Best Solar Deck Lights

If you’ve taken a vacation recently and noticed the beautiful lights by the pool—without a million plugs around them to connect them all—chances are high that they’re solar deck lights. The best solar deck lights are popping up across tourist destinations and your favorite vacation spots, giving homeowners a few wireless ideas for their return home. The biggest perk of them is their eco-friendly design. But a close second, specifically for those who just aren’t interested in paying an electrician a bundle of money for installation, is the ease in which they can be installed.

Even if you’re not a big do-it-yourself enthusiast, solar deck lighting may change your mind. In addition to ease and efficiency, deck solar lights are also a priority for safety. If you’re in an area that tends to get way too dark at night (ex. too many trees, street lights don’t always light up, darker area of the neighborhood), solar powered deck lights may be the way to fix this issue quickly.

While the lights won’t be as bright as electrical lights, if you are OK with slightly dimmer lighting, then deck solar lights should be OK. Keep in mind that sunlight will make or break your experience with solar deck lights, but these 12 potential options can help along the way.

Best Solar Deck Lights

1. OTHWAY Solar Fence Post Lights

Ideally, these solar deck lights can be installed in less than a minute each. Just make sure the covers are secure in place to protect against weather-related damage.

Key Features

• Lampshade plastic cover
• Bayonet cap to clip into place
• Built-in sensor for automatic lights

Automatically charging throughout the day so it can work to perfection at night, the lights are meant to be decorative and bright enough to easily see your way around without disturbing neighbors.

Just take the cover off of each light, use the screws included to mount the light to its preferred space and put the cover back on. Installation should be no harder than hanging photo frames.

Cons

• Lights up less hours during winter months

Due to the weather-related issues with light performance, pay special attention to the lamp covers during rain, snow and wind to make sure they stay in place. If these solar lights aren’t sufficient for your needs, there is a 60-day free return and a 365-day replacement warranty. Customer support is 24 hours as well.

2. Siedinlar Solar Deck Lights

 

Dark roads and rural areas or construction areas may find these solar lights may come in handy. They can withstand up to five tons, are heat- and frost-resistant, and waterproof for those dreary, rainy days.

Key Features

• Six lumen white lights
• No technical controls, controlled by light
• Aluminum alloy material

After charging during the day’s sunlight for approximately eight hours, it should last for 15 hours at night. Because there are no technical options to get the lights to work without proper charging, it is highly recommended to make sure they are able to get enough sunlight to charge before use. Whether used by the swimming pool, garden or paths, the waterproof aluminum is sufficient to use any various weather-related circumstances.

Cons

• Rainy weather areas or dark neighborhoods may find that lights don’t light up for as long

If these solar LED deck lights aren’t sufficient for your needs, there is a 30-day full-return policy and a 365-day replacement warranty. Customer support is 24 hours as well.

3. Warm White Solar Light

Your neighbors will thank you for these solar lights. They’re light enough for you to carefully walk up your porch stairs, the pool, the garage pathway or wherever you place them without looking like there’s a photoshoot going on next door.

Key Features

• Six solar lights
• Rainproof
• Stainless steel case
• Self-charging Ni-MH battery

These outdoor lights should be placed in direct sunlight for maximum light exposure. Leave in “Auto” mode in order for the warm lighting to turn on by dusk.

Even during bad weather (from thunderstorms to humid days), the lights should still work as intended. They can run up to nine hours and can be mounted horizontally or vertically.

Cons

• Several solar deck lights confirm one of the set of lights stops working after awhile

Make sure you place the lights under standard sunlight six to eight hours before installation so they have time to “charge” before installation. If these solar lights aren’t sufficient for your needs, there is a 60-day free return and a 365-day replacement warranty. Customer support is 24 hours as well.

4. GIGALUMI 12 Pcs Solar Deck Lights

Who says solar deck LED lights must all be white, black or clear? These fashionable solar step lights come in bronze, which may complement your black or wooden outdoor furniture.

Key Features

• 12 solar step lights
• Warm, white LED lights
• On-off automatic switch makes lights turn on by dusk

Best for outdoor staircases, fences, mailboxes and other flat surfaces, there is no electrical wiring for these 3.46 inches x1.77 inches x 1.85 inches solar deck lights.

Weatherproof (snow, icy, rainy, windy) and sturdy, these are easily installable either vertically or horizontally. Screw in the two mounting options and enjoy the view. (If you don’t want to use the screws, the adhesive foam was an alternate option for one user.)

Cons

• Several solar deck light reviewers confirm they wish the lights were brighter

The product warranty of the Gigalumi is for 180 days, so make sure to use them sooner rather than later to confirm they are sufficient for your home.

5. JACKYLED Solar Lights

These heavy-duty, waterproof lights are built into tightly sealed battery compartments and come in as handy for driveways as they do entrance-way paths.

Key Features

• Can withstand up to 20 tons of pressure
• Supplies light for up to 72 hours
• International Protection Marking (IP) 68 waterproof certified

The white solar deck lights are made of high-quality polycarbonate—an ideal material when used in construction areas or driveways because they can withstand the pressure of cars or trucks accidentally (or purposely) driving over them.

The six premium-quality LEDs in each light shows a steady light bright enough to be seen as far as 875 yards (half a mile) away. They can be attached either with screws (also included) or glue.  With aluminum die casting and PC, UV-resistant and yellow-resistant features, they are intended to last.

Cons

• Light life span may decrease from moisture
• Not ideal to charge under streetlights

The 1.2V/600 mAh AAA NI-MH high temperature-resistant batteries may come in handy on roads with sharp curves, poorly lit areas (at night), entertainment centers, airport terminals and more. Even though these solar lights can last several days on a full charge, it is best to test them for three to five days to make sure they work as suggested before installing into permanent locations. 

6. Portfolio Landscape Solar LED Deck Light Kit

The amount of light each homeowner will need is an individual decision. While these 3.9 inch x 2.6 inch x 2.6 inch solar deck fixtures are brighter than other solar deck lights, this may be the ideal “warm glow” needed or not bright enough.

Key Features

• Three lumens in each LED light
• Eight hours lighting time at full charge
• Black finish

Standard solar lights are 1.2 lumens. This solar deck light, however, is 2.5 times brighter with a white glow at 4300K. There is one nickel–cadmium (NiCd) AA 400 mAh battery included in each fixture. The hardware (i.e., wooden screws) to mount each solar deck light is also included.

Cons

• One reviewer recommended physically tapping lights that go out to get them to work again

While some solar deck lights come with rechargeable batteries, this modern-style deck light works with the help of one AA battery. Keep an eye on it to avoid corrosion. It’s unclear whether it is waterproof or not. 

7. GreenLighting Solar Post Cap

Add some pizzazz to your outdoor garden by adding these 4 inch x 4 inch wooden post solar deck lights. In addition to the beauty of a colorful garden, these plastic posts are copper colored.

Key Features

• Fit 4 inch x 4 inch wooden posts
• Wood or composite material
• Can swap wooden posts for hollow vinyl/plastic posts

This twelve-pack of white LED lights ideally should last for more than 100K hours, with rechargeable AA Ni-Cd batteries. No external wiring is needed for these 6 inch x 6 inch x 4.5 inch wooden posts. The lights are 100 percent solar powered by sunlight. Turn on the fixture one and done, but make sure to put them in an area where sunlight is available a minimum of six hours daily.

Cons

• Included battery may not have best lighting/charge results

One reviewer suggested using another brand of four AA batteries instead of the (included) 1.2V 600 mAh AA Ni-CD battery for a better charge and lighting results. Test the included light first though because lighting may vary for each home. An additional suggestion to tweak the solar deck light posts includes ditching the copper-colored ones for additional shades. They can be swapped out for hollow vinyl/plastic posts. However, you will have to find plastic posts that are large enough for the inside opening to measure 3-15/16 inches.

8. CHEEKON Solar Post Cap Lights

These solar deck lights are a combination of metal and glass that not only do the job of lighting up your yard but are also attractive decor.

Key Features

• Fits any standard 4 inch x 4 inch wooden post
• Silicon solar panels
• Ni-MH battery (included)

These solar post caps are available in various sizes: 6 inches x 6 inches; 3.5 inches x 4 inches; 4 inches x 4 inches; 5 inches x 5 inches; and 5.5 inches x 5.5 inches. With any of these solar deck light sets, there is no need to swap batteries or set up external chords for an outdoor power system.

Cons

• Four-inch wood post may need to be sawed off, depending on each product

While these solar deck lights are gloriously pretty, if you’re more interested in lights and posts that require nothing more than a couple of screws and sliding into nearby dirt, this may not be the set for you. Keep in mind that the package only comes with one solar light and four screws, so additional wooden posts for each light will have to be shaved down, too. If you are patient enough to measure the posts to accuracy, the good news is you only have to do it once.

9. AMIR Solar Fence Lights Outdoor

According to the online documentation, this brand of solar fence lights has been updated from the previous version. They are reportedly more efficient at using sunlight to increase battery-charging power. Even with the updates, the solar lights are still intended to provide dim, decorative light (instead of bright lights) to yards, gardens, pathways, etc.

Key Features

• Eight hours of light with full charge
• 22 lumens in each LED light
• Built-in intelligent light sensor

Designed to be used outside, the four lights are durable enough to withstand bad weather (ex. rain, snow, ice) with the help of IP 65 waterproof and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material construction. The 1.2V 600 mAh rechargeable Ni-MH battery will recharge each day with the help of sunlight. Special features include two-way switching.

Cons

• Multiple solar deck lights complain the lights are not bright enough

Make sure it is fully charged before turning on the power switch for first use. If these solar lights aren’t sufficient for your needs, there is a 45-day free return and a 365-day replacement warranty. Customer support is 24 hours as well and seven days a week. 

10. GIGALUMI 6 Color Solar Garden Lights

If you’re a fan of fireworks and other bright colors, this six-color combination of landscape lighting will look great in your yard. (Or, you can spread the lights around your porch or yard as needed, although the spikes may take longer than the two-minute assembly time.)

Key Features

• Weatherproof (rain, snow, ice, humidity)
• 6811 colorful light options (purple, green, yellow, orange, red, blue)
• Automatically turn on at dusk

These colorful, solar garden lights are pretty simple to install. Change the “off” button to “on.” After placing the plastic cover on top, install the pipe and pull out the spike at the end of the pipe as far as it will go. Turn over with the spike pointing down, and push the spike down into the garden. No alternating current (AC) or exterior wiring needed. If fully charged within the sun, it should last up to eight hours. The lights are made from stainless steel material and are explosion-proof from heat.

Cons

• Package may not automatically have all six colors

With two of each color, spread the 12 solar lights out as needed, enjoying the beautiful color display. If you are concerned that you will not get all six colors, ask ahead of time before purchase. Several users complained of getting soft, white lights instead of one of the other six colors.

11. KASUN Super Bright LED Walkway Light

Enhance the look of your deck and garden with this solar lights from JSOT. They are designed to enhance clarity at night and come with all the accessories needed for easy installation. 

Key Features

• Advanced solar panel
• Automatic on and off
• Long service life; thanks to the quality
• Palm-sized
• Widely used in gardens 
• Comes with three LED solar lights

The solar deck light comes with an advanced solar panel that powers the system for lasting, bright light. It charges efficiently to ensure the light is consistent even on the not so sunny days. The solar step light comes with an automatic light sensor function. It switches on and off automatically and can work up to 9 hours at night with a full charge. 

The light is made of high-quality stainless steel, which is strong and durable for outdoor use. It can withstand rain, snow, ice, and wind. More to this, the light is waterproof and heatproof, making it suitable for the deck, stairs, pathway, etc.

Cons

• The lights are not as bright to work independently for an entire garden

These can work well for lighting the deck or stairway. They produce just enough light for safety and clarity. 

12. Otdair Solar Deck Lights

These solar lights come in a pack of eight, providing the best value for money. They are super easy to install and includes all that you need for easy installation.

Key Features

• Wireless construction
• Built-in high-capacity rechargeable battery
• Comes with two lighting modes
• Weather-resistant for outdoor use

The lights are wireless, allowing you to place them where you need the light most without tangling wires. They can work well for your porch, backyard, stairs, patio, or any outdoor space that needs lighting.

The lights operate on a high-capacity rechargeable battery. It charges fully in 6 hours under the sun to last an entire night lighting your garden. The light is sensitive, so it turns on automatically when it gets dark.

These are built for outdoor use; thanks to the weather-resistant quality. The lights are made of high-quality ABS material that is resistant to water, ice, snow, and wind. They come with two lighting modes allowing you to select the most appropriate one. One of the modes produces decorative lighting with the seven changing colors.

Cons

• These do not shed as much light to use as the main outdoor lights

You can spice up the look of your deck or stairway at night with these lights. They are decorative and help to light the way when it gets dark. 

13. LITOM Solar Lights Outdoor

The best deck lights should resist elements of weather and function well regardless of the conditions outside. These solar lights from LITOM are built for the outdoors and come in high-quality, durable materials.

Key Features

• IP67 waterproof grade
• Highly efficient solar panel
• Comes with a PIR motion sensor
• Heat-resistant ABS plastic 

The quality of these lights makes them suitable to use all year round. They have been tested for water resistance and can withstand water immersion for up to 30 minutes. The lights are made of heat-resistant ABS plastic, ensuring they retain the quality during the summer.

They are powered by a high-quality solar panel. It charges within 4 to 6 hours to provide consistent lighting the entire night. In cold weather or rainy days, this solar panel stores as much energy as when it is sunny and bright. 

Cons

• The lights do not come with an automatic off function

They are best if you are looking for bright deck lights with a motion sensor. They have proven to work well in any outdoor space and withstand any weather conditions.

14. Solar Step Lights Outdoor

These lights provide you with the best value for money, especially if you are looking for many lights for your garden. They come in a pack of 16 lights that you can install in different areas of your outdoor space to meet the lighting needs.

Key Features

• 300ah Battery
• Economical solar power
• Automatic on 
• Easy to install

Each solar light produces 3 lumen of light, which is a soft glow for the outdoors. The lights come in handy as safety lights for clarity when it gets dark. The lights are solar-powered hence economical to use every other night. You do not need any wiring to install ensuring they match with the layout of your garden.

The lights do not come with a switch. They have an automatic switch-on the function when it gets dark. On sunny days, it takes about 4 to 5 hours to charge the panel fully. The charge can last an entire night, providing consistent lighting.

Cons

• The lights are pretty small in size to space them further away when installing in the outdoors 

These solar deck lights can help improve the safety of your outdoor space; thanks to the soft light they produce. 

15. Solar Deck Lights

Upgrade the look of your deck with these solar lights from Sunface. They are built to enhance clarity at night and include all the necessary accessories for easy installation.

Key Features

• Comes with a built in sensor
• Automated switch
• Two mode lighting
• ABS plastic construction
• Easy installation

These solar deck lights come with a built-in sensor and an automated switch. These features ensure the light comes on at night and goes off in the morning automatically. They feature warm changing color lighting to spice up the look of your garden. You can use these on the stairway, patio, fence post, etc.

The lights are built to last long. They are made of high-quality ABS plastic to withstand use in the outdoors. The material is long-lasting and can handle extreme weather such as snow or rain. These lights are easy to install and come with screws for easy mounting.

Cons

• The lights are not as big as described to light an entire garden

These lights are unique and can enhance your garden with the color-changing feature.

 Bottom Line

Solar deck lights may not be for everybody. As mentioned in the 12 suggested choices above, sunlight in the area may make this a valuable purchase and an easy way to save on electricity bills. Or, homeowners and workers (if used around construction sites or driving areas) may find that they have to use a mix of solar deck lights and traditional electricity as a backup plan.

Before installing, also make sure that the area where the lights are getting a fair enough lift to make it effective. For example, if the sun faces the fence along your pool or garage path, the lights may last longer and more effectively even if they may look more attractive elsewhere. Keep an eye on your solar deck lights even if they are waterproof or heatproof. By doing so and seeing any change in quality, it will be much easier (and less messy) to exchange before the warranty expires.