During the dark, it can become hard to see where you’re going, and this raises the potential risk of accidents. You might miss a step on your stairs or might just fall because you can’t see a clear path ahead of you. An easy solution to this kind of situation is solar deck lights. Why? They’re an easy to install solution that doesn’t require much action from you. They can be placed on stairs, fences, or driveways to make those stressful – potentially dangerous situations that much easier on you. There are many deck lights to choose from but in this case, solar deck lights are what you’ll most likely need.
Why solar deck lights? Maintaining solar deck lights is as easy as it comes. They are equipped with a rechargeable battery. The main way to charge these batteries is, as their name implies, through sunlight. They’ll charge up the battery during the day and will automatically turn on during the night. The work you’ll need to maintain these lights will be kept at a minimum. Simply replace the rechargeable batteries every once in a while, and you’re good to go. However, choosing a good set of deck rail lights can prove to be a hard task. That is why we’ve composed a guide to help you through the decision-making process.
Top 6 Solar Deck Rail Lights Review
1. PHEREU Outdoor 16 Pcs Solar Deck Lights – Best Basic
Rating: 4.5/5
- AutoTop 6 Solar Deck Rail Lights Reviewmatic on/off mode
- Weatherproof body
- Warm LED light
To start, we’re taking a look at deck lights from PHEREU. Now at first glance, these deck lights might not seem worth your time or consideration. Looks can be deceiving, however, and that is certainly the case with these deck lights. These deck rail lights are even sturdy enough to be stepped on or accidentally kicked here and there. So, if you’re planning to place these on some stairs, you won’t have to worry about damaging them.
When it comes to hours of operation, they will charge in about 5 to 8 hours depending on how much sunlight they are given. Once it’s fully charged, it will run continuously for 8 hours until it needs to be charged again.
Now comes one of the most important aspects of deck lights, how bright are they? Will they be bright enough to see in the dark? It’s rated at 3 lumens which is not that bright. It doesn’t cover a lot of areas so why would this be recommended? The solution is simply in this case, as PHEREU provides you with 16 deck rail lights so you can easily pair them up to make deck rail clearer in the dark. They can be installed in places such as stairs, fences, patios, and more.
Installation is simple enough. To install these deck lights, you’ll need to provide them with enough area to hold on to. Then simply screw it in with the two holes provided. If you don’t want to do that for any reason, they also include some sticky strips. So, if you’re planning to place it on a handrail, you don’t have to worry about making holes and ruining them.
Lastly, they’re brown. If you plan to place lights on wood these will be good enough to hide in plain sight. They won’t be too much of an eyesore. These are the best basic deck lights you should take into consideration.
Specs:
Material: Plastic
Battery Capacity: 300 mAh
Charging Time: 6 to 8 hours
Battery Life: 8 to 12 hours
Light Brightness: 3 lumens
Weight: 1.61 pounds
Dimension: 8.9 x 7.48 x 3.54 inches
2. APONUO 16 Pcs Solar Deck Lights – Best Budget
Rating: 5/5
- Automatic on/off
- Easy installation (screw included)
- IP44 Waterproof
If you are on a tight budget and in search of a simple yet good quality deck light set then look no further. This 16 pieces solar deck rail light set from Aponuo is the cheapest yet one of the most high-quality products on the market. Right now, these solar lights are available at $1.19 per piece only. At this affordable light, anyone can brightness their deck without worrying about budget anymore.
However, the low price is not the only attractive feature of the Aponuo solar deck light. These deck lights are a feature-packed as anyone on this list. For instance, the manufacturer has rated the Aponuo lights IP44 waterproof. In simple terms, these deck lights are waterproof and can withstand water splashing from all directions. Due to this waterproof feature, Aponuo will last you many more years to come.
The Aponuo deck rail lights do not have the best battery capacity on the list. But with that said, a battery capacity of 300 mAh will last you a few hours without any problem. Furthermore, Aponuo deck lights feature one of the fastest charging solar panel batteries. So, even if you live in a slightly cloudy area, the sunlight of 4 to 5 hours is enough for one full charge. In addition to that, these lights feature an automatic on/off the system. This means you do not have to worry about turning on the lights manually every night. The solar deck lights will charge in the morning and as soon as it gets dark the deck lights will light up. All you have to do is remove the insulation after installation and it will trigger the automatic on/off feature.
Aponuo deck lights are the smallest solar deck lights on this list. This means two things. First of all, the small size means that the lights will not be as prominent as other lights. On top of that, the muted brown color also helps them to camouflage. Secondly, due to the small size, these deck lights also have a lightweight body. The lack of weight makes it easy to install them on the railing. Lastly, the product comes with the screw you would need for installation.
Specs:
Material: Plastic
Battery Capacity: 300 mAh
Charging Time: 4 to 5 hours
Battery Life: Not specified
Brightness Intensity: 3 lumens
Weight: 1.43 pounds
Dimension: 3.14 x 1.77 x 1.73 inches
3. DAVINCI LIGHTING 4 Pcs Solar Deck Lights – Best Choice
Rating: 5/5
- Automatic on/off
- Industrial grade ABS plastic
- Monocrystalline solar panel
Next up on the list are the DAVINCI Solar Deck Lights. When it comes down to build quality, it is made with industrial-grade ABS plastic. What does that mean for you? It means it will be durable enough to withstand a ton of hits to it. When it comes to durability, your mind will be at ease because it’s designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. That being said, you should still try your best not to cause any unnecessary damage to these deck lights. The lights also hold an IP44 weatherproof rating. That means it’s protected from objects 1mm or bigger. It’s also protected against water coming from any direction. So, whether it’s snow, rain, or hail, these lights are built to last you a long while.
When it comes to battery life, they hold a 600mAH rechargeable battery. How long will this run then? Provided that they are given a full day of sunlight, they can last 6-8 hours of operation. That should be more than enough time if you’re planning to hang out in the dark or just for simple pathway lighting. It’s equipped with a monocrystalline solar panel so when it comes to efficiency, this deck light is one of the best. When it comes to solar panels, monocrystalline produce the most energy out of the others.
Is this sounding good for you? There’s still more to add when it comes to this deck light. Now, a problem some lights have is that they’re simply not bright enough. What’s the point of buying a light to make your path clearer if that light is barely noticeable in the dark? This 4 pack of deck lights have a brightness intensity of 15 lumens. When it comes to making deck rail clearer in the dark, this is more than enough for your needs. It’s bright enough to ease your mind when you’re walking up darker areas but not too bright that it disturbs anyone around your area. All in all, these deck lights from DAVINCI are the best choice to make.
Specs:
Material: Plastic
Battery Capacity: 600 mAh
Charging Time: 6 to 8 hours
Battery Life: Not Specified
Brightness Intensity: 15 lumens
Weight: 0.14 pounds
Dimension: 3.15 x 2.17 x 2.17
4. MELUNAR 6 Pcs Solar Deck Color Changing Lights – Best Multi-Color
Rating: 4.5/5
- Multi-color
- Acrylic light casing
- Modern design
- IP55 waterproof
Now, for those that don’t have a budget in mind and want to have a little fun with their deck rail light choices, MELUNAR offers deck lights that are in your ballpark. To begin, these deck lights are IP55 weatherproof rated. What does that mean when it comes to your deck lights life span? This guarantees some degree of protection against dust build-up but also guarantees it can take hits from solid objects and protection against water from all directions. If you live in an area where the weather varies, these are a go-to deck light considering their weatherproof rating.
When it comes to built quality, it is made with ABS plastic and acrylic casing on the light. The acrylic matters because it offers good enough clarity and transparency for light to go through. It is also impact resistant. It can take a lot of hits before it will wear down and need replacing. It’s resistant to many chemicals as well, so for the gardeners out there, your mind will be at ease since these lights won’t ruin as easily. Finally, it also offers amazing resistance to variations in temperature. This is just a bonus to its IP55 weatherproof rating.
Here comes the best part of these lights, when it comes to brightness, it’s rated at 10 lumens. This is just enough to provide you with a clear path to work with. They won’t shine too bright as to disturb your neighbors if you have any. They have a starburst pattern so when it comes to its decorative factor, it works and looks amazing. Best of all, if you want to have a little fun, the light can be changed between 7 different colors. For the more festive people out there, this can be a bonus to Christmas lights or decorations for Halloween.
Regarding hours of operation, it takes 4 to 5 hours to fully charge. On a full charge, it will run for 8 hours continuously. For what it offers, these lights are one of the best multi-color options that should be in your consideration. They do come at a higher price, but you won’t be disappointed with their quality and performance.
Specs:
Material: ABS Plastic
Battery Capacity: 600 mAh
Charging Time: 4 to 5 hours
Battery Life: 8 hours
Brightness Intensity: 10 Lumens
Weight: 2.1 pound
Dimension: 8.1 x 4 x 3.6 inches
5. JACKYLED 8 Pcs Solar Deck & Step Lights – Best Brightness, Build, & Battery Capacity
Rating: 4.5/5
- Stainless Steel and PC Plastic build
- 1000mAH battery
- IP44 weatherproof
If plastic is a material you don’t really like working with, then this deck light might pique your interest better than the rest. JACKYLED’s intention with these deck lights was to provide the best build quality in the market. How are they different than the others? This deck light is composed of stainless steel and polycarbonate plastic for the light to shine through. No matter what you throw at these lights, it will most likely handle anything. It will be a tough one to break. It also comes with an IP44 weatherproof rating which means it will handle nearly every weather condition out there. JACKYLED claims the lights can work from temperatures ranging anywhere from 14 degrees Fahrenheit up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers most, if not all, environments.
It doesn’t end there, however, as the brightness on these step lights is the best of the bunch. Coming in at a brightness intensity of 30 lumens, it blows the other lights out of the way. For those with impaired vision, this will offer a perfect amount of brightness to be able to see where you’re going. This means you won’t necessarily need to pair two lights together to brighten an area up. Your spacing is a lot more flexible as a result of this.
While all of this may sound great, this does beg the question of, are there any downsides to this step light? No, not at all. If you’re wondering if it sacrifices battery life to accommodate for all the pros this step light has, it runs on a 1000mAH battery. No battery life is sacrificed to make this step light the way it is. This gives you a charging time of 6 to 8 hours and an operating time of 8-10 hours.
One downside you might see in this is the solar panel provided. It is equipped with a polycrystalline solar panel. This may not be as efficient as a monocrystalline solar panel, but JACKYLED counters this by giving more solar panel space as well as designing the lights at an angle. This provides the solar panel with optimal conditions for sunlight exposure. If you’re looking for the best build quality, brightness, and battery capacity, then JACKYLEDs deck lights are perfect for you.
Specs:
Material: Stainless Steel
Battery Capacity: 1000 mAh
Charging Time: 6 to 8 hours
Battery Life: 8 to 10 hours
Brightness Intensity: 30 lumens
Weight: 2.05 pounds
Dimension: 8.54 x 4.76 x 3.9 inches
6. DENICMIC 6 Pcs Acrylic Bubble LED Solar Deck Color Changing Lights – Best Decorative
Rating: 4.5/5
- Multi-Color
- IP45 weatherproof
- Acrylic bubble
Moving back to the more decorative deck rail lights, DENICMIC’s deck lights are another set you should take more time to look into. Before diving into the decorative aspect, build quality will be a deciding factor for these lights. It’s made of ABS plastic which means it can take accidental knocks here and there. As for its waterproof rating, it’s rated at IP45. This means it’s protected from low-pressure water from any direction it may come from. If there your area is experiences extreme weather conditions from time to time, these may not be the best choice for you.
If that isn’t a deal-breaker for you, then we’ll move on to the decorative aspect of these deck lights. The lighting is encased in an acrylic bubble. This makes the light reflect within the acrylic to output a vivid pattern. As for lighting modes, Denicmic offers two. There’s a warm white mode for general lighting around the area. Then there’s an RGB color mode which makes the lights change from blue, red, purple, and more. Unfortunately, you can’t set a specific color. However, for the holidays, these would be perfect to quickly make your area festive.
Charging time for these ranges from 4 to 5 hours. After it’s fully charged, it has an operating range of 8 to 9 hours. Of course, as with any deck light set, you’ll need to provide them with adequate sunlight for it to deliver this performance. This set of lights by DENICMIC have been updated to provide more room for the solar panel. That means it offers a bit of forgiveness in where you decide to place it. It also means more area for the sun to hit the panel.
Now, last but not least, how bright are these lights? Are they bright enough to light up the area your planning to place them in? They have a brightness intensity of 10 lumens which is enough to help you make your clearer to see. For what these lights offer, if you live in an area with a moderate climate, these are the best decorative lights to consider.
Specs:
Material: ABS Plastic
Battery Capacity: 600 mAh
Charging Time: 4 to 5 hours
Battery Life: 8 to 9 hours
Brightness Intensity: 10 lumens
Weight: 2.35 pounds
Dimension: 8.15 x 4.09 x 3.5 inches
3 Benefits of Using Solar Deck Rail Lights
Nowadays everyone likes to use solar energy products, especially solar deck lights have gained huge popularity. But what are the exact advantages of using solar deck lights? Well, the following are some of the many solar deck lights benefits that make this product worth your money.
Environment Friendly
The first and the top benefit of using solar deck lights or anything solar powered is that solar energy is environment friendly. We live in a world where everyone is buying more stuff than they need and leaving behind a huge trail of carbon footprints. One cannot undo what they have done in the past. However, if you want to be more cautious about the planet from now on then start using solar deck lights from now on. Yes, it is a small step but in the long run, solar deck lights are way more environment friendly than electric deck lights. Because they do not use any electricity and hence minimizes carbon footprints.
Low Maintenance
Solar deck lights are low maintenance which makes them a favorite product for people who have a lot on their plate. If you do not have time to turn on and off your regular deck lights everyday then this solar-powered alternative will be your savior. Why? Well, most of the solar deck lights feature an automatic on/off feature. This means the deck lights will start charging automatically when the sun is out. And as soon as the sky turns dark the deck lights will turn on. This automatic feature along with the long-lasting batteries lessens the maintenance. You would still need to check the solar deck lights every so often. But other than that, solar deck lights work fully automatically.
Cost-Effective
If you are trying to save money then there is nothing better than solar deck lights. Yes, you would need to spend money on the product at first. But after the purchase, the solar deck lights do not require anything else. They come with batteries and mounting screws. On top of that, these lights are self-sufficient. They charge on the sunlight and do not use any electricity whatsoever. Yes, after a year or two, you would need to change the batteries of the solar deck light. However, the price of these batteries is also low. In short, solar deck light is a one-time investment.
2 Solar Deck Lights Usage Tips & Precautions
Recharge and Discharge before Installation
It is understandable to get excited and install the solar deck lights right after you receive the package. However, you should wait a day or two before mounting the deck rail lights. Why? Well, there are mainly two reasons. First of all, you should expose the deck lights to sunlight and let them charge. Then when night comes around check if the deck lights are lit up. If yes, then it is good. If no, then you should call the seller and ask for a replacement.
The second reason is related to the first one. If you charge the solar deck lights and they light up then let the battery discharge overnight. Charging and discharging your solar deck lights beforehand will help the battery to charge fully and enhance its working time.
Clean the Solar Panels Periodically
One of the many benefits that make solar deck lights attractive for customers is that this product is low maintenance. However, you would need to spend at least 10 minutes every other week cleaning the solar panels. Why? Well, the way these solar deck batteries work is by converting the solar energy into useable electricity. But if the solar panels are covered in dirt, it can affect the solar panel’s performance. So, to prevent that, clean the solar panel every two weeks or whenever you see a layer of dirt on the panels.
How to Choose the Best Solar Deck Rail Lights
The market is filled with all sorts of solar powered deck rail lights. This is both a good and a bad thing for you, the customer. Why? Well, on one hand, the abundance of the product means there has to be one product that matches your exact needs. But on the other side, this abundance makes it harder for the customer to select the perfect product.
This is where we come in. We have created an in-depth guide that will help you in buying the solar deck rail lights that are perfect for you. All you need to do is consider the following features when buying a solar deck rail light pack.
Style & Material
To ensure that the light will look good on your deck rail, find a product that matches your house’s aesthetic. If you have a brown railing and wood siding then a classic brown color deck rail light would be the perfect match. However, if your house is a contemporary style then going for a product with a similar vibe is your best shot.
The same thing applies to the material of the deck light. You can find deck rail light in plastic, acrylic, and even steel. So, choose the one that matches your deck the most.
Weight & Size
After the style and material come the weight and size. Unlike the style and material, you can choose any size of the solar deck rail lights and make it work. In the very end, it all comes down to the preference of the homeowner. Although one thing to keep in mind is that huge and heavy deck lights are more obvious. So, if you are looking for something inconspicuous then a smaller and lighter deck light would be perfect for you.
Waterproof & Weather Resistant
This is by far one of the most important features to look for in a solar deck rail light. Why? Well, you are going to install the lights outdoor so the product should withstand harsh weather.
A waterproof and weather-resistant deck light is perfect for someone who lives in a city that gets plenty of rain. You should also check the highest and lowest temperature at which the deck light can survive. Because at the end there is no point in getting a deck light that looks pretty but stops working after one rainfall.
Battery Capacity, Charging Time & Battery Life
Another crucial feature to check is the battery capacity, battery life, and it’s charging time. So, let’s start with the battery capacity first as it is related to battery life. The higher your battery capacity is, the longer it will operate. For instance, a deck light with 3000 mAh will have a longer battery life than a deck light with 1000 mAh. So, if you want a deck light that will work for 8 or 9 hours then it is better to get a product with a bigger battery capacity.
Many people ignore the charging time of a solar deck light because well, it will be charging on its own in the sunlight anyway. But this is not the right way to buy a solar deck light. The sunlight and intensity vary depending on where you live. So, if you are located in an area that is often cloudy the smart move is to get a product that charges in 4 hours. In this way, even if you get a few hours of sunlight your deck lights would be 100% charged.
Cold, Warm, or Colorful
You might not be aware of this fact, but deck lights, just like most of the other lights, comes in various colors and shades. First and foremost, even the typical white color deck lights come in 2 different shades. You can either get a warm and cozy white deck light with a tint of yellow in it. Or get a cold light with a hint of blue.
But what if you want something funky and not the usual warm and cold? Well, some brands are offering multicolor deck lights. You can choose a color depending on your mood, weather, or occasion. A green and red for Christmas and orange for Halloween can make your house pop.
Brightness
The brightness of the deck light is unrelated to the color or temperature. In simple words, it does not matter if your deck light is warm, cold, or red, the brightness varies from brand to brand. So, how can you know that a deck light is enough bright before buying the product? Well, the process is simple. Most of the product listing mentions the number of Lumens. These lumens indicate the brightness level of the light. For instance, a deck light with 10 lumens is brighter than one with 5 lumens.
However, if you cannot decide on the brightness of the lights then do not worry. There are deck lights in the market that features a dimmer. This way you can change the brightness of the light according to your current preference.
Ease of Installation
Most of the solar deck lights are easy to install because of the lack of electrical wiring. This is what made the solar-powered deck lights popular in the first place. There is no need for maintenance. Install it once and enjoy the product for many years to come. However, what we mean here by the ease of installation is something completely different.
Yes, deck lights are easy to install. But to make the process even easier, ensure the product comes with all the nuts and bolts needed for the installation. This small step will free you from running from aisle to aisle in your local hardware store.
Price & Package
No matter which product you are buying, it is always a good step to consider your budget. So, when it comes to the deck lights, these lights usually come in a pack. So, if you see a $9 deck light packet do not add it to the cart right away. What you can do instead is dividing the number of lights by the total price. This way you will get an average amount of an individual light. Then compare that amount with the other options to find the most budget-friendly deck light.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Deck Rail Lights
Q1. What solar deck lights are best?
It depends on your need and requirement. However, in our opinion, DAVINCI LIGHTING 4 Pcs Solar Deck Lights is the best deck rail light. It is relatively budget-friendly, offers a 600 mAh battery, long-lasting, and all of the basic features one needs in a deck rail light.
Q2. What are the brightest solar lights on the market?
JACKYLED 8 Pcs Solar Deck & Step Lights is the brightest solar light on the market. It offers 30-lumen brightness intensity which is unheard of.
Q3. What are the strongest solar lights?
The JACKYLED 8 Pcs Solar Deck & Step Lights solar deck light is the strongest on this list because of its stainless steel built and waterproof and weather-resistant features.
Q4. What is the best solar street light?
PSG 300W solar street light is by far the best product in its niche. It offers bigger and better solar panels. And with the 12000 lumens, it can brighten up dark areas easily.
Conclusion
After researching and reviewing multiple products, we can confidently say DAVINCI LIGHTING 4 Pcs Solar Deck Lights is the best product on the list. It is budget-friendly, features a strong built, 600 mAh battery, fast charging, adequate brightness, and aesthetically pleasing design.
But if you are looking for a sturdy and highly durable product then the JACKYLED 8 Pcs Solar Deck & Step Lights stainless steel deck light should be your choice.
Finally, for people on a budget, there is nothing better than APONUO 16 Pcs Solar Deck Lights .
These were are recommendations for deck rail solar lights, hope you find the perfect product.