The 9 Best Mounted Solar Lights of 2024, According to Testing

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The 9 Best Mounted Solar Lights of 2024, According to Testing

Better Homes & Garden / Jennifer May

A well-lit property is not just about creating curb appeal after sunset. It’s about keeping your entryway, yard, and patio safe and secure, too. Mounted solar lights are an excellent way to illuminate your property for all of these reasons. These easy-to-install lights harness the power of solar energy during the day so they can stay lit from dusk until dawn without running up your electric bill.

Tara Dennis, co-founder and director of Archie Bolden, a design studio, says that solar lighting can be a great way to cut costs while still providing light to the outside of your home. Before purchasing an outdoor light, she recommends considering the product's IP (ingress protection) rating. “It ranks the light source by how effectively it is protected from exterior elements such as liquids or solid objects,” Dennis says. “This alone will dictate where your lights can be installed and how much moisture or external force it can safely come into contact with.”

Over the past two years, we've tested over 60 outdoor lighting options, including 21 mounted solar lights, right at home. We used the lights and evaluated them based on six pre-determined categories: setup, features, design, brightness, durability, and value. For more information on how we tested mounted solar lights, check out our testing process below.

The light heads and motion sensor are adjustable.

It’s not a decorative design, unlike some other options.

The simple, compact design of this Maxsa Dual Head solar light packs quite the punch when it comes to illuminating your property for safety and security. It features a pair of light heads that, while small, hold LED bulbs that are very bright. These light heads are also adjustable, so you can ensure that you’re illuminating your property exactly where you need it.

Overall, one felt that the price point was appropriate, especially in regards to the accurate yet adjustable motion sensor. The house we installed the light on is on a busy street with cars often passing by that initially activated the light, but we were able to adjust the sensor so that it wasn’t so sensitive.

All the hardware is included to install the light, however you’ll want to keep a power drill handy for faster installation. Once in place, you can feel confident these lights are secure—even after a big storm, these lights were still in place and functioning.

The Maxsa Dual Head solar light comes in either black or white, so you can choose the color that will work best with the aesthetic of your home’s exterior. The lights have a sleek, minimal design that will look good on a variety of home exteriors. Just keep in mind if you're looking for a solar light with a fancier design, this might not be the right one for you.

Better Homes & Gardens / Patricia Huffstead

You can adjust the brightness between high and low mode.

It doesn’t have a motion-activated sensor, so it depends on your preferences and where you’re placing the light.

If you're looking for something that makes a statement as well as provides security for your house, this wall lantern from Alcott Hill is the best option to consider. Although the light is an investment, it’s easy to install and allows you to adjust the brightness to your liking.

All we needed to install the light was a tape measure, a screwdriver, and a drill. Everything was already assembled and installation was quick and easy, though keep in mind the lantern is a bit heavy.

It’s got an on/off switch and a high/low switch for adjusting the light, which stays on from dusk until dawn. You can switch between high and low mode but it doesn’t have a motion-activated sensor, so it depends on where and how you want to use the light.

The lantern’s illumination is bright enough that you can put it in a place where you want added security. The on/off switch is at the top of the light, however, which could be inconvenient. Overall, this is a durable option that almost looks as if it’s hard-wired, so if you don’t mind spending more money, you’ll have a light that’s rather attractive for your home’s exterior.

Just keep in mind that the light has a more ornate style, so it’s not ideal if you prefer a simple, streamlined look.

Better Homes & Gardens / Jenica Currie

You can switch between warm and bright light.

It’s got a very long cord that might be obtrusive.

We found that this LED sconce from Gama Sonic provided consistent warm light from sunset to sunrise, making it one of the best options if you prefer a sconce style. The light is easy to install, has different brightness modes, and makes for a stylish addition to your home’s exterior.

Overall, we found that installation is fairly straightforward, though there was a bit of a hitch when anchoring it against stucco siding—we needed additional hardware, and you might, too, depending on your home’s exterior.

This barn-style light is made from powder-coated cast aluminum for a simple yet attractive design that combines aesthetics with functionality. Perhaps it’s a little too functional—there's a 7-foot power cord connecting it to the solar panel that proved to be way too long. Cable brackets were needed to disguise it; depending on the color of your home’s exterior, you might run into the same issue.

Assembly took less than a minute and installation took about 35 minutes—not bad considering some tweaks had to be made during the process.

One of the best features of this light is that you can switch between two light options warm and bright. Plus, there's an on/off switch to control the illumination, which will normally last from dusk until dawn. We liked the warm mode, as it provided nice ambient light for their side porch, but you might prefer the bright setting for better security.

Better Homes & Gardens / Lizz Leonard

It has three light modes, so you can set it however you see fit.

The screws are short, so keep those included anchors on hand.

This mounted solar light by HMCity is our top motion-sensor pick. The light has three modes: security mode, which uses the motion sensor to go on and off automatically; smart brightness control, where the light stays on all night but turns brighter when it detects motion; and permanent on, which turns on and stays on all night.

We were impressed with the smart mode when activated—the light brightened quite noticeably. However, they'd be even more impressed if the bright light lasted longer than 15 seconds, though this is typical for most of the motion-sensor lights on our list. The motion detector functions exceptionally well and the light runs the entire time on the dim setting. Overall, we found these to be a good value.

The light was very easy to install with only some assembly required. It’s light as a feather, though it does come with screw anchors for better support. It turns out we needed them because the screws that were included were too short to install in their home’s siding, so don’t toss those anchors in case you need them, too. Still, it only took five minutes to install.

We especially liked having this light installed for when our dog went into the backyard after dark. However, it’s also a great choice for any homeowner who wants to add a level of security to the perimeter of their home.

Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief

The lights were very bright, so it’s ideal for areas you need more security.

It’s not a decorative design, so it depends on your preferences.

The Ameritop Outdoor Mounting Solar Light is our top pick for a simple design that’ll get the job done. We noted that the light is easy to install and very bright, so it’s a great option if you want a spotlight for your home.

We found that the motion light only goes off if there's something of substance that walks in front of the sensor. However, you can adjust the light in all directions to that you have a better chance of illuminating whatever (or whomever) is there once motion is detected. The light, once activated, stays lit for about 15 seconds.

We found the Ameritop outdoor solar light very easy to set up thanks to a mounting bracket that the light just slides onto. Depending on where you install the light on your own home’s exterior, though, you might need to buy a mounting bracket separately. We did need a separate bracket, but it still only took us about five minutes to install it on her siding.

This is a sturdy light pair of lights for securing the perimeter of your home. Even after a huge storm at our residence, they weren't jostled out of place—they kept on working and stayed on through the night. If you're looking for a security floodlight for your home and don't really care too much about aesthetics, this is the one for you.

Better Homes & Gardens / Jennifer May

The set includes two lights that have a simple yet attractive design.

You might need additional mounting hardware depending on where you install the lights.

You won't get the same results with these Cyhkee lanterns as you will with a floodlight, of course, but they are bright enough to illuminate your property for security. These are ready to hang out of the box, though you may need to buy separate mounting strip mount mounting brackets depending on where you hang them. The set includes two lights so you can either install them together or use them at different points of your home’s exterior.

We liked that there were two settings for these lights. One setting keeps the lights off until the motion sensor is engaged and turns on a bright light. The other setting keeps the lanterns half-lit until the sensor picks up motion and the lights get brighter. It is easy to change between the different modes with a flick of a single switch.

There are three solar panels on these lanterns, so it’s easier for it to get a full charge during daylight hours so it can do the hard work of securing your home’s perimeter at night. They offer a simple design though they've got Edison-type bulbs that make the lighting a little bit more decorative. Overall, we thought that it gave a classy look to their entry.

Better Homes & Gardens / Jennifer May

You can take them off the hook and carry them like an actual lantern.

These don’t have a motion detection sensor.

If you're looking for an easy, breezy installation for your mounted solar lights, you've found it with this Derynome Solar Lantern. There was no assembly required—all you have to do is flip the switch and let them charge in the sun to fire them up for their first use, making them some of the best mounted solar lights.

The light comes with all the hardware you need, but a drill will be helpful for installation. It took 15 minutes for us to set up both lanterns. We loved the versatility of these lights; you can hang them on a hook like a lantern or mount them on a wall or fence.

There is an on/off switch, but that’s about it in terms of additional features. They are not motion activated, but they will come on at dusk if you switch them to the on position. We were impressed with the simple modern design of these lights from Derynome, and since they come as a pair, you’ve got options for placement throughout your property.

Better Homes & Gardens / Jenica Currie

It was easy to install.

It’s not motion-activated, unlike some other picks.

If you're looking for a light that creates a welcoming atmosphere at your front door, this mounted solar light by Kemeco design is the best option. The light was easy to install and we felt that it seemed to be high-quality, so it’s worth the investment.

While it’s bright and indeed welcoming enough for your front entry, it’s not bright enough to be a security light like some of the others on this list. There’s also no motion activation, so keep that in mind depending on your intended use.

The light was easy to install on an existing pole, and we considered it an upgrade from what was previously there. If you, too, have an existing pole, all you need is the included hardware. It's easy to install on a round pole, but if you’ve got a square pole, it comes with hardware to make the adjustment.

Overall, this is a high-quality white outdoor light that provides a nice warm glow. However, it’s more ambient than high security, so keep that in mind when you install it.

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

Better Homes & Gardens / Abigail Wetzler

You can adjust settings easily using the app.

You’ll have to install the Ring Bridge for it to work.

Ring has become brand synonymous with smart home safety, so it's not surprising that the Ring Solar Smart Floodlight made our list as one of the top mounted solar lights. We found that it was easy to install—if you are switching out a current motion sensor light with this one, you'll find it even easier. Plus, the light comes assembled and does have a half-charged battery, so it will work as soon as you install it.

When it comes to this light, note that you will need the Ring Bridge so be sure to choose the option that includes it. It needs to be installed first, however even that additional step doesn’t take much time at all—just plug it in, open the app, and follow the instructions.

We liked that there were so many options for this smart light, which were easily changeable via the app. You can turn the lights on manually, set up motion alerts, adjust the motion detector, and raise or lower the brightness and settings during daylight. Everything gets attached to the solar panel by a very long cord, so you’ve got plenty of flexibility with where you install it. Plus, it’s good for catching the brightest light for charging during the day.

Overall, we loved the multiple settings for brightness—we liked the warmer glow of the light—and thought it had a great run time. The Ring has a sleek and modern look that's not very obtrusive; in fact, it’s available in black or white, so it might even blend into your home’s exterior. The solar panel is large, but it’s also sleek, so you shouldn't worry about it ruining any curb appeal.

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

The Maxsa Dual Head Solar Powered Wall Mounting Light made the top of our best mounted solar lights list because of its ease in both installation and adjustment, so it’s easy to get the right of amount of illumination just where you need it. We liked that all the necessary hardware was included and that the lights were even able to weather a storm.

To find the best mounted solar lights, we put 21 different styles to the test right at home. Over the course of six months, we used the lights and evaluated them based on six pre-determined categories: set up, features, design, brightness, durability, and value. Testers did not know the price of the lights until after testing.

In terms of setup, we noted whether or not the lights came assembled, as well as how easy they were to install at their home. Once set up, we took note of any features the lights had, like motion-activation or multiple light patterns.

When it came to design, we took note of the look of the light and whether or not they were a decorative option. We also took into consideration any unique design elements the light may have. For brightness, each light was evaluated based on whether or not they provided an appropriate amount of light given the style, as well as if there were any light pattern options.

Durability was determined based on whether or not the lights could hold up against the elements and continues to perform. Then, we considered the price of the lights we tested. From there, we determined value based on our observations, price, and if we would recommend the light.

Dennis recommends choosing a motion detector light as they conserve energy. But your best option for mounted solar lights depends on what you need them to do for your home’s exterior.

Do you want something that’s merely decorative to give some ambient light for a backyard patio or front porch? Or do you want something more on the level of a security flood light that detects even the slightest of motion? Keep your needs in mind when choosing a light, Dennis says—there’s an outdoor lighting solution for everyone.

The best mounted solar lights are those that can keep shining through inclement weather, including rain and snow. Dennis says it’s important to check the light’s IP rating to determine its safety and durability.

The first digit is for the level of protection against solid objects, while the second one is for water-resistance. The solid objects rating ranges from zero to six while the water rating ranges from zero to nine. The higher the digits, the better the protection. “You should take both [digits] into account when deciding your lighting options,” Dennis says.

When it comes to brightness and light color, your own preference should also come into play when choosing the best mounted solar lights for your home.

“In general, the color temperature of your lighting can change the effect and ambiance it has on your outdoor areas by tinting the lighting and the mood it creates,” Dennis says. She notes that warm lights have cooler temperatures and will appear more yellow, while cool lights have higher temperatures and appear white or even blue.

“When you light with cooler color temperatures, it could potentially make your yard look unnatural, so stick with warm and natural whites to properly feature any landscape area,” Dennis says.

Whether you ultimately choose warm or cool, Dennis says to keep your lighting consistent throughout your home—both inside and out—for a cohesive look.

The SolarBasics SB-57B Luna Flame Bulb Solar Accent Light is easy to install, but it offers lighting that’s more ambient than security. It has a basic design and minimal features, though we did like how it flickered like a candle, Still, we found it priced a bit high for something so simple, which is why it ultimately didn't make our list.

The Hampton Bay 14.5 in. Black Dusk to Dawn Decorative Outdoor Wall Lantern took about 25 minutes to install, thanks to small screws that proved to be a bit of a challenge. It’s a basic light that does the job, but you have to take it apart to change out the light, so it can be a bit of a challenge to maintain.

The Techko Maid LED Solar Half Moon Wall Light was another light that we found would be better for ambient lighting rather than security lighting, though we were impressed by the long-lasting dusk-to-dawn option. Installation was easy, though there was a bit of trial and error. There’s only one brightness setting, though it does stay consistently lit.

Solar lights are typically able to hold a charge for six to 10 hours, though some can indeed stay lit from dawn until dusk. It’s best to mount your solar lights in a position that allows for direct sunlight to charge them fully during the day.

Most lights are designed so they can withstand the elements, including rain and snow. You’ll want to make sure, however, that any plugs and sockets are protected from moisture.

Yes. Solar lights simply need daylight to be recharged. Cloudy days in the wintertime still offer enough light to charge solar lights, though you might find your solar lights work best in the spring and summer when sunny days allow for more direct exposure to light.

Barbara Bellesi Zito is a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. To create this list, she reviewed the findings of our in-house testers, who analyzed a selection of mounted solar lights based on their ease of installation, level of brightness, and effectiveness of features, such as motion detection and smart technology (where applicable). For expert insight, she also consulted Tara Dennis, co-founder and director of Archie Bolden, a globally renowned design studio offering residential and commercial interior architecture and design services.

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

Wall Mount For Solar Panels Looking for more products that have earned our BHG Recommends seal of approval? Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers.