The Best Solar Street Lights for 2023

If you’re looking for the best solar street lights, you have come to the right post. Today, your friends at Clean Energy Summit highlights the top picks that have the solid and reliable features as well as the factors to look into when buying these products.

Finding the right one, you’ll be certain of using the right lighting solution you need for places like the parking lots, streets, transits, outdoor areas, civil and military security areas and so many more.

To help you pick the right one that suits your needs, check out the following for reference. We do hope you could choose your streetlights after reading today’s guide.

Top-Rated Solar Street Light Reviews

1. RuoKid 80W Solar Street Lights

Although the RuoKid solar street light with pole has a similar price as the ENGREPO JD-198, it is as bright as the lumen rating of ENGREPO at 1500. It also has an integrated light pole to make installation more convenient.

I like these solar street lights’ lumen ratings like the other featured products here. It can illuminate 1,000 square feet of property, making it a suitable solution for lighting a wider area.

My favorite thing about these street lights is their adjustable solar panels. Solar power generation relies on optimum sunlight absorption, which can only happen if the photovoltaic cells form a 90-degree angle to the sun’s rays. So, the flexible solar panel enables homeowners to maximize sunlight exposure with minimum effort.

It also has a metal pole that fits a 1.5- to 3.0-inch-diameter steel shaft. Although the rod is short, it is still better than nothing. I can insert this lighting fixture extension into an existing rod or use the accompanying bracket to set the lights on my wall.

Like the JD-198 and APONUO, this solar street light has an IP67 rating. Homeowners will never worry about setting these fixtures in the streets outside their homes or in their gardens, lawns, and driveways. Rain and snow will never interfere with this product’s illumination performance.

It also has the JD-198’s remote controller with a 39-feet range and an auto-dimming timer that can be set 3-5 hours beforehand. One can also force shut off the lighting fixture by pressing a dedicated button.

2. ENGREPO Solar Street Lights

The ENGREOPO JD-198 is a decent solar-powered device for illuminating a small area. Highly versatile, the light can be used for lighting up the streets, lawns, and gardens.

This street light has 84 LEDs, which translate to a whopping 1,500 lumens – enough to brighten a 1,500-square-foot area. Homeowners can position this solar street light on the garage doors and driveways to illuminate the section, ensuring safer parking.

I am also impressed by this lighting fixture’s 6000mAh LiFePO4 battery, giving it a remarkable 15-hour runtime. Folks can enjoy a few days of free street lighting with this solar light fixture. In addition, its solar panel for street light has the ideal tilt to guarantee optimum solar battery charging.

I also commend the company for its intuitive controller module. It detects battery power levels and adjusts the LED output intensity automatically to conserve battery power and extend the solar street light’s illumination time. And if I want to know how much power the battery has left, I can look at the five-level light power indicator.

Although this solar street light automatically turns on and adjusts the light intensity, people can choose to dim the unit after three and five hours. Folks only need to ensure the remote controller is within 33 feet of the solar street light for a more convenient operation.

What’s more, the product’s IP67 rating is decent enough that I can rest assured it can withstand both rain and snow. This gives me peace of mind as I don’t have to rush out into the torrential rain to retrieve the light.

3. APONUO 300W Solar Street Light

People looking for powerful solar street lights to illuminate their property’s parking lot, garden, backyard, and surrounding streets should consider the APONUO 300W Solar Street Light. The product has a light output that can illuminate a basketball court with up to 300 LED lamps integrated.

I am impressed with this solar street light’s 300-watt rating, nearly four times more than RuoKid and ENGREPO JD-198. This electrical output is sufficient to power the street light’s 300 LEDs and illuminates a 3,000-square-foot area.

This solar unitt’s 10,000-lumen output makes the RuoKid and JD-198’s luminosity look like the sparkle of a distant star. It is like having baseball stadium lights in one’s property because of this product’s brightness.

An impressive lumen rating is not the only thing making these solar parking lot lights remarkable. They also feature passive infrared technology powering their motion detection capability. When there’s no motion, the light remains at a 50% brightness.

The product also has a dusk-to-dawn mode. It is a neat way to improve the 36,000mAh LiFePO4 battery’s lifespan, considering that this mode allows for 3 days of continuous use without charging. The hassle-free operation is made even more convenient by its easy-to-use remote controller.

This solar street light has an IP67 rating. I also feel more confident about its die-cast aluminum lamp body’s resilience against the elements. Although this might mean a higher cost compared to the RuoKid or JD-198, its performance is enough to blow me away.

The solar street light’s PV cell array still draws sufficient photon energy to fill its LiFePO4 battery within hours and run it for 18 hours.

4. TENKOO LED Solar Street Lights

The TENKOO LED Solar Street Light is the top-rated solar led street light for many users worldwide, and for reasons. The top of the line solar powered lights are energy efficient and solid in performance. If you’re looking to improve lighting in the patio or gutter, you can think of installing the streetlights.

For one, they can run up to five nights and provide continuous lighting, promoting the safety of everyone. They are bright enough at 2000 lumens, offering just ample lighting for paths and street.

In addition, the item is lighted by 28 pieces of bright LEDs that can promote illumination especially in a normally dark place in your garden or street. I would like to note that the item is also with integrated lithium battery that can be recharged by the power of the sun and run the solar post lights.

I would like to note that this product could be also turn on or off automatically, one of its smart features to appreciate. It is with integrated sensitive motion sensor and light sensor that works automatically when there is motion. And if there is, lights will be brighter and vice versa. When there is no motion, the lights will dim again, saving energy in the end.

You don’t also have to worry about any electricity bills by choosing the solar-powered lights. There are no wires needed at all, too. It is easy to install and can be mounted on a pole or wall, which must be exposed in direct sunlight to ensure of enough charging. Before installing or charging, you must switch it on.

Another thing I liked about the solar lights is their integrated design. You can find the solar panels on top and the LEDs at the bottom. It is one of the best-engineered solar lighting on the market that you might want to consider if you are looking for an elegant and quick installing solar LED for your patio, garden or walkway.

Even if they’re exposed to the harsh weather, you don’t also have to worry because the polycrystalline silicon solar panels are weatherproof. They are non-corrosive and with quick heat dissipation. The item is also rated at IP65 and is quick charging.

Another thing I would like to note about the TENKOO LED Solar Street Light is its long-life and heavy-duty performance, giving you the most out of your spending.

If you’re looking for a good quality solar light that gives you long-lasting performance, you should not miss but check out the TENKOO LED lights. Finally, I would like to note that users could also receive five years of after-sales service, giving you peace of mind and help when something goes wrong with your solar lights.

5. Solar Light Mart ALPHA 1080X Street Light

If you’re looking for a reliable solar street lamp, you might want to take a second look at the ALPHA 1080X. It is one of the top choices on the market for its performance and reliability along with its numerous features.

For one, it has a three-mode setting that ensures you can adjust and select the right mode that fits your needs. It also has a green LED] indicator and offers dusk to dawn lighting. With it, you don’t have to worry about anything at all because it works smartly, too, that it can come on automatically at night.

This item is also energy-efficient allowing for quick and convenient lighting. You can also mount or install it on the patio, walkway and other dim places you think needs illumination and brightness. No matter how many hours they operate, they won’t cost you money because they’re solar powered. The batteries are recharged by the solar panels included in the design.

I would also like to note that this model features a four-axis rotation. It can allow for max sunlight exposure no matter the season. So even if the seasons change, the solar lighting will keep working and lighting your way.

It can also allow for light coverage area adjustment, one of its great features you need to take note on. In addition, you will appreciate that it’s fitted with a lithium battery, a safe battery to use for its notable characteristics. This battery has strong tolerance to abuse and has thermal stability.

It is also rated with 1500 cycle life when used at ambient temperature25 degrees Celsius and has a high current rating. But for the best results, I would like to recommend that you charge it for full eight hours before use for improved performance.

But if it’s not working based on settings, you can just turn it off and charge for three days before use. A low battery results to less efficient performance.

The lighting system can come on automatically at night. Every package is also complete with what you need including one piece of light fixture, mounting bracket and integrated lithium battery. I would like to note that the Alpha 1080X is also ideal for residential streets and commercial spaces. They’re also great for security lighting and parking lot lighting.

6. HEX 780X Solar Street Lights

Nowadays it’s dangerous to go home late at night especially when it is dark outside. The only thing we can do for ourselves is take precaution for our safety. One way of doing so is to make sure there are lights when it is dark outside. The HEX 780X Solar Street Lights is a product that suits our needs.

This product is a high caliber lighting system that can be used in residential areas, parking lots and other places that need security lighting. In terms of design, it is contemporary and practical. All the parts that make it are functional and you can see that its design is well thought of.

It can be mounted on walls or on poles and it has a non-invasive white light whose brightness does not blind. It is perfect for outdoor areas that need more security as it can be placed anywhere it’s needed and its light is just right, not too bright nor too dim for the people who have to walk past it.

Because the HEX 780X Solar Street Lights is solar powered, it get charged through the sun which makes it environment-friendly. There isn’t a need for an electric meter or electric usage that is quite cost efficient. This also means that there won’t be wires used, making this a safer option in connecting street lights.

Another great thing about it is that the user can define the settings. There are three such settings wherein you can choose the operating light may it be 3, 7 or 12 hours for High Normal or Low settings.

7. SZYOUMY Solar Flood Lights

The SYOUMY solar flood lights are housed in a durable casing that is a combination of heavy-duty aluminum alloy and high-grade ABS material. Moreover, this IP65-rated covering is both water and heatproof. This enables it to withstand weather conditions such as rain, snow, winds, hail, heat and sleet as well as resist rust and dust.

These commercial solar street lights come with a solar panel made of toughened glass that is responsible for absorbing sunlight. This solar power is then converted into energy and stored in a replaceable and rechargeable 2000 MAH battery. Charging usually takes about 8-10 hours for a full battery.

The SYOUMY solar flood lights come in different wattages, ranging from 20W-180W. Some versions also come with a pole. This is perfect for those who want to have many options. The differences in the wattage can be seen in the brightness output. For example, the 100W version can provide up to 5500 lumens of light.

The SYOUMY solar flood lights are also equipped with a light-sensing system that automatically turns them on at dusk and turns them off at dawn.

Moreover, SYOUMY’s solar flood lights are remote-controlled and come in three lighting modes: 30%, 60%, and 100%. The working time of the lights, depend on the lighting mode chosen. A lighting mode of 30% yields 16 hours of working time; 60% results in 12 hours of working time and 100% gives about 8 hours of working time.

SYOUMY’s solar floodlights also feature a wide beam angle that can provide illumination to cover a large area. With the dimmable option and convenience of a remote, users can easily change the light to suit various needs.

The SYOUMY solar flood lights are also easy and quick to install. The product comes with six screws, a pole, an adjustable metal bracket and manual. This gives you the option of installing the lights in two ways. The metal bracket allows you to attach the light in ceilings, walls and other flat surfaces. Meanwhile, the pole can hold light up as you install it on the ground.

8. GBGS Solar Street Light

The GBGS solar street light is encased in a durable casing made out of aluminum and iron, allowing withstanding different weather conditions and damages. Moreover, it has an IP65-rating, meaning it is both water and heatproof and is resistant to rust and dust.

Moreover, this solar street light comes with a solar panel that converts sunlight into electricity. This energy is stored in replaceable and rechargeable lithium batteries. Charging usually takes about 9-10 hours.

The GBGS solar street light houses 40 LED bulbs that give a brightness of 3000 lumens. If fully charged, the company claims that it can last up to 24 hours. This provides an illumination bright enough to suit your common and daily needs.

The GBGS solar light also comes with a light-sensing system that automatically activates the lights at dusk and deactivates it come morning. Unlike other models, this solar light is equipped with a motion sensor and features different lighting modes that you can control via remote.

The motion sensors can sense movement up to 5-8 meters and has a 120-degree sensor angle while the remote control can still control the device up to 3-4 meters.

With the remote control, you can easily adjust the brightness of the solar lights to 100%, 60%, 30% and 10%. Using these lighting modes can result in different working times.

Aside from that, the GBGS solar light also has a mode that combines a dim light and the use of motion sensors. This saves a lot of solar power, as the product will only give a dim light once it senses motion. There is also a timer mode where you can time your lights to turn on from one up to 8 hours.

GBGS’ solar lights are also easy to install as it comes with a manual, four screw sets and assembly accessories. With this, you can easily install these lights on a pole or on any flat surface.

One thing I like about the product is that it’s locked upon receiving it. You can only activate it using the pin provided. The pin assures the user that the product is brand-new and has never been touched or opened.

9. Bestqool Solar Street Light

The Bestqool all in one solar street light is housed in a durable aluminum alloy cover that is known for excellent heat dissipation. The casing is also IP65-rared, meaning that it is both waterproof and heatproof, allowing it to withstand different weather conditions. It also makes it resistant to rust, dust and other damages. With this, the Bestqool solar light has a lifespan up to 50,000 hours.

Moreover, this light comes with a large 10 volts/ 12 watts solar panel and 13200 MAH batteries. Combined, these two components result in a quick charging time and long working hours. In fact, charging only takes about 6-8 hours to get more than 35 hours of working time. Despite charging on cloudy days, the lights will still provide light enough for 3-5 days.

Also, the light will only charge if the temperature is 32℉ and above, lest it will go into self-protection mode.

The Bestqool solar street light houses 28 LED bulbs, providing a total brightness of 1500 lumens. With its wide beam angle, it can illuminate an area of 290.6 sq. ft.

Bestqool’s solar street light is equipped with light and motion sensors. The light sensor automatically turns the light on at dusk and turns it off at dawn to begin charging.

On the other hand, the motion sensors can detect movement from 9-16 ft. and has a sensing angle of 120 degrees.

In addition to the motion detectors are also the different lighting modes. The light automatically is dimmed when it turns on and stays dim.

The Bestqool solar street light will only give a bright light for 30 seconds when it senses movement. After that, it will revert to dim mode again.

Using the bright mode would result in 8-10 hours of working time while the dim mode can provide more than 35 hours of working time.

The Bestqool solar street light is also easy to install as it comes with a gasket, a set of screws and an instruction manual. With this, you can either mount the product on any flat surface or attach it on a pole. Bestqool recommends installing at a height of at least 3-4 meters.

Aside from that, this solar street light comes with a 5-year guarantee. Here, you can get a full refund if you return it in 90 days and a free replacement if you return it within 6 months.

10. Tenkoo 50 watts Solar Street Lights

Sufficient street lights or solar powered street lighting is important for a safer place. If you or your community are planning to install for streetlights but worrying about the high cost of electricity bills, the Tenkoo Solar Street Lights is something that will solve the problem. It can light each corner of the streets while spending less to free electricity.

The 50 watts Tenkoo Solar Street Lights can provide maximum illumination around the areas where it is installed. Lights at the street are beneficial for clearer vision of the walkway at the street to keep people safe when doing night jogging or taking the dogs for walk. It also adds as a security measure that discourages the bad people from trespassing in other properties or stealing valuable stuff from passersby.

Solar lights like the Tenkoo Led lights are practical for outdoor posts because it doesn’t need electricity to function and it is environment-friendly. It gets power directly from the sunshine and generates it into energy for dependable lights every evening.

Its secret is no secret. Tenkoo street lights have a large monocrystalline solar panel that is photovoltaic. The advantage of these lights is that it can easily convert solar energy and charging is quick. You’ll never run out of glow at the street corners because every piece of Tenkoo lights has a lithium battery with 26.4AH large capacity storage. It can sustain power span from five to 8 years.

For power saving mode, the Tenkoo street lights is designed to have built-in light and motion sensor. At daylight, it automatically turns-off and starts to provide light when the darkness creeps. The trick is that it will stay to dim light mode at first but when its system detected series of motion, illumination becomes brighter. Once the movements stop, the light will tone down again.

In additional, the Tenkoo street lights are easy to assemble on street walls or posts with a suggested height of 7m or 23 feet. It can widely spread lights for about 968.7 square feet. It is suitable for outdoor use because it can withstand rainwater, as it is IP65 waterproof.

To make the valued customer more satisfied, the Tenkoo offers five-year warranty for the said streetlights.

11. Brillihood Solar Street Light

The Brillihood solar street light is encased in a durable die-casting aluminum metal cover that has an IP65-rating. This makes the product both waterproof and heatproof, allowing it to withstand different weather conditions. It also makes it resistant to dust, rust and other damages. With this, this solar street light has a 5000 hours lifespan.

Moreover, the solar street light has a large 6 volts/ 12 watts polycrystalline silicon solar panel and a rechargeable and replaceable 13200 MAH battery. Both of these components result in a quicker charging time and a longer working use. In fact, charging also takes about 6-8 hours.

The Brillihood solar street light houses 12 watts of LED power. This provides a brightness of over 1200 lumens with a 6000K clear color. If fully charged, these solar lights can last up to 5-8 hours. With this, Brillihood’s solar street light can sufficiently light up the dim spaces and areas in your home.

Brillihood’s solar street light is equipped with a light-sensing system that automatically turns the lights on at dusk and turns them off at dawn. As soon as it turns off, the solar street light will automatically start charging itself.

The Brillihood solar street light is also very easy to install as it comes with a mounting pole and screws. These two options allow you to attach the light anywhere- be it on flat surfaces, or on a pole.

Also, the Brillihood solar street light also features a functional design. It has a 360-degree rotating bracket as well as an extended lamp arm. This allows you to adjust your light in accordance with your preferences.

Aside from that, Brillihood’s solar street light is backed with a 3-year warranty. In case of defects and damages, you can always contact their customer service.

The Brillihood solar street light is worth considering if you’re looking for a simple, bright and durable light. It provides a sufficient amount of light and is equipped with a light-sensing system. It is also very quick and easy to install.

12. PSG Solar Outdoor Lamp

Streetlights are important to us at night. They help keep us safe and make it easier for us to see where we are going. Having cost efficient eco-friendly street lights is what we need. One such product is the PSG Solar Outdoor Lamp.

This product is great for people like me who tend to forget to plug things, as it is solar- powered. It charges on its own as long as there is sunlight. This also means that electric wires and electricity are not need when it is being installed.

When it comes to switching this on and off, its induction mode automatically switches on at dusk and turns off at dawn. This is great for people who go out of their houses in the morning and go home at dusk or night as their surroundings would be illuminated without them having to turn on lights at home.

It comes with a remote control so that the product can be easily used even at a distance. With the remote comes access to different modes such as full bright, induction and constant light mode.

With high quality LED bulbs, the PSG Solar Outdoor Lamp is very bright and illuminating. Compared to traditional light bulbs, this product’s illumination is better as it is several times brighter while saving energy at the same time.

It is also very easy to install. With an adjustable metal bracket, it can be mounted on walls, poles, ceilings etc. through the adjustment of different angles. This makes it the perfect product to install anywhere it’s needed.

13. Yuelguang Solar Street Light

The Yuelguang solar street light is enclosed in a durable and sturdy aluminum casing and is equipped with a tough glass lamp. It has an IP65 rating that makes it waterproof and heatproof as well as resistant to dust and rust. This allows the lights to continue working despite experiencing adverse weather conditions.

Moreover, the Yuelguang solar street light is equipped with a 12000 MAH and a monocrystalline silicon solar panel. With these two components, the light is assured to have a quick charging time and long battery life. With the Yuelguang solar street light, charging usually takes less than 6 hours if directed at full sunlight.

The Yuelguang solar street light houses 84 LED bulbs that provide a total brightness of 650-750 lumens. With its flexible light head, this solar street light can provide light up to 50 meters.

Unlike other models, the Yuelguang solar street light is also equipped with light and motion sensors. Due to the light sensor, this solar street light automatically turns on at dusk and turns off at morning to begin charging.

Meanwhile, the motion sensors can sense movement from 9-16 ft. to an angle of 60 degrees. When first turned on, the Yuelguang solar street light is at first dim. However, with the motion sensors, the lights become brighter for about 30 seconds when it detects nearby motion. After that, the lights revert to dim mode again.

Of course, the different lighting modes affect its battery life and working time. If fully charged, it provides illumination for 18-24 hours on full brightness mode. On dim mode, it provides a battery life of more or less 48 hours when on a full charge.

The Yuelguang solar street light is also easy to install as it comes with a set of screws. With this, you can easily mount the light onto your walls and other flat surfaces. You can also attach the light to a pole; however, the pole is not included in the package. Yuelguang recommends getting a pole that has a diameter of 2-3”.

Yuelguang’s solar street light is also backed with excellent customer support. If you have any concerns with your product, the friendly and accommodating staff would be more than happy to assist you.

17. Solar Light Mart Alpha 2020x Street Light

If you are looking for high quality lighting either for residential, community or commercial purposes, the Solar Light Mart is boasting for the Alpha 2020x Street Light. It displays standout features such as its practical use, its three way setting mode, long-lasting lighting ability and aesthetics.

Wise shoppers choose the Solar Light Mart Alpha 2020x Street Light because it causes no higher cost in many ways. Since, the said Led lights are solar powered, no need to worry about the additional charges in electricity bill. Each piece can fully absorb sunlight and transform it to energy to function well.

More so, no cost for trenching, replacing, repairing and land usage permits is required in installing the Alpha 2020x Street Light. Since, it is solar powered, no need for spending additional cost for creating electrical connections and buying of electric meter.

Once installed, it is noticeable that the Alpha 2020x Street Light has an upgraded three lighting modes. These are the green, blue and red led. Green led lights provides normal floodlight and the PIR sensor is off. On the other hand, the Blue led signals that the PIR motion is in full brightness while the Red Led rules the light to turn on or off depend on the motion that it detects.

If you look closer, the Solar Light Mart Alpha 2020x Street Light has Batwing lens that are incorporated in its 40 units CREE LEDS. With its wider lighting scope, it can surely provide safety lighting and security for different establishments such in parkways, walkways, streets etc.

Further, the Alpha 2020x lights can be long-lasting because it has 50, 000 hours lighting ability if charged fully for eight hours. After all, it has a lithium battery with large power storage capacity.

The said lights also comes in modern architectural style as every piece has pristine white color, rectangular in shape and made of aluminum, plastic, glass and cast iron. The Solar Light Mart also claimed that the Alpha 2020x Street Light has the stress-free mounting kit system. It has an adjustable mounting bracket so you can place it where the sun shines brighter for faster charging.

15. TENKOO Solar Powered Street Lights

The world is getting more dangerous especially at night that makes light and street lights important to make sure we are safe. Even without electricity, light should be provided. One product that does such is the TENKOO Solar Powered Street Lights.

TENKOO is a company that provides high quality lights as they not only sell the products, they also do everything from researching it to manufacturing and testing it. They make sure that their products are of a high standard.

Now about the product: looking like a lamp, TENKOO Solar Powered Street Lights is a product both useful and aesthetically pleasing. We won’t be feeling weird out by its design, as it looks familiar. We know what it does and what we can expect from it just by looking at it.

It has a built-in motion and light sensor that detects when someone is passing below it, to make it brighter or when no one is around so its light would be dimmer, saving its battery energy.

As it is solar powered, not only is it eco-friendly it also saves up money from having to trench to wire the street light. It also means that it gets all its energy from the sun, having no need for electricity that, again, saves money.

This product is easy to install. It can be mounted on walls or poles, which makes it the perfect lighting to place anywhere. It can be in backyards, parking lots etc. As long as there is a pole or a wall, the TENKOO solar powered street lamps can be mounted.

It also is low maintenance. As long as it is recharged by the sun, you can use this street light. It doesn’t matter if it is cloudy or sunny or whatever weather there is as it has a built-in lithium battery with large capacity making sure that it can be used for a long time – as long as it is dark, the street light switches on.

Why You Should Trust Us

You should trust us when shopping around for solar powered street lights because we have a systematic approach in highlighting the factors to think about when trying to compare your options as well as in reviewing the products we have featured earlier.

Before choosing the products we have reviewed in the buying guide, we have considered the most important things to look into so that we can make a better comparison and review. From those reviews, we have also highlighted the pros and cons to help you study your options better later.

We’re your trusted team passionate about clean energy particularly solar and wind power. Using our reviews, you can rest assured that we have reviewed each product closely. We would like to help you select the right streetlights with the durability and performance that you’re looking for.

Get started and find the perfect streetlights for you! Use our reviews and buying guide, and buy your led solar street light today!

What Is A Solar Street Light And Who This Is For

We can see streetlights in every corner of our streets when we go out. They are very important source of lights during the night. As our modern technology is continually advancing so are our devices. Solar devices are becoming more popular to the general public these days. Another innovative product of our modern technology on solar products is the solar street light.

The solar streetlights are perfect for lighting your pathways, walkways, courtyards and garden. Avoid tripping over or stumbling over things because you can’t see what is around you.

Make your place more secure and accessible for you and your family during the night. Not to mention that the solar street lights have modern and classy design that will surely elevate the landscape of your outdoor spaces.

This street light is solar-powered dependent on a renewable energy source that is sunlight. The solar streetlights are perfect for those who are genuinely concerned with our environment and are looking for a reliable source of light during the night. It is perfect to give you illumination without producing harmful effects to the surrounding.

This street light is energy-efficient and cost-effective will certainly work to satisfy the customer’s needs. In choosing this product, make sure to start referring to our list above for help.

How Do Solar Street Lights Work

Solar street lights are called as such because they rely on sunlight for their operation. They harness the energy from the sun and convert it into electricity that the light uses to run during the night. How exactly does the light do it?

Solar street lights have solar panels or photovoltaic cells. These photovoltaic cells are the ones responsible for converting sunlight into the energy that the light needs.

During the day, the photovoltaic cells or the solar panels harnesses energy from the sun, convert these into solar energy, and stores them into the batteries of the lights. The solar streetlights use these stored energy during the night.

Solar streets light usually have a light sensor. This sensor can detect the presence and absence of light. This feature enables solar streetlights to automatically turn on at night and turn off at dawn and charges itself. Moreover, solar streetlights also usually have motion sensor that enables the light to brighten when it detects a person and dims when that person is gone.

The solar streetlights work on sunlight thus naturally the weather, either sunny or gloomy, can affect the running time and output of the light.

What Are The Different Types Of Solar Street Lights

There is a wide range of options to choose from if you decide to buy a solar street light. This solar streetlight comes with different designs and features. In choosing a solar street light you have to take into consideration the different kinds to know which one is more suited for you and your needs.

There are four main kinds of solar street lights namely the Solar CFL street light, the Solar LED street light, the Solar Flood street light, and the All-in-one street light. These lights vary in their designs and specifications.

The first type of solar powered street lights is the Solar CFL street light. This type is known to have a high luminous efficiency that provides one with efficient and reliable bright lights perfect for lighting your outdoor spaces. In addition, this type has low operational costs that makes it more attractive in the market.

The second type of solar street light is the solar LED streetlight. These lights are more common and are easy to install. The LEDs in these lights last longer and does not need frequent replacement. You can use your LED street light for a long time making your money’s worth.

The third type of solar street light is the Solar Flood street light. This type gives off uniform, high intensity, broad-beamed light that is able to cover a wider scope. This is perfect if you are looking for illumination for a wide area.

Lastly, we have the All-in-one street light. This type of streetlight is known as user-friendly because it is very convenient and does not need any messy cables for its easy installation. Moreover, this type of street light has one of the lightest weights compared to the other models of street lights available in the market.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Solar Street Lights

Solar street lights are very useful in providing a reliable bright light to illuminate the streets and paths at night. They offer additional security, helps avoid unwanted accident, and in general just provides everyone with convenience in going around the outdoors during the night.

But aside from the illumination that it offers, there are other advantages of this product that will make you really consider choosing a solar street light for your pathways, gardens, and yards.

One obvious advantage of the solar street lights is that it is a solar-powered product. Not only is it not harmful for the environment but it will also allow you to go off the grid. Solar-powered products are made for the convenience especially of those people living in areas where the grid does not offer a stable service. Even without electricity, you can still have your lights as long as they charge during the day.

Its energy source is available throughout the year. There is no need to worry because this light will illuminate your home even when you are away. Even during the time of the year when sunlight is not abundant, it still will absorb some power and produce light during the night.

Because of its solar-powered design, this product is cost-effective. It will not add any expenses to your electricity bills. Even the maintenance of these solar street lights is minimal. There is also no need to buy wires or extensions.

The solar street lights are also easier to install. Usually included in the package are the needed materials. Installation does not need any messy wiring or electrical connections that makes these lights safer and more risk-free.

Another advantage of solar street light is its light sensor and automatic on/off feature. This feature is very convenient for the customer because it requires less work from the user. The lights can work on its own without the need of manual operation. It turns on, off and charges all on its own. Just make sure to install it where it has access to direct sunlight and rest assured that the lights are ready to go.

However, similar with other products, the solar street lights also have a downside.

As much as it is not harmful for the environment, it is also the downside of the solar street lights its dependency on the sunlight for charging.

The weather condition and geographical location affects the performance of the lights. Naturally, during a sunny day the lights can absorb a lot of solar energy. But when it rains or in places where a gloomy weather is the norm then there is less sunlight for the panels to absorb.

The abovementioned downside causes the solar street lights to produce dimmer lights compared to other kinds of street lights. Some solar street lights are as bright as those normal streetlights that uses electricity from the grid. But most of the time, when we speak of brightness or light output, the solar street light is usually dimmer.

How We Picked And Tested

Looking for where you can buy a solar street light is not a problem. Just a simple click online and you can find a long list of recommendations for solar street lights. There are many models out in the market complete with different features and designs.

The real difficulty now is in choosing which one is the perfect product for you that is reliable and will suit for your needs.

This section will describe what to look for in solar street lights that you should consider. This will certainly aid you in choosing and buying your own solar street lights.

Prices

Do not be deceived by prices. Choose a solar street light that is fit to your budget. Remember that you always have a cheaper alternative for a very expensive solar street light if you just look. Comparing prices can help you ensure that you are getting the most out of your money with the right product without hurting you savings.

But you should always exercise caution, do not be deceived by cheap prices. Because of the demand in the market, there are many solar street lights that really have cheap prices. But even with a cheap price you still have to consider many other things.

You want a light that is affordable but of good quality and will last. Because what use is a cheap price if the product cannot last for a long time and you need to purchase again every other year. It will only cost you more.

Weatherproof

Look for a solar street light that are weatherproof. Street lights are installed outdoors and completely exposed to the changing weather. You want a solar street light that can withstand extreme heats, heavy rains, and the snow.

Take note of its waterproof rating. Choose a solar street light that have high waterproof rating for a more reliable product.

Durable and tough material

Look for a solar street light that has high-quality materials. Those are proven to be tough and can last for a long time considering that it is vulnerable to anything in the outdoors. Make sure that the lights have hard shells and casings.

UV-resistant, resistance to corrosion, anti-scratch materials are some factors that you might want to consider.

Brightness

Solar street lights vary in their brightness and light output, some are brighter and other are dimmer. Check for the lumens of the solar street light.

This determine how much light it emits. The higher the lumens of the light the brighter that light is. Choose a solar street light that can give you the right amount of illumination that you need.

Recharge Time and Run Time

In choosing a solar street light you also need to consider how efficient it is when charging. You want a light that need less time in charging but still have a good run time during the night. But remember never to sacrifice recharge time for a good run time.

Light Sensor and Motion Sensor

Sensors are great and convenient for the automatic operations of the light. Not all solar street lights have these features.

The light sensor automatically turn the lights on during the night and turns it off during the day. This saves you the hassle of manually operating the lights. The motion sensor of lights can detect movement and will brighten the lights when there is a person and dims when the person is gone.

In choosing a solar street light, choose one with features that are convenient for you.

Lifespan

Usually solar street lights have a lifespan of 50,000 hours on average. You want a street light that you can really utilize and is worth the money you spent. Choose a solar street light that can work and last for a long time without needing frequent replacements.

Easy Installation

Look for the best solar street lights that are easily installed to any outdoor spaces you want and without needing that you hire a professional service. For your convenience, choose those that already includes the installation tools such as mounting poles, bolts, and screws.

Warranties and Customer Service

Warranties are very important in choosing a product. You can be more confident with your purchase if you see that the product has a good warranty and the brand offers good customer service. There are many bad reviews online about defective products. It is not something that you can foresee but you need to exercise caution and choose a product with good warranty.

It is also important to consider the customer service of the brand. When you are confronted with issues about your solar street lights, a good customer service will be of great help to you. You want a customer service department that is willing to answer all your concerns and queries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How reliable are solar street lights?

Although solar street lights are cost-effective and self-sustaining illumination devices, they are less reliable in areas with perennially poor weather conditions. These lighting fixtures rely on sunlight to produce the energy for illumination. Hence, regions with less than 4 hours of sunlight a day might find solar units not very effective.

However, a street light with solar panel and a high-capacity battery should be more reliable than traditional on-grid street lighting fixtures. Power outages or grid failures will never affect a solar street light’s illumination performance. It can continue lighting up an area even in stormy weather, provided the solar battery has sufficient charge.

Do solar street lights charge when it’s cloudy outside?

Yes, solar street lights charge even when it is cloudy outside. People must understand that solar street lighting fixtures have solar panels comprising semiconductor-based photovoltaic cells. Each semiconductor absorbs “photon” or “light” energy and converts it to DC electricity for storage in the street light’s integrated solar battery.

However, note that solar units differ in photovoltaic cell technology, impacting their charging capabilities in overcast skies. Most manufacturers use monocrystalline solar panels because they’re more efficient in absorbing and converting light energy (photons) into DC electricity. These systems can charge solar batteries even on cloudy days.

Some brands use polycrystalline panels because they are cheaper to produce and last longer. Unfortunately, these solar panels might not charge the solar street light’s battery in overcast skies.

Although monocrystalline solar panels charge solar street light batteries on cloudy days, they cannot compare to an amorphous silicon-based photovoltaic cell’s photon-absorbing efficiency.

These solar panels feature a uni-solar triple-junction photovoltaic cell technology, allowing the cells to accommodate a more extensive range in the visible light spectrum.

Unfortunately, amorphous solar panels are bulky and expensive, making them less appealing options for solar street lighting.

How bright are solar street lights?

Solar street lights vary in brightness. For example, a 30-watt solar street light can produce 4,500 lumens. On the other hand, the APONUO Solar Street Light we reviewed in this article has an impressive 10,000-lumen brightness. Meanwhile, both the JD-198 and RuoKid deliver 1,500 lumens.

According to Consumer Reports, a light bulb’s lumen rating reflects its brightness or “luminosity.” The higher a lighting fixture’s “lumen” value, the brighter it is. For example, a 2,000-lumen solar street light is more luminous than a 1,000-lumen lighting fixture.

Depending on the brand and the light bult type, the lumen ratings may change. For example, LED lights have a luminous efficacy of 75 to 110 lumens per watt, while incandescent bulbs produce 12 to 18 lumens per watt.

Hence, a 100-watt incandescent bulb can have 1,200 to 1,800 lumens, while an LED lighting fixture with similar specifications can be as bright as 7,500 to 11,000 lumens.

How do you size a solar street light?

Sizing a solar street light is not as straightforward as determining the ideal lighting fixture for the home. You might want to consider first the energy necessary to run the street light and how much power your panels can generate.

A solar light is ideal in areas with longer peak sun hours, such as the south and southwestern parts of the US.

You might need solar panels with higher conversion ratings or a larger solar system array if you live in areas with shorter peak sun hours.

Your next consideration is the solar battery. It will be best to pick a power supply unit with a high capacity and better depth of discharge to ensure extended solar street lighting operation.

You can check the LED street lighting fixture size depending on the area you want to illuminate. For example, HEI Solar recommends units with 5,000 lumens for residential street lights, 6,400 to 18,000 lumens for roadway street lights, and 25,000 to 100,000 lumens for highway lights. A 700 to 1,300-lumen solar light is sufficient as a flood light.

Compare the lighting fixture’s energy requirements to your solar panel’s output, ensuring power generation exceeds energy load.

What are the most trusted solar street light brands?

Some of the most trusted solar light brands include TENKOO, Solar Light Mart, PSG and SZYOUMY, among others we’ve highlighted earlier. If you’re looking for reliable brands, you might want to get started with the selection we’ve written earlier.

Do these lights come with a pole?    

Not all solar lights come with a pole, but it varies from one manufacturer to another. You should check on it when trying to compare your choices among these streetlights.

Do these lights automatically come on?

Yes, many of these lights can come on automatically at night, making it more convenient to use them. However, not all might have this feature so you should check when comparing your choices.

Can the light be mounted to a tree?

It is not advisable because it wouldn’t receive sunlight if the tree is shady and not exposing the solar panels to it. Instead, you must install it in an area where it can receive sunlight and charge well.  

How long does the battery last?        

If you’re asking about its durability, there is no specific answer to it because it varies from one battery type or make to another. Some batteries might not have a strong thermal stability, for one.

How much do solar street lights cost?           

When comparing different products, you must also look into solar street lights prices. There are affordable and a bit expensive choices. Expect those with additional features to be more expensive than those with basic functions do. Nevertheless, you must still prioritize quality over price so that you can look forward to longer-lasting use.

How long does a solar flashlight last after it is fully charged?        

It depends on the battery type. Some only takes between full eight to 10 hours before being 100% fully charged. Check on this on the label when comparing your choices for guidance.

Are solar streetlight’s batteries replaceable?          

Yes, they are replaceable, so it is not at all hard to replace or get a new one to keep the street lighting properly working. Bottom line, you should check on it when reading the label or checking reviews.

What is the warranty?             

Some of these solar lights come with two or five years of warranty. You might want to look into it when comparing your options because it adds peace of mind and satisfaction in your purchase.

What are the best places to buy?

There are many great places to buy these streetlights including in stores selling clean energy products. But for the best deals and affordable prices, you might want to buy yours at Amazon.       

How to install and use?

Most of these come with installation instructions that you just need to follow when setting up and before using yours. Generally, installing and using it is not hard at all.

How to care & maintain?

There is no special maintenance needed for most of these because they’re especially designed and made to deal with the rough and tough weather conditions. Once setup, most of them can work for a long time because they are also made of materials that can resist corrosion even with exposure to the elements.

Conclusion

Finding the best solar street lights can be easier and less time-consuming if you’d be able to narrow down your choices to compare based only on reliable brands and quality features. In today’s guide, you can get started with the selection process so that you can make a better decision.

We do hope that you’d be able to select your versatile, durable and quality street lighting solution. Using this reference, you’ll have a better idea of what to look for such as warranty, lifespan and ease of installation, to name some. Get started and find top quality solar street lighting solutions today!

Eddie B. Robinson

Hi, I am Eddie, Cleanenergysummit’s content editor. It’s so much joy to work alongside Justin, as the idea of providing knowledge about using clean energy excites us.

I’ve been working to address any concerns or questions you may have as you transition to using solar electricity to power your home. Tune in to hear our advice and suggestions on anything clean energy. Welcome!