Solar-powered security lights are an eco-friendly way to keep your garage, home and garden well-lit. Some solar security lights are designed to illuminate at dusk and remain on till dawn. But often, the light isn’t needed until people are in the area. With motion detector solar security lights, you don’t waste the valuable built-up charge by having them on constantly. A motion detector means the light remains off until someone is in the area.
Suppose it’s you, family or friends entering or leaving your property. In that case, the way will be safely illuminated, but should it turn out to be someone who shouldn’t be there, the sudden withdrawal of the cover of darkness created by the solar-powered security light as well as a security camera should discourage them from pursuing any nefarious tasks they may have had on their mind.
Besides helping you feel safe, solar-powered security lights can be installed quickly and easily without any need for wiring. They won’t raise your monthly electric bill, making it ideal for the budget-conscious DIYer.
The best solar security lights at a glance:
Editor’s Choice: Luceco Solar Guardian – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best solar security light for directional illumination: Bell and Howell Bionic Spotlight – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best solar security light for contemporary design: SolarCentre Grantham – Buy now from Amazon UK
To help you narrow your choices, we’ve rounded up some solar power lights to see which products outshine the competition (ahem). With a range of different designs, you’re sure to find something to keep your home, your garage, garden, driveway or path safe.
The best solar security lights in detail
Editor's choice
It’s rated at a decent 800 lumens, which is more than adequate for security and safety purposes. Water resistance is rated at IP44, so it is adequately protected from rain, just don’t spray it with your pressure washer.
Pros
- Good light output
- Straightforward installation
- 3-year warranty with Luceco technical support team
Cons
- No control over the PIR detection area
- Other lights offer better value for money
Best for directional illumination
Rrp: $19.95
Rrp: $19.95
Any movement detected up to 25 metres away will trigger the light, which will remain on for 30 seconds after the motion has stopped. When the light is off, a flashing red LED lets you know it’s charged and working but can give the impression that it’s a security camera. The Bell+Howell Bionic Spotlight can be mounted to a wall or even stuck into the ground - a nice solution to give your space some mood lighting near walls or buildings.
Pros
- Light and solar panel positions are adjustable
- Flashing red LED for added security
- Impressive 25-metre motion detection
Cons
- Can take a few days of daylight to build up to optimum charge
- Other options offer brighter light
Best multipack
With three operating modes you can set the Kolpop lights to always on – which doesn’t change when motion is detected, dim brightness – which will remain at 20% brightness until motion is detected, or no light sensing – which keeps the light off until motion is detected to provide 100% illumination. The lights can also automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn.
With a built-in PIR sensor, the Kolpop lights can detect movement 6-8 metres away, and the 1200 mAh rechargeable battery needs only 6-8 hours of charging through the day to provide 8-12 hours of continuous lighting at night. An IP rating of 65 means these lights will withstand the heaviest rain showers and even direct water jets.
Pros
- Set of five for versatile illumination
- Good weatherproofing
- Three modes to suit different requirements
Cons
- Other lights may offer better quality
- Instructions to change modes are more difficult to understand than other options
Best for flexible installation
The main unit has 156 LEDs, and a sensor that is capable of detecting movement up to 5-8 metres away, with a sensing angle of 120 degrees. The solar panel has a 15% conversion rate which is slightly less competitive in this market. Like most other solar lights, the AIXPI comes with a IP65 rating so rain shouldn’t phase it. The advantage of this solar security light is that it comes with three light heads that can be adjusted to point in different directions allowing you to illuminate more area in your garden or driveway.
Pros
- Solar panel and light can be positioned and adjusted independently
- Three light heads for wider area coverage
- Up to 270 degrees illumination angle
Cons
- May be tricky to install as other lights offer an easier solution
- Motion sensor is not as competitive as other lights on the market
Best for contemporary design
It’s not the brightest light on our list but can provide a more subtle form of illumination and works well when installed in two or more sets. The sensor can detect movement up to eight metres away, with a sensing angle of 100 degrees.
Pros
- Stylish look
- Up and down light
- Long-lasting Li-ion battery can be replaced
Cons
- Not as bright as others on the list
- Other sensors have a larger sensing angle
FAQs when buying solar security lights
What are lumens and how many do I need?
Look for lights with a high lumen output to ensure sufficient lighting for the area you wish to cover.
Most modern lights are LED, which means they are able to produce a higher output with less energy than traditional halogen or filament lights. For outdoor lighting we recommend up to 1000 lumens, but if you’re looking for flood lights then up to 1500 lumens may be required depending on the area you want to illuminate.
What range should the motion sensor be?
Ensure that the motion sensor range covers the area you want to protect.
Most outdoor lights and smart security cameras will often advertise the motion sensor range as a measurement of distance – for example ‘8-10 metre motion sensor range’. If motion is detected within that range, then the light should turn on. It is important to buy a light with a sensor that covers the majority of the area you want to illuminate, as you don’t want to be walking around the far-end of your garden and the light doesn’t turn on. The angle at which the sensor can detect motion is also useful, as higher angles (e.g. 120 degrees or more) can cover a wider area.
What is the IP rating, and how does it protect against the weather?
The lights should be weather-resistant, with an IP rating of at least IP44.
Outdoor lights or CCTV systems will often face adverse weather conditions, so it’s important to buy a light that will be protected from rain or dust. The IP rating system takes into account the level of protection against solid objects (or dust) and water. The first number rates the level of protection from dust from zero to six, with six being dust tight. For this we recommend a rating of 4 or above for outdoor lighting.
The second number is the level of protection against water from zero to eight, with the higher ratings reserved for products that can be immersed in water (seven and eight). Rating of higher than four is recommended here as it will protect against splashing water, but if you want protection against jet water or even powerful jets then go for a rating of five or six.
What else should I consider when buying a solar security light?
Installation: Consider how easy the lights are to install. Some models are designed to be easily mounted with screws or adhesive, while others may require more complex installation. The same goes to garage alarm systems and the like.
Design: Choose a design that won’t compromise your home’s exterior appearance. There are many styles to choose from, so you can find one that fits your aesthetic preferences.
Price: Consider your budget and look for lights that offer the features you need at a price you can afford.
Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer at Bauer Media writing for Parker’s and CAR, and loves travel, gardening, DIY and music.
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