Last updated on April 6th, 2018
Solar motion lights for outside. They are exceptionally convenient in that their placement can be just about anywhere.
(Regular outdoor motion lights require a source of 120 VAC power)
(…and a qualified electrician to install them.)
Solar motion lights get their power first from the sun using a mini solar panel that converts sunlight to electricity. A built-in battery is used for energy storage. The motion sensor and lights get their power from the battery.
(See below for a specific recommendation)
Solar Motion Light Panels — Two Configurations
1. Built in / attached mini solar panel.
2. Separate from the body of the main sensor and light assembly.
Units with a detached solar panel are advantageous:
– Position the solar panel specifically where the sun shines.
– The motion sensor & lights assembly can be mounted in a different and exact location where it matters.
Note: Be aware of the length of interconnecting wire between the solar panel and motion sensor. The length will vary from one model to another. If you’re handy you may be able to splice into it – making it longer if needed.
Solar Motion Lights For Outside
Bright Enough To Be Useful !
One reason that I’m writing this article is to point out that brightness matters. There are units of measurement to compare one solar motion light with another.
Unfortunately not all makes and models list these specifications.
I’m talking about Lumens which is a unit of measurement related to how bright the light source is.
Comparison (Lumens & Brightness)
– A typical 100 watt flood light (non-LED) is 1,600 lumens.
– A 60 watt incandescent porch light (non-LED) equivalent to 800 lumens.
Look for the ‘lumens’ specification when considering a given solar motion light for outside.
It’s about Lumens (Not # LED’s)
Don’t fall for “the number of LED’s”. That means nothing. What matters is lumens.
In my personal opinion and experience, if you’re looking for an outside solar motion light for security purposes and/or lighting up a driveway:
Choose 1,000 lumens or more.
Mounting Locations
The very best attribute of a solar motion light for outside is the ability to mount them in places that are not necessarily attached to your house!
You can literally mount them anywhere.
Even if there’s not direct sunlight (although that helps!) most good solar motion lights will still charge the internal batteries in partial sun or even shade to an extent.
The reason I like solar motion lights:
– Ability to light up the night BEFORE getting close to your home.
– If you have a long driveway or private road you could install one or more along it’s length.
– Install at the perimeter of your property. This is highly advantageous for deterrence whereas motion lights mounted to the home will only turn on when the subject gets close enough to the structure itself.
For the sake of home security or that of your property, you might consider some solar motion lights for outside.
Recommendation — Solar Motion Lights for Outside
Solar and LED technology have been steadily improving. Even just one year ago there were not as many choices if you were looking for a solar powered motion light.
The following is my current product recommendation based on what’s available today:
Solar LED Security Light, 950 Lumen
Features
– 950 Lumen
– 5500K (cool daylight color temperature)
– Waterproof
– Automatic or Always-on
– 15 foot solar panel cord
– 2 Adjustable LED heads
– UL Certification
– 1 yr warranty
Another interesting alternative for solar motion light:
Sunforce Solar Motion Security Light 1500 Lumens
Tip: My recommendation & review:
Best motion light (requires standard household electricity)
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Eh…I put one up…worked great for about a year and then poof…lights out:)
Do you remember the brand?
There appears to be an amount of ‘junk’ out there in this category.
For solar powered motion lights, special engineering attention needs to go into the panel specs, LED’s, and the battery.
Anonymous
You can find recharge batteries for the higher end solar lights. Recently discovered one of our solar lights takes “C” rechargeable batteries.
I am curious about the life span of exterior electronic devices. I have had three wireless driveway alerts, two lasted two years and one is on year four. Garden solar lights last us around three years max. I may try these solar lights but will not expect too many years of service – five would be great.
And don’t even get me started on interior electronics like computers ….. I’m like the hamster on the tread mill in the system – or is that sucker?
hermit us
I believe it is Sunforce -LED Solar Motion Light that we have. I would say ours are over five yrs and still working. Still bright/still come on/etc.. (they have survived through some quite severe whether snow/hail/rain/wind/etc…. Believe you can get them on Amazon…maybe Ken can put a link?
For your reference, the latest Sunforce solar motion lights for outside:
Sunforce Solar Motion Light, 1200 lumens
Ken;
What’s your take (aka best) on Solar dusk-to-dawn lights.
Looking to replace the lights on my 50′ high flag/pole, tried some LEDs (110 volt) for once, went poof in the first 6 months, did not last through winter.
NRP, Are you referring to replacement LED outdoor rated spot lights for an existing dusk-to-dawn fixture?
Or replacement of the entire fixture assembly itself?
The entire assembly, I have the unit on the upper mast just below the flag with power run to it, Is currently a 2-25 watt LED system with a remote mounted DtoD sensor (had to modify it to work on my app).
Looking for a good Solar unit DtoD that I can cannibalize to work.
I believe the movement and rattling of the LEDs or the sensor literally shook it apart. High winds with the flag shaking like crazy causes a lot of vibration.
I did have to laugh a little, the local Airport called me about the strobe light…. OOPS. sorry. Had to pull the flag (flag is on a pulley system)and turn the lights off….. but time to fly Old Glory again.
NRP,
A 50 foot flagpole??! I’m going out on a limb here with a prediction that the airport may ask you to change the strobe to red, and put it back up.
As for a DtoD sensor, can’t you just use an old school CDS cell and relay? Tuck it in a project box and seal the wire openings? With a little creativity and some Arduino bits you could locate the sensor somewhere off the flagpole to avoid wind damage.
McGyver;
I had though about remote mounting the Light Sensor at ground lever, plus all the rest of the goodies, and just leave the LEDs up top, will get it figured out before the 80′ lift shows up to change it all out.
The Airport is up the road quite a bit, so no problems, plus the limit for a non lighted pole around here is 150′. seems kinda high to me, but I gave up flying awhile back.
NRP,
Here’s my initial thought. Instead of an assembly mounted up on the flagpole, consider the following on the ground near the base of flagpole:
3350 Lumens, Outdoor Flag Pole Spotlight Fixture, UL Listed & DLC Qualified
LED Compatible 120V Dusk To Dawn Outdoor Swivel Photo Control, Photocell
The 20 degree beam angle from 50 feet away will light up a cross sectional diameter of 17 feet.
Not sure how big your flag is, but if it’s 5 feet, it would require a lighted area of 10 feet depending on the wind direction.
One or more of these fixtures @3350 lumens may light it up nicely.
That said, I cannot vouch for this particular make/model since I do not have one. Though reviews look pretty good.
Thanks Ken for the reply, I have actually been thinking Ground Mount, sure would make changing the bulbs a LOT easier…..
The 17′ spread would work out just about correct.
Ken;
Had to chuckle a little, I’ll mount 2, one on each side. that would do nicely, and they would think they are landing lights at 6700Lumens…. HAHAHA
Old Glory will be the talk of the town HAHAHAHA
Thanks again.
Solar light similar to the one Ken as highlighted on the blog found in the Costco a few weeks back. Purchased a total of three of them to put strategically around the place. Those lights are bright, now to see what distance they will cover.
At one time we were so rural if a vehicle went by we would highlight them with a flashlight, now you have no idea who is coming into this private area. Reason we need these close to the main road and our drive way. Discourages the two legged with sticky hands….and other 4 legged predators.
I just bought one of the 1500 lumen Sunforce triple head, separate solar panel, (3 NiMH 1.2v replaceable battery) motion activated lights at Costco, 20% ($10) off. Caution, weather resistant only. Buying more tomorrow. Regular price $50. They say timing is everything. Thanks Ken.
Installed the Sunforce LED motion sensor lights from each balcony last year. Work great, and give me plenty of light to “light up” whatever I need to, should that need arise. We calibrated them (adjusted) to a sensitivity setting so our GSDs, won’t set them off, but anything larger will, including the deer. The deer appreciate being able to see their way clearly to the bird feeders and make a lot less mess when robbing them at night. With the deer smell on them, the small birds don’t care, but it has kept the magpies out of them. This winter, I turned them off mostly, because the ambient light reflection from the snow, provided plenty of light to see what lurks in the woods out back. Never did see a Sasquatch, nor heard one, so, that was good. Love the Sunforce lights so far, we picked up some for the front of the large wide driveway to fry retinas during our sleep time. They are very easy to install, and adjust.(even for me)
We have the RAB 2-head lights that Ken recommended. They are bright light and work very well. We have one more we want to install (we have the light, just need to pull the wires and set it in place). Then we will get a light or two that are solar for our sheds, not far from the house. We will be using Ken’s recommendations to see what solar he’s recommended.
Ken, so far, every one of your recommendations that we’ve bought has been great. I trust your referrals and your approach to determining what really works. You have saved us lots of time searching some products out….so a big thank you!
Sometimes my husband will get on the forums where engineers and mechanical types read. He’ll get recommendations there, also tips and comments on failed products. There are so many good folks online willing to help others, willing to share. Heck, sometimes he’s asked for repair help and gotten the info to DIY a repair.
I’m glad that you’ve been pleased with the results.
When I do recommend a particular product, I have done my own research and best efforts to choose something good. Often (not always) I’ve already owned the product myself which adds more reassurance of its performance.
I have lots of RAB motion lights (they’re certainly the best in my opinion for standard powered motion lights).
I’m just now getting into expanding the horizon (literally) with solar motion lights further away from the house along our private road where there is no available power.
Ken
Do you have one of these Sunforce 1500 lumen triple head lights? Looking for more motion lights to put here n there
Nailbanger,
I just ordered one.
Sunforce Solar Triple Head Motion Activated Security Light 1500 Lumens
Having referenced it in the article I intended to purchase one. I am beefing up my perimeter security (where’s there is no power).
I will report back after I get it, install it, and have used it for a bit…
Thanks Ken, thinking im going to just let er rip and try it!
Ken & Nailbanger
These are the lights we purchased via Costco, an have set up all over the place. Turns night into a decant daylight and has a awesome distance. Much better than I thought they would be, that is why we picked up 7 of them.
decant—-should be decent
AC
The Sunforce lights?
If yes does the motion sense work good?
Nailbanger
Yes, it is the Sunforce light.
It works, the deer(aka lawn ornaments)love setting off the one that lights up our bedroom window at night-lol, along with the dog. It does not always trigger for a vehicle until it senses the heat from the muffler. Same can be said of the one placed on the barn, I wanted it to trigger for humans-critters & especially vehicles to let the neighbors know it will light up when the drive by. The one on the barn lights up to body heat….vehicles not so much, I keep testing it. What I like about these lights is the distance the light will travel, and the flexibility of the side units so you are not limited to areas you wish to have covered. I charged ours for 3 days before turning them on, an I use the greatest distance and light, you can select 30/ 60/ 120 seconds for the time they will be on, we use the 2 minutes so I have time to see what should not be wandering around the place.
Nailbanger
Do what I did,, purchased one, then tried it before I purchased the other 6 lights.
That way you can tell IF it will work for what you require over there. This way you are not spending a lot money and not what you are looking for in a solar light.