The Best Solar Powered Motion Detector Lights on the Market Today!

Outdoor solar lights gained in popularity in recent years. They are easy to install, affordable, and green: the small solar panel installed in all of them provides just enough power for several hours of operation, and your front and backyard will be safe and well-illuminated. Although they do feature a bright light, it is necessary to note that they will not be as bright as grid-powered security lights are. 

Nevertheless, outdoor solar motion lights are a good choice for all who are looking for path lights or accent lights for their garden. They can also serve as a security light, especially considering that the motion detection feature activates the light every time it notices a movement in your garden. Other solar lights may not be able to do this, so it is crucial to choose wisely, as a light like this can increase your home’s safety and provide peace of mind. 

With this in mind, it is necessary to consider several options you may have. Hundreds of models are in the market, but only a few are worth your money. With no special focus on the price, we have focused on the technical details of these products and will present our opinion to you. We will consider the pros and cons of many popular outdoor solar lights towards the end of the article, so stay with us, and you will be able to bring an informed decision when choosing your next set of outdoor solar lights. 

What is a Solar Motion Sensor Light?

A solar motion sensor light is a simple outdoor light with four basic elements: the light, the solar panel, the solar battery, and the motion sensor. These three elements work together to provide a more secure home than regular, always-on light fixtures could and cost just a fraction of the money that you would otherwise have to give on a more permanent solution. In addition to this, the lights also increase the safety in your home and only work when they detect a movement – providing many hours of light during the night. 

Unlike other lights, outdoor solar lights do not connect to your home’s electric lines. They actually use the installed solar panel to charge the solar battery. During the day, when there is sunshine, these small panels convert sunlight into electricity and store it later, when needed. In addition to the solar panel and the battery, these lights usually have a light detector or light meter which serves to keep the light and the motion sensor off during the day. As they can only turn on and shine during the night, this is a handy feature that will help you save even more and extend the hours of operation. 

Solar motion sensors and outdoor solar lights are great solutions for outdoor solar illumination. Effectively turning direct sunlight into a nighttime security light, these solar-powered motion light units are the best option for those looking to save on their electricity bill, improve their home safety, and improve the aesthetics of their gardens. 

How Do They Work?

As we said before, outdoor solar lights charge their solar battery for as long as there is direct sunlight. These lights store this energy for later use. Once the light sensor detects that there is no more sunlight, the motion sensor is turned on. In most models, this motion sensor uses an infrared sensor to detect any movement within the range. 

Once the movement is detected, a trigger signal is sent to the light fixture. The light fixture then gets turned on, and the solar motion lights illuminate a portion of your garden where the movement was detected. With most models we’ve reviewed, you can adjust the brightness of the lights and the sensitivity of the motion sensor. This way, you are certain that the lights do not turn on every time the slightest movement is detected, but only when larger objects/animals pass by. 

This way, you can also ensure the longevity of your battery and the most return on every dollar invested. This way, you can also ensure that the lights only come on when necessary and that they can last the whole night. In the morning, once sunlight is again detected, the solar motion sensor is turned off, and the solar panels start recharging the solar battery. 

Factors to Consider When Buying a Solar Motion Sensor Light

When purchasing a home solar motion sensor light, there are several factors that you should consider. These factors include: 

• The unit cost, 
• Life span, 
• Trigger range, 
• Luminosity, 
• Weather resistance, 
• Replaceable battery, 
• Battery charging time, 
• Installation area, 
• Type of solar light, and 
• Special features that the model may have that may be of use to you. 

Let’s consider each of these in more detail. 

Unit Cost

When considering a purchase of outdoor solar lights, the unit cost is first considered. You will most likely need several units to cover your property, so you will spend some money on them. However, going for either extreme will not do you any favors, as you may not be getting enough added value with a higher price. 

However, going with a too-low price is not good either. You could save some money upfront, no issue at all, but a shorter lifespan, lower/shorter trigger range, and reduced luminosity may not be worth saving a few dimes here and there. 

In addition, most super-affordable models will not be as weather resistant as you may want them to be or may have issues performing in wet and cold weather. In addition to this, you may also consider that a shorter lifespan will make you repeat the purchase much shorter than with some other, more expensive models and that, in the end, you may be replacing them simply because their battery is not replaceable. These all add the costs to your investment, which may prove to be an expense after all. 

Outdoor solar lights will easily cost in the range of $10-$100 apiece. With this in mind, you should stay in the mid-third range – purchasing more affordable models may cost more over time, and purchasing the top-tier models may not have enough added value to cover the extra cost. The quality of the materials mostly corresponds to the pricing. Considering the UV radiation and weather extremes these models need to withstand, you are much better off avoiding the cheapest models altogether. 

LifeSpan

The lifespan of your solar lights is also an important aspect to consider before purchasing. The lifespan depends on several factors, including: 

• The quality of solar panels, 
• The quality of the motion sensor, 
• The quality of the battery pack, 
• The quality of the LED lights, and 
• The quality of the build. 

Most solar lights will last 2-5 years, with some models lasting up to 10. These are high-tier models and may not be the best for everyone. In general, the solar panels used in solar lights are not very durable, and the faster they degrade, the faster the solar lights will have to be replaced. The same goes for the motion sensor, as they may become less sensitive to IR light changes over time. 

The quality of the battery pack always seems to be the most important determiner of the quality. As these lights will be spending a lot of time in the outdoor space, the batteries should be of high quality, as they should endure temperature extremes that are normal in outdoor spaces. The available lighting modes will also influence how long the battery will last, as will the brightness settings, as the batteries can only run through so many cycles before new ones are needed. Choosing high-quality Li-Ion batteries seems to do the trick, even more so if they are replaceable. 

The quality of LED lights also has a say in what solar lights you should purchase. These outdoor solar lights should be good enough to withstand months upon months of heat, cold, humidity, and even winds. High-quality LEDs can run for tens of thousands of hours, while those of lower quality can last several thousand hours. This may not seem like much, but remember that the nighttime, with around 10 hours of darkness, will last 3,600 hours in a year. 

Another factor to consider is the quality of the build. The quality of the seams, the materials used, the caulking, if any, and the quality of the rod that is pushed into the ground all have a say in how long your solar lights will last. They should withstand freezing temperatures, blazing sun, UV radiation, wind, dust, rain, air humidity, and insects trying to get inside. 

Trigger Range

The trigger range or the trigger distance is another thing to consider when purchasing solar lights. This way, with a trigger range, you will be able to estimate better where the solar lights should be placed for best effect and protection and how to cover most of the outdoor space you have. The best outdoor solar lights will have a trigger range of around 30 feet, while cheaper models will have a range of just a few feet. 

This does not mean that you should go with the most expensive solar motion sensor lights at all costs. Quite on the contrary, cheaper models can be used to illuminate paths and as accent lights. More expensive models should be placed in lawns and open areas, where a higher reach is more important. Make sure that these models have their brightness settings placed at a high setting and that they have the brightest lights available, as you will need them to cover a higher distance. 

Yet another factor to consider with the trigger range is the trigger angle. No solar lights have a trigger angle of 360 degrees, which is why you may need to have more of them placed in the middle of the lawn, each facing in a different direction, or why you should place them along the borders of the lawn. This way, solar-powered lights can illuminate the largest possible area and sense movements across your yard. 

Luminosity

The luminosity of LED lights in your solar lights is important to consider from multiple perspectives. Luminosity is important to consider because both ends of the spectrum have pros and cons. Let’s take into consideration that an average solar light will have luminosity levels of at least 700-800 lumens, while some more powerful models may give off as many as 2,000 lumens. 

Lower luminosity simply means that less light is emitted by your other lights. This way, your solar-powered security lights may have issues providing enough light to deter any possible intruders. However, it is important to consider that low luminosity will also mean that less battery is drained, which may result in longer battery life and more operation time between recharges. Lights like this are not the best for wider areas but will work like a charm near your pathway or your home. 

Higher luminosity, on the other hand, means that more light is emitted by your motion lights. As soon as motion sensing triggers the LED bulbs, they will provide a strong light and illuminate a much wider area that LED bulbs with lower luminosity could. Although they are much better for larger outdoor spaces, you should understand that a brighter light will put more strain on the battery, which will last for a short time. There are even models that may provide super bright light for some time while lowering the light settings as time passes by. 

Weather Resistance

The weather resistance of your security lights is also important. Flower beds, lawns, and path lights all need to withstand the same conditions: dust, water, snow, and rain, as well as both temperature extremes. As solar-powered security lights are installed outdoors, it is important to consider the quality of the materials that they are built of and to consider their I rating. 

The IP rating shows their resistance to the elements. This rating is presented as a number; the higher the rating, the more resistant the solar lights will be. Some materials, such as aluminum and stainless steel, rubberized plastics, and high-quality glass, will make for higher-quality solar lights and will bring you more value for your money. 

Replaceable Battery/Battery Charging Time

Having a replaceable battery is a premium feature but is not always necessary. In general, solar lights that come with a replaceable battery will cost more but will offer you the peace of mind of knowing that you can simply purchase new batteries when the need be. These lights will last longer and be more resilient, and you will not have to dim light levels to get the same lifespan out of your battery. On top of this, choosing models with high-quality Li-Ion batteries will also extend their life and provide more comfort. 

The battery charging time is also something that you should consider. Namely, the battery charging time is an important factor to consider because you will not always get plenty of sunshine, and having solar lights with a low charge time will mean a lot during the winter days when sunlight is sparse and nights are long. The lower charging time may mean that the solar panels are more robust, larger, or unsightly. 

On the other hand, low charge time and low operation time can mean that the solar battery pack installed is simply too small/low. In this case, you will compromise the time the lights can work, which is not always the best idea. Your motion sensor path lights must work at 7 PM and 3 AM during the winter nights. Simply keeping the light settings on their lowest is not always a good idea. As the battery gets drained, even the sense motion function may be compromised, rendering the motion sensor useless until the battery levels are reestablished. 

Installation Area

It is necessary to consider the installation area before purchasing. You will need to know the exact location and the function of your solar light. Solar lights with a motion sensor are easy to install, but you should be able to consider their weight, purpose, trigger range, and luminosity. Let’s consider this in more detail. 

Some solar lights can be very light, while others may be heavy. The lighter solar motion lights will mostly be placed on tree branches or even hung from a ceiling or a roof above your deck. Heavier lights will either be placed on the ground or their rod will be pushed into the ground to secure them. 

In addition to this, light conditions are also necessary to consider for outdoor security lights. All solar motion sensor lights have solar panels which are supposed to charge their batteries. However, to do so, they will need to be exposed to direct sun. Doing otherwise will leave the motion lights with empty batteries or batteries that are simply not full enough to last the entire night.  

Besides this, you will also need to consider how wide and open the space is. Placing a super bright light next to your pathway or driveway may bling you at night. However, while placing a low-light, low-luminosity solar light next to a pathway is a good idea, the super-bright one should go on an open lawn or close to your pond. The wall-mount lights will likewise be installed on the sides of your home, while lights that are meant for the trees (such as fairy trees), will have very low luminosity levels to be able to compensate for less sunshine during the day and less juice in their batteries. 

Type of Solar Light

There are several types of solar-powered security lights: 

• Spotlights, 
• Floodlights, 
• Pathway lights, 
• String lights, and 
• Lanterns. 

Spotlights are the best among the motion solar lights that are used to illuminate a single area. This could be a particularly dark space in the garden, close to your home, or the entrance to your home, the shed, or the garage. These lights provide a strong light, although they may be too focused for some. 

On the other hand, Floodlights provide light as strong as spotlights but also cover a larger area. They are usually used in the driveways for a strong light that can cover the entire driveway. The light turns on as soon as it detects motion and illuminates the whole area for a short while. They are usually wall-mount and have a strong battery. 

Pathway lights are smaller and provide less light. They are also a solar motion sensor lights but have a specific usage in that they illuminate the sides of the driveway or the walkway to your home. They can also be placed around the garden, where they will provide light whenever they detect movement. 

Solar-powered string lights and lanterns usually provide very little light when they detect a movement. For this reason, usually, more of them are placed in a certain area and are mostly used for decorative purposes rather than as security lights. Still, the extra light to illuminate the spaces during the night can still act as a solar security light. Even the best solar motion lights are not an all-in-one solution, and you may end up using several types of these lights. 

Special Features  

Some solar motion sensor lights come with some handy special features. These features may include: 

• Choosing the brightness, 
• Choosing the duration of the output of motion lights, 
• Remote control, 
• Built-in camera, and 
• Built-in alarm and speaker. 

Choosing the brightness of your lights is a useful function as you can make complex setups and ensure that every area you would like to be illuminated is illuminated to an equal degree. At the same time, it is useful because you can use the dimmer function to spare your light batteries from too much wear and tear over time. This will prolong their lifetime and help you save money. 

Choosing the duration of the output of the motion sensor lights is another useful feature. Overly bright lights will be able to detect movement and give away a lot of light, possibly waking you up in the middle of the night. With a light-duration setting, you could reduce this to a reasonable level, especially if you have dogs. 

The remote control function is also very useful, as you can turn on the lights when you are in the area, rather than wave your hands when the lights go off. Built-in cameras, alarms, and speakers can help you record and communicate with possible intruders, protecting your home even when far away. These features, in combination with super bright lights, will provide better protection than string solar lights or a small pathway, solar motion light. 

The Top Solar Motion Sensor Lights in the Market Today!

If you are looking for a new solar-powered security light, you may have noticed there are hundreds of models on the market. It can be difficult to choose one among all these options, so we’ve reviewed a few models for you. Here are the 10 solar motion lights on the market today: 

• AmeriTop 128-LED Outdoor Solar Motion Lights, 
• AmeriTop Solar Outdoor Lights, 
• Aootek 182-LED Solar Motion Sensor Lights, 
• Baxia Technology 28-LED Solar Motion Sensor Lights, 
• Claoner 128-LED Solar Motion Lights, 
• DrawGreen DG08-A Outdoor Solar Motion Sensor Lights, 
• GLORIOUS-LITE Solar Security Outdoor Lights, 
• Luposwiten 28-LED Motion Sensor Solar Lights, 
• Otdair 3-Head Solar Security Lights, and 
• TBI Pro 216-LED Solar Outdoor Security Lights. 

AmeriTop 128-LED Outdoor Solar Motion Lights

The Ameritop motion solar lights come with 128 LED lightbulbs and provide 800 lumens of light. The high-efficiency solar panel is polycrystalline, and it provides 270 degrees of light arch angle. It has 3 adjustable heads that you can point in any direction, and it can detect movement from 26 feet away. 

AmeriTop Solar Outdoor Lights

AmeriTop is the previous model’s big brother. 128 LED light bulbs have adjustable brightness and provide up to 1,600 lumens of light. It is one of the best solar motion lights on the market today, emitting light at an angle of 180 degrees, and can detect movement from 49 feet away. 

Aootek 182-LED Solar Motion Sensor Lights

The Aootek solar motion light offer 182 LEDs and up to 2,500 lumens of power. The body is made of IP65-certified material, offering good protection against rain and humidity. It comes with a monocrystalline solar panel installed and can provide motion detection from up to 26 feet away. 

Baxia Technology 28-LED Solar Motion Sensor Lights

The Baxia Tech light is a smaller model, delivering up to 400 lumens of light. Although not so powerful, the model is good in conjunction with other models of the same kind, offering a stable light delivery throughout your property. It is perfect for shorter driveways, fences, and smaller yards. 

Claoner 128-LED Solar Motion Lights

The Claoner light offers 1,800 lumens of light in a tight body. The monocrystalline solar panel offers energy to 128 LEDs, which can shine in three lighting modes. It is a great solution for all looking to protect a smaller yard, a narrow space, or even a driver. 

DrawGreen DG08-A Outdoor Solar Motion Sensor Lights

The Drawgreen model is the only one on our list that comes in an aluminum alloy body. It is watertight, with an IP rating of 65. The model features a highly efficient monocrystalline solar panel, and it has super bright LEDs – only 8 of them provide 1.600 lumens of power. 

GLORIOUS-LITE Solar Security Outdoor Lights

The Glorious Lite solar security light offers 1,600 lumens of power. This is one of the best models there, with a 120-second auto-off timer, and as much as 72 feet of detection range. This is one of the best models we have reviewed, with a 180-degree light arch and a high-efficiency monocrystalline solar panel to power it. 

Luposwiten 28-LED Motion Sensor Solar Lights

The Luposwitten solar light provides a modest 400 lumens of light. With this in mind, it is best to plan several of these lights in an array that could cover a significant surface. They are best combined on a driveway, the pathway, and in other applications where a linear solar light setup is necessary. 

Otdair 3-Head Solar Security Lights

The Otdair 3-head solar security light provides 550 lumens of power. This makes it a somewhat better choice for wider driveways or pathways where the wider spacing of lights is necessary. The 30-second auto-off feature makes it very energy-efficient so that the in-built batteries will last you for years to come. 

TBI Pro 216-LED Solar Outdoor Security Lights

The TBI Pro provides up to 2,200 lumens of light. It comes in an IP65 casing and has 216 LEDs. The 355 wide angle of illumination is provided by 3 rotateable heads and it can detect motion from as many as 40 feet away. It is one of the best models we have tested. 

FAQs

Conclusion

If you are looking for ways to keep your home safer without upping your energy bill, solar motion lights are the best option you have. These solar-powered security lights save money and give you peace of mind, which is very useful, especially if you live in poorly-lit areas. With our handy guide to solar motion lights on the market, and the different kinds and lighting modes, you should be able to choose the best motion sensor lights for your home and improve the safety of your family. 

Updated on 05-04-23