Best Solar path lights are great for home and company. You won’t have to spend any money on electricity because they’re powered by the sun’s energy stored in small batteries.
Compared to standard wired lights, they are easy to install and have satisfactory brightness.
If you have a dark pathway, driveway, garden perimeter, or any other dark area that need to be illuminated , it would be a great idea to adopt solar path lights.
After extensive research and testing, we reviewed our top 4 best solar pathway lights , We have compiled the test results as a reference for your shopping experience.
Our Top Picks
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Best Overall: GREEN-POWER sunforce-solar Pathway Lights | Waterproof and weather resistant, these sparkling lights are perfect for making your garden shine. | Check Price |
 | Best Design: GIGALUMI Solar Powered Path Lights | One of the best designs and perfect for any walkway, these lights deliver a soft, warm glow. | Check Price |
 | Best Value: Solpex 8 Pcs Solar Powered LED Path Lights | solar lights are compact, extremely bright, and give you the most lights for your money. | Check Price |
 | Brightest Solar Lamp: GREEN-POWER Bright 300 lumens garden stake lights | these lights are 300 lumens , making them excellent for yard security and safety. | Check Price |
How We Chose the Best Solar Pathway lights
Battery Life
We believe best best path solar lights should have long battery life.
Solar lights that only last for a few hours are probably not worth the investment because They won’t light up your yard all night.
After a fully-charged under the sunlight, The average lighting time of solar light is 4 to 5 hours, but 6 or more hours is a huge plus.
Charging Time
For those people that live in bad climates, a short charge time is very important. Continuous cloudy days may lead to a week without sunshine
So solar lights with faster charging speed have a wider range of applications.
Total Cost
Who doesn’t like to save money?
Most solar-powered walkway lights come in packs of 2, sometimes more.
Most homes need about 10 pathway lights to illuminate a walking area, some homes may need more.
You need to consider total cost of all lights before choosing lights for your yard.
Lumens
A light’s lumen rating dictates how bright the light will be. Higher lumen means higher brightness.
Whether you need an area to be brightly lit, having a higher lumen light will be better in the long running.
Because you need not purchase many lights to cover your yard or pathway.
The lumen value of most lamps is between 2-50. The lowest lumen output is just for decorative purposes only.
Attractiveness
Maybe You will wonder how attractive the product is when it is placed in public view.
Even simple lamps should have aesthetic value.
We tested and reviewed solar path lights that look beautiful in any garden, Some lamps that are too bulky, look cheap, or have strange designs are not on our list.
Material
Cheap materials mean shorter service life，solar Lights made of inferior materials are often more susceptible to damage from harsh weather and certain external forces, for example snow,rain,storm,humen and animals.
We prefer aluminum or ABS plastic lights which can resist the bad weather and external forces.
We have carefully studied the structure and materials of the product, as solar lights are also a significant expense. You would want them to work longer to make your yard look unique
Best Solar Pathway lights Reviewed
1. Best Overall: GREEN-POWER sunforce-solar Pathway Lights
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 4/5 |
| Weatherproof | 5/5 |
| Effectiveness | 5/5 |
| Run Time | 5/5 |
| Quality | 5/5 |
Battery Life: 8-12 hours | Lumens: 40 | Brand: GREEN-POWER | Charge time: 6-8 hours | Material: Stainless steel, glass | Pack count: 4 to 8
- Pros
- Cons
- The design is simple yet elegant
- The battery life is longer than others
- The materials are durable
- Slightly more expensive than other brands
- Takes a full day to charge the battery to maximum capacity
We love this solar pathway light because the long battery life and brightness level are good enough to illuminate a path.
The attractiveness of this light is one of the best and is constructed with durable materials.
We think that this light is the top choice in design quality and versatility. It will add elegance and safety to a path in your yard.
What Do Reviewers Say?
There are some reviewers that complain about the length of the ground stakes. They believe that they should be a little longer.
We agree with this statement because over time, the light stakes may become skewed, causing the lights to also become skewed.
We recommend inserting a wooden stake in the ground first,and stab light stake at he end of the wooden stake.
Someone once tried to push the lamp into hard soil, causing damage to the lamp
We found that pre drilling holes with wooden or metal piles can prevent light piles from breaking.
Features & Considerations
This solar pathway light is fully waterproof and can withstand all kinds of weather.
it recharges well and the light of it is broken up into a beautiful pattern on the ground, we love this point very much.
The size is normal but may be small for those people who need a larger lighting area.
Maybe the soft white light is not so bright as you image. However the LED solar lights are enough to meet an average homeowner’s needs.
This best solar aluminum pathway lights has an auto function and will turn on when it gets dark.Cick to See Price
2. Best Design: GIGALUMI Solar pathway lighting Outdoor Waterproof
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 3/5 |
| Weatherproof | 4/5 |
| Effectiveness | 5/5 |
| Run Time | 5/5 |
| Quality | 3/5 |
Battery Life: 8 hours | Lumens: 6 | Brand: GIGALUMI | Charge time: 8 hours | Material: Plastic | Pack count: 6-8
- Pros
- Cons
- One of the most decorative pathway lights
- easy to install
- Charge time is quite long
- Can be expensive if you want a lot in your yard
- not very birght
We wanted to mention the GIGALUMI solar path lights because of the gorgeous design. It is one of the best-designed solar pathway lighting.
Although the material is plastic, this cause this light is not the most durable one, but the design makes up for some of the light’s flaws.
If you are looking for a light to make your pathway gorgeous, this is the good path light.
What Do Reviewers Say?
After reading the comments, we saw some people complaining that The lights are plastic (both the body and the lenses). They don’t feel very sturdy, but they were inexpensive and in this case, you get what you pay for.
The LED light is not very bright. It’s great for ambience, but impractical for lighting pathways for visibility.
Some people damage the lights when installing on hard surfaces, so it is important to drill a hole before installation.
Features & Considerations
Designed to provide attractive patterns, it can also serve as a focal point for outdoor planters and illuminate your garden at night.
This makes it a more prominent decorative feature in a garden or along a pathway, and the design is lovely to view.
The amber plastic coating and white LED bulb make the light illuminate an area with a soft glow.
There is an automatic sensor so the light will turn on at sunset and shut-off at sunrise.
There are multiple solar panels placed on the roof of the light to absorb sunlight from every angle.See Price on the store.
3. Best Value: Solpex 8 Pcs Solar Powered LED Path Lights
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Weatherproof | 4/5 |
| Effectiveness | 4/5 |
| Run Time | 5/5 |
| Quality | 3/5 |
Battery Life: 8 hours | Lumens: 10 | Brand: Solpex | Charge time: 6 hours | Material: Stainless steel and glass | Pack size: 8
Pros
- Made with good materials
- Long battery life
- Best price you will be able to find
Cons
- Cheaper products are usually less durable
- Does not illuminate light as much as it should
This solar light stands out because of the price. It has a simple design and 10 lumens.
It is the best option if you want to save money. The size of these lights is small, and the durability is good for the price.
What Do Reviewers Say?
We saw that most reviewers loved that they are easy to install and assemble. They are also said to not be as bright, but it is worth it because of the price.
Unfortunately, after a few years of use the lights may stop working. Considering the price, a few years of use is admirable.
Many cheaper lights available work for a season or two and must be thrown away because the batteries are non-replaceable or the solar panel stops charging the battery.
These lights have a replaceable battery, making them an even better buy.
We didn’t mind the low lumen output because we used them to illuminate a small walkway, and 10-lumens is bright enough when it’s dark outside.
Features & Considerations
This light is a great choice for colder climates because it’s stainless steel.
The material is attractive when combined with the simple rounded post design. It would make a nice accent to a garden path.
Since the pack size is so cheap, these lights are great for lighting up long paths or buying a lot for large outdoor areas.
The design of these lights makes them less noticeable during the day, which we liked for tucking them around our landscaping.
These lights automatically turn on at dusk and will last all night when fully charged. The batteries are replaceable to switch them out if they malfunction.Click to See Price
4. Brightest Solar Lamp: URPOWER Solar lights for yard Super Bright 300 lumens
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 3/5 |
| Weatherproof | 5/5 |
| Effectiveness | 5/5 |
| Run Time | 4/5 |
| Quality | 3/5 |
Battery Life: 6-9 hours | Lumens: 300 | Brand: Urpower | Charge time: 8 hours | Material: Plastic | Pack size: 2
Pros
- The level of brightness is superior for yard security
- One light can illuminate stairs at night
- Pack count is small but you do not need many
Cons
- It is not as attractive as others
- light struct is not so strong
- bulbs can’t be replaced
We feel this solar light functions more as a spotlight than a solar path light, but because of the brightness, it was worth the mention.
It’s not the most attractive but we like the small size and brightness.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Reviewers say that these lights are best for landscaping because of the brightness.
Some enjoyed the white color, while others claim that it was too white for their taste. However, most agree that these lights are great for a variety of purposes.
We liked the white color, but this comes down to your preference and landscaping.
Features & Considerations
This light has 2-in-1 function. You can either use a stick to place it beside patheway or you can mount it for a spotlight.
This means you can maximize the brightness in a dark space, path, at a door, or on some stairs.
This solar light will turn on at night and off at sunrise on its own. This is helpful for those looking to conserve energy and maintain a regular schedule without manual operation.
This light is the brightest on the list with 300 lumens. The light has Two color tones：warm whtie and cold white that you can adjust it.Click to See the Price
Comparison Chart
| Products | Best Overall | Best Design | Best Value | Brightest Solar Lamp |
| Overall Rating | 4.8/5 | 4/5 | 4.2/5 | 4/5 |
| Affordability | 4/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Weatherproof | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Effectiveness | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Run Time | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Quality | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
The Winner
Overall, we decided the best solar pathway light is the GREEN-POWER sunforce-solar Pathway Lights because of the brightness, price, and look.
These lights are all around the best and will not break the bank. We love the ambiance they impart to our yard and pathway.
Read our related article on the BEST Solar string Lights for home decoration. We tested the top string lights to keep your home beautiful!
How to Choose the Best solar pathway lights outdoor
Before investing in solar pathway lights, you should identify your specific needs.
The selection criteria for lights with different functions are also different. For example, when choosing a spotlight, the main consideration is brightness, while when choosing a string of lights, brightness is not the key。
Certain solar lamps are better suited for different climates, areas, positioning, and aesthetics.
By asking yourself a few questions, you’ll be able to decide which solar light is best for you.
What Kind of Weather Will Your Lights Be Exposed To?
Every solar power light has a certain level of water resistance since they’re made for the outdoors. Not all can withstand extreme weather patterns or temperatures.
- Heavy rain and/or flooding
- Automatic irrigation systems
- Frost and/or snow
- Heat above 100 degrees (F)
- Heavy winds
For anyone living in tropical areas, it’s important to find a best solar outdoor light that can resist a lot of rain. You should consider the area you will be placing them in.
Finding an area where the lights won’t be flooded with water is a good idea.
It may be better to find a solar outdoor light with a tall post, covered head, and water resistance certification.
The same goes for areas that expect frost or snow. Solar lawn lights made of weak materials, such as thin plastics, are likely to get battery and plastic damage.
Ice can crack the casings which would be a bummer if you placed out a lot of solar outside lights.
Some solar panels are also smaller than others. This may affect the battery charging rate in areas lacking sunlight.
In these areas, a larger solar panel is necessary。
Is your area sunny?
You should consider the amount of sunlight the light will be able to soak in. Putting the solar powered outdoor lights somewhere in your yard that can get a lot of sunlight would be ideal.
If your home or business does not get much sunlight it will be difficult for these solar patio lights to work.
In the summer, the lights have more power, while in the winter, it may be more difficult for them to absorb sunlight.
It would be a good idea to find a solar light with a short charging time so it will still work if you live in a cloudy area. Most solar lights take around 8 hours to charge.
In cloudy and foggy environments, Solar power outdoor lights may not work for long periods of time.
What type light Do You Need?
The brightness of solar pathway lights is depending on lumens of each light. The lights can only be as bright as their lumen rating.
The lumen output is at its maximum when the battery is fully-charged, so expect less brightness as the battery discharges.
The size of the solar panel can also affect the brightness of the solar lamp.
We realized that the bigger the solar panel size, the more light that the pathway lights will illuminate, because the LED array and battery output are larger.
If you want to brighten up a large space, you need to buy more outdoor lights solar or choose higer lumens lights.
Buying the solar lights in a pack of 6 would be a good idea to save money. it will not be expinsive and just enough to meet the lighting requirements.
Are You Using it for Decorative or Safety Purposes?
One of the main purposes for installing solar-powered path lighting is safety.
Decorative solar lamps come in various designs that will make your pathway stand out, but they don’t generate a ton of light.
These also may take a longer time to charge. Decorative solar lights are less sturdy, as well.
When looking for decorative lights, keep in mind the placement of the lights. Some of them can be large and look strange on a smaller path.
There are several different style options for security lighting.
Some powerful lamps are well-designed and look attractive ，Suitable for placing in the front yard
How Often Will You use The Lights?
Most solar lamps will last 4 to 5 hours on a full charge,While a product listing may advertise 8 hours, that isn’t always the case.
If you’re planning on using your solar lights freqently, we recommend that you go for a light that charges quickly.
There are some options that contain sensors which are motion-activated. Some will have auto shut-off features which makes it easier for maintenance。
For those who enjoy running at night or working late, exercise activation is a particularly good feature.
Honorable Mentions
Here’s a brief look at the 3 options that didn’t make our best solar pathway lights list.
1. GIGALUMI Solar pathway lighting – Considered for Best Design
We considered these lights for the best design because of the tiki look. People love the tiki design, and these lights would make any tropical pathway look great.
We felt the GIGALUMI Solar Powered Path Lights were a better option because they are a lot cheaper and have a flattering design for any landscape.
2.Solpex 8 Pcs Solar Powered LED Path Lights– Considered for Best Value
When we saw the quantity and price of these solar pathway lights, they were hard to ignore.
However, it’s easy to notice how cheaply they are made, and the durability is not the best.
go to check the price Solpex 8 Pcs Solar Powered LED Path Lights
3. GREEN-POWER sunforce-solar Pathway Lights – Considered for Overall Best
These are bright solar lights that give off up to 40 lumens on a full charge. They are durable and reasonably priced.
They are well-worth your consideration if none of our top picks are right for your yard.
We loved the pattern and ambiance of the GREEN-POWER sunforce-solar Pathway Lights overall, and the metal construction means they’ll last a long time.
These lights above are the best path lights In the editor’s mind!
FAQ
1.Do all solar lights have batteries?
YES, all solar lights ave batteries, but the capacity and model are different
2.Do solar lights charge on cloudy days?
YES, soalr lights can be charged on cloudy days, but the charging is much slower than on sunny days.
3. Do solar powered lights work in the winter?
Yes, they do, Compared to summer, work efficiency of solar lights is slightly lower, charging time is longer, and working time is shorter
4. Can solar lights be charged indoors?
Yes, they can be charged buy lamps indoors, for those soalr lights with a USB-C interface, they can be charged by outlet or power bank