By Glenda Taylor, Timothy Dale
Updated on May 21, 2024 3:19 PM EDT Highway Solar Street Light
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Since the American Flag Code states that the U.S. flag should be displayed only from sunrise to sunset unless illuminated at night, flagpole solar lights are a brilliant option for displaying your patriotism 24/7. We recently tested seven top-rated models of various styles, price points, and sizes, installing them on our own flagpoles and evaluating their performance.
Our favorite option is Kayiune’s Waterproof Solar Flagpole Light thanks to its versatile design and soft, uniform illumination that made our flag the star of the show. Plus, its IP65 water-resistant lining helps ensure it can withstand the elements.
The best thing about these flagpole solar lights is that, once installed, they do all the work; there’s nothing to plug into an outlet, and they won’t raise your utility bill. Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping and find out how the following models earned a spot in our lineup of the best solar flagpole lights.
The outdoor solar lighting industry is booming, so we had no problem finding solar lights for a flagpole. However, in an industry dominated by newcomers, we couldn’t nail down a top manufacturer or brand, so we looked closely at user ratings and reviews. We also paid close attention to the models that professed weatherproofness since these lights will need to withstand the elements.
When the lights arrived, we inspected them for quality, installed them on our own flagpoles, let them soak up the sun, and then observed how well they lit up our flags. Each light was awarded points based on a rubric. We rated them on installation, brightness, style, durability, and overall value.
The following solar flagpole lights excelled in our hands-on testing. Each one illuminated our flag after dark. They vary in light intensity, style, and required pole size, but any one of them will allow you to keep your flag brightly lit until the dawn’s early light.
Our Ratings: Installation 3.5/5; Power 4.8/5; Appearance 5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4.3/5
The Kayiune solar flagpole light features 32 LED lights on a ring that encircles the flagpole and illuminates the flag from beneath. It’s suitable for use on poles as narrow as 2 inches or as wide as 6 inches in diameter.
This model requires some assembly, and the instructions weren’t very helpful, but putting it together is fairly intuitive. We assembled the parts first and then slipped the light ring over the top of our flagpole. If your pole is too high to accomplish that safely, you’ll have to assemble the light ring around the pole itself. The biggest downside to this light is the manufacturer’s use of hose clamps to hold it in place, which takes forever to tighten with a screwdriver. We used a drill fitted with a 7 millimeter socket to tighten them quickly.
We installed the Kayiune in the late afternoon, so it didn’t get the recommended 6 to 8 hours of solar charge before nightfall, but that didn’t seem to affect it. It lit up like a champ as dusk arrived and stayed lit all night. The ring of lights creates a spectacular look on the flag: uniform and flattering. It passed our water test with flying colors—we sprayed it forcefully with the garden hose for 10 minutes, but no water leaked in, and it lit up faithfully the next night and the next.
Read our full review: Kayiune Waterproof Solar Flagpole Light
Get the Kayiune solar flagpole light at Amazon or Walmart.
Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Power 4.3/5; Appearance 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5
You don’t have to spend a lot to keep Old Glory lit at night. The Sunnytech flagpole light is equipped with six solar panels and comes with 20 LED bulbs that are more than suitable for illuminating small to medium flags.
Installation was a breeze with the Sunnytech—all we had to do was unscrew the ornamental brass ball at the top of our flagpole, slip the solar light on the bolt, and then screw the ball back in place. We installed this light before noon on a sunny day, and it was fully charged by nightfall. It emitted a nice downcast light that nicely lit up our flag.
The Sunnytech weathered the spray from our hose and wasn’t fazed. It lit up brightly every night we tested it. It’s designed for flagpoles between 15 and 25 feet in height, although what really matters is having a pole where you can safely reach the top—and having a removable ball or ornament at the top that attaches to a 0.5-inch bolt. This is an affordable solar flagpole light option for those who want to illuminate their flag from the top down.
Get the Sunnytech solar flagpole light at Amazon.
Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Power 4.3/5; Appearance 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4/5
The Ofuray solar flagpole light fits poles from 0.5 inch to 4 inches in diameter and can be mounted below the pole or wall-mounted to shine on a nearby flag. We pole-mounted it a few feet underneath our flag and directed the adjustable light head to shine directly upward.
When night arrived, the Ofuray turned on and cast a soft, floodlight-type glow on the flag. This is a smaller light model, but it gently illuminated our 4-foot-long by 6-foot-wide flag. When the wind blew, however, and the flag was whipping around, this light caught only parts of it here and there, making us think it might not cast enough light for larger flags in windy situations. However, we live in a windy region, so it might not be a concern if you don’t.
The Ofuray withstood our water-spraying test, and no water leaked into the housing. The manufacturer doesn’t mention the lumens, but we felt as though they might be slightly less than some of the other models we tested. Still, if you’re looking for a reliable light source for a small to midsize flag and you prefer subtle lighting rather than an intense look, this might be the right choice for you.
Get the Ofuray solar flagpole light at Amazon.
Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Power 4.8/5; Appearance 4.5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 5/5
The second Sunnytech in our hands-on tests boasts a bright light output of 1300 lumens, and it effectively lit the flag, the flagpole, and even some of the ground below. It fits a 0.5-inch bolt at the top of the pole. The manufacturer suggests using it on flagpoles between 15 to 25 feet high. We felt it was strong enough to illuminate flags on higher poles.
Installing it was a snap—we just slipped it over the top bolt on our flagpole and attached the pole ornament to hold it securely in place. It passed our water spray tests, and we were impressed by how long the illumination lasted. Even after we took this light down from the pole when testing was over and brought it inside, it lit up in its box for the next 2 days.
This is a powerful overhead solar light for flags, but it’s not subtle. It’s intense. We could easily see our flag—it was so bright—but maybe a bit too bright if you want to sit out after dark and enjoy the look of your flag display. It was a little uncomfortable to look at directly. Still, it lights up the flag very well.
Get the Sunnytech 3rd Generation solar flagpole light at Amazon.
Our Ratings: Installation 4/5; Power 4.5/5; Appearance 4/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4/5
If you’re looking to shine a light on your flag—and only your flag—check out the Arlmont & Co. Chincoteague adjustable flagpole light. This directional solar light attaches to flagpoles up to 4 inches in diameter and features four small LED lights in a single head for directing a beam of light right where you want it.
Like most pole-mounted lights we tested, the Chincoteague came with hose clamps that can take forever to tighten if you don’t have a drill handy. Fortunately, we did, so it took about 10 minutes to assemble and install the light.
Once installed, the unit is unobtrusive—it measures just 8 inches tall by 4 inches wide by 3.5 inches deep, so it doesn’t draw the eye like some of the bigger lights can. It charged for about 5 hours the first day, and as dusk approached, it blazed to light, creating a very pretty glow on the flag. We adjusted the head so the only thing illuminated was the flag, which created a striking effect against the night sky.
The Chincoteague passed our water spray tests, but it didn’t seem to hold a charge quite as long as some of the other models. It was still beaming 8 hours later, which is what the manufacturer claims, but it was quite a bit dimmer. Still, for those who want to create a stunning patriotic display that will be enjoyed in the early hours of the night, the Chincoteague is a top contender.
Get the Arlmont & Co. solar flagpole light at Wayfair.
Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Power 4.5/5; Appearance 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5
If you’re looking for a solar flagpole light that illuminates a broad area, the Enrybia pole-top light might be a good choice. This was by and far the brightest downward-shining light we tested. It easily attached to the top of our flagpole and charged for over 6 hours on a sunny day. When it came on that evening, it was dramatic. It lit up the flag, the pole, and a circle of lawn as well. It was still going strong in the morning, only shutting off when the sun rose.
For someone who has a comprehensive patriotic display, such as benches around the base of the flagpole or flower beds, the Enrybia would be an excellent pick to light up the whole thing. It passed our water spray test and even withstood a spring hailstorm that moved through while we were testing it.
It’s not subtle lighting, so if you’re looking for a gentle glow, this isn’t it. The intensity of this light could easily overwhelm decorative solar gutter lights and string lights. But it will also light up the flag and nearby areas of landscaping.
Get the Enrybia solar flagpole light at Amazon.
Our Ratings: Installation 4/5; Power 4.5/5; Appearance 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.5/5
If you have a larger flagpole, you’ll want to consider a solar light with a larger capacity. The Karliobe flagpole light fits poles up to 6 inches in diameter, and it features five individual lights that are adjustable so you can get the look you’re after.
It was a bit of a juggling act to get the lights installed. It took two people—one to thread the lights on the hose clamps and hold them in position while the other used a drill to tighten the clamps. But these lights are strong and durable and designed to stay on the pole for years once installed, so take your time getting them just right.
The manufacturer claims the Karliobe lights are suitable for poles up to 40 feet, and we see no reason to disagree. When they came on, they were bright, clear, and easily lit up the flag from underneath.
Even on a very cloudy day, the Karliobe lights came on at dusk and were still on the next morning. We were impressed. The only downside, and it might not bother anyone else, is the size of the lights and solar panel. They’re quite large and, in our opinion, detracted a bit from the overall aesthetics of the flag display. But if you have an oversize flagpole, these lights might be just what you’ve been looking for.
Get the Karliobe solar flagpole light at Amazon.
When shopping for lights for a flagpole, keep in mind the height and diameter of the pole. Also consider features such as weather resistance, lighting direction, overall performance, and the other important criteria detailed below.
Like solar path lights and other outdoor solar lights, flag lights come in various shapes and sizes. To ensure that the solar light will fit the specific flagpole, take accurate measurements beforehand and compare them to the product information and manufacturer’s recommendations before purchase.
Many solar-powered flagpole lights are designed for standard flagpoles that range from 15 to 25 feet in height, with an ornament spindle that is 0.5 inch in diameter. However, some solar flagpole lights have different requirements, including some spotlight products that attach directly to the pole with a bracket instead of using the ornament spindle. For these solar lights, measure the diameter of the flagpole to confirm that the bracket will fit securely.
Typically, lighting for flagpoles should withstand inclement weather since it would be tedious to remove a light every time it rains. Solar flagpole lights are made to resist rain, snow, sleet, and high winds, usually featuring an IP rating of between IP65 and IP67.
The brightness of the solar flagpole light is very important. If the product fails to produce enough light, the flag will sit in deep shadows instead of proud illumination. The number of bulbs in a solar light can be a broad indicator of brightness, but it shouldn’t be the only factor in the decision-making process.
The amount of light produced by solar lights on a pole or any other type of light is measured in lumens. Flagpole lights can range in lumens from as low as 50 to more than 1000, but to ensure that a standard flagpole and flag are properly lit, look for a product with at least 200 lumens.
The direction of the solar flagpole light is another key factor. Some products are designed to sit atop the flagpole on its ornament spindle to direct light down toward the flag and the ground below. This type of light is good for illuminating the entire base of the flagpole as well and, depending on the lumen output, may even light up a decent portion of the yard.
Other solar flagpole lights attach to the middle of the pole and shine up toward the flag to bathe it in a bright spotlight. Though fine for lighting the flag, these lights won’t illuminate the yard. Both types generally feature one or more solar panels that face directly up to gather energy from the sun.
Solar flagpole lights may have different mounting options, including ornament spindle mounting, flagpole mounting, and ground mounting.
Solar flagpole lights often include internal batteries that can influence runtime and rechargeability. Think of them as mini solar-powered systems powered by the sun and rated by the amount of charge they can hold.
On average, a solar flagpole light battery will take between 6 and 8 hours to fully charge. Once charged, it can output light for the range of time specified in the product information and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Generally, runtime is at least 8 hours, and a maximum can exceed 24 hours. While inclement weather will reduce solar panel efficiency, the panels will still charge during the day, even during a storm.
Before investing in a new solar flagpole light, consider these frequently asked questions and their answers to learn more about how solar lights function. You’ll also learn how to determine the correct size light for illuminating your flag at night.
Direct sunlight is the best way to charge a solar light quickly. However, indirect daylight will also charge the solar battery, just not as quickly. If you haven’t installed a flagpole yet, it’s worth considering where it would receive the best sunlight.
Before choosing a solar flagpole light, measure the pole’s height and diameter and determine whether it has a removable ornament on the top. Ornaments typically come with 0.5-inch bolts, and topper lights are made to accommodate them.
Yes, in most cases, it’s very safe. Flagpole lights are intended to be on all night long. According to American flag etiquette, the flag should not be flown after dark unless illuminated.
To ensure the flag is illuminated correctly, look for a flagpole light that outputs a minimum of 200 to 300 lumens of light. Also, brush up on flag do’s and don’ts, such as the proper way to dispose of one.
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She and her husband own a general contracting company, and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.
Additional research provided by Timothy Dale.
We’re committed to testing and reviewing products so you can make an informed decision. Advertising does not influence our product reviews and it never will. We always focus our coverage on standout products and never hesitate to mention their flaws and quirks. By using our affiliate links, you’re supporting our work and helping us continue to provide expert analysis. Find out more about our product evaluation process.
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