Solar-powered security lights are an eco-friendly way to keep your garage, home and garden well-lit. Some solar security lights are designed to illuminate at dusk and remain on till dawn. But often, the light isn’t needed until people are in the area. With motion detector solar security lights, you don’t waste the valuable built-up charge by having them on constantly. A motion detector means the light remains off until someone is in the area covered by the detection beam.
If you, your family, or your friends are entering or leaving your property, the way will be safely illuminated by the security lights, but should it turn out to be someone who shouldn’t be there, the sudden withdrawal of the cover of darkness created by the solar-powered security light and a security camera should discourage them from pursuing any nefarious tasks they may have had on their mind.
Besides helping you feel safe, solar-powered security lights can be installed quickly and easily without any need for wiring. They won’t raise your monthly electric bill, making it ideal for the budget-conscious DIYer.
The best solar security lights at a glance
To help you narrow your choices, we’ve rounded up some solar power lights to see which products outshine (ahem) the competition. With a range of different designs, you’re sure to find something to keep your home, your garage, garden, driveway or path safe.
The best solar security lights in detail
Editor's choice
It’s rated at a decent 800 lumens, which is more than adequate for security and safety purposes. Water resistance is rated at IP44, so it is adequately protected from rain, just don’t spray it with your pressure washer.
Pros
- The three-mode lighting and dusk-to-dawn capability makes it versatile
- Easy to install. Simply mount it on an exterior wall using the included fixings. No electrician needed
- The polycarbonate housing with an IP44 rating means it handles rain and dust well
Cons
- No control over the PIR detection area
- While water-resistant, protection doesn’t extend to heavy water jets. Avoid direct washing and hose jets
Best for directional illumination
Rrp: $18.96
Rrp: $18.96
Any movement detected up to 25 metres away will trigger the light, which will remain on for 30 seconds after the motion has stopped. When the light is off, a flashing red LED lets you know it’s charged and working, but it can give the impression that it’s a security camera. The Bell+Howell Bionic Spotlight can be mounted to a wall or even stuck into the ground - a nice solution to give your space some mood lighting near walls or buildings.
Pros
- The rotatable spotlight head allows you to aim the beam for the best coverage
- The solar panel position is adjustable to get maximum sunlight
- Flashing red LED for added security
- Impressive 25-metre motion detection
Cons
- Can take a few days of daylight to build up to optimum charge
- Other options offer brighter light
Best multipack
With three operating modes, you can set the Kolpop lights to always on, which doesn’t change when motion is detected, dim brightness, which will remain at 20% brightness until motion is detected, or no light sensing, which keeps the light off until motion is detected to provide 100% illumination. The lights can also automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn.
The built-in PIR sensor in each unit detects movement 6-8 metres away, and the 1200 mAh rechargeable battery needs only 6-8 hours of charging during the day to provide 8-12 hours of continuous lighting at night. An IP rating of 65 means these lights will withstand the heaviest rain showers and even direct water jets.
Pros
- 208 LEDs delivering 800 lm per unit make these lights very bright for outdoor use
- IP65 rating and tough ABS housing mean the lights can handle typical UK weather conditions
- Three modes to suit different requirements - constant security, energy-saving standby, or purely motion-activated control
Cons
- A 6 to 8 metre sensor range with a narrow 30° field might mean you need multiple units to cover wider areas
- Instructions to change modes are more difficult to understand than other options
Best for flexible installation
The main unit has 156 LEDs and a sensor that is capable of detecting movement up to 5-8 metres away, with a sensing angle of 120 degrees. The solar panel has a 15% conversion rate, which is slightly less competitive in this market. Like most other solar lights, the AIXPI comes with an IP65 rating, so rain shouldn’t phase it. The advantage of this solar security light is that it comes with three light heads that can be adjusted to point in different directions, allowing you to illuminate more area in your garden or driveway.
Pros
- The 5 m solar cable enables installation of the panel in full sun while the light itself sits where needed
- IP65 rating ensures good protection from rain and dusty environments
- 270° lighting coverage with three individually adjustable panels - ideal for broad gardens, path, or driveway lighting
Cons
- May be tricky to install as other lights offer an easier solution
- 120° motion detection may require multiple units for full-area coverage, even though lighting spans 270°
Best for contemporary design
It’s not the brightest light on our list, but it can provide a more subtle form of illumination and works well when installed in two or more sets. The sensor can detect movement up to eight metres away, with a sensing angle of 100 degrees.
Pros
- The aluminium construction offers both a premium aesthetic and robustness against the elements—designed for UK weather resilience
- Gentle up-and-down lighting produces an ambient, warm-white glow, more about ambiance and elegance than stark brightness
- Specifically engineered for UK weather, including frost-resistant solar panels and cold-weather capability
Cons
- Not as good at illuminating larger areas brightly - it's more ambient than floodlight.
- The PIR sensor's 100° field, while adequate for doors or entry paths, is less comprehensive than models offering 120–270° coverage
Installation tips
Installing solar security lights is a great way to increase your home’s safety and visibility without the need for complex and expensive wiring. Here are some key tips for a successful installation:
Pick the right location
- Choose a spot where the solar panel will get direct sunlight for most of the day (south-facing in the UK is best).
- Avoid placing the solar panel under eaves, trees, or near large bushes where shadows might block the panel. Even partial shade can reduce charging efficiency.
- Place the light to cover the areas you want to protect. Think about the angle of the light and the motion sensor’s detection zone to make sure you have the best protection.
- If the best spot for the light itself is in a shaded area (like under an eave), consider a light with a separate, detached solar panel. This allows you to mount the panel in a sunny location and run a cable to the light itself.
Installation
- Mount lights at around 2 – 2.5 m (6–8 ft) from the ground. This is high enough to deter tampering but low enough for the motion sensor to work effectively.
- Use the correct tools. Having everything ready before you start will make the task easier. You’ll probably need a ladder, power drill and drill bits, a screwdriver, perhaps a spirit level, and a pencil or chalk to help you mark and align your mounting holes correctly.
Set up and testing
- Before the first use, many manufacturers recommend letting the light charge for a day or two with the light control switch in the “OFF” position. This allows the battery to charge fully.
- Once it’s charged, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set the motion sensor’s sensitivity and the duration the light stays on after being triggered. After installation, test to confirm the motion sensor’s detection zone. Walk in an arc across the front of the sensor to see where it triggers. You can then adjust the sensor’s angle as required, although it may take a bit of trial and error to get the sensor operating in just the way you want.
- Take care when adjusting the light and try not to dazzle your neighbours. Point the beam away from your neighbours’ windows to avoid causing a nuisance.
Maintenance
- Keep the solar panels clean. Dirt, dust, and debris can reduce the panel’s efficiency, which will reduce its charging ability. Clean the panel regularly with a damp cloth to ensure it’s absorbing as much sunlight as possible.
- Periodically check to make sure no new tree branches or other objects are blocking the solar panel.
- The rechargeable batteries in solar lights typically last 1-2 years. If the light’s performance deteriorates and illumination periods grow shorter, you may need to replace the battery with a compatible one.
Extra protection
- Position lights so they not only illuminate but also act as a visible deterrent from a distance—angled towards access points like gates, paths, or driveways.
- Consider overlapping coverage from two lights for critical areas to avoid “dark spots” if one fails.
FAQs when buying solar security lights
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What are lumens and how many do I need?
Look for lights with a high lumen output to ensure sufficient lighting for the area you wish to cover.
Most modern lights are LED, which means they are able to produce a higher output with less energy than traditional halogen or filament lights. For outdoor lighting we recommend up to 1000 lumens, but if you’re looking for flood lights then up to 1500 lumens may be required depending on the area you want to illuminate. -
What range should the motion sensor be?
Ensure that the motion sensor range covers the area you want to protect.
Most outdoor lights and smart security cameras will often advertise the motion sensor range as a measurement of distance – for example ‘8-10 metre motion sensor range’. If motion is detected within that range, then the light should turn on. It is important to buy a light with a sensor that covers the majority of the area you want to illuminate, as you don’t want to be walking around the far-end of your garden and the light doesn’t turn on. The angle at which the sensor can detect motion is also useful, as higher angles (e.g. 120 degrees or more) can cover a wider area. -
What is the IP rating, and how does it protect against the weather?
The lights should be weather-resistant, with an IP rating of at least IP44.
Outdoor lights or CCTV systems will often face adverse weather conditions, so it’s important to buy a light that will be protected from rain or dust. The IP rating system takes into account the level of protection against solid objects (or dust) and water. The first number rates the level of protection from dust from zero to six, with six being dust tight. For this we recommend a rating of 4 or above for outdoor lighting.
The second number is the level of protection against water from zero to eight, with the higher ratings reserved for products that can be immersed in water (seven and eight). Rating of higher than four is recommended here as it will protect against splashing water, but if you want protection against jet water or even powerful jets then go for a rating of five or six. -
What else should I consider when buying a solar security light?
Installation: Consider how easy the lights are to install. Some models are designed to be easily mounted with screws or adhesive, while others may require more complex installation. The same goes to garage alarm systems and the like.
Design: Choose a design that won't compromise your home's exterior appearance. There are many styles to choose from, so you can find one that fits your aesthetic preferences.
Price: Consider your budget and look for lights that offer the features you need at a price you can afford.
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