The best way to decorate your home and spread holiday cheer is by using the brightest outdoor solar lights that are eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and durable.
Here are the brightest outdoor solar lights you can buy in 2023:
- Flood Light (Longest Sensitivity Range): LEPOWER 1600LM LED Solar Security Lights
- Most Efficient (Flood Lights): Aootek DG36-04 Solar Outdoor Lights
- For Extreme Weather Conditions (Flood Lights): ZOOKKI ZK-SL-28D-4P-US
- Best Overall (Spot Lights): Nekteck Solar Lights Outdoor SPOT-WARM-2P
- Most Durable (Spot Lights): LEREKAM Solar Spot Lights 1000 Lumen
- 360° Rotatable (Spot Lights): Ollivage Outdoor Solar Lights
- Best Overall (Solar String Lights): Toodour Solar Christmas Lights Green Lights
- Best Fairy Light (Solar String Lights): Brightown JS-TLEDX
- Best For Holiday Decoration (Solar String Lights): JMEXSUSS Solar String Light
| 9 Brightest Outdoor Solar Lights | ||
|---|---|---|
Flood Light | LEPOWER 1600LM LED Solar Security Lights
| |
Most Efficient | Aootek DG36-04 Solar Outdoor Lights
| |
For Extreme Weather Conditions | ZOOKKI ZK-SL-28D-4P-US
| |
Best Overall | Nekteck Solar Lights Outdoor SPOT-WARM-2P
| |
Most Durable | LEREKAM Solar Spot Lights 1000 Lumen
| |
360° Rotatable | Ollivage Outdoor Solar Lights
| |
Best Overall | Toodour Solar Christmas Lights Green Lights
| |
Best Fairy Light | Brightown JS-TLEDX
| |
Best For Holiday Decoration | JMEXSUSS Solar String Light
| |
Flood Light: LEPOWER 1600LM LED Solar Security Lights
- Detecting motions from farther distances – the sensitivity distance of 72’
- Highly customizable - a stepless adjustable switch, adjustable light head design, & three working modes
- Wish it was more secure on the bracket
A common issue found in most solar security floodlights is limited motion detection ranges despite a wide field of view.
On average, the sensitivity distances of security floodlights are only from 30' to 60', but that is up to 72' on the LEPOWER 1600LM LED, which made us pleasantly surprised. There's more, that 72' range is customizable through a stepless adjustable switch.
You can also adjust the floodlight's heads to focus the illumination on the desired zone and choose from the three operational modes: Test mode, Normally On mode, and Auto mode.
| LEPOWER 1600LM LED Solar Security Lights Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material type | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Polycarbonate |
Color Temperature/Lumen | 5500K/1600LM |
Charging Time | 6-8 hours |
Working Time | 1 hour |
Length | up to 50,000hrs. |
Highlight Features | the sensitivity distance of 72’ a step-less adjustable switch, adjustable light head design, & three working modes |
If you want something that can detect motions from farther distances, then the LEPOWER 1600LM LED Solar Security Lights is your best bet. It provides the longest sensitivity range ever.
Most Efficient: Aootek DG36-04 Solar Outdoor Lights
- Capable of withstanding rain, snow, and other extreme weather
- Durable and suitable for long-term use
- Provide far brighter lighting and wider detection range
- Offer 3 working modes
- Mediocre motion sensing
The key to the Aootek DG36-04 Solar Outdoor Lights is the conversion rate - up to 20.5% maximizing the lighting effect.
It comes with three modes, which Aootek describes as Security light mode, Permanent On-all-night model, and Smart brightness control mode. Various optional modes appeal to many more kinds of users than many other products since they offer an excellent combination of steady & motion sensor, which makes the DG36-04 Solar Outdoor Lights unique.
The biggest concern for most users is the inconsistency between where the motion sensor detects and where the lights shine, which is worth considering if you expect the motion detection to work as the security flood light.
| Aootek DG36-04 Solar Outdoor Lights Specifications | |
|---|---|
LED Quantity | 92 |
Lumens | N/A |
Lighting Angle | 120 degrees |
Outdoor sensing range | 26 feet |
Charging Time | 6-8 hours |
Working Time | 6 - 9 hours |
Highlight Features | 20.5% conversion rate; Waterproof level: IP65; high-impact ABS finish type; 2200 mah rechargeable lithium-ion battery |
Aootek DG36-04 Solar Outdoor Lights please those who rave about the functionality and the brightness of motion sensor lights.
For Extreme Weather Conditions: ZOOKKI ZK-SL-28D-4P-US
- Able to withstand extreme weather conditions – ABS material
- Reliable - FCC, RoHS, CE, and TUV certified
- Ideal for large areas - the motion-detection range of 26’ & the angle width of 120 degrees
- The included screws are not useful
The ZOOKKI ZK-SL-28D-4P-US impressively withstood all of our durability tests. Best of all, this flood light has passed all the tests of FCC, RoHS, CE, and TUV.
Made of ABS, it is able to withstand any extreme weather condition from rain to sleet and snow. It's also heat-proof and IP65 waterproof rated.
The ZK-SL-28D-4P-US features a motion sensor with the angle width of 120 degrees, the motion-detection range of 26 feet, and the lighting time of 30 seconds - which is perfect for large areas.
Its 1200mAh rechargeable battery is also notable. It's heavy-duty, reliable, and long-lasting (its lifespan is up to 5000 hours).
| ZOOKKI ZK-SL-28D-4P-US Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material type | High-impact ABS Plastic |
Color temperature/lumen | 400 Lumens |
Charging time | 6-8 hours |
Length | 26 feet |
Highlight features | ABS material FCC, RoHS, CE, and TUV certified |
Best Overall: Nekteck Solar Lights Outdoor SPOT-WARM-2P
- Easy to install & use
- Approved for safety
- Ensure long-lasting performance under most weather conditions
- Short charge time & long working time
- Cup-style design
- Seal should be better
Combining cup-style design, adjustable settings, hassle-free illumination, and one of the shortest charge time yet longest run times out there, the Nekteck Solar Lights Outdoor SPOT-WARM-2P is not surprisingly our best value choice.
Each SPOT-WARM-2P solar spotlight consists of four powerful LED bulbs, each of which produces 50 lumens, making each individual piece shine at 200 lumens. Though it might not be the highest brightness out there, it still delivers a strong beam for lighting every single prize-winning outdoor feature.
The only gripe that some reviewers had is that Nekteck Solar Lights SPOT-WARM-2P are not sealed that well as expected. They reported that ants might infiltrate these lights, create a ton of dirt inside, and might even destroy the inside.
| Nekteck Solar Lights Outdoor SPOT-WARM-2P Specifications | |
|---|---|
LED Quantity | 4 |
Lumens | 200 |
Lighting Angle | 180 degrees (90 degrees for the solar panel, 90 degrees for the light head) |
Outdoor sensing range | N/A |
Charging Time | 4-5 hours |
Working Time | 6-10 hours |
Highlight Features | Solar conversion rate up to 20%; 2-in-1 installation; waterproof level: IP64; 2 modes - high light mode & dim light mode |
Nekteck Solar Lights Outdoor SPOT-WARM-2P is specially designed for illumination and accentuation of any dark or specific places of your properties.
Most Durable: LEREKAM Solar Spot Lights 1000 Lumen
- Able to resist any extreme weather - a genuine IP65 waterproof rated and freeze-resistant design
- Consistent performance all-year-round - the USB charge
- It takes a while to charge the light
If you're looking for a reliable spot light that keeps on consistently performing in the next three years regardless of the weather conditions, then the LEREKAM Solar Spot Lights 1000 Lumen is the shiniest contender.
It highlights a genuine IP65 waterproof rated design that can hold up well against any extreme weather like high heat, high frost, snows, and rains.
It also can work during cloudy days and the winter thanks to the added USB charge.
| LEREKAM Solar Spot Lights 1000 Lumen Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material type | High Efficiency Monocrystalline Silicon High-impact ABS Plastic |
Color Temperature/Lumen | 6500K |
Charging Time | 8 hours through USB cable 2-Days under full sunlight |
Working Time | 8-25 hours |
Highlight Features | a genuine IP65 waterproof rated and freeze-resistant design the USB charge |
Of all the outdoor solar spot lights we tested, the LEREKAM Solar Spot Lights 1000 Lumen is the most durable.
360° Rotatable: Ollivage Outdoor Solar Lights
- Easy to install & widely applicable
- Perfect lighting solution for industrial workstations, storage rooms, patios, garages, workshops, etc.
- Auto on/off dusk till dawn
- Endurable and long-lasting
- Long charge time
If you expect to way more widely distribute the illumination from your purchase, go for the Ollivage Outdoor Solar Lights which feature two light heads that can rotate 360°.
Each of the spotlights is easily mounted on walls with screws, allowing them to be adjusted and pointed independently and flexibly to any angles you want.
Also, the Ollivage Outdoor Solar Lights come with a motion sensor and give off up to 800 lumens, making them the next generation solar spotlight for not only an aesthetic light but also a security light.
Like other solar lights, the possible run times of the Ollivage Solar Lights Outdoor can be varied depending on a complete charge. For the longest performance possible, expect to charge in anywhere from 1 to 2 sunny days under direct sunlight without any shelter.
| Ollivage Outdoor Solar Lights Specifications | |
|---|---|
LED Quantity | 30 |
Lumens | 800 |
Lighting Angle | 120° |
Outdoor sensing range | 5-8m/16.4-26ft |
Charging Time | 1-2 sunny days under direct sunlight without any shelter |
Working Time | 12 hours on low light mode & 6 hours on high light mode |
Highlight Features | IP65 waterproof rating; 17% conversion rate; built-in light sensor element |
Ollivage Solar Lights Outdoor can provide your outdoor living space with utmost illumination at the widest angle possible.
Best Overall: Toodour Solar Christmas Lights Green Lights
- Easy to install and operate
- Withstand all kind of weather
- Control the solar string lights charging at daytime and auto on at dark
- Widely applicable
- Suitable for both indoor & outdoor decorations
- Many color options & many modes
- Not come with the highest waterproof rating
The Toodour Solar Christmas Lights take the top spot on our collection of the brightest outdoor solar string lights thanks to its all-around good performance combined with excellent reliability.
Don’t let the name - the Solar Christmas Lights fool you! They are not just for Christmas, but about any events, whether it is weddings or Halloween. With a set of solar fairy lights, you will get up to 200 IP5-rated waterproof LED lights and spread them across 72 feet (they come in a 2-pack).
The multiple sets of colorful lights here look almost like a bunch of flowers, and can definitely look eye-catching seen from afar or up close. They are extra bright with durability, variety, and versatility. 2 switches & 8 different modes together with memory function can create a great luminous display to satisfy your diverse needs with great ease.
The only minor negative that users consistently noted is these lights are rated only IP65 - not the highest rating possible. It is enough to prevent dust and particles from entering the lights.
| Toodour Solar Christmas Lights Green Lights Specifications | |
|---|---|
LED Quantity | 200 |
Lumens | N/A |
Length | 72 feet |
Charging Time | 6-8 hours |
Working Time | 8 hours |
Highlight Features | Rechargeable 1200mAH NI-MH Battery; IP65 waterproof rating; 2 switches & 8 different modes; built-in memory chip |
Toodour Solar Christmas Lights Green Lights can wrap around any trees or wherever you want to light up during festival seasons.
Best Fairy Light: Brightown JS-TLEDX
- The longest working time, up to 10 hours
- Effortless to use – a light sensor & auto power on/off functionality
- Versatile – 8 lighting modes
- Not fully weatherproof
- Wish there was a remote controller
Aside from common features found in most fairy lights, such as 360-degree viewing angle, eye-soothing yellow glow, and shapeable copper wire, the Brightown JS-TLEDX stands out for its IP65 waterproof rated build and high-quality solar panel.
Unlike other solar-powered fairy lights, this one lasts up to 10 hours after fully charged, which means it can shine bright overnight. Besides, it has a light sensor to be able to automatically turn off by day and on by night, which is effort-saving and convenient to use.
Another highlight feature is the eight different lighting modes for versatility and flexibility.
| Brightown JS-TLEDX Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material type | Copper |
Color temperature/lumen | 2700K |
Charging time | 6-8 hours |
Working time | 8 to 10 hours |
Length | 33 Feet |
Highlight features | Up to 10 hours of runtime a light sensor & auto power on/off functionality 8 lighting modes |
For those looking for the best fairly light powered by solar, our recommendation is the Brightown JS-TLEDX
Best For Holiday Decoration: JMEXSUSS Solar String Light
- Eco-friendly
- Convenient to move
- Auto work on at dark and charge sunlight daytime
- Safe to touch
- Could be more water-resistant
Moving to the last option on our list of the brightest outdoor solar lights is the JMEXSUSS Solar String Light which can be paired up for an exceptional light display.
Though this string of lights might be a bit shorter than previously units reviewed above, you still can string them far along your houses or shrubbery during Christmas time for a holiday glow.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the JMEXSUSS Solar String Lights come with IP44 waterproof rating, thus they are likely to hold up against the weather not that well as expected.
| JMEXSUSS Solar String Light Specifications | |
|---|---|
LED Quantity | 100 |
Space between LEDs | 10 cm/3.94 inch |
Length | 42.7 feet |
Charging Time | 6-8 hours |
Working Time | 8-12 hours |
Highlight Features | 8 Modes (combination, in wave, sequential, slo glo, chasing/flash, slow fade, twinkle/flash, and steady on); Waterproof rate: IP44 |
JMEXSUSS Solar String Light creates more of a warm, joyful, and festive atmosphere to embody our party spirit.
How To Choose The Brightest Outdoor Solar Light?
Flood Lights
Brightness (Measured in Lumens)
Like any other types of outdoor solar lights, flood lights, especially the ones designed for security, should be bright. When it comes to lumen, some units might be on the lower side, but you can install them with multiple other lights.
Spot Lights
Work Time/Charge Time Ratio
When choosing any outdoor solar spot light, it is important to know how long it can stay on. The settings might influence the run time, but most users prefer units with longer run times.
To help your solar lights fulfill its run time, you should provide them with enough daylight to complete a full charge. And the charging duration value is the estimated time that these batteries need to be fully charged if staying in direct sunlight. Lower numbers of hours are favored since fewer charge times mean that your lights seem to get enough charge to work for many more hours.
Durability
In terms of durability, IP (Ingress Protection) ratings are the main factors to take into consideration. These ratings that apply to rust & water resistance include two numbers - the first one for dust-proof ability and the second one for water resistance.
These numbers actually vary quite a bit on the scale. The first number can range from 1 to 6 and the second one is from 1 to 9. The higher numbers correspond to greater durability in any inclement weather conditions.
String light
Strand Length and Ease of Installation
Typically, solar string lights don’t have to be plugged into any power source but connected to a solar panel via a cord. And its length should vary according to how much outdoor space you expect to cover. The greater coverage needed, the longer the cord should be. Also note that besides the length, the lights’ cord should also be bendable and shapeable, thus allowing users to install them wherever they want.
Light Modes
Most outdoor solar string lights turn on at night and off in daylight but if possible, it’s better to purchase a product with an auto switch that can activate various optional modes and motion-sensor that automatically turn them on/off according to the ambient light around.
Which Brands Make The Brightest Outdoor Solar Light?
LITOM
Despite only 6 years’ experience in the lighting industry, LITOM has gained an excellent reputation for the innovation of design and technology for providing customers all around the world with the best lighting experience possible.
Focusing on customers’ specific need and devoting their time to meet their demands, LITOM has built up a wide array of first-class solar-powered lights and excellent customer service to lighten up over five million people's way home.
ZOOKKI
For ZOOKKI, innovation and quality are always their first concern. With their effort to make every single electronic product and accessory precision manufactured, they seem to receive 100% customers’ satisfaction.
Aootek
Aootek is proud to be a global leader in solar-powered LED lighting product innovation. Driven by the passion to make our daily tasks a breeze, their teams of creative designers and talented engineers transform concept to incredible reality.
FAQs
Why are my solar lights not very bright?
Water and dirt created by heavy rain and wind might seep into the housing, thus hindering operation. To solve this problem, just blow out all debris accumulated around and inside each light’s battery or solar panel housing.
Do solar lights work on cloudy days?
While the strength of sunlight is certainly diffused on cloudy and rainy days, solar panels still charge and produce electricity though it cannot be more than 25% of their typical output on any other sunny days. This amount is obviously much less than during direct sunlight periods, but it is still enough for your solar lights to work.
Are solar lights any good in winter?
Your solar lights can work well in winter as long as their solar panels receive a decent amount of daylight to power up their batteries to a level that allows the light to function without any faults.
Do outdoor solar lights need direct sunlight?
Though outdoor solar batteries can charge up by incandescent light, it is much more effortless to provide them with sunlight. The larger amount of direct sunlight received during the daytime, the longer your light will be staying illuminated at night.
Can solar lights be fixed?
Fully-charged solar light batteries can easily be fixed. Turn off the solar lights while still leaving them unused outside in the direct sunlight for from 48 to 72 hours, and then turn them on.
Will solar lights work in the shade?
Solar lights can work in the shade but it’s better to keep them free of most shadows for the entire day.
Conclusion
You don’t have to wait until the holiday season to have solar lights around your house. The brightest outdoor solar lights will make use of the unlimited source of renewable energy while embodying a joyful spirit.
