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Whether it’s for security or style, investing in solar gutter lights is an affordable way to upgrade any home. Though they aren’t quite as easy to install as solar lanterns, most solar gutter lights are generally easy to put up, typically attaching via clips to a home’s gutters. They can be installed as temporary or permanent fixtures that convert the day’s sun into attractive lighting on the exterior of a home. Many lights also include additional mounting hardware so they can be used above doorways, along fence posts, and as deck lights, making them both solar security lights and architectural features on a home’s exterior.
We recently hands-on tested five sets of solar gutter lights against 2 weeks of wind, rain, and plenty of sunshine to see how they held up. Though there were a number of winners, the UniqueFire Outdoor Solar Gutter Lights are our favorites. We like them for their durable construction, attractive design, and affordable price point.
While the price of solar gutter lights can be a factor, appearance and durability take center stage. Since they’ll be placed on the exterior of the home, it’s important to choose a style that matches a home’s aesthetic. And because these lights are frequently installed at high points on a home, low maintenance is key; no one wants to climb on a roof or up a ladder if they don’t have to. We took all this into account during our tests, and the result is the following list of the best solar gutter lights for the job.
- BEST OVERALL: UniqueFire Outdoor Solar Gutter Lights
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Falove White Solar-Powered Gutter Lights
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MOTION-SENSING: InnoGear 80 LED Solar Outdoor Lights
↓ Jump to Review - MOST VERSATILE: Roshwey Solar Gutter Lights
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MULTIPURPOSE: DBF Solar Gutter Lights
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR AMBIENCE: iSunMoon 6-Pack Gutter Solar Lights
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FEATURES: Creative Design 46 LED Solar Gutter Lights
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR SECURITY: InnoGear 24 LED Motion Detection Solar Gutter Lights
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 8 |
| Time spent testing | 2 weeks |
| Tests performed | 5 |
| Price range | $5 to $19 per light |
Our Top Picks
The following products are some of the best solar gutter lights on the market, including the five we tested for durability, light quality, installation, and water resistance. We’ve highlighted our favorite features below and included three additional picks we think are worth checking out for shoppers looking for the best solar gutter lights.
Best Overall
UniqueFire Outdoor Solar Gutter Lights
Our Ratings: Setup 5/5; Appearance 5/5; Light Quality 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Size: 5.12 inches long by 5.12 inches wide by 1.97 inches high
- Number of lights included: 6
- IP rating: 65
- Lumens: 600
What We Like
- 600 lumens gives off bright light
- Easy to install; no drilling required
- Attractive design available in black or white
- Can be used on gutters, deck rails, or fences
What We Don’t Like
- Cold light; some may prefer warmer whites
- Requires a battery (included)
With its easy-to-install bracket system, this set of six solar gutter lights was up on our house in just minutes. Once the lights were installed, we noticed that the added design element gave them an upgraded feel, despite their affordability. Because the lights can be purchased in either black or white, they can blend in with a wide range of home styles (although some buyers may prefer a rounded or smaller light). The lights come on automatically once it’s dark out and shut off before sunrise.
The lights themselves give off plenty of light, and we found the rectangle style to be more appealing if used on a fence post or railing. The solar-powered gutter lights stood up well to the elements and kept on shining throughout our test period. Because the manufacturer recommends replacing the rechargeable AA battery after 8 to 12 months, this may be an important detail for some buyers to factor in. Overall, we found these lights easy to put up, attractive, and at such a great price that we gave them the top spot on our list.
Get the UniqueFire solar gutter lights at Amazon or UniqueFire.
Best Bang for the Buck
Falove White Solar-Powered Gutter Lights
Our Ratings: Setup 5/5; Appearance 4/5; Light Quality 4.5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Size: 4.7 inches in diameter by 2.5 inches high
- Number of lights included: 8
- IP rating: 65
- Lumens: 100
What We Like
- Affordable price point
- Simple mounting instructions
- Can be installed temporarily or more permanently
- Can be used for gutters, fences, or deck rails
What We Don’t Like
- 100 lumens does not produce a very bright light
- Simple and somewhat basic appearance
- Incredibly small screw caused some difficulty in mounting
Falove’s outdoor solar gutter lights are available in a pack of eight, allowing users to set up an entire light scheme with one kit at a very reasonable price. They take just a few minutes to set up, but there’s one small issue: One of the included screws is a very small thumb screw and requires an equally small screwdriver to put in place. We ended up using an eyeglass kit to tighten it. While the process was straightforward, it was a little tedious, and installing several of these could get old fast.
Some LED gutter lights can seem too bright in a garden or backyard setting, but each of these lights is just 100 lumens, which illuminated the space nicely and gave the house an atmospheric glow. This set has a simple appearance, but it will blend in with most home styles. The bracket has two mounting options: one with the tiny screw that can be easily clipped onto the gutter lip, or a more permanent mounting onto a fence or other structure (this method comes with a much longer standard-size screw). Overall, these are pleasing lights, and they come at a very affordable price point. Like others, they came on once it was dark and turned off before sunrise.
Get the Falove solar gutter lights at Amazon.
Best Motion-Sensing
InnoGear 80 LED Solar Outdoor Lights
Our Ratings: Setup 4.5/5; Appearance 4/5; Light Quality 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Size: 23.74 inches long by 4.92 inches wide by 1.18 high
- Number of lights included: 2
- IP rating: 65
- Lumens: 450
What We Like
- 4 different light modes with motion detection up to 16.4 feet
- Larger size provides more illumination
- Can be mounted above doors and other points of entry
- Optional arm can extend light out away from walls
- 80 LEDs per light
What We Don’t Like
- Wall-mount only; no gutter clips
- More expensive than other solar lights
- Style may be too utilitarian for some
- May be too bright for some areas
The InnoGear solar gutter lights come in a pack of two. Since each light produces 450 lumens, these are bright lights worth checking out. The lights feature several modes, including low output, medium output, motion sensor, and full brightness, with a few combinations of these as well. For example, you can keep it on low mode combined with motion detection, and the light automatically brightens to full mode when it detects movement. For this reason, these are an excellent option for solar-powered security lights. They switch on automatically once it’s dark and switch back off at dawn.
The lights mount directly to the structure of a home. However, although these are advertised as solar gutter lights, they are not able to clip directly onto gutters like most gutter lights. They can be mounted either flush against the home like a sconce or with the included bar, which allows for positioning beyond eaves to ensure maximum light absorption. Because they look a little like miniature solar panels, they have a modern feel that may not appeal to everyone’s sense of style. Overall, these are high-quality outdoor solar security lights that passed all of the environmental tests with flying colors.
Get the InnoGear 80 LED solar outdoor lights at Amazon.
Most Versatile
Roshwey Solar Gutter Lights
Our Ratings: Setup 5/5; Appearance 4.5/5; Light Quality 5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Size: 8.9 inches long by 5.28 wide by 3.62 inches high
- Number of lights included: 4
- IP rating: 55
- Lumens: 200
What We Like
- Can be fixed in place or clipped to gutters
- Rotates 180 degrees
- Twice as bright as many other options
- Oval shape gives a modern, low-profile appearance
What We Don’t Like
- Shape and design may not appeal to all shoppers
- Slightly pricier than other solar gutter lights
- Battery-powered, which some may find inconvenient
- Less efficient in cold weather
The Roshwey solar gutter lights were the only product we tested that had the ability to rotate 180 degrees. This makes them easy to position above specific architectural features or adapt to holiday decorations. They felt sturdy even after we repeatedly swiveled the lights to see if the swivel feature would hold up. In addition to being able to swivel, these lights can be either clipped to the gutters or mounted onto a wall or fence post like a sconce, giving them even more versatility. Each light in the set has a single rechargeable AA battery. The manufacturer makes no recommendations about replacing this. However, it does suggest that if you leave the lights uncharged for more than 3 months, the batteries should be charged to maintain efficiency.
At 200 lumens per light, they are bright enough to light up a path or illuminate a sign for visibility. They were extremely easy to install and have a unique appearance that stood out from the many types of gutter-mounted solar lights on the market. Priced at about $10 per light, they aren’t the cheapest nor are they the most expensive we’ve seen. They feel sturdy and worth the price, although investing in a large number of them might not be feasible for some homeowners.
Get the Roshwey solar gutter lights at Amazon.
Best Multipurpose
DBF Solar Gutter Lights
Our Ratings: Setup 4.5/5; Appearance 3.5/5; Light Quality 4/5; Durability 3.5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Size: 5.2 inches long by 5 inches wide by 2.7 inches high
- Number of lights included: 6
- IP rating: 65
- Lumens: 100
What We Like
- Added plastic shield directs light (described as UFO shaped)
- Bright lights
- Adaptable to gutters, fences, or wall-mounting
What We Don’t Like
- Directions were difficult to follow
- Plastic shields fell off several lights during assembly
- Cool light; some may prefer the warm-light version
For some high-powered accent lighting around the home, shoppers can check out the DBF solar gutter lights. The lights in this six-pack use a two-way bracket that can clamp to gutters with the included thumb screw or screw directly into the structure of a fence or home. Each light produces up to 100 lumens and can run for more than 10 hours, coming on when it gets dark and shutting off closer to sunrise. We tested the black color with cool white light, but they are also available in white and with a warm white light.
These lights received high marks for ease of installation after we were able to decipher the cryptic directions. Because they are similar to other solar gutter lights that clamp in place, we were able to install them without too much trouble. However, someone who has no experience with these kinds of lights may find themselves looking up video tutorials. Though these are a little pricier than we think they ought to be, they are frequently marked down on Amazon, making them a better buy for the money than they may seem at first glance. Their unique UFO-like shape puts off a vaguely midcentury modern vibe, which may be appealing to some shoppers.
Get the DBF solar gutter lights at Amazon.
More Great Options
The following solar gutter lights all received high marks from online reviews or are additional solar lights for gutters from brands we’ve reviewed. Though we did not personally put each product to the test as with the previous five, they’re worth checking out based on factors like price, style, design, and collective reviews.
Best for Ambience
iSunMoon 6-Pack Gutter Solar Lights
Product Specs
- Size: 5 inches in diameter by 2.6 inches high
- Number of lights included: 6
- IP rating: Not provided
- Lumens: 30
What We Like
- Affordable price
- Simple, attractive design that complements many homes
- Battery lasts 2 years
- Simple installation via clips on gutter
What We Don’t Like
- 30-lumen lights may be too dim for some
- No stated IP rating
Not all landscapes call for bright, glaring lights. For those who want something more subtle, iSunMoon’s six-pack of solar gutter lights might be a great inexpensive lighting idea for the yard. While most reviewers agree this is not enough light to really illuminate a walkway, it provides a glowing light that creates a nice ambience.
These lights get high marks for easy installation, and after installing five different types of solar gutter lights, we can tell from the images they are nearly identical in installation to others on this list. However, they are definitely less bright, and we can’t swear by their weather resistance, especially because no IP rating is provided, which indicates how well an electrical product stands up to water and dust.
Get the iSunMoon solar gutter lights at Amazon.
Best Features
Creative Design 46 LED Solar Gutter Lights
Product Specs
- Size: 8 inches long by 1.2 inches wide by 4.9 inches high
- Number of lights included: 2
- IP rating: 65
- Lumens: 500
What We Like
- Pole-mounted or wall-mounted sconce
- 4 working modes plus motion detection
- Detects motion to 18 feet
- Good as inexpensive solar security lights
What We Don’t Like
- Does not clip into gutters; must screw directly into gutter
- May be too modern or utilitarian in appearance
- May be too bright for areas near bedroom windows
Creative Design’s solar gutter lights offer a blend of bright light and flexibility. This two-pack of lights produces 500 lumens per light of brightness. They also have adjustable modes, giving
users a choice between low, medium, and high outputs, as well as motion sensing.
The manufacturer states these lights can stay lit for up to 12 hours. They come with all the hardware required to attach them directly to the gutters and brackets to hold them out from under the eaves for optimal sunlight.
Get the Creative Design solar gutter lights at Amazon.
Best for Security
InnoGear 24 LED Motion Detection Solar Gutter Lights
Product Specs
- Size: 5.35 inches long by 3.54 inches wide by 1.18 inches high
- Number of lights included: 4
- IP rating: 65
- Lumens: 150
What We Like
- Motion detection between 10 and 20 feet
- Bright, clear light
- Stays on in dim mode until motion is detected
What We Don’t Like
- Sconce-only design may be harder to place
- May be too bright for areas near bedroom windows
- Style may not appeal to all shoppers
- Requires drilling into gutters for installation
When we tested InnoGear’s 80 LED solar lights, we gave them high marks for durability, versatility, and brightness. For this reason, we feel that this set of four InnoGear 24 LED solar lights is worth checking out. Each light produces 150 lumens and stays in dim mode until motion is detected within a 10- to 20-foot range. Once motion stops, the lights go back to dim but remain on.
These lights are an inexpensive way to create more security for a home. However, buyers will want to be aware that these do not clip onto gutters, nor do they have an additional bar for extended installation. These models are sconce-style only. Similar to the other InnoGear lights on this list, they have the appearance of small solar panels.
Get the InnoGear motion sensor solar gutter lights at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Solar Gutter Lights
To test the best solar gutter lights, we installed each light and took note of how easy or difficult the assembly and installation process was. We recorded the charging time for each and whether the lights performed well on sunny days, cloudy days and after a rainstorm. We noted how bright the lights were and if there were any additional features, such as motion detection or the ability to pivot or adjust the lights. The lights were left up for 2 weeks, including during a heavy summer rainstorm.
Each tested solar gutter light was evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5 across multiple categories: setup, appearance, light quality, durability, and value. We compiled the totals to get the rating for each category and ranked the solar gutter lights accordingly.
What to Consider When Choosing Solar Gutter Lights
Before shopping for the best solar lights, there are some points to consider. Below are some of the factors that go into choosing the best solar gutter lights to help you decide which type is best for your specific application.
Note: These kinds of lights run independently of solar roof lights, a solar power system, or solar generator, so they don’t require any hardwiring or complicated installation.
Brightness
Similar to solar garden path lights, the best solar gutter lights come in a wide range of brightness levels. Your lighting needs will determine which product is best for you. Many small clip-on lights offer just enough accent lighting to add a tasteful glow to your property. These lights provide between 20 and 50 lumens each, which is enough to illuminate a garden bed or a bit of a walkway relatively well.
For more light, there are models available with outputs over 500 lumens. These lights are excellent for lighting a driveway, fence line, or other areas you’d prefer to keep brightly lit.
Material and Weather Resistance
Since most solar gutter lights attach directly to a home’s gutters, the materials chosen are an important factor. A light made with bulky materials, such as heavy-duty metal, will eventually bend and deform a gutter, so heft is worth considering.
By and large, the best solar gutter lights are made of plastic. These lights are lightweight but durable enough to withstand the elements. However, the brackets used to clip them to the gutter are usually steel, which gives these units the strength they need to withstand wind and heavy rains. Some of the lights that attach directly to the home’s structure might be aluminum, which is a more corrosion-resistant material than steel, and it’s also lighter weight.
Another important consideration is the IP rating. An IP rating (or Ingress Protection rating) indicates how well a light can stand up to elements like dust and water. The first number indicates how dustproof a light is on a scale of 1 to 5. The second number is water resistance. A number between 1 and 6 indicates a product is water-resistant, and 7 or 8 means it’s waterproof. Most of the lights on this list are either a 5 or 6 for being dustproof, and although they are all water-resistant, none are waterproof. Because these lights are charged by the rays of the sun, keeping them dust-free and keeping your gutters clean will directly influence the effectiveness of these lights.
It’s also important to note that while many of the lights claim to work at least 8 hours after a day of charging, cold weather can affect how well they stay charged. Therefore, these lights may perform for shorter periods, closer to 6 hours, when used during the winter or in cooler climates.
Battery Capacity and Operating Time
Most of the best solar gutter lights will automatically turn on when their built-in photosensors recognize that it’s getting dark. The length of time they run for, or their operating time, will vary depending on battery size, light output, and how much sun each light receives during a given day. Most of the lights we tested required 6 to 8 hours of charging time to last an average of 8 hours in the night, with some able to run as long as 10 to 12 hours.
Solar gutter lights have onboard batteries that charge using energy from the sun, similar to those found on solar chargers. The light absorbs solar energy via a built-in photovoltaic cell. The cell then converts the energy into electricity and stores it in the battery. For some of the lights, the battery is a built-in component, but others take a rechargeable AA battery. This battery is most often included with the lights and may need to be replaced every 12 months to 3 years, depending on manufacturer’s recommendation and how much weather the lights have endured.
Battery power output can vary between 800 and up to 3,000 milliamp hours, and the larger the battery, the more energy it can produce. The panel’s size relative to the battery’s size determines how efficiently the light will charge. Too large a cell and the battery will fill too quickly, wasting sunlight. Too small and a battery may never reach its full potential. For this reason, most manufacturers try to size their photovoltaic cells to match their output ratings.
Installation
Choosing the best solar gutter lights for your home might come down to ease of installation. Many of these models simply attach to the lip of a home’s gutters, tightening down onto the edge. All that’s required to secure them is a ladder and a pair of pliers or a screwdriver, depending on the model.
Other models might require the user to attach them directly to the home’s structure with brackets and screws. While this could seem like an inconvenience, these models typically have the greatest light output and battery life, so there is a trade-off. Installing these lights typically requires a ladder, a power drill, and a screwdriver.
Aesthetic
In general, most solar lights are function first, meaning they may not add to a home’s curb appeal. But, there are models available that aren’t as jarring to the eye. For the most part, gutters on homes are white, so most gutter lights are available in white plastic. Homes with gutters in other colors might look better with black solar gutter lights, which are readily available.
If you’re unable to find a light that matches well with your home’s aesthetic, you can still achieve attractive outdoor lighting by finding a model that attaches directly to the home’s structure. This allows them to be hidden under the eave somewhat, but it’s important that they get at least some sunlight to function as expected.
Additional Features
Some additional features help increase the convenience and functionality of the best solar gutter lights. For example, a motion sensor might activate when it senses someone or something walking underneath it, which is excellent for security.
Many models also come with automatic switches that activate the light once a sensor determines it’s getting dark. And should the battery still have enough charge by morning, the controller will turn the light off when the sun comes up. There are also models with remote controls, which allow you to operate the lights remotely and adjust their output without climbing a ladder.
FAQs
If you still have some questions about the best solar gutter lights, this section is for you. It’s a collection of some of the most frequently asked questions about solar gutter lights. Be sure to check for an answer to your question below.
Solar lights work best when the light is most available. While solar gutter lights are weatherproof and designed for year-round use, it’s important to remember that heavy snowfall can break and damage gutters, and also the lights.
Solar gutter lights typically come with everything necessary for setup and use.
There are solar lights that produce as much as 1,500 lumens of brightness.
Most solar lights are not motion activated, but there are solar lights that have motion-activated features.
If properly cared for, many solar gutter lights can last for years. Manufacturers frequently offer a 1-year warranty on gutter lights, but this can vary depending on the product, material, and type of weather the lights may endure.
Meet the Tester
Amber Guetebier is a gardener, landscaper, and nursery professional with 25 years of experience, including installing a wide variety of mood lighting for her yard. She writes about plants and botanical oddities at Rotten Botany, along with other online publications. Amber is the daughter of an electrician, and her family was one of the first to integrate solar and wind energy into their home.
Additional research provided by Tom Scalisi.
