Besides talking with Matt, we researched the best solar pathway lights to recommend this collection based on their design, durability, ease of use, type of lighting, charging and retention capacity, and longevity. We also had the opportunity to test three of the picks in this roundup in The Lab and evaluated these picks based on the same qualities for our research. Our top pick, the Hampton Bay Solar Warm White Solar Landscape Path Lights, are durable and produce 10 lumens—bright enough for hiking and reading—and have an eight-hour run time when fully charged. Here are the best solar pathway lights to brighten your home. Standing 18.1 inches tall, these solar path lights make a statement without being too bold or obstructive. They provide warm white light, ample to navigate your landscaping in the evening, and safely traverse a footpath or steps. An automatic dusk-to-dawn feature turns them on and off each day. Our tester found it easy to read a book directly under the light, but said it was more difficult with added distance from the light. Our tester’s main concern with these lights was the crackle glass appearance. She said she enjoyed the projected light pattern, but expressed concern that it may not be the right aesthetic for everyone. 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 Lights are an affordable option, with 10. The set also comes with a two-year warranty for faulty materials or workmanship to be replaced or repaired. Once you’ve assembled all 12 lights, be sure to turn each light’s switch to “On” before arranging them around your yard. (This ensures that the solar panel charges fully before the first night; if you don’t do this, the light doesn’t charge.) You can choose a set for cool white or warm white light or even a set that alternates colors (fewer lamps). However, if you’re looking to light your entire yard, this set may not be the best choice, as they are dimmer than some of our other preferred models. These lights only come in a set of two, making them an investment to line a full pathway. Despite the limited quantity, these solar lights are a reliable, quality pick, with 60 lumens per light, enough to light up your yard if spread apart, and have a longer lifetime, with an advanced lithium-phosphate battery. Overall, our tester said these lights are certainly an investment, so she’d recommend trying to snag them while they’re on sale. One drawback: The settings and operating instructions can be confusing. For example, the “On” switch turns on the warm white light, while the “Fade” switch gently blinks the multicolored lights. These lights have a power switch and two different brightness settings. Our tester noted it was not possible to read a book under the lower setting, but said she could easily read a book with the higher light setting. These lights can also be mounted on a wall, rather than a pathway, which makes them a great option for a variety of outdoor lighting needs. Overall, our tester said she appreciated the price point of these lights, even if their spotlight design may not be suited for everyone. Avoid placing the solar panels under any porch or security lights that come on at night because the solar lights don’t turn on if light is detected. The cords between each light and solar panel are three meters long (about 10 feet), which can limit your placement options, especially when covering a particularly large pathway. Despite their traditional spotlight design, these solar lights’ brightness and separate solar panels still make them our pick in the best-for-shade category. The pack includes six 19-inch-tall lights (including the stakes). Their traditional lantern design casts a crystalline pattern that beautifully lines any walkway or garden area. The large solar panels allow for a fast charge. As with some other solar light models, be careful when pressing these lights into the ground to ensure their stakes don’t break. One drawback is their long initial charging time: To ensure they reach their maximum brightness, allow three days of charging before installing them in the ground. When installing each light, dig a shallow hole for the stake to prevent breakage. Their low profile also has significant drawbacks: Avoid stepping on them once installed! Also, dirt and debris can easily cover them, preventing the solar panels from charging. Check them occasionally, and clean the solar panels if they become covered. Although each pole is stainless steel, the ground stake is plastic, making it a weak portion of the design. To prevent breakage, be sure to dig a shallow hole in the ground before installing each light. With careful installation, they should last for several seasons. You can easily assemble each unit by screwing the light housing to the metal pole and inserting the ground stake at the opposite end. Keep in mind that these don’t produce light if placed under other porch lights. (If light shines on the solar panel, it doesn’t turn the solar light on.) Also, it doesn’t charge under heavily shaded areas.
Brightness
Most solar light product descriptions note brightness in lumens, from 5 to 200; the greater the number, the brighter the light. A lower brightness, such as 5 lumens, is enough to make out your landscaping. To see more details and colors in the evening, select a higher-lumen product. Some solar lights will feature adjustable light settings including a power switch and low- or high-brightness levels. During testing, our best for winter pick, the URPOWER Solar Lights Outdoor, stood out for their adjustable solar panel and dual-level light options, which automatically turn on and also feature a power switch to save battery power when you’re out of town.
Charge
Some solar lights don’t require constant bright sun exposure, advises Kunkle, but all require a location where they can receive six to eight hours of sun per day. Also, a longer initial exposure may be required. “Expose the solar lights to full sun for 12 to 14 hours before starting installation,” Kunkle says. “This will allow the battery to fully charge and uncover any lights that may be defective before you install them.” Afterward, you can expect around six hours as a low charge time and from eight to 12 hours for higher-luminosity products. If solar lights show signs of low brightness or a short run time, you may need to relocate them or clean off the panels.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This roundup was written by Emma Phelps, an updates writer for The Spruce, who covers multiple home beats across our domain. She specializes in home organization, home improvement, and cleaning reviews. For this roundup, Emma also reached out to Matt Kunkle, an exterior lighting merchant for The Home Depot, to learn more about how solar pathway lights function and how to maintain them.
What Is Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all these products ourselves, though occasionally, we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut. We also pride ourselves on transparency and will always let you know if we received a product for free.
