11 Best Solar Driveway Lights
If you are considering a more eco-friendly way to light up your driveway, pathways, or front-door steps, solar driveway lights are one of the best alternatives to your conventional wired lighting.
Not only are solar driveway lights designed to work with renewable energy - the sun, but they are also cheap to run.
With solar driveway lights, you can save on electricity costs and energy bills in the long run.
This article will teach you how solar driveway lights work and what you should consider when buying one. In addition, we have curated a list of some of the best solar driveway lights to brighten up your home.
Related: For elsewhere in the home, you might also like to check out our recommendations for the best solar lanterns, perfect for places like decks and gardens where a driveway light may not prove the best fit.
You can also read about the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy. And our solar energy facts provide everything you need to know as we progress the transition to renewable energy.
What are solar driveway lights?
Solar driveway lights are a kind of lighting that operates using energy-efficient bulbs or LED lights. Solar lights get most of their energy from the sun. Outdoor solar lights function similarly to your regular driveway lights. However, they use up less energy when powered on.
Since the sun is a form of renewable energy, your solar driveway lights can run for a long time and for free. You'll benefit from a cost-effective way to see what's going on at night and avoid obstacles, and they look great too.
Furthermore, they come without the need for wiring or specific hardware needed to install. This makes them considerably cheaper and easier to install than conventional driveway lights you’d need to wire into your household electricity supply.
Solar lights are efficient, affordable, and eco-friendly. They have now become a standard in modern apartments and homes and can fit into any type of driveway.
How do solar driveway lights work?
So do solar path lights work? Solar lights work by harnessing power from the sun to illuminate your home. Solar cells convert the sun’s energy into electricity thanks to layers of Crystalline silicon and other chemicals.
During the day, solar driveway lights capture sunlight which gets converted to electricity. Electricity is then stored in in-built rechargeable batteries until needed at night.
Most solar lights are automatic but can also be switched on or off manually. Some types of solar driveway lights switch to battery use on days when solar power isn't enough, and others include a timer so you can choose to automatically illuminate your driveway to suit your needs.
Most options include energy-efficient light bulbs, which help ensure that the stored solar energy lasts the night.
The best driveway lights are easy to install and come in a simple plug-and-play design that can simply be mounted and turned on.
Benefits of solar driveway lights
Today, solar lights have become a popular option for outdoor lighting. Not only is solar driveway lighting an excellent option for the environment, but it also comes with benefits for your property and pocket. Here are some benefits of switching to solar driveway lights.
Easy installation
Most solar lights do not have any wiring and are very easy to install. For most designs, it only takes a few minutes to install solar lights along your driveway. What's more, you can place your solar light anywhere in your garden or outdoor space without worrying about electricity access.
Environmentally friendly
Solar driveway lights create electricity using a renewable energy source - the sun. This is great for the environment, as it doesn't rely on fossil fuels that produce harmful greenhouse gases that negatively impact the environment. Solar lights can conserve the earth’s natural resources that would have otherwise been used as fossil fuels.
Cheaper-to-use
Solar driveway lights are not only environmentally friendly but are also a more affordable alternative to standard incandescent lights. Since they don't require traditional electricity, you can save on utility bills. Solar lights run for free and can last as long as they have access to enough sun.
How to choose the best solar driveway lights
Solar-powered products are an excellent option for outdoor lighting. They are easy to install, eco-friendly, and cheaper than your regular driveway lights. Let's look at a few things to consider when choosing the best outdoor solar lights for your driveway.
Multiple lights
Depending on the size of your driveway, you may need to install multiple solar driveway lights. Instead of buying the lights separately, most solar driveway lights come with multiple lights in a package that you can install right away. This also offers great value for your money. You can find varying packs with eight lights, 10 lights, and even more. If you have a large driveway, you will undoubtedly need larger packs.
Water resistance
If you will be installing solar driveway lights, you need to consider weather conditions like rain and snow. To avoid damage, it is best to go for solar driveway lights that are water-resistant. Thankfully, most solar lights come with water-resistant properties with ratings like IP44, IP54, IP68, and so on. The higher the water-resistant ratings, the better protected your solar light is.
Battery life
Typically, solar driveway lights harness power from the sun using a solar panel to charge its in-built battery. Energy stored in the battery is then used to power the solar light at night. Another thing you need to consider is the battery life of your solar light. If you want a solar light that you can use all night long, you need to go for solar driveway lights with a battery life rating of up to 8 hours or higher.
11 best solar driveway lights to brighten up your home
Now that you have an idea of what solar driveway lights are about and what you should look out for, here are our top picks for some of the best solar driveway lights to light up your space. Read on for our solar driveway lights reviews.
Quick links to the best solar driveway lights:
1. JIGUOOR Solar Driveway Lights
Pros
- Durable construction
- Battery life up to 12 hours
- High water resistance rating
- Easy to install
Cons
- It’s a sealed unit, meaning you can’t replace its batteries
Its durable and sturdy design is one of the reasons these solar driveway lights make it to our list of best solar driveway lights.
Made of high-quality aluminum, these solar driveway lights are so strong that you can drive over them with your car wheels. They come with six LED lights that provide just enough brightness for your driveway, sidewalks, garden, or decks.
You can also use them as decorative lights or landing strips, as these solar lights come in blue, white, warm white, green, and red lighting colors. They charge during the day and automatically turn on when it's dark. These solar driveway lights can last throughout the night if charged adequately during the day.
Moreover, you don't have to worry about rain or any harsh weather conditions because these solar driveway lights have a high water resistance rating. These lights are super easy to install. All you need to do is screw them to the ground or wall.
2. StarGinz Solar Lights
Pros
- Battery life of up to 8 hours
- Durable design
- Energy efficient
- Affordable and easy to install
Cons
- Smaller in size
If you're thinking of ambient light for your yard or driveway, these solar driveway lights are one you could consider.
The first thing we love about these solar lights is how bright they appear when turned on. And thanks to its inbuilt solar panel, solar charging board, and 300mAh battery, these solar driveway lights absorb sunlight and store enough power during the day, leaving you with up to 6-8 hours of light that can last from dusk to dawn.
These solar lights are sturdy, durable, and water resistant, meaning you don't have to worry about rain, snow, or any harsh weather conditions.
StarGinz solar driveway lights are also straightforward to set up, requiring only a few tools. However, these solar lights may not provide full coverage if you have a large space.
3. SUNNEST Solar Lights Outdoor
Pros
- Made with durable stainless steel
- Energy efficient
- Easy installation
- It comes in three colors
Cons
- Not very bright
These solar driveway lights take a spot on our list of best solar driveway lights thanks to their durability and unique design. SUNNEST make them from durable stainless steel material, and their waterproof rating protects your solar light from snow, rain, and other weather conditions.
Its unique design is sure to give your garden or yard a beautiful aesthetic look. Each unit has a pointed stake for easy insertion.
What we love most about these solar driveway lights is that they come with 12 lights to provide full lighting coverage for your space. These solar driveway lights soak up sunlight all day, taking up to 6-8 hours for a full charge. When it's dark, it automatically comes on, staying lit for up to 8 hours.
You can also choose between three colors of light - cool white, warm white, and one with alternating colors. However, if you want a very bright light to light up your entire yard, these solar driveway lights may not be the best option.
4. BEAU JARDIN 8-Pack Solar Path Lights
Pros
- Durable construction
- A beautiful floral light pattern
- Energy efficient
- Easy installation
Cons
- Not very bright
Made with rust-proof substantial glass and stainless steel, these solar driveway lights are high quality and can light up your outdoors perfectly.
They charge during the day in direct sunlight and light up beautifully when dark, creating a beautiful floral pattern around your yard for a little more ambiance.
The installation also works very quickly. Simply remove the solar light from the box and insert them into the ground. However, you want to be careful when inserting them. Ensure there are no hard rocks or soil to prevent breakage.
These solar driveway lights are also highly efficient, coming with 10 lumens and a battery life of up to 8-12 hours. You also don't have to worry about the weather affecting your solar lights, thanks to its IP65 waterproof rating ensuring they are weather resistant.
5. UMICKOO Solar Outdoor Lights Garden
Pros
- Has multi-color light settings
- Good battery life
- Durable construction
Cons
What we love most about these solar driveway lights is their beautiful color display. With this smart outdoor lighting, you can illuminate your garden, lawn, or patio with this solar light which changes to different colors at intervals.
They come with a robust glass fitting which helps to amplify their brightness. These solar lights are energy-efficient and have a battery life of up to 8 to 10 hours. They are also effortless to install. Once you get these solar driveway lights out of your box, you only need to insert them into the ground. No special tools are required.
6. APONUO Solar Spotlights Landscape Lights
Pros
- The solar panel is separate from the spotlight
- Two brightness modes
- Adjustable light head
Cons
- Only four lights included
These solar driveway lights make it to our list of best solar lights thanks to their unique build, which makes them perfect for shaded areas.
They come with two LED spotlights separate from a corded solar panel. This makes it easy to install them in an area that guarantees a full charge under a shaded area.
Moreover, you can easily adjust the light head and solar panel to ensure maximum sun exposure. You can also easily regulate the brightness setting to illuminate the details of your yard beautifully.
At night, these solar driveway lights can last for as long as 8 to 12 hours. These solar driveway lights are also waterproof, with an IP65 rating and high-quality plastic.
7. Aogist Solar Ground Lights
Pros
- 8 LED lights
- Easy to install
- Waterproof
Cons
- Fragile
- Long charging time of 3 days
If you are thinking of a minimalist light design to light up your yard, these solar ground lights may just be a perfect choice. They can also serve as wall lights.
There are many things we love about these solar driveway lights. They are durable and reliable thanks to their sturdy construction, which comes in hard plastic and a thin metal for their frame. When you turn them on, you will notice they give off a higher brightness output. This is thanks to their 8 LEDs which is more than most solar driveway lights.
Once you fully charge these solar driveway lights, you can light your garden or outdoor spaces for as long as 10 hours.
However, we noticed that this light comes with a long charging time. When you first receive your solar driveway light, you will need to put it in the sun for three days before installing it. In a situation where the sun's intensity is low, it may take longer.
These solar driveway lights are super easy to set up when it comes to installation. Moreover, they are reliable to use in any weather thanks to their water resistance rating and good material. The downside to using ground lights is that they can take up debris and dirt.
8. GIGALUMI 16-Pack Solar Path Lights
Pros
- Large pack
- High-quality structure
- Good battery life
Cons
- Not the best waterproof rating
If you have a large driveway, we've got something for you. Made with an elegant design, these solar driveway lights make the best decorative lights for your large space. In addition, they have a good brightness output, providing full coverage lighting.
Inside the box, you will find a total of 16 solar driveway lights, more lights than standard packs. Once you charge these solar driveway lights, they can last as long as 8 to 10 hours.
Its waterproof rating isn't the best in the market; however, these still do a good job of withstanding harsh climates. Also, they'd make excellent solar pathway lights, and the brand has great customer service that can help you handle any issues you may have with the product.
9. VOLISUN Solar Driveway Lights
Pros
- Reliable quality
- Good battery life
- Energy efficient
- High water resistance rating
Cons
- More expensive than other models
This light is one of the best solar driveway lights for many reasons. Firstly, this solar driveway light comes with durable construction and a high water resistance rating of IP67. This means your solar driveway light can withstand any harsh temperatures.
These solar driveway lights also stay lit up for as long as 8 hours once fully charged with enough solar energy.
What we love most is that these solar driveway lights come with a 5-year warranty!
When you open your box, you will find 12 LEDs, 12 screws, a user manual, and 24 pieces of reflective stickers. Each light comes with 6 LEDs for increased brightness.
These solar driveway lights are also very easy to install. You don't need any wiring, meaning you can save money. You only need to set up your light with screws and glues included in the box.
10. Bawoo Solar Garden Lights Outdoor
Pros
- Durable solar driveway light
- Affordable landscape lighting
- High water resistance rating
Cons
- Mentions no battery life rating
Home Zone is a brand that offers various solar-powered products, and one of them is this solar driveway light. These lights are one of the best solar driveway lights for small tight spaces.
Thanks to its high-quality aluminum construction and IP67 water resistance rating, this solar driveway light is durable and can withstand extreme climates.
These lights are bright and come with four long-lasting LEDs that light up your driveway beautifully. In addition, it comes with an auto-sensor control that keeps the light off during the day and automatically turns it on at night.
You don't need any wiring, meaning you can save money. They can easily be mounted with screws and anchors.
11. JSOT Solar Driveway Lights
Pros
- Affordable and easy to set up
- Eco-Friendly and energy efficient
- Good battery life
Cons
- It may not be enough for large driveways
These lights from JSOT make it to our list of best solar driveway lights thanks to their beautiful decorative design. If you are looking for decorative driveway lights for your garden.
However, if you want to cover a large area, you may need more packs, as only four solar driveway lights are included in a box. What we love most about these solar driveway lights is that they brighten and light up the outdoors beautifully.
It also has a control that you can regulate from high to low beam and switch from white light to a softer yellow light. It charges during the day for around 6 to 8 hours during the day and can work for approximately 8 to 10 hours at night.
You also don't need to worry about harsh climates, as these solar lights have a high water resistance rating of IP65.
Other options for solar driveway lights
All of the above options are designed specifically to illuminate your driveway using the power of the sun for their charge. Another option if you have a fence or trellis along your driveway is to consider string lights or solar-powered fairy lights.
You can string these along a structure the length of the driveway for a warming glow. It may look a little festive however, so first consider if you feel that would work all year round.
Wall-mounted lights are another option, and you can pick up solar-powered options. These might just tick all the boxes if you have a fence or brick wall the length of your driveway.
Finally, flood lights might do the job attached to a nearby building; look out for those powered with led lights that don't use as much energy as conventional bulbs. As these have a more powerful light output, you might need larger solar panels to power them.
Conclusion
Connecting your driveway lights with wires can be both costly and cumbersome. Solar driveway lights offer a more eco-friendly and affordable lighting option for your home.
Depending on your type of driveway or need, there are many solar-powered lights you can switch to. You can go through our list of some of the best solar driveway lights you can shop for today.
Jen’s a passionate environmentalist and sustainability expert. With a science degree from Babcock University Jen loves applying her research skills to craft editorial that connects with our global changemaker and readership audiences centered around topics including zero waste, sustainability, climate change, and biodiversity.
Elsewhere Jen’s interests include the role that future technology and data have in helping us solve some of the planet’s biggest challenges.
