise, tools, or time, you should contact the manufacturer and use the warranty.

Light Sensors

If your solar lights do not work at night, the light sensor is most likely defective.

To test your sensor, just cover the photocell with your hands or dark clothing. If the light illuminates, your sensor is operational; if it does not, either your batteries are dead or your sensor has to be fixed.

The first step in fixing your sensor is to thoroughly clean and retest it.

Simply detach the solar light sensor and clean it with a damp cloth and no chemicals. Utilize a specialized electronic cleaning spray when faced with difficult-to-remove dirt.

Ensure that your lamp is completely dry before reassembly, since moisture may cause internal circuits to fail. After cleaning and assembling your lamp, it is time to test it.

Simply cover the sensor with your hands; if the light illuminates, you have won. You just restored the malfunctioning sensor. If not, the sensor must be changed since it is malfunctioning. The r sensor is broken and must be replaced.

Batteries

People tend to forget that their solar lamp's rechargeable batteries have a lifespan of fewer than 1,000 charges (roughly 3 years).

During this period, the charging capacity of your batteries will diminish until they are no longer useful.

You can simply detect whether the runtime of your solar light has decreased significantly. For example, the first time you used your solar light, it lasted 10 hours, but now, even after a brilliant day, it only lasts 5 hours.

This implies that your batteries' capacity to charge is diminishing.

If your solar lights aren't working or aren't working as well as they used to, and none of the previous remedies have worked, you likely need to replace the batteries.

Water Buildup

Your solar lights are weatherproof and waterproof, but they are not invincible.

Occasionally, water or dust may collect inside your solar lights, resulting in wire displacement or even damage.

Even if your solar-powered lights have an IP rating of 65 or above, it is still possible, especially if you live in a harsh environment.

Faulty LEDs

Even though LEDs normally have a pretty long lifetime and may last up to 50,000 hours (6 years), it is still important to evaluate them.

As usual, existing LEDs must first be tested. If the LEDs are broken, it may be a good idea to replace them.

Joe Danner