Best Solar Deck Lights For Steps and Gardens

A deck is an extension of a house without roofing where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors with your friends and family. You can choose to enjoy your relaxation time during the day or night. In either case, your deck should have enough lights to make it more relaxing and good for entertaining. That is why we spend weeks of time trying to find the best solar deck lights for your garden, staircase, or boats.

The best solar deck lights should be beautiful as well as functional. They should be brighter and last longer, making them a good investment. They should also have solar panels and batteries built in or on the outside and be able to withstand any weather.

The best solar deck lights should also have automated switches and be easy to install. We have reviewed over 20 lights and picked the best solar deck lights that have all these features for gardens, steps, railings, pathways, and even boats.

The best solar deck lights that are worth buying:

#1. Best Stair and Step Lights: JACKYLED Solar Step Lights

#2. Best Landscape Lights: Siedinlar Solar Deck Lights

#3. Best Post Cap Lights: Davinci Flexfit Post Cap Lights

#4. Best Side Mount Lights: Sunface Solar Deck Lights

In this article, we will list some of the best solar deck lights that you can find on the market today. We’ll also talk about why you might want to install solar deck lights, what to think about when buying solar deck lights, and how to make a plan for deck lighting.

#1. Best Stair and Step Lights: JACKYLED Solar Step Lights

The JACKYLED solar step lights are just what you need to get rid of the darkness in areas of high traffic, such as on staircases and the pathway leading to your deck. During the day, the LED lights absorb enough energy from the sun to allow the light fixtures to run throughout the night. 

The solar step light carries a 1000mAh Ni-MH AAA battery that is charged for about 6 to 8 hours when you expose the polycrystalline silicon solar panel to direct sunlight. It lights up for as long as 10 hours, which is more than what a 200-600 mAh battery can do.

Installing the light is simple since it does not come with any unnecessary wiring. You only need to screw the light onto the surface you want to illuminate. Because they are made of stainless steel and have a high-quality lamp shell, the deck lights are very durable and can stand up to any environment. Additionally, they are waterproof, with an IP44 rating that allows them to work even when it rains or in wet conditions.

Each fixture comes with three high-quality LEDs that deliver a light bright enough to illuminate your path. You do not have to light the fixtures manually. They come with an automatic mode that switches the lights off during the day to charge.

#2. Best Landscape Lights: Siedinlar Solar Deck Lights

They are the best choice if you want to use solar lights to brighten up the path to your deck or other outdoor areas like gardens and driveways.

The Siedinlar deck lights have a beautiful design that makes them great for lighting pathways and making landscapes stand out. The lights are made of premium aluminum alloy and have a wireless design that makes them easy to set up and use. You only need to place it on the sidewalk or pathway, and you are good to go. You can also opt to mount them since they come with a set of screws you can use.

You do not have to worry about damaging them when you step on them or pass anything over them. The deck lights can resist a pressure of up to 20 tons, preventing damage even if you run it over with a vehicle. 

When you install the lights for the first time, you will need to charge them for 6 to 8 hours under the sun. They will then light automatically, providing you with light for up to 15 hours. Every other time, make sure the solar panel is facing the sun directly every day for the battery to fully charge.

The solar deck lights come with a good battery of more than 5000 mAh that can pack plenty of power to light the fixture. The lights are also made with waterproof material with one of the highest ratings, IP68. So, they can work even in the worst weather, like during a rainstorm or a blizzard.

The Siedinlar solar deck lights are durable and ideal for use in any environment. When installing, you have to make sure that the photocell is not affected by other lights. If you face any battery problems, you can request a replacement. The deck light comes with a 1-year warranty and provides 24-hour customer service.

#3. Best Post Cap Lights: Davinci Flexfit Post Cap Lights

If you are looking for a Solar post cap light to complete your railing and add more detail to it, you can choose to install a Davinci Flexfit post cap light. Not only does it act as an excellent decoration during the day, but it is also a good source of light at night. It comes with a unique design that many people find appealing.

It is the best option for lighting your lamppost tips and stairways while avoiding the need to run any messy and complicated wiring. It also helps you save power, energy, and the environment because it runs on solar energy. The solar deck light has a built-in photo sensor that automatically switches it on and off.

The Davinci Flexfit post cap lights come in a pair, producing a warm white light that totals 25 lumens. It can illuminate for up to 100,000 hours before needing to be replaced. It runs on a 300 mAH lithium-ion battery that you can charge by exposing the monocrystalline solar panel to direct sunlight for about 8 hours. The result is illumination that can last for 6 to 8 hours.

The deck light is built to last because it has a UV-resistant and tempered glass housing. It is also waterproof, with the material having an IP44 rating.

You can find more Solar lamp Post Lights for garden here.

#4. Best Side Mount Lights: Sunface Solar Deck Lights

The Sunface deck lights are a convenient way to light up your deck that is good for the environment and can save you a lot of money. Since they use solar power, you can also save on energy. The solar deck light is one of the best on the market, mainly due to the features that give it reliable performance.

The Sunface solar deck lights are made with ABS plastic, which is tough enough to withstand any extreme weather conditions. It does not matter how much it rains or snows; the fixture can stay in place while still producing light. The LED lamp comes with a built-in sensor and automatic switch that switches on when it becomes dark and off during the day to charge.

It produces a warm light that is not too bright to affect the neighbors. The light fixture is just good enough to act as decorative lighting. Additionally, it also has a colorful light mode that gives your deck a cozy and fun atmosphere. The light can change into seven different colors, making it especially useful when holding a celebration outdoors.

You do not have to worry about installing the fixture since it comes with everything you need to guarantee a smooth and easy installation.

The only negative aspect worth mentioning is that it has a short runtime compared to other solar lights on the market. The Sunface solar deck light can last for about 4 to 5 hours every night. During the winter, the time can be even shorter.

Even though the light didn’t work, the solar deck light is one of the most reliable lights you can buy. It comes with a one-year warranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee.

You can learn more about Solar Lights here:

• Best Solar Fence Lights
• How Long Do Solar Lights Last?

What to Consider When Buying Solar Deck Lights?

Buying a solar light for your deck is one of the best investments you can make for your home. An eco-friendly lighting option will not only save you money, but it will also be better for the environment.

You can enjoy the convenience of solar lights if you put them up, but there are some things you need to think about before ordering one.

Purpose of the Lighting

For what reason do you want to purchase your solar deck lights? Do you want to brighten the dark areas around your house, or do you want to decorate the compound?

Additionally, where exactly do you want to position the lights? Do you want them on the walkway, wall, or even next to your pool area? There are various deck lights designed for different parts of your property. Once you figure out precisely what you want, it becomes easier to make a purchase. You can read reviews online to find out what has worked well for others and make your decision accordingly.

Weather Conditions

The weather conditions in your home area can have a significant impact on how your solar light operates. If you stay in an area that experiences more rainfall, ice, and snow, your solar-powered deck lights may not function in the right way due to a low collection of sunlight.

Although you can find some waterproof lights, you may end up with dim lights at night if the amount of sunlight is not enough. Moreover, the lights may not last for long due to a lack of power.

Before purchasing any solar deck lights, you need to figure out how the weather can impact the lights you buy. You can opt for other alternatives for areas without much sunlight throughout the year, such as using low vo-tage lights.

Location of the Deck Lights

Where do you plan to install the lights? Do you plan to hang them on the wall, or do you want to light your pathway? There are different types of deck lights, depending on the location you plan to install them. Some examples of different types of deck lights include:

• Under the rail lights: These are lights you can install under long rails to brighten up individual sections of your deck without stealing the focus away.
• Stair and step lights: These are the ones you can mount in the risers of your stairs or along the deck perimeter. Stair and step lights help to brighten the high traffic areas to protect your family and friends from stumbling as they walk at night.
• Side mount lights: these are deck lighting fixtures that can supplement a railing light. It can add a subtle amount of light to your deck or highlight certain areas.
• Landscape lights: these are fixtures that you can position around your deck or walkways to accentuate the space and help visitors find the direction to your deck. There are various designs such as accent, path, and wall wash that you can use to light up your night.
• Post cap lights: If you have a railing, you can complete it with an eye-catching post cap lighting fixture. They add more detail to your deck during the day and create a lovely ambiance at night. They are what you may need if you want to brighten your deck perimeter.

For other location in your home you can use Best Solar String Lights. String lights can also be used to decorate your RVs or Boats.

Fixture Brightness

What is the light output of the fixture you selected? The lighting fixture that produces the brightest light with the least amount of power is what you should choose. If you want to know how bright a light fixture is, you should check its lumen count.

An excellent solar deck light should provide you with a brightness of between 100 and 120 lumens. If you choose a lower lumen count, make sure you buy enough bulbs to give you the amount of light you need.

The number of lumens produced by single-deck lights differs from that produced by string deck lights. The lumens of string deck lights are lower per bulb. You can calculate the brightness by multiplying the lumens by the number of lights on one strand.

Recharge Time & Run Time

How long does the deck light take to energize completely, and how long can it last when fully charged? You need to purchase a deck light that can take less time to charge and provide light for more hours. The average charging time you should consider is less than 5 hours, with a lighting period of more than 8 hours. 

Deck lights that have a short recharge time can provide you with lighting even when the weather rapidly changes, providing you with less sunlight during the day.

Quality of the Solar Panel and Capacity 

You should select a deck light that only comes with a high-quality solar panel if you want to enjoy a better life. Moreover, it should deliver a maximum output wattage by consuming a small amount of power.

Types of Batteries 

Solar deck lights have solar panels that soak up light from the sun and turn it into energy that can be stored in the lights’ batteries. The batteries then power the fixture to light up at night. The larger the batteries, the longer the lighting fixture can produce light.

You can find different kinds of batteries, depending on the solar deck lighting that you choose. Some of the most common types include:

• Lead-acid batteries
• Ni-MH batteries 
• Lithium iron phosphate batteries      
• Lithium-ion batteries

The lithium-ion battery is the most common type of battery because it lasts the longest.

Weather Resistance 

Since solar deck lights are installed outdoors, you should ensure that they are weather-resistant and able to work even when it rains or snows. If the deck light has a poor solar panel, it can become affected by moisture, leading it to produce a dull glow and run for a shorter time.

The light fixture you choose should be waterproof so that rain won’t damage the electrical parts. It should also be heat-resistant to prevent any damage due to excess heat.

Additionally, you should also pay attention to the material that makes up the lighting fixture. It would be best to consider deck lights with a metallic build since those made of plastic may not last for a very long time. However, if the only option you have is deck lights made of plastic, you should opt to use those made of heavy-duty plastic. 

Automatic Switch 

It is common to forget to switch off the deck lights in the morning, especially when you have too much to do. To avoid such scenarios, you should consider purchasing the deck lights that come with an automatic on and off switch.

You only need to install it and turn it on. It will automatically switch itself on and off when it becomes bright again.

Cost of the Deck Lights

The price of a solar deck light should match its quality. If you are not careful, you may end up spending too much money on bad lighting. When choosing a deck light, you should consider the purpose of the light you intend to buy and its quality.

Avoid falling for lighting fixtures that are cheap and instead focus on the purposes, features, and benefits. Even though you end up spending a high amount when you purchase the light, it may save you plenty more money than you would have instead spent on other expenses, such as electricity.

Warranty

Does your solar deck light come with a warranty? Even though most solar deck lights are long-lasting and don’t need much maintenance, some come with a warranty to give you more confidence in how well they work. As a result, you should look for a light fixture that comes with a warranty against any manufacturing flaws.

Most solar deck lights come with a one-year warranty. Others can provide coverage for as long as 3 to 5 years.

Advantages of Using Solar Deck Lighting

Solar deck lights are becoming more and more popular, and there’s a good reason for this. Here are some of the advantages of this versatile light.

Easy to Install

Most of the solar lighting options on the market are self-contained units or wireless. They are, therefore, easy to install. You may not even need any electrical knowledge. First, you need to mark the area where you intend to set up the lights. As you set up the solar lights, you should make sure that they are evenly spaced.

Easy to Maintain

Solar deck lights have a long lifespan and require little maintenance. Most of the time, you may not have to do anything except replace the battery every so often and make sure the solar panel is clean. It is common for dust and dirt to cover the solar panel, reducing its ability to absorb solar energy. However, before you can clean them, it is best to look for the manufacturer’s instructions.

The following is a video on how to clean, renew, and restore solar pathway lights:

Improves Safety

Adding solar lights to your deck can increase safety at night by illuminating the areas around the seats, stairs, and railing. It gives you a clear view of where you are stepping to protect you from tripping or making a wrong step.

Solar deck lights are different from other types of lighting that can break down or run out of power. Since solar-powered deck lights store their energy in batteries, they can keep shining all night, even if the power goes out.

Expands the Use of Your Deck

A deck offers you more benefits if you can use it both at night and during the day. If you love to entertain your guests outdoors, relax on the deck after dark, or enjoy summer barbeques, you should install an outdoor solar lighting system that can create just the right ambiance you need.

Increases Your Home Value

Installing solar deck lights is a quick way to increase the value of your home. When you visit a neighborhood at night, the houses that stand out are those that effectively utilize lighting to highlight their landscape features.

Deck lights increase the beauty and safety of a home, increasing its value to potential buyers in case you want to sell.

Offers Several Brightness Options

Unlike traditional lighting options that come with only one brightness setting, solar deck lights offer you the option of choosing various brightness settings. Some lights glow brighter and consume more power, while others are slightly subdued. You can use either type by placing them in certain locations to create a specific mood and ambiance for your deck.

Offers a Green Alternative

Solar lights are very beneficial to the environment since they help reduce the carbon footprint. Most of the lights are designed with eco-friendly materials since they use renewable energy from the sun. Furthermore, they are very durable, reducing the need to constantly dispose of any dead incandescent light bulbs.

Once the panels absorb light from the sun, they transfer the energy to powerful batteries to use when it gets dark. Most manufacturers use batteries that are also recyclable.

Disadvantages of Using Solar Deck Lights

As with everything that has a positive, there is also a negative. Not everyone can benefit from solar deck lights. Since they require solar energy from the sun to function, they may not work well if you live in a region that experiences little sunlight throughout the year.

The amount of light the solar panels collect during a cloudy day may not be enough to fully power your deck lights. Therefore, they may appear dimmer and may not last for a long time. Even in such a case, you can still benefit from the light given off. You only need to ensure that the light panels are put up in a way that ensures they receive maximum light exposure.

Additionally, solar deck lights are not cheap when you compare them to the other available options. Even though the initial cost can be high, if you think about how much money you will save by using solar lighting, it ends up being a lot cheaper. The amount of money you may spend on your electricity bill when using a traditional lighting system is a lot more than the amount you would invest in acquiring a solar deck light.

Designing a Solar Deck Light Plan

When you decide to buy solar lights for your deck, you should first create a blueprint design to guide you on where to mount or install the lights. You can create the layout on your own or seek professional help.

Once you have a plan of your deck, you should carefully look at it, preferably at night, to find the key areas that need lighting. You can prioritize places such as around your seating area, a cooking setup such as a grill, on the steps leading to the deck, near outdoor plants and art, or around any outdoor feature.

Ensure that you accurately mark all the areas where you want to install a solar light on your deck blueprint. It will provide you with the proper guidelines as you go shopping. If there are posts around your deck, include their sizes since you want to purchase the right size of post cap lights.

When installing an electrical lighting system, you need to have all the lights with you for a one-time installation. On the other hand, solar deck lighting allows you to install the fixtures you can afford at a particular time, especially if you are on a budget.

It also makes it easier if you want to gradually replace your electrical lighting with solar lighting.

Summing Up: Best Solar Deck Lights For Garden and Steps

Adding solar LED deck lights to your outdoor space can help you enhance your living space and improve your compound’s safety. They are becoming more popular since they are energy-efficient and highly durable. Also, because they use renewable energy, they are better than traditional lighting because they are better for the environment.

There are many different shapes and styles of deck lights, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and tastes.

External references and sources for solar deck lights:

• United to Light: How Solar Lights Work
• Solar Power Genie: Regular Batteries for Solar Lights?
• Lighting Control Association: Introduction to Lighting Controls
• Energy Saver: Outdoor Solar Lighting
• Energy Advisor: How Weather Affects Solar Panels
• Install It Direct: Cleaning and Maintaining solar lights
• Solar Energy
• Learn About LED lights | ENERGY STAR
• Garden