Updated 1 month ago
The 4 Best Solar Shed Lights to Buy in 2024
Written by
Jamie Smith
A backyard shed is typically only useful as a storage spot for your lawnmower and other gardening tools, but with solar lights, it can be so much more.
These kits are easy to install and far cheaper than rooftop solar panels for your home. So, if you’re looking for a small-scale way to invest in solar energy – solar shed lights can be your next move!
Here are our expert picks for some of the best solar shed lights if you’re looking for a practical and green solution to illuminating your shed’s workspace:
Product | Superlative | Price |
|---|---|---|
Best overall | Regular price: $149.99 | |
Runner-up | Regular price: $61.99 | |
Most affordable | Regular price: $35.99 | |
Best features | Regular price: 140.99 |
What is a solar shed light?
Solar shed lights are a small-scale solar energy project that uses the power of the sun to illuminate your backyard shed, patio, barn, and more. Solar shed lights are typically sold in kits with a low-wattage solar panel, LED lights, some type of mounting equipment, and a remote or pull cord to switch it on and off (if it’s not motion-censored).
Some solar shed light kits may require you to purchase replacement rechargeable batteries or a charge controller.
The 4 best solar-powered shed lights
By taking a close look at different criteria, our solar experts narrowed it down to four top picks for our favorite solar shed lights.
1. Best overall: Gama Sonic Light My Shed IV Solar Shed Light
Pros
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Easy to DIY
-
Doesn’t require a lot of space
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Low maintenance
Cons
-
Pricier option
-
Not motion sensored
Between its rave reviews on Amazon, easy installation, and high performance, choosing the Gama Sonic Solar Shed Light kit as our top pick was a no-brainer.
The kit comes with two pull-cord solar-powered lights equipped with internal rechargeable Ni-MH batteries built to last about 1,000 charges, equating to about three years of use.
Along with the two lights, there is a detachable solar panel that you can fasten to virtually any surface for optimized sun exposure. What’s unique about this kit is that there is no electrical wiring you need to worry about, just two cords that connect the solar panel and two lights – so it’s a straightforward DIY project.
2. Runner-up: Hykolity Solar Powered Shop Light
Pros
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Motion sensored
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Bright lights
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High customer ratings
Cons
-
Requires more space
-
Lower wattage
We chose Hykolity’s solar-powered shop light as our runner-up for the best solar shed light for its excellent value and customer popularity on Amazon. The kit has a 17 W solar panel, two three-foot LED motion-sensor floodlights, connecting wire, and mounting hardware.
The lights are motion-sensored and can operate for up to six hours on a full charge. Much like our overall pick, you do not need to hardwire this product, so it’s very easy to install yourself.
Both lights are connected to the solar panel by a 15-foot cable, and you can mount the solar panel to any surface with direct sunlight. The connecting wire is waterproof and can be used for indoor and outdoor applications.
3. Best affordable solar shed light: Aqonsie Solar Shed Light
Pros
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Remote control
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Adjustable lights
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Affordable
Cons
-
More catered to small spaces
The Aqonsie solar shed light kit is a perfect solution for any backyard shed, barn, or even a chicken coop. For all the items included, this kit is wildly affordable for anyone looking to add solar into their outdoor spaces.
For the low price of $29.99 on Amazon, you receive motion-sensing solar pendant lights, an adjustable solar panel, wire connectors, a remote control with five different modes for lighting, and batteries.
You can mount the solar panel to any surface and have the sun charge it up for 6 to 8 hours before using that solar energy to illuminate your space. The different lighting modes and motion sensors ensure you aren’t wasting any solar energy.
4. Best solar shed light features: GVSHINE Solar Power System Kit
Pros
-
High power output
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Can be AC/DC charged
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Includes all necessary equipment
Cons
-
Requires more space
-
Pricier option
If you’re looking for a solar shed kit that’s a bit more beefed up, the GVSHINE kit could be what you need. The kit comes with one 30 W foldable solar panel, a solar DC system that functions similarly to a solar generator, four LED light bulbs, and necessary electrical wiring and mounting equipment that connects the bulbs and panel to the DC system.
The included power box can be charged with the included solar panel, but also with AC/DC power – and even comes with an additional outlet space so you can charge your phone or other devices.
The lightbulbs have between 10 and 14 hours of lighting when fully charged, so you will have plenty of power in most off-grid scenarios. The solar panel requires about 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight to charge the power source fully.
How much do solar shed lights cost?
Most solar shed lights on the market cost anywhere from $30 to $200.
The price you pay for solar shed lights will heavily depend on your energy needs and the size of your project. If you need more lighting for a bigger building, such as a large backyard barn, you might need to purchase a bigger kit that costs a bit more to support the necessary lighting.
Can I DIY my solar shed lights?
In most cases – yes!
Most solar shed lights are easy to install in a few days tops. If you purchase solar shed lights that require hardwiring equipment to a breaker panel, you might consider hiring a professional to ensure the best results possible.
In general, solar shed light kits are DIY friendly, and make a great home project! Most of the shed lights featured on this list can be easily installed by just about anyone! They don’t require complicated racking equipment and are far less daunting than an entire home solar panel installation.
Are solar shed lights worth it?
If you have a backyard shed, barn, covered patio, or gazebo – a solar shed light can be right for you. These extremely versatile products can be used in many different off-grid scenarios.
The solar panels included with shed lights can be placed virtually anywhere, so you can use the customization to your advantage for the optimal amount of sunlight. If you’re looking to invest in a small-scale solar project that is easy to DIY, solar shed lights are an affordable solution.
But, if you’re looking to invest in something on a larger residential scale, consider looking into home solar panels. In fact, you can check out our solar calculator to determine if solar panels are right for you.
Jamie is a Content Writer and researcher at SolarReviews. A recent graduate of La Salle University in Philadelphia, Jamie earned her B.S. in communications with a concentration in journalism, mass media, and public relations. Jamie has previously worked at a marketing company where she had the opportunity to highlight and promote small business owners through long-form stories and interviews. With a deep-rooted passion for creativity, Jamie stri...
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