Solar dock lights dominate non-renewable dock lights since they are charged by solar panels that capture energy from the sun. Solar dock lights are preferred for driveway paths, pool areas, and outdoors in general.
During the day the solar panel in each solar dock light absorbs solar energy which is converted and stored in a small battery. The stored energy will then light the dock lights at night. They are made with a high-quality metal frame that can bear pressure exerted on them and are also waterproof to submersions or heavy downpours.
A survey carried out by energy.gov revealed that many people want solar dock lights since they save on energy bills, help in boat navigation, provide safety at night, and are easy to install. Oscar Barasso, an expert on dock lights with over five years of experience in dock accessories, adds that solar dock lights are easy to maintain since they do not come with wires and only require occasional cleaning.
When buying solar dock lights, you should always consider dock lights that are durable, sturdy, and can withstand harsh conditions. Also, consider the battery size, as it affects the solar dock light’s running time.
To discover the best solar dock light popular in the market, we tested 20 solar dock lights. We assessed various homesteads and boat docking areas and discovered the solar dock light’s durability, brightness, installation process, and run time. Below are our findings.
Best Lasting Charge: VOLISUN 12-Pack Solar Dock Light
Things we liked:
✓ Provides good lighting
✓ Easy to install
✓ Ultra-Long lighting time
✓ Waterproof & Resistance to pressure
✓ Durable
Things we didn’t like:
✘ It is somehow costly
This dock light made our list due to its versatility in most outdoor places, such as driveways, garden step sidewalks, and even pools. This is because VOLISUN pack-12 solar dock light is waterproof and pressure resistant. It comprises a sealed aluminum casing capable of withstanding up to 10 tons of weight. We tested it on a rainy day, and it worked well without any faults.
Another great feature of this dock light is its large 1200mAh battery capacity. This enables it to store more energy, lighting your dock for up to 72 hours. The only drawback of this solar dock is that it is costly.
Best Brightness: JIGUOOR Solar Dock Light
What we liked:
✓ Eco-friendly rechargeable solar panels
✓ Has water resistance capacity
✓ It is easy to install
✓ Are very bright
What we didn’t like:
✘ Has non-removable batteries
This solar dock light should be on your top list if you are looking for outstanding brightness. During testing, this solar dock light provided bright light that illuminated a large area. Most solar dock lights with similar features are dim and unlikely to be seen from afar. Additionally, this solar dock light is straightforward to install. You do not need any wiring since you can use glue or a screw to fix it.
Another fantastic feature is that it comes with 6 LEDs bulbs which emanate an intense and steady light. The only downward side of this solar dock light is that it comes with a non-removable battery which can be challenging to replace.
Best Battery Efficiency: APONUO IP67 12-Pack Solar Dock Lights
What we liked:
✓ Great battery capacity
✓ Easy installation
✓ Extra-long working time
✓ Great pressure resistance
What we didn’t like:
✘ Not all lights come with screws.
Our team was impressed by the battery efficiency of this solar dock light. We charged it for a maximum of 8 hours in average sunshine. It illuminated the driveway for 72 hours from dusk to dawn. This is made possible by its large battery capacity of 1200mAh.
Another great feature of this solar dock light is that it is sturdy and can withstand intense pressure. It is made with a high-quality aluminum alloy shell which is effective in preventing rust. It is also capable of withstanding up to 10 tons of weight. The one challenge with it is that it does not come with screws, making it hard to fully secure it on different surfaces.
Best for Extreme Temperatures: CHINLY Solar LED Dock Light 8 pcs
Things we liked:
✓ Durable and Waterproof
✓ Has rechargeable battery
✓ Has great run-time
✓ Easy to install
Things we didn’t like:
✘ Does not do well in cloudy weather
The Chinly solar dock light stands out for its ability to withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions. We tested it at 45 degrees Celsius for 8 hours, and it worked flawlessly. This solar dock light has a high-quality aluminum casing capable of withstanding a pressure of up to 20 tons, making it suitable for driveways.
This light is made with advanced crystalline solar panels, and in addition, it has a high-capacity battery that charge for 6-8 hours. The only drawback is that it requires direct sunlight and will not fully charge in cloudy weather.
Best Beautiful Design: Siedinlar Solar Dock LED Light
What we liked:
✓ It is very bright
✓ Easy to install
✓ Beautiful and elegant design
✓ Resistant to pressure
✓ Durable
What we didn’t like:
✘ It has a short run time
This is your go-to solar dock light if you want an elegant design. It has been designed with modern finishes that feature aluminum alloy that circularly cover this dock light. It also produces a warm white light that adds to its elegance. In addition, it has IP68 waterproof ability that makes it withstand all types of weather.
This solar dock light is effortless to install. You only need to mount it using the provided screws. Additionally, this solar dock light has a high-capacity battery that charges for about 6-8 hours under direct sunlight, but when testing, we discovered that it has a short run time.
Best Durable: CREPOW Solar Dock Light 8-Packs
What we liked:
✓ Long lighting time
✓ Easy to install
✓ Great brightness
✓ Large storage battery
What we didn’t like:
✘ It has a non-replaceable battery
We picked this solar dock light because it is solid and steady, thanks to its high-quality aluminum alloy casing and IP65 rating that prevents it from extreme weather damage. It can also withstand prolonged heavy usage.
The CREPOW solar dock light has a large storage battery of 1200mAh that allows the light to run for up to 10-12 hours.
Our team also discovered that this solar dock light is straightforward to install. You can fix it on the ground using screws included in the package or an adhesive. This dock light also comes with up to a 2-year service warranty, with a 30-day return policy.
The only downside about this solar dock light is that it comes with a non-replaceable battery.
Best area Coverage: JACKYLED 8-Pack Solar Dock Lights
What we like:
✓ Light covers up to 875 yards
✓ It is IP68 Waterproof and works perfectly in all weather conditions
✓ Weight Resistance up to 20 tons
✓ Great quality
What we didn’t like:
✘ Frequent moisture exposure can reduce the lifespan
This solar dock light covers up to 875 yards when lighting, giving your dock excellent area illumination. During testing, we noticed that each device is equipped with screws used to mount it in the preferred space. This made it possible to mount it in a few minutes.
The Jackyled solar dock light boasts an IP68 rating. Our team tested it against crashing waves, and it managed to hold tons of pressure.
Another upside of JACKYLED is the bright white color light produced by the LED power. It brings elegance to your dock. The only challenge with this solar dock light is that frequent exposure to moisture can reduce its life span.
What to Look For in Solar Dock Lights
The following are factors that you should consider before buying a solar dock light:
Durability
You should always find a dock light that lasts up to 12 hours and has an IP67 rating and above to resist harsh weather conditions.
Ease of Installation
Always look for solar dock lights that can be easily installed with screws or glue.
Battery Life
You must consider the battery life of the solar dock light. It should be capable of running for at least 8 hours.
Brightness Level
You should consider looking for a dock light with 5 lumens and above to give excellent brightness.
FAQs SECTION
How long should a good Solar dock light last?
In continuous use, a good solar dock should last at least 8 hours a day. This is made possible with a battery capacity of more than 600mAh.
How do you install a solar dock light?
Most dock lights are easy to install since they do not require any special wiring. You can install solar docks easily using a driller screwdriver to fix them on flat ground or glue.
How do I care for and maintain my solar dock lights?
Most solar dock lights are low-maintenance. To clean your solar dock light, take a dumb cloth and wipe out mud and debris on the bulb and lamp panel. You will also need to remove battery corrosion.
Can I mount the dock light on a post?
Yes. You can. Most solar dock lights are designed to fit posts and other outdoor spaces.
What are the disadvantages of solar dock lights?
Some models do not have the brightness that most users anticipate. The bright ones are also quite expensive. Some solar dock lights do not have the on/Off mode
