We also appreciate that these lights feature an automatic dusk-to-dawn feature so they turn on and off each day, without having to do it manually.Īlthough the crackle lights project a pretty light pattern, we do want to point out that not everyone will love the crackle glass appearance (as some of us noted during testing). For example, we were able to read a book easily directly under the light, but it was a bit more difficult with added distance to the light. They provide warm white light, ample to navigate your landscaping in the evening, and safely traverse a footpath or steps. Standing 18.1 inches tall, these solar path lights make a statement without being too bold or obstructive. The light's design is also maintenance-free, with integrated LED bulbs and rechargeable batteries. The durable, weather-resistant metal should withstand the changing seasons, as it easily held up to a large dousing of water, golf balls meant to imitate hail, and being stuck in a freezer for an hour during testing. Some people may not like the crackle glassĪfter putting them through the test in our lab, the Hampton Bay Solar Warm White Solar Landscape Path Lights are our best overall pick because they’re reliable, affordable, and classically designed. In all cases, we evaluated the lights on setup, features, design, brightness, and value. For this article, in addition to gathering Kunkle's insights, we included the top solar pathway lights we've tested as well as conducted research on additional options. We've tested 45 different styles of outdoor solar lights in the Lab and in our own yards across the country. “Before installing solar pathway lights, be sure to edge your walkway if you are planning for pathway lights, or trim back foliage in other areas where you may be planning to add solar landscape lighting,” he advises. Although it can be as simple as pushing in a plastic stake, some prep work may be required, advises Matt Kunkle, an exterior lighting merchant for The Home Depot, whom we consulted for this roundup. When you need to add lighting to your driveway, pathway, front door, or other outdoor space, solar pathway lights are an eco-friendly and affordable alternative to wired lighting, powering the bulbs with sunlight absorbed through attached solar panels. The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.

Solar outdoor pathway lighting