Solar outdoor lights are one of the easiest upgrades for your yard: no wiring, no electrician and no added cost on your power bill. But "solar light" covers very different products. This guide explains the three main types, how bright each should be, and how to pick the right one for your driveway, garden or backyard.
1. Solar Flood Lights: Best for Security
Flood lights throw a wide, bright beam over a large area, such as a driveway, side yard or back door. Models with a motion sensor stay dim or off until someone walks by, then switch to full brightness. That saves battery and startles anyone who should not be there.
Look for: 1,500+ lumens, a motion sensor, a remote to change modes and a waterproof rating.
Our pick: the Solar Motion Sensor Flood Lights with 210 LEDs, rated at 2,500 lumens with a remote control.
2. Solar Landscape Spot Lights: Best for Gardens and Paths
Spot lights are smaller, focused lights you stake into the ground to highlight trees, flower beds, house walls or a walkway. They are more about style than security, and they look best in sets placed every few feet.
Look for: adjustable solar panels (so you can aim them at the sun while the light points where you want), a multi-pack and a warm or adjustable light color.
Our pick: the Solar Landscape Spot Lights 8 Pack with 800 lumens and adjustable panels.
3. Solar Street Lights: Best for Driveways and Large Yards
Solar street lights are mounted on a pole or wall and run dusk to dawn, turning on automatically when it gets dark. They are ideal for long driveways, barns, parking areas and gates where you want light all night.
Look for: dusk-to-dawn mode, a motion sensor for extra brightness and a remote.
Our pick: the Solar Street Lights Dusk to Dawn 2 Pack with motion sensor and remote.
How Many Lumens Do You Need?
- Path and accent lighting: 50 to 200 lumens per light
- Landscape spot lights: 200 to 800 lumens
- Security and flood lights: 1,500 lumens or more
Tips to Get the Most From Solar Lights
- Give the panel direct sun. Six or more hours of direct sunlight is ideal. Shade from trees or roof overhangs is the most common reason solar lights seem weak.
- Clean the panels. Wipe dust, pollen and snow off the panels every few weeks.
- Expect shorter run times in winter. Shorter days mean less charging, so lights may run fewer hours from November to February.
- Use motion mode for security lights. It saves battery and makes the light brighter when it matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do solar lights work in winter?
Yes. They still charge on cloudy and cold days, just more slowly, so run times are usually shorter in winter.
Do solar lights work when it rains?
Lights with a waterproof rating keep working in rain. They charge less on cloudy days but use the stored battery at night.
How long do solar lights last?
The LEDs themselves last many years. The rechargeable battery is usually the first part to wear out.
Browse all our solar flood, spot and street lights in the Garden & Outdoor collection. Free US shipping on orders over $70.