The 9 Best Mounted Solar Lights, Tested and Reviewed

Top Overall Mounted Solar Light

The Maxsa Solar-Powered Dual-Head LED Security Spotlight delivered nearly flawless performance during our tests. Despite its compact design, it provides 220 lumens of light, adjustable brightness, motion detection, and customizable light durations. You can adjust the length of time the lights stay on after detecting motion, anywhere from 10 seconds to 4 minutes. The motion sensor’s range is also customizable, with settings ranging from as close as 10 feet to as far as 40 feet.

Setting up this light was simple, though you'll need a power drill to install it. (All the necessary mounting hardware is included in the package.) We were also impressed by the sturdiness of this mounted solar light. After a heavy storm, the light fixture remained undamaged. The motion sensor was both precise and responsive—it picked up movement from cars on a busy street, but we could adjust it to only detect nearby motion.

Although this option includes just one unit, the light features two adjustable heads that can swivel to cover a larger area or two separate zones. It’s perfect for illuminating a large backyard, spacious patio, or driveway, making it adaptable to most outdoor environments. However, be aware that the spotlight might be too intense for those seeking only soft, ambient lighting.

Brightness: 220 lumens | Motion Sensor: Yes | Weather-Resistance Rating: IP44 | Weight: 2.13 pounds

Top Budget-Friendly Mounted Solar Light

Equipping your outdoor area with bright, motion-activated lights doesn’t have to break the bank—especially with the HMCity Outdoor Mounting Solar Lights. We were impressed by their simple installation, strong brightness, and sturdy build. This mounted solar light is perfect for enhancing security, with motion sensors that activate the light to illuminate your entryway, porch, or deck.

You can choose from three different settings—one that activates the motion sensor to turn on when movement is detected, another that keeps the light at a constant brightness throughout the night, and a third that increases brightness when motion is sensed. While the manufacturer doesn’t specify the lumens, the lights were bright enough during testing to illuminate the yard and enhance security.

The lights are constructed from weather-resistant and waterproof materials, ensuring they can withstand year-round use. The design is straightforward, focusing on practical functionality rather than style. These lights may not be ideal for those seeking soft, dimmable lighting, but for those in need of reliable and bright illumination at an affordable price, these are an excellent choice.

Brightness: Not specified | Motion Sensor: Yes | Weather-Resistance Rating: IP65 | Weight: 0.9 pounds

Best Traditional Mounted Solar Light

The Alcott Hill Rasberry Wall Light resembles a hard-wired fixture with its substantial size, weight, and intricate design. If you're looking to invest in an ornate, vintage-style lantern that exudes the look of a hard-wired piece, this could be the perfect option for you.

With a brightness of 120 lumens and a solid 10-hour runtime on a full charge, this light holds its own. Like the others we tested, it needs adequate sunlight, so make sure to install it in a spot with good exposure. While it doesn’t include features like adjustable brightness or motion sensing, its dusk-to-dawn functionality is reliable. While it may not offer extra features, it shines with its thoughtful design. It’s also worth mentioning that this light is notably large and heavy, so it might not be the best fit for smaller homes or tight spaces.

Brightness: 120 lumens | Motion Sensor: No | Weather-Resistance Rating: Not listed | Weight: 7.4 pounds

Best Smart Mounted Solar Light

For tech enthusiasts, the Ring Solar Floodlight integrates smoothly into your smart home network. It provides all the customizable settings and compatibility you need. To fully access its capabilities, you'll require a Ring Bridge (sold separately) or a compatible Echo device. Once connected, you can control the brightness, adjust motion sensitivity, set schedules, and even link it with other Ring products like doorbells, cameras, and Alexa-enabled devices.

During our evaluation, we discovered how effortlessly one can switch between various settings on a smartphone. Through the app, users can easily activate the lights, configure motion alerts, modify the brightness, fine-tune the motion sensitivity, and even set up lighting schedules.

This motion-sensing floodlight boasts a remarkable 1,200 lumens of brightness, capable of lighting up driveways or backyards. However, it might be too intense for those seeking more subtle, decorative lighting. Additionally, it's available in two color options—black and white—giving you the freedom to choose one that complements your outdoor aesthetics.

Brightness: 1,200 lumens | Motion Sensor: Yes | Weather-Resistance Rating: IP66 | Weight: 0.5 pounds

Top Heavy-Duty Mounted Solar Light

Boasting an impressive 2,500 lumens of brightness, these Aootek mounted solar lights are the most powerful option on our list. We were impressed with these durable lights, sold in sets of four, for their excellent value, dependability, and range of lighting modes. The lights feature three distinct modes: security mode, which uses an automatic motion sensor to activate the light, ‘smart brightness control,’ which keeps the light on all night and boosts brightness when motion is detected, and a continuous all-night mode that automatically activates at dusk.

We tested the solar lights' longevity by monitoring their performance overnight and into the early morning, and we found that the low setting lasted without issue. These solar lights come fully assembled, and installation took no more than five minutes. While these mounted lights are a top choice for security and durability, their design is sleek and minimalistic. If you're seeking a more stylish light for softer, ambient lighting, this may not be the best option.

Brightness: 2,500 lumens | Motion Sensor: Yes | Weather-Resistance Rating: IP65 | Weight: 1.3 pounds

Top Hanging Mounted Solar Light

These lightweight lanterns bring a gentle, warm glow to any outdoor setting, and their versatility is one of their key strengths. With a convenient hook, they can either be carried like a traditional lantern or hung anywhere in your yard. While these lanterns lack advanced features, they are an excellent choice for those seeking a straightforward yet elegant lighting solution. Additionally, their minimalistic design ensures they look great in any environment.

For installation, no assembly is required beyond attaching the brackets to the wall with a drill. The stainless steel and glass construction is sturdy enough for prolonged use and boasts an IP65 waterproof rating, meaning it can endure rainfall. However, the manufacturer does caution that these lanterns might be vulnerable to damage in strong winds or severe storms, as the hook design allows them to swing more easily.

Brightness: 15 lumens | Motion Sensor: No | Weather-Resistance Rating: IP65 | Weight: 3 pounds

Top Spotlight Mounted Solar Lights

For an affordable way to enhance the security of your home, the Ameritop Outdoor Mounting Solar Lights are an excellent choice. Featuring a smart motion sensor that detects movement from up to 26 feet, these lights stay on as long as motion is present within the sensor’s range, automatically turning off after 15 seconds of inactivity. With two powerful lights producing 800 lumens, you can adjust the angle of the beams using the flexible heads.

Boasting an IP65 rating and a sturdy ABS construction, these lights are built to withstand harsh weather conditions and the elements. During our tests, the lights endured a severe storm and continued to perform flawlessly the next day.

We were also impressed by how simple it was to install these lights—setup took no more than five minutes. However, additional mounting brackets may be necessary if you're planning to install them on siding. While these solar lights are a great option for those looking to increase security in their outdoor area, we wish there were more customization options available.

Brightness: 800 lumens | Motion Sensor: Yes | Weather-Resistance Rating: IP65 | Weight: 2.33 pounds

Top Mounted Solar Post Light

We rated the Kemeco Solar Post Light highly for its quick installation, stylish design, brightness, and durability. This light post provides a traditional look with the added benefit of solar power, making it an excellent addition to your garden, yard, entryway, or driveway—no wiring required.

For yards with an existing round pole, installation takes only about six minutes, based on our testing. Additionally, this solar light can be mounted on a square pole using the included fixtures and screws. For those without a post or preferring a different setup, you can mount the light onto any flat surface with the included mounting base.

Featuring a vintage cross-frame design and ripple glass construction, this sturdy aluminum light emits a captivating glow, infusing your outdoor space with warm light and an inviting atmosphere. With a brightness of 135 lumens, these mounted solar lights shine brightly, but they lack motion-sensing features, making them less suitable for security use.

Brightness: 135 lumens | Motion Sensor: No | Weather-Resistance Rating: Not listed | Weight: 6.4 pounds

Best Mounted Solar Lantern Light

These solar wall lanterns strike a perfect balance between security lighting and ambient illumination, making them ideal for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor space with both. The Edison-style bulbs add a decorative touch, but when the sensor is triggered, the light becomes bright enough to attract attention.

With three selectable modes, adjustments are easy with the push of a button. The motion-sensor mode detects movement within a 120-degree angle at a distance of up to 19 feet, triggering the lights to stay on for 15 seconds. Another mode offers a dim light throughout the night, which intensifies once the motion sensor detects movement. The last setting provides half-brightness without motion sensing, perfect for creating a cozy ambiance.

We were impressed by the value and durability of these lanterns, as they come in pairs. The lights are rated with an IP65 weather-resistance level and are made of a sturdy ABS plastic that is weatherproof, fade-resistant, and anti-corrosive, ensuring that these outdoor solar lights will stand the test of time.

Lumens: 200 lumens | Motion Sensor: Yes | Weather-Resistance Rating: IP65 | Weight: 13.6 ounces

Final Verdict

For those seeking reliable performance, we highly recommend the Maxsa Solar-Powered Dual-Head LED Security Spotlight, boasting 160 lumens of brightness, motion detection features, and customizable light duration to fit various needs. If you're looking for a more affordable alternative, the HMCity Outdoor Mounting Solar Lights with motion sensors are a great option too.

Our Testing Process

We tested 19 different outdoor-mounted solar lights over a two-week period, evaluating them on key aspects such as installation ease, features, design, brightness, durability, and overall value. Our process began with unpacking each light, noting if any assembly was required, and inspecting the quality of the parts while checking how easily they fit together. We also timed the entire assembly process from start to finish.

After assembly, we followed the manufacturer's installation guidelines, observing how clear the instructions were, whether the required mounting hardware was included, and the total time it took to complete the installation. We again used a timer to track the entire process.

Following installation, we spent two weeks assessing the functionality of each light. We monitored whether the lights dimmed, faded, or recharged properly, and checked if any adjustments were necessary to optimize the solar panel charging. Given that solar light brightness varies by fixture type (ambient or security), we also gauged if the illumination met expectations for each type.

Many of the outdoor-mounted solar lights we tested featured unique functions, such as multiple brightness settings, color options, motion sensors, dusk-to-dawn modes, and smart capabilities. We tested these features (where applicable) and evaluated their ease of use and effectiveness. Additionally, we assessed the lights' durability during any significant weather events or adverse conditions, noting if they suffered damage or decreased performance over time.

After testing the mounted solar lights for two weeks, we compared their prices and assigned an overall value score, taking into account their performance in the previously mentioned tests.

How to Shop for Mounted Solar Lights Like a Pro

Brightness

Before selecting mounted solar lights or more traditional types of outdoor lights for your yard, consider how bright you want your outdoor space to be. Brightness is typically measured in lumens, and the higher the number, the brighter the light will be. If you’re adding solar lights for ambient or accent lighting, opt for a product with a maximum of 100 to 200 lumens. But for those who are in search of a security light, we recommend significantly bumping up the brightness to between 700 and 1,300 lumens.

Space

You’ll need to consider the size of the outdoor space you want to illuminate. The larger the space, the more lights (or brighter lights) you will typically need. While lighting up a pathway or steps won’t require as much light, areas like a large patio could benefit from more light, depending on your desired effect.

“Lighting can truly bring an outdoor area to life after dark,” Freda explains. “It provides soft, ambient lighting that can transform beautiful plants or trees into captivating focal points in the garden.”

Consider how your solar lights will complement your existing decor and color scheme. “I’d recommend choosing a color that matches the trim or furniture already present in the space,” Freda advises. “Black and brown are the most common colors, so take time to assess the area and ensure the color you choose blends seamlessly with the overall aesthetic.”

Sun Exposure 

The performance of your mounted solar lights largely depends on how much sunlight they receive daily, so the more sun exposure they get, the better. For lights to last for eight hours, they need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight. While they can still charge with indirect sunlight or even in shaded areas, their brightness will be reduced. If you intend to use your solar lights regularly, it's best to place them where they can get as much direct sunlight as possible.

Weather-Resistance Rating

Most outdoor-mounted solar lights are constructed with materials designed to endure harsh weather, low temperatures, moisture, and direct sunlight. However, if durability and quality are a top priority, look for products with high weather-resistance ratings. This is often indicated on product listings as an Ingress Protection (IP) rating, such as IP65. The first number refers to dust and debris resistance, while the second number indicates its level of airtightness. The higher the number, the more durable the light. If an X appears in the IP rating, it means the light lacks protection in that specific area.

Special Features

While not essential, these features can significantly improve functionality and enhance your experience with outdoor-mounted solar lights.

Multiple Modes: Creating a captivating outdoor space can be as simple as choosing outdoor solar lights with different patterns or color modes. This feature allows you to effortlessly change the ambiance of your patio, garden, or deck with the press of a button. "It can also be used to spotlight other features, such as a fountain or statue," Freda explains.

Smart Capabilities: For those who prefer the convenience of adjusting settings remotely, mounted solar lights with smart capabilities enable you to control timers and brightness from your phone. The Ring Solar Floodlight stood out during our testing for its integration with smart home systems, allowing it to sync with a Bridge (sold separately) or a compatible Echo device.

Motion Sensors: Whether you're illuminating a dark pathway or adding a security light to your outdoor space, motion sensors are a valuable feature. Instead of continuously draining the battery, these lights activate only when needed, preserving energy. Many motion sensor solar lights offer the option to switch to a traditional mode, allowing you to choose between the two functions depending on your needs.

Dusk-to-Dawn Modes: For those who prefer a hands-off approach, some solar lights come equipped with a dusk-to-dawn mode that automatically turns the lights on at sunset and off at sunrise. This feature is perfect for anyone who wants to install their lights and forget about them, offering convenience and reliability.

More Mounted Solar Lights to Consider

Gama Sonic Solar Barn Light: These mounted solar lights are easy to install, but they fall short in terms of features and brightness settings. Additionally, we found the 7-foot cord to be an eyesore, and there was no option to hide it.

Tuffenough Outdoor Solar Lights With Wall Mount and Motion Sensor: These motion sensor lights offer multiple modes and a bright 2,500 lumens of light. While they are a solid choice for those needing security lighting, they lack any additional standout features.

Questions You Might Ask

What are the brightest outdoor solar lights? 

Brightness in outdoor solar lights is typically measured in lumens, which indicates how much light is produced per second. The brightest lights in our list are the Aootek Mounted Outdoor Solar Lights, with an impressive 2,500 lumens, as stated by the manufacturer. 

Are mounted outdoor solar lights worth it?

Since mounted outdoor solar lights operate without electricity, they can help save money over time—especially since you don’t need an electrician or specialist for installation. “Solar lights are generally more affordable than electric lights, and they’re also environmentally friendly, making them a smart investment,” Freda shares.

In addition, there are many advantages to placing solar lights around your home. “Lights can act as a deterrent to intruders and pests like raccoons,” explains Knopfler. “They’re also useful when you arrive home late, helping you find your keys or safely navigate pathways and stairs.”

How long do solar lights last?

Once installed, outdoor solar lights require minimal upkeep and can last for many years, making them perfect for use in gardens, patios, paths, or backyards. The batteries typically last two to three years before needing replacement, while the LED bulbs in solar lights can last up to 10 years or more.

Trust Our Expertise

This article was authored by Quinn Gawronski, associate editor at Mytour, who brings three years of experience in writing and editing product reviews and guides. To create this list, we tested 19 outdoor mounted solar lights, judging them on ease of setup, brightness, extra features, durability, and overall value. After observing the lights' performance for two weeks, we shared our findings. For expert insights, we reached out to Amber Freda, a landscape designer based in New York City, and Sheva Knopfler, co-founder and creative director of Lights.com, to offer their advice on choosing the ideal outdoor mounted solar lights for your outdoor space.