10 Best Solar Dock Lights in 2023

As night begins to fall on your dock, any late-night boaters returning from the fishing grounds pose an unfortunate risk for you and them on a dock with no light.

If they can’t see your dock, there’s a decent chance they could come in too close and ram into it. Installing solar dock lights will provide light to ward off any oncoming boats and alert you to the edge so you don’t take the plunge.

If social events are more your speed, these solar lights have plenty of uses. Light up the night and keep your dock or deck space safe with the best solar lights.

Each of these has ample weather resistance and can provide a wide spread of light to keep both you and any boaters in the area safe. They’re made for versatility and can be used in any marina or deck situation you may need.

Best Solar Dock Lights at a Glance

1. Our Choice – JACKYLED Solar Dock Lights
2. Runner Up – Home Zone Security Solar Deck Lights
3. Most Customizable – Driveway Lights, Solar Dock Lights 8-Pack
4. Best Aesthetic – Melunar Solar Deck Lights
5. Most Durable – Siedinlar Solar Deck Lights
6. Efficient Charging – VEVOR Driveway Lights 12-Pack Solar Driveway Lights
7. Largest Area of Coverage – Solar Piling Cap Light
8. Longest Lasting Charge – S4L Red Solar Flashing LED Marina Light
9. Best for Multiple Light Colors – Solar LED Dock Light Garden Park Patio Lamp
10. Easiest to Install – Solar Deck Lights with Stake LEDs Ground Light

Top 10 Solar Dock Lights Reviewed

1. JACKYLED Solar Deck Lights

This solar dock light certainly meets the minimum requirements of any quality dock light and then some.

The JACKYLED Solar Dock Light perfectly hits the IP68 waterproof mark and promises users that it won’t malfunction during the slightest rainstorms.

We tested it against crashing waves, and this solar-powered dock light held its own against tons of pressure. It has proven durable and dependable, even in the harshest conditions.

This solar dock light comes in many sizes, from 4 to 8 packs, depending on your needs. Each device comes equipped with screws to mount to the dock or deck of your choosing.

The manufacturer does recommend charging it for 3-5 days before mounting it, as some users have claimed the shipping caused charge depletion in the dock lights.

However, they’re easy to install once charged, and your deck is ready.

Verdict

These multipurpose lights work wonders on any dock. We immediately fell in love with them as they provided a nice, cool light covering the entire dock.

The LED lights are easily charged via solar panels and are designed to provide ample dock lighting for about 3-5 years before being switched out.

With the JACKYLED solar lights, you are guaranteed a dependable solar dock light that will protect you for years.

Pros

• It lasts up to 72 hours on a full charge.
• Waterproof and holds against all weather conditions
• Light covers up to 875 yards

Cons

• Shipping can deplete the battery charge

2. Home Zone Security Solar Deck Lights

The feature that stood out to us with these solar dock lights was the auto-detection feature. It seems to be a common feature in all of the best boat dock solar lights, but the Home Zone Security Solar Deck Light has spent time on it to make sure it’s both accurate and effective.

If your solar dock light kicks in too early, you could be left with a dead light much quicker than other devices. While this isn’t as durable as the JACKYLED, it will ensure that you have light once night falls and is charging when the sun is still up.

Another feature that excited us was how simple this was the install. Many dock lights include complicated mounting processes, but this high-quality light was easy to install and ready to go in minutes.

It’s also durable so that a car can run over it, and no damage will be done. We will say that it’s only rated at an IP67 waterproof level, which isn’t as high as many dock lights should be.

Verdict

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed this product and the dock lighting it was designed to provide. Its 4 LED lights produce 5 lumens each, enough to cover your entire boat dock with only a few of these devices.

Easy charging, high-quality solar panels, plenty of light, and coverage. This certainly is one of the best solar lights for docks available. Durable and dependable is the name of the game for this product.

Pros

• Can withstand tons of pressure
• Plenty of power with its 4 bright LED bulbs
• Easy to install

Cons

• Can withstand water, but not as well as other devices

3. Driveway Lights, Solar Dock Lights 8-Pack, Led Pathway Lights W/ Switch, White

Like the JACKYLED device, the Happy Buy Solar Deck Lights come equipped with screws to simplify installation. This product can provide over 800 yards of light coverage like the above-listed solar dock lights.

The internal solar panel makes charging easy and provides up to 72 hours of bright light when the battery is fully charged. When we tested this light, it simply refused to run out of energy.

If you’re looking for customization, the 5 different color options will satisfy your needs.

Few solar dock lights are as resistant to extreme weather conditions as this one. It can survive as cold as 0 degrees Fahrenheit and as hot as 176 degrees.

Unlike the Home Zone Security light, this product is rated at an IP68 waterproof level. No matter how strong, no water can get into this device and damage it.

We love these eco-friendly solar dock lights and are sure you will too.

Verdict

Strength is the name of the game for these solar-powered dock lights, as they can withstand extreme weather conditions and provide some of the brightest lights we’ve seen.

Your boat dock will surely be well-lit, so no one can miss it. The solar panel offers extreme charge, and the auto sensor ensures the lights come on once the sun goes down.

With a 44,000-lb weight capacity, nothing can damage this durable device.

Pros

• Durable and waterproof
• Up to 72 hours of bright lights
• It offers 5 different color options

Cons

• Not all lights are equipped with screws

4. Melunar Solar Deck Lights

The Melunar Solar Deck Lights’ design makes it stand out for us. It’s similar to all the rest in that it utilizes solar energy gathered via its solar panels to emit enough dock lighting that your boat dock can be seen from far away.

It does a fantastic job of this, but unlike all the others listed so far, these overhead solar dock lights drape over the edge of a rail. This certainly does decrease how durable this solar light is, but it adds a nice aesthetic to the dock when placed right.

It’s not as resistant to weather conditions, and it’s one of the lowest waterproof ratings on our list, but the Melunar lights are designed to boost the look of your dock.

Not only do they emit a nice bright light that can cover your entire dock throughout the nighttime, but they also offer color-changing capabilities.

These solar-powered dock lights are perfect for hosting a dock or deck party.

Verdict

Don’t be put off by their primary function as an aesthetic way of providing lighting.

These dock lights work and have one of the shortest charging times on our list. It will provide about 8 hours on a full charge, but that’s enough to last the night.

While we wouldn’t recommend these solar dock lights for commercial marinas, they are a fun product for your personal docks.

Pros

• Many color-changing options
• Short charge time
• High-quality solar panel

Cons

• Not too weather resistant
• Not durable

5. Siedinlar Solar Deck Lights

Much like the Melunar solar dock lights, this device can last anywhere from 8-12 hours on a full charge.

While this might not be as much as products such as the Happy Buy or the Home Zone, the Siedinlar Solar Deck Lights certainly has a lot of battery power when you consider how few hours are needed to receive a full charge.

We got 12 hours of night light after a mere 7-hour charge. The lights have a solar panel that enables bright lights long into the night.

Our favorite aspect of these lights is their sleek design. These solar LED dock lights can withstand up to 20 tons and are IP68 waterproof.

They are designed to provide solar lighting well into the night and are a fantastic addition to any dock. The slick, blue, and grey design will make your dock lighting the envy of all.

Siedinlar does a fantastic job creating some of the best solar deck lights we’ve seen. The heavy-duty aluminum casing is easy to install and can survive almost any encounter.

Verdict

Overall, we’d rank these solar dock lights on par with the JACKYLED and the Home Zone, but with a better design. The solar LED dock lights are bright, and the battery will last a long time on a short charge.

We found their extreme water resistance enticing, and the solar power they emit pretty eco-friendly. However, their shell is what sells this dock lighting for us.

They are the best solar-powered dock lights for outward design.

Pros

• IP68 Waterproof rating
• Aluminum casing provides added security
• Easy to install
• Beautiful design that lights up the night

Cons

• Requires direct sunlight, clouds can interfere with power

6. VEVOR Driveway Lights 12-Pack Solar Driveway Lights

The VEVOR Driveway Lights entered our review because of its ease of installation.

It might take some minutes because you have to repeat the installation with 12 units of solar dock lights. But the whole thing is uncomplicated. We only had to turn the switches beneath the lights on, drill holes, and screw the lights in.

If you were worried about the lights losing charge during shipping, we didn’t experience that as the lights switched off. We only switched them on during installation. Then after that, the sensor-controlled the lights.

The fact that these lights could go more than 24 hours with less than 24 hours of charge said so much. That and the picturesque illumination created a sweet spot where function meets aesthetics.

We tried out the load-bearing limit specified by the manufacturer, and all was fine. Then from a visual inspection of the aluminum body of the lights, we think the whole thing is pretty weatherproof.

Verdict

The VEVO Solar Dock Lights were pretty impressive to us, and that had to do with more than the ease of installation. From aesthetics to function and durability, it checked all the boxes.

While the lights could be brighter, we think they are still worth the money.

Pros

• Long lighting times – up to 80 hours on a full charge
• Efficient and fast charging
• Easy installation
• Durable

Cons

• The lights could be brighter

7. Solar Piling Cap Light

Many solar dock lights require replacement after a few years of use as the battery dies and there is no power source. However, replacing the battery with the Dock Edge Solar Pile Cap Light is simple and can be done whenever required.

When used correctly, This fresh, salt-waterproof LED light lasts up to a decade. If the battery dies, simply replace it with a fresh one for a few more years of solar power.

When fully charged, this light can last up to 12 hours. This might not be as long of a run time as the Home Zone or the Happy Buy, but these solar dock lights make up for their lack of charging time.

The dock lighting is ready for only a few hours in the sun. Our favorite feature of these solar-powered deck lights is the pre-installed 6 color-changing LED lights that keep your deck covered all night.

With the simple touchpad – which is easy to use – these lights can be adjusted to match your dock’s needs.

Verdict

When we first saw these lights, we had relatively low expectations. Their design makes them easy to break and clunky looking, but their power blew us away once we turned them on.

The circular design offers 360 degrees of illumination all night on a full charge. Most of the other products on our list lay flat and can only cover 180 degrees.

With the Dock Edge, your solar dock lights will cover more than enough space.

Pros

• 360-degree light coverage
• Complete with a wildlife deterrent spike to protect the solar panel
• 6 pre-installed LED color-changing lights
• Battery replacement is easy

Cons

• Not made to be physically durable

8. S4L Red Solar Flashing LED Marina Light

While many other products on our list can efficiently be utilized for other purposes, there is only one real goal of these solar dock lights: safety and security.

The S4L Marina Light will make sure that there is ample lighting for any boats in the vicinity. Most solar dock lights don’t correctly illuminate the docks’ edges, and boats are left guessing where the point is and where they should try to avoid it.

The S4L Red is a mini lighthouse with pulsating deck lights that can run for up to 100 hours on a full charge. No other device we tested could last that long with one day of sun.

The power of this solar dock light is insane and will keep your deck safe for you and nearby boats. This is one of the best solar dock lights for the pure length of battery power. The time that this light will be effective is unmatched.

Verdict

While it might not be the most appealing solar dock light on our list, it certainly gets the job done.

It operates in temperatures from -40 degrees Fahrenheit up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Compared to the Happy Buy product, this device has a slight leg up on the competition.

The S4L Red is made well and will provide plenty of dock lighting for your deck and any nearby boats.

Pros

• It lasts up to 100 hours
• 4 packs of bright LED lights
• Utilizes a flashing light to ward off boats

Cons

• Pulsating lights can be distracting

9. Solar LED Dock Light Garden Park Patio Lamp

While the standout feature of the Solar LED Dock Light is its multiple light color options, it is a top product through and through.

We especially think the lighting times are so massive that we could get up to 48 hours of lighting from it following 5-6 peak sun hours. We expect that with a full charge, the lights should keep working for almost a week.

Going by the charging speed, it isn’t surprising that the panel on this device is made up of monocrystalline solar cells.

Away from its dawn-dusk light control and easy installation, this product can be helpful if you want to get creative with dock lights.

You can make your doorpost, driveway, or patio light unique with up to seven color options.

Verdict

We love how flashy we can get with the 7 colors of this solar dock light. But the straightforward installation, durability, and versatility are also impressive.

The lights can withstand as much as 20 tons when installed, which is impressive.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Available in multiple colors
• 3-year warranty

Cons

• The design is not outstanding.

10. Solar Deck Lights with Stake LEDs Ground Light

We think the Solar Deck Lights with Stake might be the easiest solar dock lights to install amongst everyone we tried. The ease comes in many ways.

When we used the stakes for installation, it was straightforward: stick the lights in the soil/grass, and that was it.

But if we didn’t want to use the stake, we could have removed them and installed them with screws instead. We were not restricted to installing on certain surfaces.

We got impressive lighting times with this device. After charging for about 6 hours, the lights provided almost two days of lighting. We never had to worry about water or any other weather conditions destroying the lights.

But then, we weren’t too sure about their resistance to impact. Our hesitance was heightened by the lights’ relatively small size and weight.

Verdict

It was easy to like these lights from the start. Installing them in many different ways was too good to pass.

But beyond that, the long lighting times and rapid charging were appealing. Within 10 peak sun hours, you should get a full charge. So, in many sunny places in the US, the lights should get a full charge in about 2-3 days.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Multiple installation options
• Rapid charging

Cons

• Resistance to impact is doubtful

Buyer’s Guide

Before you purchase these solar lights, a few factors should be considered before settling on one device. Finding the perfect lights for you is about knowing what to look for.

Here is what we considered when searching for the best-made lights.

Price

These solar lights don’t need to break the bank. You can find exciting lights with plenty of extra features and high waterproof ratings for less than $100.

Most of the products on our list are below triple digits, so you can be sure you won’t burn your wallet just for a 4 pack of solar lights.

However, a higher-priced device may be the route if you require solar lights that can pack a punch and cover more with less.

If you want to cover more space, sticking with many less expensive lights is probably smarter.

Security

Visibility is one of the most significant factors in people purchasing solar lights. These lights will prove invaluable if you make your space visible to oncoming boat traffic.

The security of your space should never take a backseat when shopping for your lights. While the atmosphere is certainly something to consider for a deck space, security should always be your top priority.

How it Looks

Speaking of atmosphere, the second most popular reason for purchasing these lights is to create a fun space and host exciting events.

Aesthetics are essential, and with the right lights, you can easily transform any wooden deck near the water into the envy of all your friends. Make the most of your space and turn the night into a place with aesthetically pleasing lights.

Durability

Don’t constantly have to replace these lights simply because they don’t last as long as you need them to. Some lights can be easily broken and need to be replaced quickly. Avoid these lights at all costs.

They might offer insane security, but if they don’t last more than a year by the water, you will be constantly dishing out money to try to replace them. Avoid the hassle and get strong lights the first time.

Weather Resistance

The lights will be right next to the water, so why would you purchase a product that can’t withstand a bit of water? Any device with a waterproof rating of IP66 or more should be suitable and will last you a few years before it goes wrong.

We recommend a level of IP68 as this is where all the best lights are typically rated. Lights with a rating of IP68 can easily withstand salt water and will be perfect for your deck.

Charge Life

Short charging time for a long life is the perfect combination. Plenty of lights on our list can be fully charged in less than a day; many will last you up to 72 hours, some even more.

You should be aware that these lights require the sun for their energy, so you’ll need products with quality solar panels and a space to place them in with constant access to the sun.

These are some of the features that will make or break your lights. Finding the right lights is about knowing what works best for your space.

Each device on our list will surely fit your needs and be the perfect light for whatever uses you have.