In this article, we will review the 10 best solar deck lights that you can buy in 2022.
If you’re in a hurry, you can skip to our “editors’ picks” section.
Additionally, we will include a complete buyers guide and frequently asked question section at the bottom of the article to assist you in your purchasing process.
Solar power has been revolutionizing the way we design and utilize products for over 150 years.
It comes as no surprise then, that solar deck lights are the latest craze to hit the home gardening market in 2022.
In our opinion, there’s nothing more tranquil than relaxing on a front porch that’s being lit up by deck lights.
Except in this scenario, these deck lights aren’t powered by the grid, they’re powered by the sun!
But enough with the chit-chat, you’ve come here to find out about the best solar deck lights that will lighten up your porch, fences, stairs, driveways, and any other part of your home.
Let’s begin with our top picks.
Affiliate Disclaimer
Aooktek Solar Deck Lights Most popular
SEZAC Solar Deck Lights Best for security
Greluna Solar Deck Lights Best for ambience
Gigalumi Solar Deck Lights Best for budget
Sunface Solar Deck Lights Best for design
Table of Contents
How We Selected The Best Solar Deck Lights
There are a number of factors that you need to consider before buying solar deck lights for a household or garden:
- Where do you want to put them?
- What sort of surface will they be on?
- And ultimately, how much light do you require from them?
For instance, knowing what surface you want to mount your deck lights on will significantly impact your options. This is because some solar deck lights only come in a specific design made to be mounted on a specific object.
To avoid any disappointment, we recommend that you read our full reviews on any of the products below that interest you.
But before you do, here are some basic questions to ask yourself when deciding on the best solar deck lights for your home.
Solar Panel
What sort of solar panel does your deck light have? Is it a monocrystalline solar panel? Knowing the answer to this question will allow you to understand how efficient your deck light is at absorbing the sun’s energy for light at night.
Battery
The same goes for the battery of your deck lights. There’s no point in having an amazing solar panel integrated into the design if there’s no place to store all the sun’s energy that it captures. To figure out the size of battery that your deck light requires, look out for the MAH reading. *Hint* – We recommend lithium iron phosphate batteries 😉
Lifespan
Be sure to check out the overall lifespan of your deck light product. In general, LED lights last for around 7 – 15 years while monocrystalline solar panels last 25 to 30 years. You will also need to be mindful of your battery in this regard. This is because the lifespan of your deck lights are linked to the type of battery that you have.
Brightness
Lumens (total quantity of visible light emitted) is a major deciding factor for most when it comes to choosing solar deck lights – the why in this case, is pretty obvious. In general, the best solar deck lights will produce about 120 lumens, while the lower performing ones will produce less than 100.
Recharge Time
This comes down to two things – your lights integrated solar panel and the weather. Solar deck lights, no matter how efficient the solar panel, will not charge at night or in low light (overcast weather). Most high-quality deck lights will take less than 5 hours to fully charge, and will provide on average, around 8 hours of illumination.
Color
Not all solar deck lights come with color options. So if this is your main reason for purchasing one, make sure to check this out first. Color temperature is usually measured in the Kelvin Temperature Scale (K). The hotter the temperature, the brighter the light. On the other end of the spectrum the colder the temperature, the darker the light.
| COLOR TEMPERATURE | LIGHT APPEARANCE | AMBIENCE | BEST FOR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000K – 3000K | Warm White | Cozy and Intimate | Campervans, Bedrooms, Living room, garden lighting, camping in nature, etc. |
| 3100K – 4500K | Cool White | Vibrant and Bright | Offices, Bathrooms, Cellars and Basements. |
| 4600K – 6500K | Blue Daylight | Crisp & Stimulating | Security lighting, display lights, and work garages. |
What Are The Best Solar Deck Lights?
You can use the below links to quickly jump to each of the individual products full review:
Aooktek Solar Deck Lights
Image source: Amazon
Aooktek’s seems to be the most popular solar deck light manufacturer selling on Amazon.
Their product hit Amazon’s shelves in 2019 and to date, has exactly 15,312 reviews. 74% of these customers have rated the product 5 stars. That in itself, says quite a lot.
One reason (among many others) for these solar deck lights doing so well is that the company ships worldwide. This means that their products are reaching thousands of people every month.
The second reason they’ve maintained such popularity on Amazon is due to the quality of the design and the light.
These solar lights are built using high-quality materials such as high-impact ABS plastic (which is recyclable) and use the most efficient battery technology out there – lithium-ion.
Tech Specs:
| Item Weight | 0.01 ounces |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 7.9 x 6.5 x 3.7 inches |
| Material | ABS |
| Power Source | Solar |
| Voltage | 3.7 Volts |
| Type of Bulb | LED |
| Special Features | Waterproof, Motion-Sensor |
Key Features:
- 3 Modes – The Aooktek solar lights have three modes which you can switch between – security light, permanently on and smart brightness control mode. Security light mode utilizes the built in motion detector to switch on the light every time it senses movement. In permanent mode, your deck lights will sense when the area around them becomes darker. When this happens they will turn on and illuminate their surroundings. Switching to smart brightness control mode will set your lights to stay on the entire night. They will then become brighter if they sense any movement.
- IP65 – Being outdoor lights with sensitive electric equipment, you’d imagine this one is a no brainer. Well, it’s important to understand that waterproof IP65 does not mean you can submerge the product under water. Instead, IP65 means that the item is water resistant. An IP65 rated enclosure gives protection against low pressure water jets from any direction, as well as condensation and water spray. It’s suitable for most outdoor enclosures that won’t encounter extreme weather such as flooding.
- Battery – Another great feature of the Aooktek is their use of a rechargeable 2200 mAh lithium-ion battery. Because of the high quality battery type, only a few hours of direct sunlight will be enough for them to provide light the entire evening.
Pros & Cons:
Sezac Solar Deck Lights
Image source: Amazon
Sezac prides itself on making the best security solar deck lights on the market. The reason for this is their angle of detection.
These lights are able to detect motion at a 150° angle. This makes them fantastic for security purposes.
An intruder would literally have to approach these lights from behind to stay undetected. If the light is mounted to the wall of your house, that’s going to be pretty impossible.
It comes as no surprise then that Amazon has these lights listed as their best choice for “solar fence lighting”.
And that’s exactly where you can install it, in addition to your porch, garage, deck, stairway. The list goes on and on.
Additionally, Sezac has made the installation process as simplistic as possible – there are no loose hanging wires or cables to confuse you.
All you have to do when installing these lights is use the screws provided, or even easier, use double-sided 3M tape to install (not included in the package).
Tech Specs:
| Item Weight | 2.31 pounds |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 10.67 x 4.84 x 4.76 inches |
| Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene |
| Power Source | Solar |
| Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Type of Bulb | LED |
| Special Features | 3-way switching |
Key Features:
- 3 Modes – These deck lights come with three interchangeable light modes – dim long light, strong light sensor and motion sensor mode. The dim long light mode uses the sun to charge the lights during the day. When there is no longer sunlight, the lights will automatically switch on to provide dim lighting through the night. Strong light sensor mode is the same as the first mode, except when the lights sense motion, they will become even brighter for a total of 15 – 20 seconds. The lights will dim again when they no longer sense motion. In motion sensor mode, the deck lights are off throughout the night until they are triggered by motion.
- IP65 – Remember, an IP65 rating does not mean you can submerge the product under water. Instead, IP65 means that the item is water resistant. An IP65 rated enclosure gives protection against low pressure water jets from any direction, as well as condensation and water spray. It’s suitable for most outdoor enclosures that won’t encounter extreme weather such as flooding.
Pros & Cons:
Greluna Solar Deck Lights
Image source: Amazon
Greluna’s lights are generally known for their stylish design and these ones are no exception.
Their IP65 protection means that these lights are well protected from water and dust-related issues.
They come with built-in solar panels used to charge their rechargeable 1.2v 600mah AA Ni-CD batteries. These batteries can be charged in 6 hours and they will keep your lights going for up to 8 hours.
Finally, Greluna’s solar deck lights come with both warm white and RGB lighting modes.
Tech Specs:
| Item Weight | 2.45 pounds |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 3.54 x 2.05 x 4.53 inches |
| Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene |
| Power Source | Solar |
| Voltage | 1.2 Volts |
| Type of Bulb | LED |
| Special Features | 2-way switching |
Key Features:
- 2 Modes – The upgraded solar LED design allows you to choose from two modes – warm white and color changing. Warm white is more for daily decorative purposes whereas the color changing mode is tailored for festival type décor.
- Weather Resistant – These solar lights make of high quality ABS material. This makes them weatherproof towards all kinds of adverse weather conditions – extreme heat, heavy rain, or even frost.
Pros & Cons:
Gigalumi Solar Deck Lights
Image source: Amazon
These Gigalumi solar deck lights are a fantastic budget-friendly addition to our list. Their products have lit up more than 500 000 peoples’ gardens – that many people can’t be wrong.
These particular LED lights come in packs of 8 and are water-resistant (IP44).
Automatic in their operation, the built-in 120mA solar panels are powered by 600 MAH AA Ni-Mh batteries that provide the lights with 8 to 10 hours of power – enough to keep them going throughout the night.
Design-wise, these Gigalumi lights have a rather retro feel to them, making them lovely decorative pieces suited to any garden.
You need not worry about these lights being difficult to install. You can either use screws or double-sided tape to place them along walls.
Finally, They come with a 60-day replacement window and a 1-year manufacturers’ warranty from the date of purchase.
Tech Specs:
| Item Weight | 2.71 pounds |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 3.9 x 2.2 x 4.3 inches |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Power Source | Solar |
| Voltage | 1.2 Volts |
| Type of Bulb | LED |
| Special Features | Intelligent, auto power switching |
Key Features:
- Brightness Upgrade – Most other manufacturers provide lights with 2 leds. These solar lights consist of 6 LED lights and are equipped with 600 MAH AA NI-MH batteries and 120mA solar panels. As such, these Gigalumi solar lights are capable of producing more light for your garden, yard, deck, walkway, steps and stairs.
- IP44 – While this IP is not a high as the previously mentioned products, it is suitable for protection against standard rain pressure. IP44 rated light fittings are good for wall lighting (especially if they are covered by a roof extention).
- Warranty – These outdoor decorative lights provide 60 days replacement OR risk-free refund warranty.
Pros & Cons:
Sunface Solar Deck Lights
Image Source: Amazon
Next on the list are a set of solar deck lights from Sunface. Their structure combines optical refraction with a clean and minimalistic design.
These lights will give you three interchangeable lighting modes to choose from, making them suited to multiple settings.
Additionally, they have built-in solar panels made out of polycrystalline that have a 19.5% efficiency.
Weatherproof and waterproof, the lights can withstand heavy wind, snow, and rain. That, in combination with their high-quality ABS plastic build, makes them very durable.
Tech Specs:
| Item Weight | 5.3 ounces |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 13.11 x 8.07 x 3.46 inches |
| Material | Plastic |
| Power Source | Solar |
| Voltage | 2 Volts |
| Type of Bulb | LED |
| Special Features | 3-way switching |
Key Features:
- 3 Light modes – These deck lights come with three interchangeable light modes – warm white, changing color, and amber light mode. Warm white mode provides just the right amout of light so as to not disturb your neighbors. Changing color mode will rotate between 7 different kinds of colors, Lastly, amber light mode enables the deck lights to act as bright, crystal like decorations. With each of these modes, the lights turn on automatically at night and remain on until daylight arrives.
- IP65 – Remember, an IP65 rating does not mean you can submerge the product under water. Instead, IP65 means that the item is water resistant. An IP65 rated enclosure gives protection against low pressure water jets from any direction, as well as condensation and water spray. It’s suitable for most outdoor enclosures that won’t encounter extreme weather such as flooding.
- High-Efficiency Solar Panel – These light come with high-efficiency solar panels integrated into their design. This means that they can power themselves by converting sunlight into electricity. The polycrystalline solar panels convert up to 19.5% of the sunlight into electrical energy, ensuring long lasting standby time.
Pros & Cons:
Siedinlar Solar Deck Lights
Image source: Amazon
Siedinlar lights are usually used as driveway lights but that doesn’t mean they aren’t suited to your garden decks as well
Their elegant circular design, made out of premium aluminum alloy, is sure to catch the eye of your visitors. They are also wireless, so you don’t need to concern yourself with linking them up to outlets. Just place them and let them go to work.
Smaller 1.2 v ni-mh rechargeable batteries provide these lights with more than enough power to charge their LEDs. These, along with their integrated solar panels, help to generate enough energy within 6-8 hours for them to provide 12-15 hours of lighting at night!
When it comes to durability, these solar lights are second to none! They have an IP68 rating and they are also pressure-resistant (up to 20 tonnes). They can withstand the pressure of a moving truck, so you need not stress about your family or friends damaging them accidentally.
Lastly, These lights come with a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase. You’ll also have access to 24-hour customer service support.
Tech Specs:
| Item Weight | 1.74 pounds |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 5.12 x 4.53 x 0.79 inches |
| Material | Metal |
| Power Source | Solar |
| Voltage | 1.2 Volts |
| Type of Bulb | LED |
| Special Features | Shock and vibration resistant |
Key Features:
- Elegant Design – These solar deck lights are made of aluminum alloy, giving them an incredibly sturdy design. solar panels, led, and storage battery. With its wireless design, no need for hand controlling, simple, safe.
- IP68 – The high IP68 rating means that these lights are incredibly well protected against all types of adverse weather conditions – rainstorms, blizzards or intensely windy/dusty environments.
- Resistance To Pressure – Resistance to pressure (up to 20 tons) . These lights can withstand extreme amounts of weight, so fear not, dropping heavy objects on them will not cause any damage.
- Warranty – 1 year warranty and 24H customer service.
Pros & Cons:
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Image source: Amazon
These very affordable lights from TIJNN are a perfect option to light up your deck, patio, and pathway areas.
Their product comes in sets of 6 and has two lighting modes – warm white and 7-color changing mode.
The polycrystalline solar panels that are integrated into these lights mean that they charge quicker than other products. A mere 4 to 5 hours of sunlight exposure provides 10 hours of continuous nighttime light.
These lights have automatic ON & OFF sensors, so you don’t have to stress about manual intervention.
In terms of durability, these TIJNN lights are equipped with IP65 technology which makes them water-resistant.
If you’re concerned about intense heat damaging your solar deck lights, fear not. Heat-proof plastic construction protects these lights against harsh sunlight.
A 12-month warranty and 60-day money-back guarantee is a great finishing touch to what is a fantastic solar deck lighting option.
Tech Specs:
| Item Weight | 4.8 ounces |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 8.07 x 4.13 x 3.54 inches |
| Material | Plastic |
| Power Source | Solar |
| Voltage | 1.2 Volts |
| Type of Bulb | LED |
| Special Features | 3-way switching |
Key Features:
- High Conversion Rate – These solar panels have larger than usual solar panels made out of polycrystalline, resulting in a faster charging time. A mere 4-5 hours of sunshine provides 10 hours of light at night.
- IP65 – Again, it’s important to remember that waterproof IP65 does not mean you can submerge the product under water. Instead, IP65 means the item is water resistant. However, rain falls at low pressure, any product rated IP54 to IP65 is enough to keep the insides safe and dry.
- Comprehensive Warranty – 12-month warranty and 60 days money-back. If you are not satisfied with the product, TIJNN promises to resolve the issue within 1 business day.
Pros & Cons:
JSOT Solar Deck Lights
Image source: Amazon
JSOT is an Amazon retailer of solar lighting technology that is committed to making a positive impact on the environment.
Their solar-powered deck lights come in packs of 6 or 12.
The most prominent feature of this brand’s solar lights is their stainless-steel structures that are more resistant to temperature changes and corrosion. This modern yet extremely durable design is very much suited to modern households and their accompanying decks.
Like most deck lights on this list, these lights are water and weather-resistant, coming with an IP44 rating. In addition to this, the accompanying solar panels come covered in waterproof silicon cases, giving them extra protection against water submersion.
Finally, these solar deck units come with two mounting options. You can install it using the included screws or use strong-hold double-sided tape for surfaces that can’t accommodate screws.
Tech Specs:
| Item Weight | 2.31 pounds |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 10.67 x 4.84 x 4.76 inches |
| Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene |
| Power Source | Solar |
| Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Type of Bulb | LED |
| Special Features | 3-way switching |
Key Features:
- Upgraded Solar Panel– These solar lights come with upgraded 0.3W solar panels. Their conversion rate is higher than other solar deck lights, ensuring faster and more fully charged lights.
- IP44 – While this IP is not a high as the previously mentioned products, it is suitable for protection against standard rain pressure. IP44 rated light fittings are good for wall lighting (especially if they are covered by a roof extention).
Pros & Cons:
ZOOKKI Solar Deck Lights
Image source: Amazon
Zookki Direct is a relatively large Amazon retailer with a wide array of products, providing both solar lighting and an array of other products.
A standout feature of their solar deck lights is their intelligent solar motion technology. which has a relatively wide range. This feature can detect motion up to 26 feet and lights up to a 120-degree angle.
When these lights detect any motion, they turn on and will remain on until there is no continuous motion detected for a period of 30 seconds.
What’s great about these lights is their extreme level of brightness – you won’t need too many of them to light up relatively large areas. This brightness along with their wide-angle sensor makes them the perfect choice for security purposes.
In terms of quality, the product comes with high-impact ABS plastic, so you won’t need to stress about their safety in adverse weather conditions.
If you’re looking for solar deck lights that’ll turn heads, then Zooki is the brand of choice. The sleek, black design of these lights makes them great decorative pieces for any part of your garden or other outside areas.
Tech Specs:
| Item Weight | 9.4 ounces |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 3.58 x 2.05 x 2.52 inches |
| Material | High-impact ABS Plastic |
| Power Source | Solar |
| Voltage | 3.7 Volts |
| Type of Bulb | LED |
| Special Features | Waterproof Wireless Outdoor Lighting |
Key Features:
- Intelligent Solar Motion Sensor – The solar lights outdoor sensing range goes up to 26 feet with a 120º wide-angle. Motion within 3-5m automatically turns them on at night or in darkness, and off after about 30s of no motion.
- Quality build – Made of high-impact ABS capable of withstanding rain, snow, and adverse weather conditions.
Pros & Cons:
OTHWAY Solar Deck Lights
Image source: Amazon
Last but not least on our list is OTHWAY’s solar deck lights.
This company is another Amazon retailer and this particular line of solar lights from them comes available in packs of two or four. You can also get them in either black or white.
If uniqueness in terms of design is something that’s important to you, then you’ll appreciate the honeycomb-type design of these lights. This gives off a dramatic scattering of light that is sure to grab anyone’s intention.
Installing the units is also relatively easy and only involves a two-step, screw-on process. Removing the plastic cover is just as easy and is done by simply squeezing the sides of the lights.
The warm white color emitted from these lights means that you won’t be troubled with too much glare. They give off just the right amount of light to liven up your deck area, but not so much that the neighbors would complain.
The solar panel charge time is also relatively short, requiring a mere six hours. With that being said, at full charge, the lights only tend to last between 4-6 hours. Though considering how small they are, that’s rather impressive.
Overall, the Othway outdoor solar lights are a great lighting fixture to use on deck walls or fences, especially if you only required a minimal amount of lighting.
Tech Specs:
| Item Weight | 9.4 ounces |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 5.1 x 4.3 x 2.7 inches |
| Material | High-impact ABS Plastic |
| Power Source | Solar |
| Voltage | 1.2 Volts |
| Type of Bulb | LED |
| Special Features | Day/night sensor |
Key Features:
- Attractive Design – Nice design and decorative light: the honey-comb type plastic cover gives off a unique lighting design.
- Sensor & Automated Switch – Build in sensor and automated switch: the light will automatically turn on when it’s dark and turn off when there is light. Sometimes it might light fewer hours because of poor sunlight.
- Easy Installation – Super easy installation: there are no confusing wires, making the lights easy to install.
Pros & Cons:
Solar Deck Lighting FAQ’s
How Does Outdoor Solar Lighting Work?
Each solar-powered light contains a solar cell, Ni-Cad rechargeable battery, LED light, and photoresistor.
First, each light’s solar cell takes in sunlight during the day and converts it into energy. Thereafter, the absence of sunlight causes the photoresistor to kick in, activating the battery and turning the LED light on.
What Are The Advantages Of Outdoor Solar Lighting?
As with any form of solar power production, energy independence is the name of the game.
Imagine that you’re in your garden having a lovely meal with friends and family. Just as you’re about to get stuck in, your electricity cuts out. Not to worry, your lighting will remain on. Great, right?
Not only that, you won’t have to concern yourself with paying for your outdoor lighting any longer.
The above advantages show how solar outdoor lighting is both an affordable and effective form of outdoor lighting.
How Long Do Solar Lights Work For?
The large variety of solar deck lighting options on the market means that you can expect to find ones out there suited to any length of time that you require.
With that being said, they tend to operate for a period of 10-12 hours.
Can I Use Solar Lights Throughout Winter?
Absolutely! Though you may experience shorter run times due to the lack of sunlight.
You can offset this by making sure that your solar deck lights are in the best positions possible to receive direct sunlight.
Some solar fixtures even feature low power modes, designed specifically for adverse weather conditions when there are lower levels of light.
What Would Cause Solar Deck Lights To Stop Working?
The most common cause of a drop in performance is a lack of sunlight due to poor weather.
If you have recently had less than normal sunlight hours, you can manually turn your light fixtures off. This will give them a chance to reach full capacity over a number of sunny days.
If that doesn’t work, you may need to have a look at your batteries and replace them.
Most solar fixtures will require a replacement battery after 1-3 years from the date of purchase.
How Do I Take Care Of My Outdoor Solar Lighting?
Like any solar product, solar deck lights require periodic maintenance.
Because these lights rely on sunlight, you need to make sure that their accompanying solar panels are free of dust and debris so that they function well.
They also do not work as well during winter or on cloudy days, so you may want to store them indoors during particularly rainy or snowy seasons, especially if you won’t use them as much.
Switch them to the off position when they are not being used and store them in a dark place.
Final Thoughts
Having to power the inside of your household is expensive enough. The last thing anyone wants to worry about is the added expense of adequate outdoor lighting.
But we all know how much a difference gorgeous outdoor lighting can make.
Solar deck lights cover both of those bases – they are both economical and often pleasing to the eye.
So when next you think about lighting up your deck, outside walls, patios, or pathways, go the sustainable route and grab yourself some solar lights!
