Since they are solar-powered, path lights help you enjoy the outdoors well after sunset without increasing your electricity bill. These lights, which use either a remote solar panel or rechargeable batteries to power their operation, draw their photovoltaic energy directly from the sun.
Functional and eco-friendly, here are the 12 best solar path lights to help you find your way around at night.
Table of Contents
Best Solar Path Lights: Top Picks
- 1. Best Overall: Hampton Bay Solar Warm White Landscape Path Lights, 10-Pack
- 2. Best Budget: SUNNEST Solar Lights Outdoor
- 3. Best Decorative: UMICKOO Solar Outdoor Lights
- 4. Best Set: BeauJardin 8-Pack Solar Pathway Lights
- 5. Best for Winter: Urpower Solar Lights Outdoor
- 6. Best for Shade: T-SUNNUS Solar-Powered LED Spotlight
- 7. Best Splurge: Frontgate Pro Series VI Solar Path Light
- 8. Best Large: GIGALUMI Solar Pathway Lights 6 Pack
- 9. Best Small: Rayolon Solar Ground Lights
- 10. Best Single: Hampton Bay 14 Lumens Solar Black Landscape Pathway Light
- 11. Best Bang for The Buck: MAGGIFT 6 Lumen Solar Powered Pathway Lights
- 12. Best for Color: OSORD Solar Pathway Lights, 4-Pack Color Changing
The Best Solar Path Lights Review
1. Best Overall: Hampton Bay Solar Warm White Landscape Path Lights, 10-pack
What We Like
- Classic lantern design
- High brightness
- Durable housing materials
- 10 lights per pack
What We Don’t Like
- Flimsy stakes
- Some people may not like the crackling glass
Given their dependability, affordability, and traditional design, the Hampton Bay Solar Warm White Solar Landscape Path Lights are our top choice overall. As it easily withstood a heavy dousing of water, golf balls intended to mimic hail, and being frozen for an hour, the robust, weather-resistant metal should withstand the varying seasons. An integrated LED bulb and rechargeable batteries make the light’s design maintenance-free.
These solar path lights are 18.1 inches tall and make a statement without being overtly obtrusive or bold. They give off enough warm white light to safely navigate a footpath or set of stairs in the evening while lighting up your landscaping. They are turned on and off daily by an automatic dusk-to-dawn feature. When reading a book directly under the light, our tester said it was simple, but that as the distance from the light increased, it became harder.
The appearance of the crackle glass in these lights was the main issue for our tester. Despite her concern that it might not be everyone’s cup of tea in terms of style, she said she liked the projected light pattern. Despite this minor design concern, these lights overall impressed our tester Compared with other light sets, which generally consist of six or eight lamps, the Hampton Bay No Voltage Solar Landscape Path Lightsare an affordable option, with 10. A two-year warranty is included with the set, under which any defective parts or labor will be replaced or fixed.
2. Best Budget: Sunnest Solar Lights Outdoor
What We Like
- Stainless steel
- Easy assembly
- Sets come in 3 colors
What We Don’t Like
- Dim
When it comes to affordability, durability, and variety, this set from SUNNEST tops the list in the budget category. These tiny but mighty solar lights charge in just six to eight hours and last for eight to ten hours. You could use these in a variety of ways around your yard, garden, and patio due to their small, contemporary design. They can withstand weather conditions with their resilient, waterproof plastic and stainless steel.
Once you’ve assembled all 12 lights, be sure to turn each light’s switch to “On” before arranging them around your yard. (If you don’t do this, the light won’t charge, and you want to make sure the solar panel is fully charged before the first night.) A set that alternates colors (fewer lamps) or a set for cool white or warm white light are also options. This set may not be the best option, though, if you’re looking to light your entire yard, as they are dimmer than some of our other recommended models.
3. Best Decorative: Umickoo Solar Outdoor Lights
What We Like
- Multicolor light settings
- Long illumination time
- Durable
What We Don’t Like
- Confusing instructions
Check out UMICKOO Solar Outdoor Lights for a set of solar lights in many different colors. This set illuminates even the darkest night with a vibrant display and is made of weather-resistant materials. There are two settings available for each light: warm white light and multicolored lights that subtly change between seven colors. After six to eight hours of charging, these lights are ready to use and last for eight to ten hours. Before using them, however, let them sit outside in the sun for at least five hours. Instead of pressing your hand on the solar panel when installing them, gently press the stake into the ground with the pole.
The operating instructions and settings can be confusing, which is a drawback. For example, the “On” switch turns on the warm white light, while the “Fade” switch gently blinks the multicolored lights.
4. Best Set: Beaujardin 8-Pack Solar Pathway Lights
What We Like
- 10 lumens
- Floral light pattern
- Durable
What We Don’t Like
- Flimsy stakes
Each of these BeauJardin Solar Pathway Lights has a 10-lumen output and is built to withstand the elements. The solar battery and lightbulb are shielded by a glass light shade and a rustproof stainless steel pole, and the solar panel is charged during the day to provide eight to twelve hours of illumination. Additionally, a lovely floral pattern is produced by the light shade.
Although each pole is made of stainless steel, the ground stake is made of plastic, making it a weak point in the design. Make sure to create a small hole in the ground before erecting each light to avoid breakage. They ought to last several seasons if installed properly.
5. Best For Winter: Urpower Solar Lights Outdoor
What We Like
- Weather-resistant
- Adjustable solar panel
- Two brightness settings
What We Don’t Like
- Spotlight appearance
With exposure to water and wet weather in mind, this URPOWER Solar Lights Outdoor set was created. These solar pathway lights have a sturdy plastic housing that shields them from all weather; water, golf balls, and freezing were no match for their performance. The solar panel is also movable, so you can change its angle on cloudy days. The solar panel is supported by a screw on these lights, but it can be challenging to move the screw to adjust the panel’s angle. They remained lit throughout testing for the entire eight-hour overnight period.
There are two brightness settings on these lights, as well as a power switch. With the higher light setting, our tester reported that she could read a book without any trouble but not with the lower setting. These lights are a great option for a variety of outdoor lighting needs because they can also be mounted on a wall rather than a pathway. Even though these lights’ spotlight designs might not be suitable for everyone, our tester said she appreciated their price point overall.
6. Best For Shade: T-sunnus Solar-powered Led Spotlight
What We Like
- Two brightness settings
- Solar panel separate from the spotlight
- Adjustable solar panel & light head
What We Don’t Like
- Spotlight shape
- Only two lights
- Short cord to solar panels
The two T-SUNNUS Solar-Powered LED Spotlights in the set each have a separate, corded solar panel, making it simple to install them in a shaded area and ensure a full charge each day. To direct them in the desired directions, you can change the angles of the light heads and solar panels. Each of the two brightness settings has a maximum output of 200 lumens, which is bright enough to see the specifics of your yard. You can choose between a glaring spotlight and a soft pathway light.
Because the solar lights won’t turn on if light is detected, do not install the solar panels underneath any porch or security lights that turn on at night. Your placement options may be limited by the three meters (about 10 feet) long cords connecting each light and solar panel, especially if you’re illuminating a particularly wide pathway. These solar lights have a conventional spotlight design, but their brightness and independent solar panels still make them our top choice for shade.
7. Best Splurge: Frontgate Pro Series Vi Solar Path Light
What We Like
- High-efficiency, 60-lumen lights
- Sturdy aluminum stakes
- Large solar panel
What We Don’t Like
- Only two lights per set
- Not freeze-resistant
This Frontgate Pro Series VI Path Light set is our top recommendation for a splurge if your budget is flexible. The lithium-phosphate battery and lights are safeguarded by a cast-aluminum housing, which outperforms plastic housing in adverse weather conditions. Additionally, during installation, aluminum stakes prevent breakage. Our tester said this light easily passed our “rain” and “hail” tests, however, it did not re-illuminate after being in a freezer for an hour. These lights have solar panels that are larger than other models, which makes them better for cloudy days, winter performance, and shaded areas. The tops of these lights have a diameter of 7.25 inches.
Only available in sets of two, these lights require an investment to cover an entire pathway. Even though there are fewer of them available, these solar lights are a dependable, high-quality option. They have 60 lumens per light, which is sufficient to illuminate your yard if spaced apart, and a longer lifespan thanks to an advanced lithium-phosphate battery. In general, our tester said that these lights are definitely an investment, so she would advise attempting to purchase them while they are on sale.
8. Best Large: Gigalumi Solar Pathway Lights 6 Pack
What We Like
- 19 inches tall
- Larger solar panels
What We Don’t Like
- Dim
Large solar pathway lights are particularly useful if your footpath is lengthy and you want each light to illuminate a larger area. The GIGALUMI Solar Pathway Lights are a good choice for anyone looking to illuminate a large space with fewer lights even though they aren’t as bright as other models due to their height and larger structure.
Six 19-inch-tall lights are included in the pack (stakes included). Their classic lantern shape creates a crystalline pattern that elegantly lines any walkway or outdoor space. A quick charge is made possible by the sizable solar panels.
When planting these lights in the ground, use caution to prevent the stakes from breaking, as with some other solar light models.
9. Best Small: Rayolon Solar Ground Lights
What We Like
- Low profile
- 8 bulbs in each unit
- Waterproof
What We Don’t Like
- Fragile
- Can be covered by dirt and snow
- 3-day-long charging time
If your yard has a minimalist aesthetic, a low-profile lighting option will fit in and prevent lantern-style lights from blocking your path. A driveway, pool deck, or pathway can be lit up with the contemporary, minimalist Rayolon Solar Ground Lights. Eight LED bulbs are used in each of the 12 units to produce warm white light. They are waterproof and capable of withstanding brisk winter temperatures despite their low-profile design.
Their lengthy initial charging period is one drawback; to ensure they reach their maximum brightness, give them three days to charge before burying them. Dig a small hole for the stake when installing each light to avoid breakage.
Avoid stepping on them once they are installed because their low profile has serious drawbacks. Additionally, it is simple for dirt and debris to cover them, preventing the solar panels from charging. Regularly check them, and if necessary, clean the solar panels.
10. Best Single: Hampton Bay 14 Lumens Solar Black Landscape Pathway Light
What We Like
- 21.45-inch height
- Seeded glass design
- 1-year limited warranty
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like
- Low battery life
Purchasing each-sold-separately pathway lights may be your best option if you want to customize the number of lights for your pathway. The solar pathway light from Hampton Bay is affordable, has a sturdy design, and produces a lot of light. The interior battery is shielded from the elements by the seeded-glass light shade, which also provides a soft yet bright white light. They are guaranteed for a full year with a warranty.
Each unit can be put together quickly and easily by screwing the light housing to the metal pole and putting the ground stake in the other end. Please note that if these are placed beneath other porch lights, no light will be produced. (The solar light does not turn on if light shines on the solar panel.) It does not charge in areas that are heavily shaded.
11. Best Bang For The Buck: Maggift 6 Lumen Solar Powered Pathway Lights
What We Like
- Attractive price point
- See-through plastic shades look like glass
- Stay on all night
What We Don’t Like
- Not as bright as some
Solar path lights are reasonably priced, so you can take advantage of the illumination and safety they provide. In comparison to more expensive lights, the Maggift Solar Path Lights are a more cost-effective option and provide equivalent illumination.
The Maggift lights are made of plastic rather than metal and glass, but their thick, sturdy plastic housing and their see-through plastic shades are as clear as glass. They might have fooled you into thinking they were plastic if you hadn’t actually handled them. The ground was hard when we tested these lights, so we were extra careful to make sure the plastic posts didn’t break. However, none of them cracked.
The Maggift lights turned on as dusk descended, giving off a gentle white glow that was sufficient to clearly illuminate the sidewalk. Despite having only 6 lumens of brightness, these lights were still lit when the sun rose and held up well in wind and rain despite being less bright than some of the other sets we tested.
12. Best For Color: Osord Solar Pathway Lights, 4-pack Color Changing
What We Like
- Bright, clear colors
- Large illumination area
- Push-button color selection
What We Don’t Like
- Relatively short illumination (under 6 hours)
The Osord Solar Pathway Lights are stunning with their vivid colored lights. We discovered that they cast the widest glow when the bulbs were turned to white, which was bright enough to see clearly about 3 feet from the front of the light. They have a 15-lumen brightness, so they can illuminate a fair-sized area. The Osord lights, in contrast to some of the other lights, are made to shine in a fanned-out pattern.
Heavy-duty plastic was used to make the posts and light shades, but it is a substantial material, and they appear to be quite durable. The lights could be changed to any of seven different colors by pressing a button on the back of the head, including white, red, blue, green, purple, cyan, and yellow. Blue and cyan, however, were very similar.
Our Verdict
The Hampton Bay Warm White Solar Landscape Path Lights set is our top choice for solar pathway lights. They are resistant to water and the elements, offer high brightness, and a long-lasting charge. Furthermore, the traditional lantern design fits in with any yard. If you’re on a tight budget, consider the SUNNEST Solar Lights, which come in sets of three different light colors and are made of weather-resistant stainless steel.
Buying Guide For Solar Path Lights
A smart outdoor lighting option, solar-powered path lights require little effort and don’t require a complicated setup. By switching to solar energy, you can avoid expensive utility bills, and digging up your yard for underground wiring, and electrical cords.
Focus on these features when shopping for solar path lights:
- Light output (lumens): Brightness is indicated by this. For path lighting, The Home Depot advises 100 to 200 lumens. For increased illumination, use more lumens rather than fewer for decorative purposes.
- Light temperature: 3,000 Kelvins (K) is a great midpoint between cool and warm light.
- Recharge time: These systems utilize solar cells or panels that convert sunlight into electricity and then store it in batteries for use at night. The typical charging time is eight hours.
- Battery run time: The battery’s operating range is as long as it is charged. According to Energy.gov, the “nightly run time” is based on specific sunlight conditions. Solar cells will last longer as a source of power at night if they are exposed to more sunlight during the day.
- Battery life: We are aware that batteries have a limited lifespan. You should anticipate replacing them after a year or when they stop holding a charge. Pro tip: Ensure that your path lights’ batteries and bulbs are simple to swap out.
- Materials: For improved rust and corrosion resistance, look for powder-coated metal.ABS plastic is strong and lightweight.
- IP Rating: Its acronym is Ingress Protection (against snow, rain, dust, etc.).) Look for an IP44 or higher rating.
- Color: Depending on the product, a solar path lighting system emits a different kind of light. Depending on the product, brightness and color temperature can vary. Some solar path lights have different brightness and color temperature levels, letting the user select the best setting.
Read More: Drawbacks And Advantages Of Solar Tube Lighting
FAQs
How do solar path lights work?
Solar panels capture solar energy, which is then used to power the solar lights’ electricity storage. Some solar lights use rechargeable batteries to power them. Others have batteries that don’t require replacement for up to four years.
How should solar pathway lights be installed?
Although the assembly instructions for each design of the solar pathway light we recommend vary, they all stake into the ground. If the stakes for the lights you purchased seem brittle, we advise digging small holes before driving them into the ground to prevent breakage. Solar pathway lights should be installed in an area that receives direct sunlight and isn’t illuminated by other lights at night because exposed panels won’t work.
How should solar pathway lights be maintained and cleaned?
Solar panels that are dirty or covered in snow or ice won’t allow sunlight to reach solar lights. “Prior to cleaning your solar pathway lights, review your manufacturer’s instructions,” Kunkle says. “The majority of solar pathway lights, however, can be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth without the use of any harsh cleaners, solvents, or abrasives.” Remember that low-profile lights require more frequent inspection.
Can solar path lights provide enough illumination to light my walkway?
Usually, yes. If the lights are relatively dim, bringing them closer together will increase the amount of light that is cast onto the walkway. Bright solar path lights can be placed farther apart.