Whether you are looking for outdoor security, safety or ambiance, outdoor solar flood lights can not only light up your property but can lower your power bill and reduce your carbon footprint. In this article we will help you find the best outdoor solar flood lights on the market.
Solar power is the wave of the future as we humans strive to depend less and less on fossil fuels and hopefully reverse the damage done to the environment over the last several centuries. It’s a slow process but each of us can do our part and replacing your antiquated electric flood lights with outdoor solar flood lights is a good place to start. And you won’t find most of them to be outside your budget.
When you are ready to make the change, you want to be sure to choose the best outdoor solar lights available and in this article, we are going to do your homework for you, as we look at the top 10 best outdoor solar floodlights available in today’s market.
Contents
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Solar Flood Lights
There are several factors to consider when deciding which brand of best outdoor solar floodlights to purchase. Additionally, it can be quite confusing since there are a multitude of brands on the market. To facilitate your shopping, here are some factors to consider.
- Lumens: probably top on your list is to determine the brightness of the product you choose. Whether you are looking for security or safety, the number of lumens in the product is important, so to have more light, you want a higher number. For floodlights, the recommended number is 700 -1300 lumens.
- The capacity of the battery also is an important factor to consider and it’s a good idea to do your research on each of them.
Ni-cd battery
First on the list are the batteries that contain nickel. The Ni-cd battery contains nickel and cadmium and often is used for battery operated power tools because of its high-energy efficiency, something you definitely want in an outdoor solar floodlight. This battery is not prone to over-heating, which is common in many other batteries used in floodlights. You also want a battery that has a low self-discharge rate, measured when the battery is not in use or connected to a tool. The Ni-cd is used for smaller floodlights with lower power and brightness needs. You will find these batteries in packages containing three or more packs for different floodlights
This particular battery does some drawbacks, including the toxicity of the cadmium and its low battery capacity when putting it alongside the Ni-MH battery.
Ni-MH
The capacity of the Ni-MH (Nickel-metal hydride) battery is triple times that of the Ni-cd and the charge and discharge cycles have a longer life. It is used more often in the best outdoor solar floodlights due to its higher capacity, its environmental friendliness and it has no memory effect. Disadvantages of this battery are over-discharge and its higher self-discharge rate.
Lithium Iron Phosphate
The next battery to consider is the Lithium Iron Phosphate battery known as the LiFePO4, which is used on the higher-end LED outdoor solar floodlights. When compared to other batteries, the LiFePO4 has a long list of advantages, including its long service and long cycle lives, its safety and stability and its wide temperature range. It also has a constant discharge voltage, is light and environmentally friendly. You will find the LiFEPO4 to be more expensive than other lead-acid batteries, however. Other disadvantages include its lower discharge rate, lower energy density and the fact that its lower temperature impacts the battery.
Lead Acid Batteries
The larger and more powerful outdoor solar floodlights use Lead Acid Batteries with valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA). No maintenance required with these batteries and there is no danger of liquid spillage when installing.
High powered with low self-discharge, the lead-acid battery is not expensive to make, so it is easier on your wallet. It also performs well regardless of the outside temperature. Unfortunately, this guy is not environmentally friendly, is heavy and not as durable as other batteries. It also is slow to charge and has low specific energy.
- The solar panels soak in solar power from the sun, change it into electricity and store it in the battery, which then provides the power to produce the lighting. Of the three types, monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous, monocrystalline is preferably for solar powered flood lights because of their cell efficiency.
- Is it weatherproof? You want to be sure that the outdoor solar floodlight you purchased can withstand the elements both summer and winter bring. It is helpful to periodically clean the panels and lights.
- What is the range of application? Here, you want to know whether the light can be installed horizontally and vertically.
- It’s a good idea to get an outdoor solar flood light with a motion detector. A motion detector finds a moving object within its reach but only stays on for a few seconds or minutes. Since the lights drain power only when the sensors are activated, motion detectors make your flood lights more effective.
- Finally, you want to be sure the mounts and ground stakes are stable and that the cable connecting the solar panel to the flood light is long enough.
Top 10 Best Outdoor Solar Floodlights
1. LITCOM Solar Outdoor Lights
LITCOM Solar Outdoor Lights are small but powerful and you get a lot of bang for your buck for a three-pack. Like more expensive solar floodlights, they are IP65 waterproof and easily installed on your porch, deck, pathways or wherever you need good lighting in your yard.
Another good reason to consider this outdoor solar floodlight is the fact that LITCOM is a leader in the solar light industry and has sold more than 5,000,000 solar lights with 80 % customer approval.
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Easy installation
- Highly rated
Cons
- N/A
2. LUPOSWITEN Solar Outdoor Lights
LUPOSWITEN Solar Outdoor Lights are a good option to consider when looking for the best outdoor solar floodlight. 20 LED lights produce illumination of 400 lumens and a 120 degree of lighting. You can expect 5000 hours of lighting, longer than most motion sensor floods. Composed of metal, it is IP67 waterproof, 100 LED and has a Solar Powered Motion Sensor Security Light that detects up to 16 feet. Once motion is detected, the light stays on for 30 seconds. The 4 pack with Solar Fence Wall Lights can be installed in areas other than your yard where you want illumination such as the patio, deck and garden.
Pros
- Provides 5000 hours of lighting
- IP67 waterproof
- Solar-powered motion sensor
- 4-pack provides light for more areas
- Good value for the money
Cons
- Only 400 lumens
- Low detection distance
3. Vivii Security Spotlight Lighting Backyard
VIVIL’s one of the best outdoor solar flood lights you can find for the money. The four-pack has 30 LED super bright lights that provide 80 lumens for nighttime lighting in your yard or garden. The maker promises a more reliable motion detector light bulb that does its job well, causing the lights to come on for 20 seconds when motion up to 26 feet is detected. The IP65 construction assures you of a waterproof light bulb and you can expect it to stand up in severe temperature and weather. You need only a 7-hour charge during the day to provide 12 hours of evening lighting.
Pros
- Highly rated
- Great value
- Provides 80 lumens of bright light
- IP65 rated waterproof
- All-weather
- Charges in 7 hours
Cons
- Motion detector light on for only 20 seconds
- Short life span
4. Neloodony Solar Lights Outdoor
Neloodony’s outdoor solar flood light for yard, patio, garden or garage. A four-pack it requires one lithium-ion battery, which is included. The maker promises great workmanship and high quality materials, including IP65 waterproof construction and ABS aluminum. With 100 LED beads the flood lights provide 2000 lumens for excellent white light. The solar panels require only 8 hours of sunlight and will supply lighting through the night. The motion-activated lights detect motion up to 16 feet within a 280 square foot area. With no wires to complicate the process, installation is quick and easy and all necessary screws and expansion pillar-hinges are included.
Pros
- IP65 waterproof
- 2000 lumen white light
- Good value for the money
- 16-foot range for motion detection
- Easy installation
Cons
- 180 day warranty
5. Otdair Adjustable Spotlights Rotatable Waterproof
OTDAIR outdoor solar floodlight stands out with adjustable three head motion sensor lights that boast automatic on and off at dawn and lighting. The 70 LED two-pack is 360 degrees rotatable for a better range of light. With a range of 120°, the built-in body motion detector can sense motion up to 33 feet and automatically turns off after 30 seconds. The solar security lights are IP65 rated weatherproof so are suitable for any climate. For night use, once charged, the built-in lithium battery (2200mAh) will last up to 30 hours. Weighing only 2.38 pounds with mounting screws provided, installation is quick and easy.
Pros
- Lithium battery
- 3 head motion sensor lights
- Five-star rating
- 360 degrees rotatable
- Charge in battery lasts 30 hours
Cons
- Light diminishes in winter
- Materials are plastic
- No warranty information
6. Solar Flood Lights Outdoor UPONUN Waterproof
UPONUN is a 6000-6500K cool white solar outdoor floodlight light with up to 500 lumens. With an IP67-waterproof rating, it is durable for all kinds of weather, easy to install and provides ample lighting for any nighttime activity on your premises. However, if there is an occasion when you prefer lower brightness, the UPONUM solar outdoor floodlight comes with two smart controllers that allow you to set the level of brightness and hours. It also activates automatically at dawn and dusk. The solar panel lights will recharge not just with sunlight but also on cloudy days. An additional perk is that the remote control can be set at any distance up to 65 feet and has a memory function. Installation options include the ground, roof, pole or fence.
Pros
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Adjustable brightness
- Dusk to dawn activation
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Light diminishes in winter
7. Upgraded SANSI LED Security Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights
SANSI’s LED Security Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights provide super bright, all-weather lighting with a 36W light rated at 3600 lumens. The motion detector can sense motion in a 180-degree area at 50 feet to give you the security you want. SANSI offers four adjustable models to choose from, a Test Mode, Auto Mode, On-Time Mode and Dusk to Dawn Mode. This allows customers to choose the best product for their needs. Energy-efficient, the LED security light can save its customers hundreds of dollars in electricity costs. This best outdoor solar flood light has two lamp heads, weighs only 2.5 pounds and with all mounting material included, is easily installed.
Pros
- Super bright with 3600 lumens
- Motion detected within 50 feet
- Four models to choose from
- Easily installed
- All-weather
Cons
- Light diminishes in winter
8. VOLISUN 100W Solar Powered Auto-Induction Street Floodlight
The VOLISUN 100W Solar Powered Auto-Induction Street Floodlight has 396 LED and 5000 lumens. VOLISON’S adjustable color temperature gives you a choice of adjusting for 4000K white, 5000K cool white or the softer 3000K warm white lighting. The remote control lithium-ion battery (included) allows you to adjust the desired brightness of your floodlights. You also get motion detection, an ABS aluminum casing and 5000 hours of light. Suitable not only for pools, yard and garage, it also has enough power to be used for illumination billboards at night. Charge time is 8 hours in full sunlight for 8 hours of full light or 20 hours of full light. Installation is easy with implements provided to hang or attaching to a surface with screws. The wire from the panel to the light is 65 meters and an extension wire is available if needed.
Pros
- Bright light with 5000 lumens
- Adjustable color temperature
- Adjustable light
Cons
- Does not work on cloudy days
9. YQL 100W Outdoor LED White Solar Street Security Flood Light
The YQL 100W Outdoor LED White Solar Street Security Flood Light is one of the top-rated best outdoor solar floodlights With 208 LED, the IP67-rated all-aluminum frame and body are waterproof and can endure adverse weather. Easy to install with no wiring to worry about or trenches to dig, it has a photoelectric sensor that automatically turns on at dusk and off at dawn. Its large capacity aluminum iron phosphate battery provides 6500K 208 LED and has from 1800 to 5,000 square foot lighting area. With that kind of range, it is used not just for residential lighting but also for industrial areas, such as parking lots, residential roads and sidewalks. The YQL uses six lithium-ion batteries, which are included. Once charged it will provide 16 to 20 hours of lighting. The 16.4 power cable, screw package and multi-functional bracket make installation a breeze.
Pros
- Large, adjustable lighting area
- Easy installation
- Lithium-ion batteries
Cons
- 2-year warranty
- Higher cost
10. LEDMO 200W LED lighting
If you want super bright outdoor solar floodlights, the LEDMO 200W boasts LED lighting suitable for a sport court gym. With 2800 lumens it provides 5000k daylight white lighting. Compared to a 1300 halogen bulb, your cost for electricity would be 80% less if replaced with this product. With a die-cast aluminum housing, it has an IP66 rating, so no worries about severe weather. Easy installation on ceilings, the ground or on walls is another plus for this outdoor solar floodlight. LEDMO also offers a five star 240W LED floodlight suitable for sports fields and a 300W LED floodlight. All have a five-year guarantee.
Pros
- Five-star rated
- 5000k daylight white lighting
- Easy installation
- Money saver
- 5-year guarantee
Cons
- Higher cost
FAQs
What are the advantages of outdoor solar floodlights?
Top on the list is not only will they save on your electric bill but outdoor solar flood lights are eco-friendly. Powered by the sun, which provides endless free energy, the LED bulbs provide two to three times the light of a traditional halogen bulb.
LED floodlights are constructed so that they are resistant to inclement weather, including frost, high heat and even hail. LED bulbs produce less heat (you can remove a LED bulb from a light fixture while it’s on and you won’t get burned) and contain no toxic materials like mercury, so they are safer.
The flood lights are constructed of materials such as aluminum and ABS plastic, a thermoplastic polymer that has no melting point, so they are resistant to all kinds of inclement weather. They also are easy to install since there are no wires to deal with.
What are the disadvantages of outdoor solar flood lights?
Probably the biggest disadvantage is its reliance on the sun for energy needed to assure bright lights. Rainy, cloudy days translate into no outdoor lighting should you need it.
Are outdoor solar flood lights expensive?
Prices for outdoor solar flood lights vary from inexpensive to fairly expensive but remember, your cost for electricity is significantly reduced when compared to electric wiring powered lighting.
In what ways are outdoor solar flood lights better than wired electrical lights?
First, free, renewable energy, enables you to go green with your flood lights. Secondly, there is no wiring to deal with. All you will have is a cable that reaches from the solar panel to the lights, so installation is easy and you can probably do it yourself. Thirdly, they can be installed anywhere the sun can reach the solar panel, on the house, the patio or in the garden. Finally, the choices you have are wide and varied, from small to large and from inexpensive to more expensive.
How much sunlight do I need to power my outdoor solar flood light?
If you want lighting at night you must have enough sun to charge the solar flood light. Even when it is cloudy, solar panels soak up some solar energy. If you live in an area where it is often rainy and cloudy, you might want to consider an amorphous panel rather than the monocrystalline or polycrystalline panel because it soaks up more solar energy. However, amorphous panels are not as efficient as the other two.
Conclusion
Today’s outdoor solar flood lights can provide all the outdoor lighting you need for your yard, garden or patio. They are easy to install due to being wireless with only a cable to connect the solar panels with the battery. You don’t have to shell out a lot of cash to have outstanding outdoor solar lighting.
When shopping for your outdoor solar flood lights, you want between 700 and 1300 lumens for brightest lighting. Battery type and capacity also are important considerations, the most popular being the Ni-MH (Nickel- metal hydride) battery due to its long life, higher capacity, its environmental friendliness and the fact that it has no memory effect.
It’s a good idea to purchase outdoor solar flood lights that include a built-in motion detector because with their on/off use over a few seconds or minutes, your power will last longer.
Finally, do your homework and check the ratings and comments made by verified purchasers. There’s a lot out there to choose from and while it can be confusing, when you make a decision, get your panels and floodlights installed, you will find outdoor evening enjoyment and security for years to come.
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