If you want to improve the security of your property by sustainably lighting your driveway you should invest in solar-powered driveway lights. They do not only provide you with security but with a great landscape lighting effect, and the perfect ambiance for your front yard and patio. These outdoor solar lights are small devices that can be conveniently mounted along your driveway. The lights are of varying types but all work by using the energy from the sun to illuminate your home. As a consequence, you can still easily guide vehicles and people to your house.
You can use solar powered driveway lights in combination with a range of other solar lighting solutions – including solar deck lights, solar flagpole lights, solar shed lights, and more – to push your house in the direction of becoming a Zero Net Energy (ZNE) home!
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Solar driveway lights are like the solar street lights that are typically seen along modern highways. They function by invoking the photovoltaic effect. This influence is harnessed by the devices’ most critical portion, the solar cell. With the aid of layers of crystalline silicon and various chemicals, these solar cells transform sunlight into a direct electrical current. As sun ray travels through these layers, it excites sections of negatively charged electrons. These excited electrons are then forced into positively charged spaces, where they conduct a direct current of electricity to the battery through wire connections resulting in solar power lights.
Editor’s Picks
Based on various parameters, we have identified and discussed below, the best outdoor solar driveway lights in each category. Take a look at these products and find out which one is the right one for you.
These outdoor solar lights can serve as wall lights, driveway lights, and pathway lights. It has 12 LEDs with wider and adjustable angles and a longer working time. Compared to other 4-6 LED lights in the market, this solar landscape light is more unique, fashionable, and practical. Moreover, its new waterproof technology is more durable than others available today. LITOM SOLAR LANDSCAPE SPOTLIGHTS is easily the best solar driveway lights on our list.
These lights are the finest quality pathway lights in the market for a budget-friendly price. These solar lights are made of high-quality IP44 ABS plastic. The lights are solar-powered while being waterproof and dustproof.
The stakes that can fit into any soft ground don’t only provide premium landscape lighting for your pathway but accent your home. Also, the cool white light sets a mood lighting effect which is ideal for front yards, gardens, patio decoration.
Volisun’s unique product is superior to other deck lights because of its built-in, high-quality super bright 6 white LED light beads. Not only can it be used as warning step lights and guiding lights but also as decoration lights in your home. It has an updated 800mAh large capacity battery providing greater energy storage. With enough time in the sun, these solar pathway lights will last up to 72 hours.
How Long Do Solar Driveway Lights Last?
This factor obviously depends on the quality of the model and its components. With that said, the batteries that power most solar driveway lights can last up to 4 years while the LED bulbs themselves can last up to a decade.
A few vital factors influence a solar light’s longevity, the most important of which is arguably placement. A well positioned solar light that receives a lot of direct sun will function better and last longer. Be weary of placing any type of solar light too close to artificial lights as they may interfere with their sensors.
As solar driveway lights are intended for the outdoors, cleanliness is also an important factor. You should try to maintain your lights as much as possible. Even a simple step such as cleaning them every other week will ensure added longevity.
Lastly, though modern solar lights are increasingly noted for their durability and water resistance, more extreme bouts of weather may significantly impact and damage them. Consider stowing away your solar lights in the event of harsh weather conditions such as storms, torrential rain, blizzards etc.
Do Solar Driveway Lights Work In Shade?
In short, yes but obviously they will generate less power and work in a less effective manner all round.
With that said, different models may work be especially geared towards working in more unorthodox positions (further from sunlight). There are also different types of shade. While shade basically entails a lack of sunshine, there is a pretty big difference between complete darkness and a light passing shade.
For example if a solar light is placed under a tree, even if it may not seem so, it still receives a considerable amount of sunlight that penetrates through the leaves. There is a very big difference between a solar light placed in such a manner against a light or panel placed behind a solid obstacle, shielded from the sun temporarily or completely.
Pros And Cons Of Solar Driveway Lights
Pros:
- Solar driveway lights are a relatively inexpensive investment that will cut costs and bills all the while using clean and renewable energy that is safe for the environment as they do not cause emissions or pollution of any kind (even decreasing light and noise pollution)
- They are highly versatile and portable, whether it is one light attached to one panel or a set of lights that can be placed and re-positioned at will
- Most modern models are also completely automatic, turning on at dusk and shutting off at dawn
- They also require minimal maintenance and are highly durable and weather-resistant
- They lack the wires and cables that distinguish regular electronic lights, making installation easier and improving the aesthetics of your outdoor space
Cons:
- Though solar powered LED bulbs have made huge strides in recent times they are still significantly less brighter than regular lights
- Solar driveway lights have a limited battery capacity meaning more frequent battery changes depending on the type of battery and bulb
- Finally, as with all solar powered devices, they are susceptible to changes in weather and may suffer during long spells of overcast, rainy or snowy weather, though many models are durable and water-resistant
Best Solar Driveway Lights Reviewed
Based on our guide for selecting the best driveway lights that are worth your money, we give you the following:
VOLISUN 12-Pack Led Wireless IP67
- Brand: VOLISUN
- Color: White
- Material: Metal
- Style: Contemporary
- Long Lighting Time
- Waterproof & Resistance to Pressure
- Auto Solar Powered
It is an eco-friendly, rechargeable solar light that automatically recharges during the day and glows at dusk. Each light has 6 LEDs which give out high light intensity. They are also called Deck Dots, Stair Dots, Pier Dots, or Boardwalk Dots. VOLISUN has a built-in 600mAh large storage battery with a 6-8 hours solar charging time in ample sunlight which should be enough to supply the LEDs up to 5 days of power and ensure visibility at more than 875 yards with a light intensity of 500 lumens. Similarly, its IP67 rating allows for downpours and submersion. The high-quality heavy metal frame can withstand 50% more weight than other lights, which means that it will not be damaged even if it gets run over it by a vehicle or big truck.
Pros:
- Waterproof & resistant to pressure and extreme temperatures
- Long lighting time
Cons:
- Non-changeable batteries.
Flickering Flames Solar Driveway Lights
- Brand: BALIGHT
- Color: 2pack-06
- Style: Solar Lights
- Shade Material: ABS+PC
- Waterproof level: IP65
- Auto On/Off Garden Lights for Patio Pool Pathway
These outdoor solar flickering lamp torches consist of 96 LEDs with each LED flickering with warm yellow lights and dozens of flame lights patterns, providing an extremely realistic flickering effect. These torches with flickering flame-like wall lights can auto-identify day and night by keeping the manual on/off button on. They turn on automatically at dusk and turn off when it’s dawn. It comes with a level of IP65 weatherproof rating which is resistant to rain, snow, and frost all year.
Pros:
- Beautiful dancing flame design.
- Auto on/off &
- Weatherproof
Cons:
- Non-changeable batteries.
JACKYLED Solar Powered Dock Lights
- Brand: JACKYLED
- Color: Blue
- Material: Cast aluminium, Metal
- Style: Modern
- Shade Material: Cast aluminium
- Charge Automatically
- Waterproof Rating: IP68
JACKYLED solar dock light absorbs unlimited and free power from the sun for about 6-8 hours to supply power to the LEDs for up to 72 hours. It will automatically charge during daytime and illuminates when night falls or with the onset of inclement weather. Its blue solar dock light has passed the IP68 waterproof rating. The tightly sealed battery compartment can withstand most kinds of environmental conditions and is durable all year round. The blue solar dock light is made of high-quality polycarbonate which means that it will not be damaged even when a car or truck runs over it and can withstand 20 tons of pressure. Each light has 6 premium-quality LEDs which give out a visible super-bright and steady light for more than 875 yards.
Pros:
- Charges automatically
- Hard Shell
- IP68 waterproof rating
Cons:
- Reduced lifespan with exposure to moisture for a long time.
Foxdott Solar Lights Outdoor
- Brand: Foxdott
- Color: Cool White
- Material: Stainless steel
- IP44 Waterproof & Weather-Resistant
- Beautiful Outdoor Lighting
This is one of those few brands that gives you affordable luxury lights. Nothing screams class and elegance other than these multi-colored garden lights. These are also suitable as wall lights, pathway lights, front yard lights for your patio—they are a beautiful choice for decorating your property and home. No wiring is necessary for these lights as the solar panel will absorb solar radiation during the daytime and convert it to electricity which can be used at night making it practically maintenance-free. The solar path lights have a dusk-to-dawn feature that automatically shuts off in the morning and switches on at night. It’s an ideal way to enhance the look of your lawn garden area. The solar-powered lights deliver bright illumination to your home’s exterior by lighting dark areas along walkways, pathways, etc. Also, the solar path lights are easy to install– you only need to turn on the switch and push the stakes into the soil.
Pros:
- Weatherproof
- Auto mode
Cons:
- Fragile
INCX Solar Ground Lights
- Brand: INCX
- Color: Cold
- Material: Metal
- Style: Modern
- Protection Design
Each set of these solar lights has 8 LEDs that adopt the advanced LED energy-saving feature with its 600 mAh solar lamp. The 8-10 hours runtime with 8 hours of sunshine recharge helps save energy and is eco-friendly. An external waterproof switch replaces the pinhole switch in one of the designs. The waterproof rating of IP65 and stainless steel body makes it suitable for outdoor use. It can effectively isolate water and fog, which makes for a longer shelf-life. The landscape lights will turn on at night or turn off at the appearance of light. Installation can be done within seconds with no tools or wiring required. It’s also safe to use around children and pets.
Pros:
- Integrated light sensor
- Longer shelf-life
Cons:
LITOM 12 LEDs Solar Landscape Lighting
- Brand: LITOM
- Color: Warm White
- Material: High-impact ABS Plastic & High Efficiency Monocrystalline Silicon
- Style: Unique & Modern LED Solar Landscape Spotlights Warm White
- Leading IP67 Waterproof Technology
- Warm White Light Solar Spotlights
These lamps are much more unique, fashionable, and practical compared to other 4-6 LED lights in the market. It is the first solar landscape light with IP67 waterproof technology. This new and improved product is made up of high-impact ABS plastic which enables the lamps to withstand extreme weather conditions— the working temperature ranges from -20 to 60°C.
The 120° lighting angle and 90° adjustable large solar panel provide a wider landscape lighting with a 18650 lithium rechargeable battery that gets charged up after just 4-5 hours of sunlight exposure.
These solar lights also feature 2 brightness level modes (the low lights last for 12hours and the high lights last for 6 hours). The brightness also automatically adjusts to the changes in the external environment, so it works all round the clock.
It also possesses a 2-in-1 function and 2 easy installation options (stakes and wall light) making it optimum for patio, pathway, garage, gardens, etc.
Pros:
- Auto mode
- 2 installation options
- IP67 Waterproof Technology
Cons:
Solar Driveway Lights Buyer’s Guide
We have already prepared a list of the best solar driveway lights. It contains its main features and options. If that isn’t enough, we have full buyers guide just for you. I
Number of Lights
The number of lights will depend on the area and purpose for lighting. Generally, the yard, garden, patio, driveway, will require several lights at the same time. As a result, the majority of solar driveway lights on the market come with a collection of multiple lights. This involves a range of pack sizes such as a 6 light pack, an 8 light pack, and even a 10 light pack in some situations where a bigger pack is often preferable.
Battery Life
Both solar driveway lights store the electricity generated by turning solar energy into electricity in a tank. The battery is then used to fuel the specified outdoor solar lights during the night, without the need for an external power source. However, this is only feasible if the solar driveway lights have long battery life. While some models could be rated to have a battery life of 6 to 8 hours, the best models may comfortably last 10 to 12 hours.
Luminosity
Another thing to think about when purchasing a solar pathway light is its brightness output which is measured in lumens. As one would imagine, light with a higher brightness intensity would be better for the majority of consumers. As a result, solar light with a brightness rating of 20 lumens would outperform one with a brightness rating of 10 lumens.
Warranty
Before buying a solar driveway lamp, you can also look at the warranty provided by the vendor to ensure that it can last for a long time. Fortunately, most solar driveway lights come with a one-year warranty, which is very reasonable for a solar-powered light.
What Happens If There Isn’t Any Direct Sun?
If you put your solar lights in a desert yard in Palm Springs, they would almost certainly work at full capacity. But have you ever considered what if you live in Seattle or have a shady backyard? Things won’t be as easy as you think, but you can still use solar-powered lights in a heavily shaded field.
Solar power lights or other landscape lights solutions may be used to place a distant PV panel on the roof or in a sunnier area of the yard. This can be connected to the lights in the shaded area. Even when there isn’t much sunshine on the roof, particularly if you live in Portland, these solar power lights continue to work. The other limitation is that they cannot light up intensely or for an extended period at night.
Intelligent Features
Intelligent lights usually have more up-to-date processors that can respond to their environment. Solar bollard lights, for example, have an intelligent microprocessor that can change the light intensity depending on weather conditions.
In general, the smarter your lights are, the more useful they would be. For instance, since the bollard lights can change their strength depending on their surroundings, they can save energy and hence last longer. These models would be more expensive; but, what they do for you is amazing.
Value for your money
The overall visibility of solar light is largely influenced by the intensity of the sun as well as the amount of daylight to which it is exposed. Solar panels are determined by the efficiency of the PV cell and the size of the LED bulbs. More expensive PV cells and larger light bulbs will be needed. As a result, we can say that the costlier solar lights appear to perform easier and emit brighter light.
Final Verdict
If you are looking for the perfect outdoor solar driveway light that has the most number of the above-mentioned features, LITOM 12 LEDs Solar Landscape Spotlights should be your number one choice. It has all the specifications and features that you would expect from quality driveway solar lights.
If you’ve found the right one, make sure to clean it regularly to extend its battery life. This is because a dirty solar panel would not be able to charge the battery efficiently. Even though the solar light is said to be weatherproof, you will maximize its benefits when some of them are stored indoors until winter arrives.
Pinterest Board
Check out our updated Pinterest board with the best solar driveway lights:
FAQs
Solar driveway lights are devices that you can easily place around your driveway. Solar lights work by absorbing the sun’s energy and converting it to electrical energy.
The lights stay on for about 90 seconds as long as it senses motion. If it goes out, it immediately relights as soon as it senses motion.
Direct sunlight is helpful as the unit uses two 2200mAh 18650 batteries, but that also helps in places that don’t have direct sunlight.
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