5 Best Solar Flood Lights with Motion Sensor

5 Best Solar Flood Lights with Motion Sensor

Having a large outdoor space is a luxury for most homeowners nowadays. If you can afford it, the extra space can come in handy during a party or grow a nice garden.

However, maintaining the space is the hardest part. It is not safe to leave this space unlit after sundown. It is too expensive and unnecessary to use grid power to light it up the entire time either. Outdoors offers an excellent opportunity to go solar with the lighting. Add a motion sensor into the mix and you have the perfect solution.

The advent of LED lighting is a boon for homeowners. Better and brighter lights that consume very less electricity. Again, if you are looking for plug-and-use outdoor lighting that doesn’t require the services of a professional electrician, you are in for a pleasant surprise.

When you start searching for a solar floodlight with a motion sensor, you will be flooded with choices. But once you try to figure out which one is the best, you will find it problematic. The trouble is you need to know which features to consider. 

Here, in this article, you will find a list of features to focus on while choosing outdoor floodlights. This article also lists the best solar floodlights with motion sensors to suit diverse needs.

What to look for in an outdoor solar floodlight?

When you go shopping for a floodlight for your outdoor space, the first point to consider is the area to be covered. Solar-powered floodlights are good choices as they will generate the energy needed to run themselves. This means once they are installed, no extra power bills. 

The next point to consider is whether you want the floodlight on from dusk to dawn. Since there won’t be anyone using the space most of the time, there is no point in wasting energy illuminating the place for the entire time. However, it would be nice to have the place lit when you want to step out. Or if you are concerned about prowlers or thieves, having a floodlight with a motion sensor makes sense.

Besides these features, here are some more aspects you should pay attention to when shopping for solar lights.

1. Coverage and brightness

The brightness of a light source is measured in lumens. The higher the lumens, the brighter the illumination. Usually, this is mentioned prominently in the product description. Another point to check is the width of the beam. This can be in the range of 50°-280°. However, the wider the beam, the less bright the lighting will seem. 

2. Capacity and type of battery

As it is solar-powered and the use is entirely after sundown, this is an important point to consider. This means the battery should have enough storage capacity to run the show for the entire night. If you expect the floodlights to come on for longer periods, you should choose a higher-capacity battery. It is usually given in milliamp-hours (mAh) and typically comes in the range 2,000-5,000mAh. Lithium-ion batteries are usually used in solar lights as they can hold more charge.

3. Charging time and run time

Charging time will depend on the battery capacity as well as the sunlight available. If you live in a less sunny location, you need to choose a hi-end fast-charging battery. The run time is based on usage and battery capacity. You need to figure out your usage and thereby the capacity of the battery. Once you have this, the rest is easier to figure out.

4. Solar panels

What is the capacity of the solar panels? What are they made of? Is it fixed or adjustable? All these can make a difference in the performance of the solar floodlight.

5. Type of bulb

Nowadays, this is not a choice, as an overwhelming majority of floodlights come with LEDs (light-emitting diodes). They offer the brightest light and consume less energy. Other choices in bulb type are CFLs and halogens. Both consume more energy than LEDs.

6. Waterproofing rating

Being outdoors all the time, this is a crucial point to consider in solar floodlights. Waterproof rating or ingress protection (IP) rating is usually mentioned in the description. It is a two-digit number. The first digit refers to protection from solid debris and is given in the range of 1-6, 6 being the best protection. The second digit refers to protection from water and moisture and comes in the range of 1-8, 8 meaning entirely watertight. An IP rating of 65 or above is considered good for outdoor lighting.

Besides these features, you can look for features like self-installation, motion detection distance, and range.

Best outdoor solar floodlights with motion sensor

1. Westinghouse 1000 Lumens LED Motion Sensor Solar Light

Westinghouse 1000 Lumens LED Motion Sensor Solar Light

Highlights:

  • Lumens: 1,000 
  • Waterproof rating: IPX4
  • Detection distance: 26 feet
  • Detection range: 120°
  • Bulb: 40 SMD LED
  • Battery: 2,000mAh Lithium-ion 
  • Clear white light
  • Auto on at night
  • Auto turn off after 30 seconds of no motion
  • Weather-resistant to rain, high heat, and snow
  • Large amorphous solar panel

Included in the package:

  1. Solar security light
  2. Solar panel
  3. 9.8ft (3m) power cable
  4. Mounting hardware

An excellent product of Westinghouse, this solar floodlight is easy to install. It offers a 1,000-lumen floodlight on detecting motion within 26 feet and in a 120° arc. The light will turn off on its own after 30 seconds if no motion is detected. 

The 2,000 mAh lithium-ion battery can hold enough charge to provide light for a night. The long cord provided offers more flexibility with the positioning of the floodlight. The IPX4 waterproof rating means it is resistant to water splashes from any direction. It can withstand occasional rain or snow, but it is ideal to be installed under an eave for protection.

The large amorphous solar panels reduce charging time. It also charges on less sunny or overcast days. You can use this product straight out of the box.

2. NACINIC 288 LED Solar Motion Sensor Light (2 Pack)

NACINIC 288 LED Solar Motion Sensor Light

Highlights:

  • Lumens: 650
  • Waterproof rating: IP65
  • Detection distance: 26 feet
  • Detection range: 120°
  • Bulb: 288 LED bulbs in four angles
  • Battery: 2,200 lithium-ion
  • Warranty: 12-Month Product Quality Warranty
  • Auto on at night, auto-off in daytime
  • Three Optional Lighting Modes
  • Dimmable Sensor Control

Included in the package:

  1. Solar security lights – 2
  2. Mounting Screws – 4
  3. Expansion Pillar-hinge – 4
  4. Mounting Adhesive Pads – 2
  5. User manual

Affordable and adjustable, this offering from NACINIC can give you peace of mind at night. This 2-pack product has 288 LEDs set in 4 angles to offer a wider 270° coverage. This floodlight can detect motion up to 26 feet away at a 120° arc. 

One of the best aspects of this floodlight is its adjustable lighting modes. You have 3 options to choose from. The first one turns it on continuously all night and stays dimly lit with or without motion detection. The second one is dimmable sensor control that helps auto turn on at night and brightens for 20 seconds when motion is detected. The third one is the security mode. In this mode, the light will turn on for 20 seconds on detecting motion. 

The IP65 waterproof rating ensures that the floodlight is well protected even when placed in the open. The large capacity battery ensures that the floodlight can provide light for 12 hours with 7 hours of charging time. 

3. Sunforce 82153 150-LED Triple Head Solar Motion Light

Sunforce 82153 150-LED

Highlights:

  • Lumens: 1,000
  • Detection distance: 30 feet
  • Detection range: 180°
  • Bulb: 150 LED bulbs in triple heads
  • Battery: AA-size Ni-MH rechargeable batteries
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Bright white light
  • Adjustable side lamp heads
  • Amorphous solar panel
  • 2 adjustable settings
  • Long cord for flexibility
  • Fully weather-resistant 

Included in the package:

  1. 150 LED motion light
  2. Solar panel with 15 ft. (4.5m) of wire
  3. AA-size Ni-MH rechargeable batteries – 3
  4. Mounting hardware

If you are looking for a bright solar-powered floodlight to cover a wider area, look no further. This product from Sunforce comes with three heads, 50 LEDs in each and the side lamp heads can be turned up, down, or horizontally.

The total of 1,000 lumens that the floodlight offers can be used to illuminate a single spot or three different spots as per your requirement. The PIR motion detector in it can detect motion in a 180° arc and up to 30 feet away. 

This floodlight also allows you to adjust the detection range and detection time to suit your needs. The detection range has low, medium, and high options, while detection time has 30 seconds, 60 seconds, and 120 seconds options.

The amorphous solar panels help with charging on low sunlight days. This floodlight uses 3 AA-size Ni-MH rechargeable batteries instead of lithium-ion batteries for storing solar power. This doesn’t affect the functioning in any way. You have the added advantage of cheaper replacement when the batteries run out. 

4. AmeriTop 128 LED 800LM Solar Motion Sensor Lights (2 pack)

AmeriTop 128 LED 800LM Solar Motion Sensor Lights

Highlights:

  • Lumens: 800
  • Waterproof rating: IP65
  • Detection distance: 26 feet
  • Detection range: 180°
  • Bulb: 128 SMD 2835 LED bulbs in triple heads
  • Battery: NiCad
  • Auto turn on and off
  • Wide 270° lighting area
  • 2 modes of operation
  • Adjustable light heads and sensor
  • Polycrystalline solar panel

Included in the package:

  1. Solar security lights – 2
  2. Mounting accessories

An affordable solar-powered outdoor floodlight that doesn’t compromise on features and quality – that is this product in a nutshell. The AmeriTop solar security light is designed with 3 heads to cover a wider angle of 270°. The 128 SMD 2835 LED offers daylight brightness. 

The polycrystalline solar panel can charge even on overcast days with a high conversion efficiency of 20%. Made from highly durable ABS material, this floodlight boasts a high-end IP65 waterproof rating. This means it can be installed in the open without getting damaged.

The auto turn on and off feature at dusk and dawn will make life easier for you. The Smart Sensor can detect motion up to 26 feet in a 180° arc. The solar security light will remain on when there is movement. It will automatically shut off after 30 seconds without motion. You have the choice of two modes – sensor mode and off mode – to suit your requirements. 

Easy to install, all-weather resistant, adjustable light heads, lens hoods, and motion sensors – this is a good bargain any day.

5. LazyPro 298 LED 4400 mAh Solar Motion Sensor Light

LazyPro 298 LED 4400 mAh Solar Motion Sensor Light

Highlights:

  • Lumens: 2500
  • Waterproof rating: IP65
  • Detection distance: 40 feet
  • Illuminated area: 1,600 sqft
  • Bulb: 298 LED bulbs in triple heads
  • Battery: 4,400 lithium-ion
  • Warranty: 2-year extended support
  • Auto on and off
  • 4-side light design to cover more area
  • Wide 280° lighting area
  • 3 modes of operation
  • 12-hour run time
  • Aluminum body

Included in the package:

  1. Solar security lights – 2
  2. Mounting hardware

If you are looking for extra brightness and more coverage, this is a good choice. LazyPro Solar Light is one of the brightest solar flood lights you can find in this price range. With 298 LEDs set in a 4-side design, it covers the widest angle of 280° and 1600 sqft.

Its enhanced motion sensor can detect movement up to 40 feet. The floodlights will turn on when motion is detected. There are three modes of operation for you to choose from. “Bright Light” mode will have the lights off all night, except when there is movement. Once the movement stops, the light will turn off after 30 seconds. 

In the “Dim All Night” mode, the light stays dim all night. The “Double Safety” mode combines the features of the two. In this, the light stays dim until movement is detected. After 30 seconds of stillness, the brightness will turn back to dim.

The extra-large 4,400 mAh lithium-ion battery helps it to last for 12-hours at a stretch. This floodlight can tolerate a wide range of temperature, weather conditions, and seasonal variations. The aluminum body together with IP65 waterproofing ensures that the floodlight stays protected for years.

Bottom line

Finding the best floodlight for your outdoor use is not an easy task. There is a wide variety of floodlights available in the market to suit diverse needs. You need to have some understanding of your requirements as well as the meanings of the various specifications listed by manufacturers to make an informed decision.

Choosing a solar floodlight is a good idea for an outdoor setting. Again one fitted with a motion sensor will ensure that energy is not wasted when no one is around. Brightness, coverage, efficiency, hours of operation, and battery capacity are some of the most important features you should pay attention to.

Solar dusk to dawn light with a motion sensor is the best bet for ensuring security when you don’t have a power socket nearby.

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