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Feb 20, 2025

The 5 Winners of Our Best Mounted Solar Lights Tests

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. We spent several years testing mounted solar lights to narrow down our list of top

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

We spent several years testing mounted solar lights to narrow down our list of top picks.

In This Article

Better Homes & Gardens

Outdoor lighting boosts the aesthetics, mood, safety, and security of a property. Mounted solar lights are an excellent way to illuminate your home since they tap into a renewable resource–the sun. Another advantage of solar lights is they don’t require any electricity, and therefore, wires.

Chris Apfelstadt, president of Light Up Columbus in Plain City, Ohio, says that lighting allows us to celebrate beautiful spaces and make them feel inviting. “Lighting changes how we feel about an environment, ensures we get to our destination safely, and helps us appreciate things that are beautiful.”

Before purchasing an outdoor solar light, Apfelstadt recommends considering the product's IP (ingress protection) rating, lumen output, color temperature, and aesthetics of the fixture. “An outdoor lighting fixture should be IP 66 or 67,” he says. “If you find fixtures that are in 54 or 55, then they're not going to do real well in high-moisture environments.” He also suggests checking the battery life and quality of the materials used to produce the lights, making sure to avoid those made with cheap plastic.

We found the following attractive, easy-to-install solar lights that stay lit from dusk until dawn without running up your electric bill.

Since 2022, we’ve tested 72 outdoor lighting products across five tests, totaling over 10,000 hours of testing. We evaluated these products based on their design, ease of setup, brightness, durability, and special features. For more on how we tested mounted solar lights, see our testing process below.

It is durable, effective, and super simple to set up and use.

The motion sensitivity isn’t adjustable, and there are no special features beyond basic functionality and the motion sensor.

The Better Homes & Gardens 200 Lumen LED dusk-to-dawn solar light is an excellent option for those who want motion-sensor lighting that adds a decorative touch while illuminating their outdoor space. It is a great choice for motion-activated lighting on porches or steps.

The light is easy to install and does not require any wiring since it uses the power of the sun. Given the one-piece design, it is especially easy to install on any flat surface. Setting up the light only takes about five minutes. All you need to do is put two screws in a bracket and then hang the light where you desire. While the instructions included were helpful, they aren’t even necessary since set-up is quite intuitive.

Operating the light is also very simple. Just push the on button and the light will automatically come on at dusk and turn off at dawn. There is also an off button for those who don’t want to have the light on all night. A replaceable lithium-ion battery is included that charges during the day and turns on automatically at night.

The light is super bright and consists of long-lasting LEDs with a 3000K color temperature. This is a nice, warm, neutral light that is not yellow. The normal illumination of the light is dimmer than when the motion sensor is activated, but it provides plenty of light either way. Unfortunately, the brightness isn't adjustable. We were impressed by how much such a small light provided; it covered an area 10 to 12 feet around it.

The main feature of this light, of course, is the motion sensor. It has a built-in motion sensor with dual brightness. When motion is detected, light will turn on to full brightness for 30 seconds. The motion sensor can detect movement in a 120-degree area up to 25 feet, making it ideal for outdoor spaces such as decks, patios, porches, and backyards. We found the motion sensor to be fairly sensitive, picking up people and dogs walking by. However, the sensitivity is not adjustable.

Another benefit of this product is the durable design that is built to last and withstand the elements. It is made from metal, not plastic, and has some weight to it. During the testing process, this light endured both wind and rain with no problems. Finally, the simple black design helped it blend into the outdoor environment.

Product Details: Number of Lights Included: One | Dimensions of single light: 6.80 x 4.30 x 7.50 in. | Water Protection Rating: Not listed | Lumens: 200

If you are looking for a large, ornate outdoor fixture that doesn’t require any electricity, then this could be a great option.

It is on the expensive side, fits a very specific style, and doesn’t have a motion-activated sensor.

The Alcott Hill Rasberry solar-powered outdoor wall lantern is a single-head solar lamp with a powder-coated brown finish that offers a vintage aesthetic for anyone looking to make a statement while illuminating the areas by your front or back doors.

It is easy to install and doesn’t require electrical wiring since it is powered by sunlight, making it a great energy-saving alternative to electric or gas-powered outdoor lanterns. It is a bit heavy, however, making it a little challenging to hang. It arrived fully assembled, and we just needed a tape measure, screwdriver, and a drill to mount it.

It has an on/off switch and a high/low switch for adjusting the light, which stays on from dusk until dawn. However, the top of the fixture needs to be removed in order to use the on/off switch, which we found difficult to reach.

This fixture delivers warm white light of 2700K, creating the natural look of incandescent light in an LED solar lamp setting. The lantern’s 360-degree light spread is bright enough that you can put it in a place where you want added security, such as by your front door. We found the light to be quite bright, so just keep this in mind when you decide where to mount it.

The fixture uses an integrated lithium-ion battery pack that lasts for approximately five years. Once the battery exceeds its life, you can replace the battery so the light will function for another five years.

We found this product to be built to last. It is made of sturdy cast-aluminum that is both rust-resistant and weather-resistant. We can't imagine it rusting, falling down, or moving at all once installed properly. Just keep in mind that this light is large, heavy, and ornate, so you really need the right space for it that can handle the aesthetic and amount of light it emits. It doesn’t seem practical for modern or small houses.

Product Details: Number of Lights Included: One | Dimensions of single light: 21 x 8.75 x 12.50 in. | Water Protection Rating: Not listed | Lumens: 120

The dual light heads are adjustable with motion detection up to 40 feet away for effective security.

While these lights come in both off-white and black color options, the overall design is quite basic and not decorative.

The simple, durable design of this Maxsa Dual Head solar light is perfect if you’re looking for an affordable fixture to illuminate your property for safety and security. It features a pair of light heads that hold very bright LED bulbs and cover more space than some of the other products we tested. These light heads are also adjustable, so you can ensure that you’re illuminating your property exactly where you need to, such as your deck, porch, garage area, backyard, or shed.

These lights are very easy to install. We used a power drill to screw into the siding and did not encounter any issues. No additional parts were required—just a drill and the items that came in the box. It only took about 10 minutes to install this fixture. The solar panel has an adjustable base so it can be positioned to receive the most sunlight no matter where it is mounted.

One of the best features is the accurate motion detection. The lights automatically turn on when motion is detected after dusk. It also has fully adjustable settings so you can set the duration of the illumination from 10 seconds to four minutes, depending on your preference. You can also adjust how sensitive the motion sensor reacts to movement.

The Maxsa Dual Head solar light comes in two colors, so you have some flexibility to match your home. However, the style is very basic, unlike some of the other lights on the market. These lights are sturdy, don’t look or feel cheap, and are weatherproof. We find this fixture to be small but powerful; the lights are very bright and clear. Finally, three rechargeable Ni-MH batteries that provide up to 90 one-minute cycles when fully charged by sunlight are included in the package.

Product Details: Number of Lights Included: Two | Dimensions of single light: 8.6 x 8.6 x 6.2 in. | Water Protection Rating: IP44 | Lumens: 220

This motion-sensor set includes two lanterns with a basic yet modern and attractive design that will work well with many types of homes.

The light isn’t strong enough for top security, and you might need additional mounting hardware depending on where you install the lights.

The Cyhkee Motion Sensor Solar Powered Wall Lanterns make it easy for you to light up and frame your front door or other area of the house without having to run wires. These lights come completely assembled right out of the box with all the necessary accessories and a user manual to ensure a quick and easy installation that takes about five minutes. However, we needed to purchase additional mounting brackets in order to hang the lights on siding, so keep that in mind.

The overall design is a plus. Although plain, these lantern lights are attractive and give entryways a classy feel. We also love that these are Edison-type bulbs, which make the lighting more decorative. Made from a strong plastic material, we feel that they are pretty durable and there won’t be issues with them moving or being blown away. The material is also anti-corrosion, waterproof, and heatproof, specifically designed to withstand extreme weather conditions for walls, patios, gardens, porches, pathways, decks, doorways, and garage areas.

We really like how these motion-sensor lights have multiple modes. They can either be completely off during the night and then will turn on a bright light when someone walks by, or they can be half-lit all night with an Edison-bulb look that gets brighter when someone walks by. They also have a setting to stay half as bright throughout the night. When the sensor goes off, the light is bright enough to get someone’s attention but not as bright as a floodlight. Therefore, this may not be the best option for people looking for a high security light.

The light is designed to provide automatic dusk-to-dawn performance after a full day’s charge. There are three rechargeable solar panels on these lanterns, so it’s easy to get a full charge during daylight hours. Charging for six to eight hours can illuminate these fixtures for eight to10 hours. This product is built to light up a 120-degree-wide sensing angle and 19-foot sensing distance.

Product Details: Number of Lights Included: Two | Dimensions (of single light): 8.7 x 5.3 x 5.5 in. | Water Protection Rating: IP65 | Lumens: Not listed

This high-quality fixture offers a classic look that provides a warm, welcoming glow.

It doesn’t have motion activation and isn’t bright enough for top security.

This classic solar-powered light will illuminate areas of your yard, such as the driveway, automatically from dusk to dawn. It is incredibly easy to install, taking only about six minutes. It can be mounted either directly on a 3-inch pole/post (not included) or fixed to any flat surface with a pier mount base (base included). Just be sure to choose a location that is in full sunlight so it can charge properly during the day. The ideal charging time is six to seven hours for the light to work for around eight to 10 hours through the night.

Overall, this is a high-quality LED white outdoor light that provides a nice, warm glow. It is bright enough to illuminate the front, but is not bright enough to be a true security light.

The look of the design is traditional, which may not work for more modern homes. One bonus is that the fixture is made from high-quality, sturdy cast aluminum and ice-layer glass panels, as opposed to plastic. It is waterproof and weather-resistant, and requires very little maintenance.

While it is more expensive than most of the lights on our list, it is still fairly priced. Probably the biggest negative is that it doesn’t have special features like different modes or motion-sensing capability.

Product Details: Number of Lights Included: One | Dimensions of single light: 8.8 x 8.8 x 18.1 in. | Water Protection Rating: Not listed | Lumens: 160

The Better Homes & Gardens LED Solar Dusk to Dawn Motion Sensor Sconce made it to the top of our list for the best mounted solar lights of 2025 because it is durable, effective, and super simple to set up and use. The motion detector is an important feature for homeowners who want that capability for added safety and security. This fixture also offers a decorative touch while illuminating outdoor spaces. Finally, it is very affordable and easily available online.

Since 2022, we’ve tested 72 outdoor lighting products across five tests, totaling over 10,080 hours of testing. We evaluated these products based on their design, ease of setup, brightness, durability, value, and special features.

We included a variety of outdoor lighting options during our testing process, such as garden lights, solar lights, pathway lights, and flood lights. We looked at Amazon and The Home Depot best-sellers and focused on products that could be readily installed, meaning there was no electrical work or hardwiring required.

When the products arrived, we noted how long it took us to assemble and whether or not the manufacturer's instructions were easy to follow. We considered whether the lights included mounting brackets or needed to be purchased separately.

Once the lights were installed, we let them charge in the sunlight for the amount of time indicated by the manufacturer. We observed the lights closely for two weeks, noting how far the light reached, the brightness level, and warmth. If the light had multiple settings, we tested each to evaluate the differences.

We tested motion-sensor lights by approaching the light and measuring how far we were from the light when it turned on. We also considered how long the light stayed on after being activated. Dusk-to-dawn lights were evaluated on their accuracy in turning on when the sun set.

After the initial testing period, we evaluated our top picks for up to 6 months, noting any changes in quality and evaluating how they fared in various weather conditions.

Better Homes & Gardens

“Almost every type of outdoor light is available in solar: accent lights, path lights, uplights, downlights, well lights, hardscape lights, undercap lights, floodlights, lanterns, and more,” Apfelstadt says. You’ll also want to determine your goal for installing lighting. Some are more decorative, while others are used primarily for security purposes and may have a more basic design.

You are going to want to choose a light fixture that can hold up during rainstorms. “IP rating on a fixture stands for ingress protection,” explains Apfelstadt. “The first number relates to dust and the second number relates to moisture. Generally, a six is the standard, but there are some solar fixtures that don't even have an IP of 60-something.”

Make sure that the first number is a 6, he advises: “There's a scale. Sixty-eight means I can submerse this underwater for 30 seconds and it's still going to work. So, an outdoor lighting fixture should be IP 66 or 67. If you find fixtures that are rated 54 or 55, they're not going to do real well in high moisture environments.”

Brightness is measured in lumens (lm). Lumen output and run time vary depending on the size of the solar panel and battery, Apfelstadt says. “There are solar lights that only produce 100 lumens and others that go over 1,000,” he says. “Some fixtures are set to produce 100 lumens and have motion sensors that brighten the fixture if someone walks by. How bright or dim a light is and its consistency is key if you're lighting a path or something that repeats over and over.”

Color temperature is measured in degrees kelvin (K). “The color temperature is how yellow versus how white or blue the light is, and it's measured in kelvin,” explains Apfelstadt. “Lower kelvin temperatures (2700K to 3000K) are warmer and more yellow, while higher temps (3100K and 4500K) are more white or whitish blue and described as cooler.” Most of our testers preferred the warmer color for their outdoor mounted solar lights.

The Solpex Solar Deck Lights were easy to install and stay illuminated throughout the night, but the brightness isn’t adjustable and there is no on/off switch for convenience. They blend in nicely with the stain of the deck and sit on the edge of the wood railing. While they are affordable, we still felt they lacked features and flexibility.

Better Homes & Gardens

The LEPower Solar Security Lights are another affordable option with a straightforward setup. However, there is no manual on/off control, limited adjustability, and no special features. While the brightness is adequate for general use, we wish it illuminated the area more effectively. It is not the best option for those looking to light up large spaces or to use it for security purposes. Also, after six months, the fixture started to get worn out, as we noticed the light output declined and the fixture became dirty.

The Derynome Solar Lantern Outdoor Lights with Wall Mount Kit is a product with top ratings at an affordable price. These modern, simply designed solar lights come in a pair, and are a great size for a porch or next to a door. Installation was easy, but the only feature they have is an on/off switch. The biggest drawback is that they hang on a hook and blow around easily in the wind, and may even need to be removed during a windy day, which is inconvenient.

Yes, solar lights need rechargeable batteries to function. “Every solar light needs a battery to collect and store the energy for use at night when the sun is no longer hitting the solar panel,” explains Apfelstadt. Keep in mind that battery performance reduces dramatically in cloudy and rainy weather when the sun isn’t as prominent.

Yes, you can leave solar lights out in the rain, but check the IP rating to determine how waterproof the individual light is. “The IP rating determines a fixture’s ability to handle dust and moisture,” Apfelstadt says. “The better the product, the higher the IP rating and the more waterproof and dustproof it is.”

Solar lights need direct sunlight in order to store enough energy to illuminate throughout the night, says Apfelstadt: “Solar is not a viable option in areas without consistent direct sunlight. If it's really cloudy or if it's rainy, then it's not going to be as effective.”

Placement is also important. If the solar light is in a shady spot, the batteries won’t charge enough and the light won’t work well. Some of the options we tested, like Maxsa Dual Head Solar Powered Wall Mounting Light, have adjustable solar panels that can be positioned toward direct sunlight if the light is being placed in a more shaded area.

“You do want to have the flexibility to angle the fixture and the panel separately if the sunlight's only coming from one area,” Apfelstadt says. “Being able to change the angle of the panel and the angle of the fixture also gives you more flexibility with your lighting design.”

Better Homes & Gardens

Sandi Schwartz is an award-winning environmental author of the book Finding Ecohappiness and a journalist with 25 years of experience. She covers home, lawn and garden, sustainability, nature, and wellness topics. Her shopping, how-to, and news articles related to the home and garden space address a wide range of topics, such as the cost and benefits of various landscaping services, features of appliances, home improvement tips, gardening tactics, how to attract backyard wildlife, and much more.

For this article, Schwartz consulted Chris Apfelstadt, president of Light Up Columbus in Plain City, Ohio, which focuses on landscape, architectural, event, and holiday lighting. The company has been in business for 20 years and has won multiple international lighting design awards. Apfelstadt also currently serves as the Vice President of the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP).

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.