The best solar motion lights provide an effective security solution for home and business premises. They are eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and safe for indoor and outdoor use. However, acquiring durable lights with sufficient brightness, decent range, and accurate sensors seems a gamble without knowing the most important factors to consider before making a purchase.
Our team compared the individual features and user reviews of 20 models to narrow it down to the 7 top-rated products on the market with the Aootek Solar Outdoor Lights as our Editor’s Choice. We have featured models of different sizes and brightness levels so that you could choose the most suitable option for your needs. All of them feature reliable, solar chargeable batteries that keep the lights on for a preset duration to deter intruders. Some of our best solar motion lights boast of adjustable sensitivity and time frame that allow you to set how often and how long the lights should remain on, and others come with optional lighting modes to conserve power. We also factored in detection angles that extend the coverage or focus the lights on a particular area. Lastly, we looked at the total number of lights included in the package and how easy it would be to install them.
More features: 2200 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Our Editor’s Choice is rated among the best solar powered motion lights by thousands of verified buyers on Amazon. Aootek Solar Outdoor Lights feature a 4-pack security lighting system with 120 LEDs and a 1.2W monocrystalline silicone panel laminated with Polyethylene terephalate (PET) to improve the conversion rate by up to 20. 5%. The security product has IP65 waterproof rating.
There are 3 mode settings to choose from depending on your security needs. You can opt to have the lights stay on throughout the night, or light up dimly all night long while increasing their brightness whenever they detect motion, or you may prefer the lights only turning on for 15 seconds every time there is movement.
Runtime varies according to the selected mode. In Permanent On all night mode, you charge the panel for 7 to 9 hours to generate optimal charge for the 2200 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery to power the lights the entire night. Comparatively, Security light mode requires 4 to 5 hours of charging time for nighttime operation.
The solar motion sensor lights detect moving objects at a maximum distance of 26 feet within a wide angle of 120°.
Buyers like the high level of illumination and the optional light modes. The control switch for these settings is inconveniently placed in the back where you have to unscrew the mounted lights to access it to tweak settings to your preference. Some of the lights also stop operating within a few months.
More features: 20-foot cable; adjustable time frame; IP65 waterproof
An outstanding feature that makes Glorious-Lite Solar Security Lights the best solar powered motion security light is the 360° detection angle that provides ample coverage within a substantial distance of up to 72 feet.
The next notable feature is the lumen output of 1000, the second highest level of brightness among the solar LED motion lights we reviewed. The resultant white light has color temperature of 5500K.
Other admirable qualities include an impressive IP65 waterproof, which holds up to all kinds of weather, including rain, sleet, or snow, and ETL certification for energy efficiency that reduces your utility bills by up to 80%. The light also conforms to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines on electromagnetic interference.
It comes with a long 20-foot cable that connects the 2400 mAh battery to the silicone panel. This gives you more flexibility to place the solar panel in direct sunlight. A fully-charged battery operates the lights for an adjustable time frame of 20 to 120 seconds at a time, which translates to total runtime of one and a half hours.
Users can adjust the, time range and sensitivity levels as well as swivel individual lights from side to side or up and down. This makes this model the best solar security light motion detector for stairs, driveways, and other areas that you can target for precise illumination.
Screws for securing the base of the panel and the fixture lights are provided. The manufacturer recommends wall mounting the lights vertically at a height range of 7.2 to 14.8 feet since the detection angle would be limited by horizontal orientation.
As with most solar products, minimal sun exposure will shorten the overall working time.
More features: 1200 mAh battery; 5,000 hours of lifespan
ZOOKKI Solar Lights ticks all efficiency and safety boxes with accreditation by, RoHS, CE, FCC, and TUV. The bestseller solar security light with motion sensor comes in a set consisting of 28 LED beads with combined brightness output of 400 lumens. Users can move individual lights independently up to 120° wide angle to detect movement within a maximum range of 26 feet.
The set also includes 8 screws, 8 sleeves, 2 pins, a manual, and a rechargeable 1200mAh Li-ion battery with lifespan of 5,000 hours. The battery is fully charged to operate the lights for 8 hours after placing the solar panel under direct sunlight for 6 to 8 hours. This renewable power method of charging also eliminates the wiring issues of plug-in security light products.
The waterproof solar powered motion light features ABS plastic construction, which is resistant to high impact.
The Company offers 2-year limited warranty, and a 30-day money back guarantee to secure you against unforeseen damage.
ZOOKKI Solar Lights is said to have 2% higher photovoltaic efficiency than poly-silicone panels within that pricing range. To save energy, the lights automatically turn on for 3 to 5 minutes when it is dark or when there is motion and then turn off after 30 seconds if the motion ceases. There is also an energy-saving “no dim mode” option.
Owners are impressed by the bright illumination and the reasonable price which they consider a bargain. Some lights reportedly fail to work after a while, and a couple of customers find the Company non-responsive to buyers.
More features: 360° solar panel and 360° rotatable spotlights
The best solar security light motion detectors should be able to cover all the areas where your security may be compromised. JosMega Solar Motion Sensor Lights achieves this with 125° wide angle and 360° rotatable spotlights for illumination at any angle. The lights also comes with a 360° solar panel, which gives users more options to place it in the sun for optimal charge.
The 2-pack lights emit a combined output of 300 lumens from 30 LEDs; 16 in the middle and 14 in the side panels.
The lights are triggered for 30 seconds by moving objects within a maximum distance of 26 feet.
Users receive a built- in 2200 mAh lithium rechargeable battery. They charge the panel for at least 2 hours to get up to 30 hours of working time at night and 6 hours on the highest setting.
Among the best features buyers like in this solar powered motion light is the LED lifespan of 50,000 hours, support for wall mounting with the included screws and sleeves for speedy installation, and convenient auto on/off function. The auto/on switch is below a pinhole where users insert a key PIN until they hear a click to activate the lights.
300 lumens may not offer adequate illumination for a large area, but the IP65 waterproof-rated model would be an ideal solution for mid-size backyards, computer rooms, and storage facilities. It is secured by a limited warranty of one year, and 45 days money back guarantee for customers with malfunctioning lights, which has been reported on by a couple of buyers.
More features: 30 seconds on when motion detected; heat and frost resistant
On sunny days, it only takes 8 hours to charge the 2600mAh lithium 18650 Li-ion battery of BAXIA TECHNOLOGY Solar Lights for working time of 10 to 16 hours. The large panel increases the rate of photoelectric conversion to facilitate a full capacity.
BAXIA TECHNOLOGY Solar Lights is designed to illuminate gardens, garages, patios, and other outdoor spaces. Each set has 4 lights, which floods a range of up to 16 feet with 100 LEDs with 2000 lumens. The bright solar LED motion light detects presence of animals and human beings at a wide angle of 125°. Upon detecting movement within that coverage, the lights turn on automatically for 30 seconds.
Users like the no dim mode setting that increases battery lifespan and the IP65 triple waterproof design, which makes it the best solar security light motion detector that can withstand the harshest conditions. The material is also heat and frost resistant.
Buyers benefit from a limited warranty of 6 months as well as 30-day money back guarantee, which gives you time to try the product before making a commitment and covers you in case in issues arise.
The lights are available with 4 screws, 4 expansion pillar-hinges, a manual, and a key pin for switching on the lights. Insert the key in the slot with a power symbol on it adjacent to the motion sensor. Owners are advised to set up the lights at a height ranging from 6.5 to 13 feet.
Compared to other products we reviewed, this model has relatively limited detection range and a short warranty. However, it has the best brightness for solar powered motion security lights.
More features: mounting accessories are included; the time can be adjusted from 8 seconds up to 480 seconds
Costech Ultra Bright 90 LED Solar Motion Sensor Lights derives its name from the 90 LED lights with total output of 600 lumens. The new model has been upgraded with a larger polycrystalline solar panel to increase the charging capacity. According to the manufacturer, enlarging the panel increases photocell efficiency by 17%.
This security product covers a maximum distance 60 feet at an angle of 180°. When there is movement within the specified range, the included 2200 mAH 3.7 V rechargeable lithium ion battery activates the budget-friendly solar LED motion light for 8 seconds up to 480 seconds depending on the set working time.
There are 3 control dials for light options: LUX lets you choose the amount of ambient light that should trigger the lights to turn on automatically; SENS sets the detection range; and TIME obviously adjusts the length that lights should stay on once activated. A side switch toggles the auto on/off function.
Along with Costech Ultra Bright 90 LED Solar Motion Sensor Lights, buyers also receive an accessories kit with 8 expansion sleeves and 8 screws for installation, a user manual, and a 16.4 feet power cord.
The components made from aluminum and ABS plastic have IP44 waterproof rating for safe set up outdoors. The inclusion of a separate solar panel is convenient because you can position it in a different location that optimizes sun exposure for full capacity.
Several users have installed this solar motion sensor light on porches, parking lots, and sheds. A few noted that the screws for the mounting bracket make assembly slightly difficult because of their small size. A couple of customers were dissatisfied with the level of brightness.
More features: IP44 waterproof; On mode; 16.4-foot cable
Our Upgrade Pick features 182 LEDs and 3 side lamp heads that you can adjust upwards, downwards, and horizontally for precise illumination. The eco-friendly solar motion security light is powered by a powerful 9V 2.5W polycrystalline silicone solar panel, which is efficient in converting solar energy to electrical energy. The construction material of tempered glass, aluminum alloy frame, transparent TPT back sheet, and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), which laminates the solar panel also speed up this process.
Costech Motion Solar Lights is equipped with intuitive light and motion sensors that activate the lights on a need basis. This means the lights are only on when there is little ambient light or movement within the specified range of coverage. The coverage and sensitivity range of Costech Motion Solar Lights is reportedly 20% higher than standard solar security light motion detectors.
The premium solar security light with motion sensor has 3 control dials for adjustable light, motion sensitivity, distance, and preset time frame of 30, 60 or 120 seconds in Auto mode and working time of one hour in On mode.
Owners install the lights on metal, wood, and plastic walls to secure porches, patios, and pathways. Some use it in sheds and around pools because the construction material is sturdy and weatherproof with IP44 rating.
As well as the lights, buyers also get a 16.4ft long cable for more flexibility when mounting the solar panel, an anti-explosion flame-proof battery, and mounting tools. A few buyers had to replace some defective lights.
To help you with your decision on the best solar security light with motion sensor, we have reviewed the most important features to take into account for reliable, durable, and affordable models. Some products include a number of different modes for custom application.
Effective security solution: The best use of solar-powered motion lights is to deter intruders from your home or business. The smart sensors activate lights for a presser time when they detect moving objects like animals and human beings. They also provide visibility for owners, pets, and visitors.
Eco-friendly: Unlike regular lights, they use renewable power source in form of electricity generated from solar energy.
Customizable settings: The featured solar LED motion lights have adjustable modes such as nightlong option and motion-sensitive lighting. Most of them allow you adjust the timeframe, sensitivity level, and the distance range. You can also change the light angle to focus or broaden coverage.
Wireless operation: No need for wiring or plugging. What’s there not to like about this convenience?
Cost-effective: Besides the minimal maintenance, you can also purchase the best solar security light motion detectors without breaking the bank.
Our team breaks down the essential factors that make the best solar security light motion detectors, including adjustable design and settings.
This may be in form of diverse shapes and styles, or with regard to their optimization to effectively illuminate and secure your property. These include separate solar panels for greater flexibility, 360-degree detection to cover every corner within a specific distance, and adjustable lights that can be moved in multiple directions to focus on a particular area or to intensify illumination in the entire space. JosMega Solar Motion Sensor Lights comes with a 360° solar panel and 360° rotatable spotlights that can be positioned facing upwards, downwards, or to either side.
There are high-intensity discharge (HID) and halogen bulbs, which vary in their power and brightness as well as LED bulbs, which are often incorporated in solar security lights with motion sensor. They are preferred for emitting plenty of light with little energy consumption – LED bulbs are thrice as efficient as halogen lights – and for their durability, which sees them lasting for up to 50,000 hours. They also have a small profile suitable for compact solar lights.
In addition to lumens which measure brightness, manufacturers will also specify the number of LED diodes in their light fixtures. Generally, a higher number of LEDs will produce brighter light. However, this is not always the case as the ambience, lens, light angle, color temperature, and other optimized components also influence the amount of emitted light.
On average, solar security light motion detectors feature a minimum output of 300 lumens and maximum brightness of 3000 lumens for flood lights.
The key feature you should take into account when choosing the best solar powered motion security light is the level of brightness, which is measured in lumens. At least 1000 lumens would suit most applications, but if you have a larger area or need more illumination, consider BAXIA TECHNOLOGY Solar Lights with output of 2,000 lumens. Since solar models are powered by the sun, you don’t have to worry about brighter lights raising your utility bills.
Most solar LED motion lights are made of weatherproof materials that can survive natural elements when charging or operating outdoors. A great illustration of this is Costech Motion Solar Lights. The solar panel is made from tempered glass, which is 6x more fortified than traditional glass and resistant to high impact. The frame features aluminum, which is corrosion-proof and weighs much less than steel while the back sheet sports transparent Tedlar Polyester Tedlar (TET), which optimizes solar charging capacity and works with Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) lamination to protect the solar panel from dirt and moisture.
ABS plastic is popularly used for outdoor models because it provides a sturdy housing that holds up well in cold and hot temperatures while steel’s strength and rust-resistance makes it the go-to material for premium solar motion sensor lights.
Check the waterproof rating to discern the level of protection your intended lights are equipped for. The first number in Ingress Protection (IP) rating denotes the degree of protection against contact with solids like dust, and the second one is for liquids. The maximum protection level is 8 for moisture and 6 for solid. For example, BAXIA TECHNOLOGY Solar Lights provides the best outdoor solar security light motion detector with IP65 triple waterproof design. Please note that the IP rating of a specific model is the combination of the IP ratings of its components such as the panel, sensor, and the light fixture itself, which could differ in their individual ratings. That is why the best solar powered motion security light with several parts may have an overall lower IP rating.
For solar panels, monocrystalline models have a large capacity to collect and convert solar energy, with increased cell efficiency of up to 21 percent, but they are costlier than polycrystalline products, which are also used in a few of the best solar security lights with motion sensor. Thin-film amorphous panels have the least cell efficiency of up to 10 percent. Now that we are discussing cell efficiency, we should mention the wattage of the solar panel. Costech Motion Solar Lights comes with a 9V 2.5W polycrystalline silicone solar panel to channel power to 182 LEDs. The best solar LED motion lights for commercial use have higher wattage of up to 20 watts and a large surface area to increase their capacity.
When considering the range of coverage, we factor in the angle of detection as well as the maximum horizontal distance from the mounted lights. Glorious-Lite Solar Security Lights motion sensors have detection angle of 360° that covers maximum distance of 72 feet. If possible, avoid trees, roofs, and other objects that could obstruct the sensors from intuitive detection.
Check whether the lights have different modes for custom output. These may include energy-saving modes that only light up when they sense motion, all-night light modes, and other settings for lights to turn on at your desired frequency and duration. Owners of Aootek Solar Outdoor Lights offers 3 light modes with varied charging time. If you choose to have the lights on throughout the night, you will need direct sun exposure of 7 to 9 hours. Alternatively, security mode, which only triggers on the light in case of moving objects takes only 4 to 5 hours to charge the battery fully for this nighttime option. Overcast days would favor energy-saving modes by ensuring a little charge goes a long way.
Some solar motion lights let you configure the delay time for the lights to turn on for a certain period when there are moving objects within the distance range. They may provide timeframe options ranging from 20 to 120 seconds with 30-second increment options. Others allow you to adjust the sensitivity range to avoid mundane objects such as flying flags activating the lights.
These settings extend overall lifespan and working time by turning on the lights on a need basis.
All the best solar motion security lights seem to have passive infrared sensors (PIR) with adjustable sensitivity to prevent random objects blowing in the wind within the specified range from activating the lights. This helps to conserve power by limiting false triggers. Instead of using monitoring microwave reactions, several motion lights use changes in infrared heat to detect moving animals and human beings.
You can also configure automatic on/off photosensors to turn on the light automatically when it is dark. The solar motion sensor lights we reviewed all have this function.
Solar security lights with motion sensor are often available in a pack of individual light fixtures. Aootek Solar Outdoor Lights comes in a set of 4 lights, and JosMega Solar Motion Sensor Lights is a 2-light package. More lights allow you to combine them for greater illumination or to install or tweak the lights independently for focused lighting. They also cost less in a package that would light up your space for thousands of hours.
There are solar motion lights that come with a solar panel attached to the lights, but the best solar LED motion lights feature a separate panel which can be positioned in a convenient place with direct exposure to sunlight. Such models are paired up with a long cable that extends the location range of the solar panel.
Aootek Solar Outdoor Lights comes in a package with 4 lights per set and a solar panel with 20.5% greater efficiency. The bestselling solar security light motion detector has high IP65 waterproof rating and 3 different light modes to set illumination based on motion alone or to keep the lights on throughout the night.
The greatest attraction for Glorious-Lite Solar Security Lights is the large distance range of up to 72 feet, sensing angle of 360 degrees, 20 feet long cable, and the intense brightness output of 1000 lumens and color temperature of 5500K. It also features an adjustable time frame of 20 to 120 seconds and is certified by ETL and FCC for adhering to safety and efficiency standards.
Another top pick for the best solar LED motion light from our list is Costech Motion Solar Lights, which is available with 3 flexible lamp heads, 182 LEDs, and high-quality material that increases efficiency and protects the light fixture from impact and natural elements. Owners can adjust time, distance, and motion sensitivity with control dials.
