There are tons of solar deck lights out there, and figuring out the best ones for your needs can be pretty overwhelming.
I’ve rolled up my sleeves and tested about 50 different models to make things easier for you.
I checked out how well they perform, how durable they are, their brightness, and their overall value.
After all that testing, I’ve pinpointed the top solar deck lights that stand out in various categories.
In this article, I’ll guide you through a bunch of options, from budget-friendly picks to top-of-the-line models.
So, no matter what your budget or preferences are, you’ll find something that fits just right.
The Best Solar Deck Lights Selection
Editor’s Choice: Aootek Solar Deck Lights
Features
- Material: Plastic
- Charge Time: 7-9 hours
- Waterproofing Rate: IP65
The Aootek Solar Deck Lights are packed with 120 LEDs each, spreading a soft, even light thanks to their built-in reflectors.
What’s great is that they cover a broad 270-degree angle, so you don’t get those annoying bright spots or glares—just a steady glow perfect for setting a cozy vibe.
These lights come with 3 handy modes.
First up is the Security Light Mode, which fires up a bright light whenever it senses motion—great if you’re worried about security.
Then there’s the Permanent On All Night Mode, which keeps your deck gently illuminated all evening, making it ideal for late-night hangouts or dinners outside.
And finally, there’s the Smart Brightness Control Mode, which adjusts the light intensity based on movement around it, helping you save energy when it’s not needed.
I love the continuous glow the Permanent On All Night Mode provides, making the deck a welcoming place to chill after sunset.
But if you need something more security-focused, the Security Mode has got you covered too—it can detect movement from up to 26 feet away and lights up a wide area.
The solar panel on these lights is pretty efficient, with about a 20.5% conversion rate, so they charge up quite quickly.
I decided to put these modes to the test over several days, and I wasn’t disappointed.
In Security Light Mode, the lights charged for about 4 hours and kept running for 12 hours.
In Permanent On All Night Mode, the lights charged in around 6-8 hours and provided a steady glow for up to 9 hours, keeping my deck well-lit from dusk till dawn.
In Smart Brightness Control Mode, the lights charged in about 4-5 hours and automatically adjusted their brightness based on movement.
The only downside is that their plastic build might not handle a serious knock, so it’s probably best to place them where they won’t get bumped.
All in all, the Aootek Solar Deck Lights are a solid choice with their bright LEDs, flexible lighting options, and dependable performance.
What We Like
- 120 LED lights with 120-degree wide coverage
- 3 versatile lighting modes
- High solar panel conversion rate
- Excellent IP65 waterproofing
What We Don’t Like
- The plastic body feels a bit fragile
Runner up: SOLPEX Solar Deck Lights
Features
- Material: Plastic
- Run Time: Up to 10 hours
- Charge Time: 4-5 hours
- Waterproofing Rate: IP44
The SOLPEX Solar Deck Lights, equipped with 16 LEDs, give off a warm, inviting glow at a color temperature of 3000K.
I’ve got them set up on the stairs leading to my deck, and they do a great job of lighting the path without being too bright or overwhelming.
They create just the right amount of light for a gentle, welcoming feel as you walk up.
What I like about these lights is how quickly they charge.
Even on days when the sunlight is a bit hit or miss, they only take about 4-5 hours to get fully powered up.
I’ve been keeping an eye on their charging performance over the past week.
On those partly cloudy days, it takes around 6 hours for a full charge, and then they keep shining for about 8 hours.
But when the sun’s out in full force, they can charge up even faster, in about 4 hours, and then they last for up to 10 hours into the night.
One little snag I’ve noticed is the brightness. While the warm glow they emit is nice, I do wish they were a bit brighter.
A few more lumens would make them perfect, especially on darker nights.
Despite this, the SOLPEX Solar Deck Lights are reliable, easy to set up, and do a great job of lighting up the stairs to my deck.
What We Like
- Efficient solar panel charging (4-5 hours)
- Long runtime for up to 10 hours
- Easy installation with included screws
What We Don’t Like
- Lower brightness level
- The plastic body is a bit fragile
- Low waterproof rating (IP44)
Best Bang for the Buck: Lightique Solar Moroccan Lights
Features
- Material: Copper wire & silver metal
- Run Time: Up to 8 hours
- Charge Time: 6-8 hours
- Waterproofing Rate: IP65
The Lightique Solar Moroccan Lights are small, shimmering golden balls that cast a lovely, starry effect, perfect for creating a cozy and festive mood.
They come with 8 lighting modes, so you can find the perfect style for any occasion (Waves / Combination / Sequential / Gradual / Chasing flash / Slow fade / Twinkle flash / Steady on)
I love the slow fade mode, which creates a gentle transition between light and dark, resembling softly fading stars.
These lights are also super user-friendly.
There’s a memory function that remembers your last setting, so you don’t have to fuss with the controls every time you turn them on.
And at 10 feet long, you have plenty of length to play around with.
Whether you want to wrap them around a railing or hang them up as a centerpiece, it’s all easy to do.
They even come with cup hooks for hanging.
The only small hiccup might be their battery capacity, which is 600mAh.
On a sunny day, they’ll shine for up to 8 hours, but if it’s cloudy, they might not last as long.
However, for their price, the Lightique Solar Moroccan Lights still offer a beautiful and affordable way to light up your outdoor space.
What We Like
- 8 versatile lighting modes
- Built-in memory function for convenient use
- Easy installation and flexible 10-foot length
- IP65 waterproof rating for durability
What We Don’t Like
- Small 600mAh battery capacity
Best Fence Light: OTHWAY Solar Fence Light
Features
- Material: Plastic
- Run Time: Up to 9 hours
- Charge Time: 6-8 hours
- Waterproofing Rate: IP65
- Warranty: 1-year
The OTHWAY Solar Fence Lights have 6 LED bulbs that give off a warm, charming glow, providing just enough light without being too bright or bothering the neighbors.
These fence lights are small, at just 2.52 x 3.5 x 2.05 inches, so they can be spaced evenly along your fence without looking bulky or out of place.
Each light includes a small solar panel (2V 0.26W) that charges fully with 5-7 hours of sunlight, lasting up to 8 hours.
Even on cloudy days, they’ll charge in about 8 hours and provide around 6 hours of light.
I tested them myself on my deck fence.
On sunny days, they lit up for nearly 8 hours straight, casting a warm and inviting glow.
And on gloomy days? No problem—they still managed about 6 hours of light.
They’re also tough enough to handle the elements.
With an IP65 waterproof rating, they’ve endured heavy rain showers without missing a beat.
Plus, they come with a 1-year warranty, so you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
The only slight drawback is their brightness—it’s lovely and subtle but might not be enough if you’re looking for a primary light source.
Overall, I still highly recommend the OTHWAY Solar Fence Lights to anyone looking to add a touch of elegance and tranquility to their deck or outdoor space.
What We Like
- Compact size for easy spacing
- Efficient solar panel with up to 9 hours of light
- Easy installation with removable cover
- IP65 waterproofing for durability
- 1-year warranty for peace of mind
What We Don’t Like
- Relatively low brightness
Best Path Light: SIEDiNLAR Solar Step Lights
Features
- Material: Metal
- Brightness: 15 lumens
- Run Time: Up to 12 hours
- Charge Time: 6-8 hours
- Waterproofing Rate: IP68
- Warranty: 1-year
The SIEDiNLAR Solar Step Lights shine with 15 lumens and have a cool 6,000K color temperature, giving off a nice, tranquil glow.
They’re not just pretty; they’re practical too.
On a clear day, they take about 5 to 7 hours to fully charge and then keep the path lit for around 10 to 11 hours.
I was curious to see what these solar panels could do, so I tested them over a week of mixed weather.
On sunny days, they charged up by late afternoon and stayed lit through the night.
On cloudy days, it took 7 or 8 hours for a full charge, but they still gave about 8 hours of light.
What’s cool about these lights is that they can handle up to 20 tons of pressure.
That sounds like overkill for a deck light, right?
I thought so too, but I made a little test of my own.
I put a heavy object on one of the lights — specifically, during that stormy night last spring, my heavy gas grill accidentally ended up on top of one of the lights.
To my surprise, the light didn’t just survive; it didn’t even have a scratch.
The IP68 waterproof rating also means these lights are completely resistant to dust ingress and can withstand long water immersion periods.
My only issue with this model is the quality of the included screws.
They easily strip and don’t hold well, especially on hard surfaces or in windy spots.
So, you might want to get some stronger screws for installation.
Despite this small issue, the SIEDiNLAR Solar Step Lights are reliable and provide beautiful illumination for stylish and practical outdoor lighting.
What We Like
- 15 lumens with a color temperature of 6,000K
- Long-lasting battery life of up to 12 hours
- Ability to withstand up to 20 tons of pressure
- IP68 waterproofing for durability
- 1-year warranty for peace of mind
What We Don’t Like
- The included screws feel cheap
Best String Light: Brightown Solar String Light
Features
- Material: Plastic
- Run Time: Up to 20 hours
- Charge Time: 12 hours
- Waterproofing Rate: IP45
The Brightown Solar String Lights have this cool vintage filament design that gives off a warm, ambient glow, making your deck feel like a classic, nostalgic spot.
I love to hang these string lights across my deck whenever I’m setting up for a cozy dinner outside or just hanging out with friends.
One thing I like is how easy it is to adjust the brightness.
With the built-in dimmer, you can switch between 25%, 50%, 75%, and full brightness.
Whether you want a dim, romantic dinner setting or a bright and lively party vibe, it’s got you covered.
It’s also great for saving energy or making the lights last longer.
If you don’t need them super bright, just dim them down to 25% or 50%, and you’ll get more hours of light without needing a recharge.
The timer feature is a lifesaver too, especially when I’m hosting and have a million things on my mind.
You can set it to turn off after 6, 8 hours, or even after midnight, so you don’t have to remember to switch them off yourself.
Plus, I like that the solar panel is adjustable by 180 degrees, so no matter the season, you can tilt it to catch the most sunlight.
While I’m happy with these lights overall, there are a couple of things that could be better.
They have an IP45 rating, which means they can handle light rain but might struggle in heavy rain or snow.
Also, the plastic build (including the bulb covers and solar panel housing) is lightweight and rust-resistant, but I’m a bit worried it might get brittle or discolored over time.
Despite these minor concerns, I still think the Brightown Solar String Lights are a great buy. They add a beautiful touch to the deck, are functional, and save energy.
What We Like
- Vintage filament design
- Multiple brightness levels
- 180-degree adjustable solar panel
- Long battery life of up to 20 hours after about 12 hours of sunlight
- Easy to install and arrange as per the required aesthetic
What We Don’t Like
- The plastic body is flimsy
- Low waterproof rating (IP45)
Best Lantern: TomCare Flickering Flame Solar Light
Features
- Material: Metal & plastic
- Brightness: 25 lumens
- Run Time: Up to 10 hours
- Charge Time: 8 hours
- Waterproofing Rate: IP65
- Warranty: 1-year
The TomCare Flickering Flame Solar Light brings cozy vibes with its warm glow, shining at 25 lumens.
It looks just like real dancing flames—super cool for setting the mood without any of the mess or safety worries you get with actual candles.
Last Halloween, I strung these lantern lights along the deck railings and set a few on the tables, creating this spooky vibe that was perfect for the evening.
We told ghost stories with the kids and caught up with the adults, all under the flickering light that even made the trick-or-treaters do a double-take as they walked by.
These lights have a solar panel with about a 20% conversion rate, which means it takes about 8 hours to fully charge them up, and then they last for up to 10 hours.
But when I used them in the fall when the days were shorter and the sun wasn’t as strong, it took around 9 hours to charge them, and then they lasted about 6 hours.
The only real drawback is the price.
They’re not the cheapest option out there, but the quality, durability, and gorgeous flame effect make the TomCare Flickering Flame Solar Lights worth it.
What We Like
- Realistic dancing flame effect
- 25 lumens
- Up to 10-hour run time
- Waterproofing rate of IP65
- 1-year warranty
What We Don’t Like
- A somewhat steep price compared to other models
Best Rope Light: Brightown Solar Rope Light
Features
- Material: Plastic
- Run Time: Up to 10 hours
- Charge Time: 4-6 hours
- Waterproofing Rate: IP65
The Brightown Solar Rope Light has 200 LED bulbs spaced out along 72 feet of high-quality copper wire.
This design gives you plenty of flexibility to wrap them around deck railings, drape them over bushes, or coil them around tree trunks.
The setup includes an adjustable solar panel and a built-in 1,200mAh battery that fully charges in just 4 to 6 hours of sunlight.
Once charged, these lights can last up to 10 hours.
I decided to put the battery to the test by cycling through the various lighting modes to see how long they’d last.
On the brightest setting, they shone for about 8 hours straight, and on the dimmest, they lasted a solid 10 hours.
Even on cloudy days, they managed to provide up to 6 hours of light, which was impressive.
This model also features an IP65 waterproof rating, meaning the copper wire is encased in an ultra-thin waterproof membrane.
This feature helps the lights withstand various weather conditions, from light rain to heavy downpours.
One thing to note, though, is the rope’s thin profile.
While it makes the lights flexible and easy to maneuver, you need to be careful not to stretch them too tight or let them tangle to avoid damage.
Despite this minor hiccup, the Brightown Solar Rope Light still stands out for its easy adaptability, range of lighting modes, and efficient solar panel system.
What We Like
- 200 super bright LEDs
- 72 feet of flexible, slender copper wire
- Up to 10-hour run time
- Waterproofing rate of IP65
What We Don’t Like
- The thin profile of the rope makes it a bit fragile
Best Wall Light: Greluna Solar Wall Light
Features
- Material: Plastic
- Brightness: 10 lumens
- Run Time: Up to 8 hours
- Charge Time: 6 hours
The Greluna Solar Wall Light features 10 lumens of light which gives just the right amount of glow—not too bright, not too dim.
There are two modes to choose from: Warm white and color-changing.
The Warm white mode, with its 3,000K color temperature, creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for everyday use.
Meanwhile, the color-changing mode adds a festive touch to your deck, which is great for special occasions.
I remember putting these lights up around my deck for my son’s birthday party last year.
We set them to the color-changing mode, and the kids loved the playful, colorful vibe it added to the party.
The light’s battery lasts up to 8 hours after about 6 hours of direct sunlight.
That might not seem like a lot, but it was plenty for my needs.
The lights stayed on during the party from late afternoon until well past midnight without any problems.
The only downside is the plastic construction.
While the sleek design and the lights are weather-resistant, the plastic feels flimsy.
Still, the Greluna Solar Wall Light is stylish, easy to install, weather-resistant, and versatile.
What We Like
- Two lighting modes: Warm White and Color Changing
- Up to 8-hour run time
- Easy, wire-free installation
- Weather-resistant design
What We Don’t Like
- Brightness might not be enough for some
- Plastic construction feels less durable
Best Post Light: VOLISUN Solar Post Light
Features
- Material: Plastic
- Brightness: 16 lumens
- Run Time: Up to 10 hours
- Charge Time: 5-6 hours
- Waterproofing Rate: IP44
- Warranty: 2-year
The VOLISUN Solar Post Light, with its classic Edison bulb design, brings a cozy, vintage vibe to your deck.
It’s got 2 lighting modes, so you can set the perfect atmosphere whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just relaxing outside.
What I love about these lights is how low-maintenance they are.
They only need about 5-6 hours of sunlight to charge up fully, and then you’re good to go with up to 10 hours of light.
Even on cloudy days, they still pull through.
I remember tracking their performance during a particularly gloomy week last fall; they could last about 6 hours each night with just 4 hours of indirect sunlight during the day.
VOLISUN even offers a 2-year warranty on these lights, so you can feel secure knowing they’ve got your back if anything goes wrong.
The installation is a tad tricky though.
They’re supposed to fit 4×4 vinyl posts perfectly, which matched my deck, but I ended up needing some extra padding to secure them just right.
It wasn’t a huge deal, but it did add a bit more time to the setup process.
The plastic build and IP44 waterproof rating mean they handle the weather well, but they’re not completely waterproof.
So, they might not be the best choice if you live somewhere with heavy rain or snow.
I also wish they were a bit brighter so I could rely on them for reading or detailed tasks in the evening.
Despite these minor setbacks, the VOLISUN Solar Post Light is a fantastic addition to any outdoor space, offering both charm and practical lighting.
What We Like
- Classic Edison bulb design
- Two lighting modes
- Up to 10 hours of operation after 5-6 hours of charging
- 2-year warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Brightness might not be enough for some
- Installation can be challenging on certain types of posts
- Low waterproof rating (IP44)
What Are the Benefits of Using Solar Deck Lights?
The benefits of using solar deck lights have made them increasingly popular due to their ease of use, environmental friendliness, and efficiency.
Here are several benefits of using solar deck lights:
- Eco-Friendly: Solar deck lights harness the sun’s energy, which is clean and renewable. By using them, you reduce your carbon footprint and promote sustainability.
- Cost-Effective: They generate their power and don’t require electricity, so you save on energy bills. Plus, with few moving parts, there’s less maintenance and repair needed, saving you money over time.
- Easy to Install: Most solar deck lights are wire-free, making installation a breeze for any DIY enthusiast.
- Low Maintenance: They require minimal upkeep. Just replace the batteries every few years and keep the solar panels clean for optimal performance.
- Safety: Without wires, solar deck lights eliminate the risk of electrocution or fire, making them safer than traditional wired lights.
- Automatic Operation: With built-in light sensors, solar deck lights turn on at dusk and off at dawn automatically, giving you one less thing to worry about.
- Variety of Styles: Available in different styles, sizes, and brightness levels, you can easily find solar deck lights that match your aesthetic and functional needs.
What to Consider Before Buying Solar Deck Lights?
1. The Type of Deck Light You Want
When you’re thinking about getting some solar deck lights, it’s important to pick the type that fits what you need.
There are all kinds of styles out there, and each one does something different and looks unique.
For example, if you need to light up the corners of your deck or the tops of fence posts, you should go for a post light.
These kinds of lights are made to sit right on top of the posts and spread a lot of light around, kind of like the VOLISUN Solar Post Light we talked about.
But if you’re looking for something that’s more about decoration, rope lights could be perfect.
They’re super flexible, so you can wrap them around your deck’s railings or just lay them along the edges to add a bit of flair.
The Brightown Solar String Lights are a good example of this.
That’s why I’ve included a bunch of different styles in the mix here.
I want to make sure you can find exactly the right solar lights for your deck, no matter what you’re aiming for.
2. Brightness
The brightness of a light is measured in lumens.
Higher lumens mean brighter light, while lower lumens give off a softer glow.
If you want a warm, cozy vibe for evening gatherings or a softly lit space to relax, go for a lower-lumen light like the TomCare Solar Lights with its flickering flame effect.
But if you need bright light for safety or to illuminate a larger area, a higher-lumen light is the way to go.
The Aootek Solar Deck Light, with its 120 LEDs and 270-degree coverage angle, spreads bright light far and wide.
I’ve picked a range of solar deck lights in this guide with different brightness levels, so you can easily find the one that fits your needs perfectly.
3. Charge Time
It’s annoying when your solar lights don’t charge up all the way, leaving your deck in the dark right when you want to use it.
The charging speed of solar lights mainly depends on two things: how efficient their solar panels are and how big the panels are.
More efficient panels can turn sunlight into electricity quicker, while bigger panels can catch more sunlight, which helps them power up faster.
For example, a small solar panel that’s efficient might charge just as quickly as a larger panel that’s not as efficient.
When I was testing out lights for this guide, I made sure to check how long each one takes to charge.
I focused on finding lights that provide at least 1 hour of light for every hour they soak up sunlight.
4. Run Time
When it comes to how long your solar deck lights stay on, two things matter; the battery capacity and how many LEDs are in there.
The bigger the battery, the more energy it can hold, which means your lights can run longer.
On the other hand, each LED in the light uses up some of that energy, so having a lot of LEDs might mean they don’t last as long before needing a recharge.
But here’s the thing, the run time you see advertised is usually the best-case scenario.
So, I’ve gone ahead and tested each model in this guide myself to make sure they can all keep your deck lit for at least 6-8 hours on a full charge.
5. Material & Quality
The material and quality of your solar deck lights are key to how long they’ll last and how well they’ll perform.
Aluminum and stainless steel are solid choices—they can handle rain, snow, humidity, and UV rays like champs.
Plastic is also durable and weather-resistant.
It can handle moderate rain, snow, and humidity without falling apart or becoming brittle.
But remember, plastic isn’t as strong or long-lasting as aluminum or stainless steel.
I’ve tested every model in this guide, and I can tell you that they’re all made from quality materials that won’t break during installation or shipping.
6. Waterproofing Rate
To keep your solar deck lights working well and lasting a long time outdoors, they must be waterproof.
Waterproofing protects them from rain, snow, and other moisture.
When choosing solar deck lights, make sure to check their waterproofing or IP (Ingress Protection) rating.
The IP rating has two numbers: the first shows how well the light is protected against solid particles, and the second tells you how well it’s protected against liquids.
Here are some common IP ratings:
Here are a few examples:
- IP44: Protected against solid particles larger than 1mm and splashing water from any direction.
- IP45: Protected against solid particles larger than 1mm and low-pressure water jets from any direction.
- IP65: Completely dustproof and can handle low-pressure water jets, making it good for heavy rain.
- IP68: Fully dustproof and can handle being submerged in water, so it’s great for tough weather conditions.
For outdoor use, I recommend you don’t settle for a solar light with less than an IP65 rating.
Anything lower might not stand up to heavy rain or long exposure to the sun.
7. Warranty
When picking out solar deck lights, don’t forget to check for a warranty.
This is the manufacturer’s way of showing they believe in their product and stand behind its quality and reliability.
When shopping, take a moment to read through the warranty terms.
Look for how long the warranty lasts, what exactly it covers, and if there are any special conditions or exceptions.
Some warranties might cover the whole light, while others might only cover specific parts like the solar panels or batteries.
A good warranty can also protect your wallet, offering repair, replacement, or even refunds if the lights don’t work as expected.
Make sure you keep all your purchase documents and warranty info somewhere safe, just in case you ever need to claim it.
In this guide, I’ve only included solar lights that come with at least a 1-year warranty or a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can feel more secure in your choice.
FAQs
Do Solar Deck Lights Need Direct Sunlight?
Solar deck lights need direct sunlight to charge efficiently and provide optimal performance.
How Do I Choose the Best Solar Deck Lights?
To choose the best solar deck lights, consider factors such as brightness, battery capacity, durability, and waterproofing to ensure the best fit for your needs.
Conclusion
We’ve just reviewed the top 10 solar deck lights, each rigorously tested for performance, durability, brightness, and overall value.
If you’re looking for my top recommendation, I’d go with the Aootek Solar Deck Light.
It stands out for its easy installation, reliable performance, and impressive run time.
Plus, its 120 LEDs and 270-degree coverage angle make it perfect for lighting up large areas.
If you have any questions or need help picking the right light for your deck, feel free to leave a comment below, and I’ll be happy to assist!
