With the numerous choices of arena lighting out there, it can be intimidating to decide which one is right for you.
The choice can get even more complicated when considering how costly, inefficient, or just not bright enough some solar arena lights can be.
For this purpose, I’ve tested over 30 different solar arena lights, and have narrowed down this list to give you the Best Solar Arena Lights on the market.
So without further ado, let’s jump into the best solar arena lights!
Editor’s Choice
TENKOO Solar Lights for Arena
Brightness: ★★★★★
Run Time: ★★★★★
Coverage: ★★★★★
Warranty: ★★★
Runner up
Aootek Solar Outdoor Lights
Brightness: ★★★★
Run Time: ★★★★★
Coverage: ★★★★
Warranty: ★★★★★
Best Bang for the Buck
AmeriTop Solar Arena Lights
Brightness: ★★★★
Run Time: ★★★★
Coverage: ★★★★★
Warranty: ★★★★★
Best Solar Arena Lights Selection
Editor’s Choice
TENKOO Solar Powered Lights for Arena
Key Features
- Material: Aluminium
- Run Time: Up to 12 hours
- Charge Time: 6-8 hours
- Lumens Number: 60,000 lumens
- Lighting Angle: 120 degrees
- Light Coverage: 3,437 ft²
- Color Temperature: 6,500 Kelvin
- Waterproofing: IP66
Our first pick for Best Solar Arena Lights is the TENKOO Solar Powered Lights for Arena. Honestly, I didn’t choose this light for its attractive design or even the low price point. This light flies off the shelves because of its features!
This light has 1,056 LEDs that emit 60,000 lumens with a 120-angle degree – which is enough to cover up to 3,437 ft² arena evenly without leaving a single dark corner or creating any annoying glare.
I tested this model on a 3,400 ft² stadium that I manage and the results were spectacular. The middle of the arena was filled with light but the corners were less illuminated than the rest – which is still good enough for me.
It’s also available in 8,000, 10,000, and 20,000 lumens modules, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
And you have 3 different control modes to choose from:
- The Motion Sensor Mode allows the lights to reach 100% brightness and then slowly dim down to 30% after 20 seconds
- Light control that turns the lights on at dusk and off at dawn
- The Remote Control Mode allows you to adjust the lights’ 9 levels of brightness between 10% and 100%, switch them on/off at any time, or select a timer mode
Also, the remote control range of up to 39 ft saved me the hassle of having to walk up every time I want to switch modes or adjust the brightness.
This light’s 70-watt solar panels and 6,600 mAh battery offer a runtime of up to 12 hours in full-time mode and up to 20-24 hours in motion sensor mode after only 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.
I used this model in the full light mode for 4 nights and it worked perfectly, giving me between 8 to 10 hours of usage – which was more than enough for my needs.
Installing the model was a flexible set-up process. You have the option of either wall mounting or pole mounting but I opted for wall mounting as it doesn’t come with a pole and I didn’t have a free one.
Only make sure that the light is 16-20ft from the ground to ensure maximum light coverage.
The aluminum construction along with the IP66 waterproofing protects the lights from the winter’s worst snow and summer’s scorching heat.
One downside was that the package didn’t come with a pole, so if you want to pole mount it, you’ll have to buy one separately.
The hefty price tag also made me hesitate for a bit but, in the end, I found it to be worth every penny.
Anyways, if you’re looking for a reliable, adjustable, and high-performance solar lighting system to light up your arena or stadium – the TENKOO Solar Powered Lights should be your first choice.
Pros
- 1,056 LEDs and 60,000 lumens output
- Up to 3437 ft² light coverage
- 3 distinct Lighting Modes
- Up to 12 hours of run time
- IP66 Waterproof Rating
Cons
- A bit on the expensive side
- No warranty included
Runner up
Aootek Solar Outdoor Lights
Key Features
- Material: Plastic
- Run Time: Up to 10 hours
- Charge Time: 6 hours
- Lumens Number: 2,500 lumens
- Light Coverage: 500 ft²
- Detection Range: 120 degrees
- Sensing Distance: 26 ft
- Waterproofing: IP65
- Warranty: 1 year
If you’re not a fan of TENKOO, Aootek gives you just that – a light that is reliable and still got plenty of features to offer.
The 182 LEDs disperse 2,500 lumens of white light evenly, ensuring that no corner is left in the dark. Each LED also has a built-in light reflector to create maximum brightness without irritating glare.
This results in a wider lighting angle that can cover up to 500 ft² arena with bright, crisp white light.
Last New Year’s Eve, I set up a 1,000 ft² area to cater to all my guests and lit up the entire space with just two Aootek lights – they created just the right atmosphere for the occasion.
This light has also three distinct lighting modes to ensure maximum security:
- Security Mode turns the light on and off when it detects motion
- Permanent On keeps the lights on all night long
- Smart Brightness Control Mode allows the light to stay on all night but turns brighter when it senses motion.
Aootek lights can provide up to 10 hours of run time with only 6 hours of charging but note that this is the maximum working time and might vary depending on your usage.
After testing this light in the Permanent On Mode, I found that it lasted approximately 5 hours after a full day charge — which is ideal for how bright the light is.
The IP65 waterproofing is enough to make your lights withstand winter crazy snow and summer scorching heat, and the 1-year warranty adds an extra layer of security.
One notable downside is the battery capacity – I wish it was bigger for a more extended run time.
Also, the plastic housing makes it so fragile that I had to be extra careful while installing it.
Overall, I still find that Aootek Solar Outdoor Lights are the best Solar Arena Lights in terms of design and performance.
Pros
- 182 LEDs and 2,500 lumens output
- Up to 10 hours of run time
- IP65 waterproofing
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- The battery capacity could be bigger
- The plastic housing is fragile and easily damaged
Best Bang for the Buck
AmeriTop Solar Powered Arena Lights
Key Features
- Material: Plastic & Polycarbonate
- Run Time: Up to 9 hours
- Charge Time: 6 hours
- Lumens Number: 800 lumens
- Lighting Angle: 270 degrees
- Light Coverage: 800 ft²
- Color Temperature: 6,500 Kelvin
- Detection Range: 180 degrees
- Sensing Distance: 16-26 ft
- Waterproofing: IP65
- Warranty: 1 year
If you’re not looking to break the bank but still need a reliable solar lighting system, then AmeriTop Solar Powered Arena Lights is the way to go.
This light has 128 LEDs that give out 800 lumens of brightness – enough to keep my team and me in the full light during our sessions with no dimming or flickering.
I liked that the light has three adjustable heads that swivel upwards, downwards, and horizontally to provide a 270° wide lighting angle that can cover up to 800 ft².
I used around 6 AmeriTop lights to light up my 4,520 ft² arena and it was more than enough to create the illumination I needed.
Also, this model has a motion detector mode that turns on the lights for 30 seconds when it detects movement up to 26 feet which helps conserve energy by saving on battery power.
But this feature was a problem for me during playing as it kept triggering when a ball or puck went flying across so I opted for the full-light mode to avoid that problem.
Aside from that, this feature provides high security for the arena and the sensor is so accurate.
Theoretically, this light can last up to 9 hours after only 6 hours of sunlight. However, in my experience, you should expect about 5-7 hours in the full brightness mode per day.
Installation was a breeze – all I had to do was to drill in three screws, insert the light fixture, and voila! Ready for use.
And the combination of plastic and PC gives the light a robust build that can handle strong winds and rain.
Plus, the IP65 waterproofing provides further protection from massive water downpours and dust.
In fact, I had these lights for 2 years now and not one of them has gotten damaged in any way even after countless rainy days.
And just in case something goes wrong, AmeriTop provides a 1-year warranty so you can easily replace it.
The only downside is that it offers just a single setting for the light’s duration when used in motion-triggered mode – 30 seconds. I would have loved to customize it according to my preference.
Overall, I still think the AmeriTop Solar Powered Arena Lights offer high performance and quality for an affordable price.
Pros
- 800 lumens output
- 800 ft² light coverage
- Up to 9 hours of run time
- Affordable price
- IP65 waterproof rating
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- No adjustable time setting for the light
Best for Basketball Courts
NiorSun Solar Arena Lights
Key Features
- Material: Aluminum, glass & metal
- Run Time: Up to 14 hours
- Charge Time: 6-8 hours
- Lumens Number: 10,000 lumens
- Color Temperature: 7,000 Kelvin
- Detection Range: 120 degrees
- Sensing Distance: 26 ft
- Waterproofing: IP67
- Warranty: 2 years
Now, if you’re looking for lights specifically designed for basketball courts, then NiorSun Solar Arena Lights is your best bet.
The 864 LEDs dazzle with up to 10,000 lumens of brightness which ensure a perfect balance and even light distribution throughout the arena.
I installed these lights in my last project – a 4,520 ft² basketball court – and the results were truly amazing. The lights lit up the entire place and filled every corner with enough light to clearly see the match from any point.
Just like TENKOO Solar Powered Lights, this light comes with a remote control range of up to 32ft, 3 unique lighting modes but only 4 adjustable levels of brightness.
And if you want to use it as a security light, there’s also a PIR motion sensor that can detect movement up to 26ft away, turning the brightness on full blast when it detects motion and then dimming it down to 50%.
The light’s 40W solar panel along with the 3,600mAh battery provides up to 14 hours of runtime after a full charge, making it perfect for long nights of sports events and outdoor activities.
I actually used it for 5 days non-stop in full-time mode and it lasted for up to 6 hours without any hiccups – this was more than enough for my project.
Also, it offers the same installation options as TENKOO Lights but only ensures that the light gets direct sunlight for 8-10 hours before the first usage to ensure maximum efficiency.
The combination of aluminum, glass and metal construction along with the IP67 waterproofing rating allows it to stand against whatever Mother Nature throws its way.
The 2-year warranty also provides an extra layer of protection and reassurance if something goes wrong.
But I noticed that the supporting bracket of the solar panel was too short to tilt, leaving it nearly vertical and unable to catch much light.
Plus, the light boom is made from a thin sheet metal that can flex when tightened and may not be robust enough to endure harsher climates.
Despite these few issues, the NiorSun Solar Arena Lights still stands out as one of the Best Solar Arena Lights due to its bright output, long runtime, and reliable performance.
Pros
- 864 LEDs and 10000 lumens output
- 4 Distinct Lighting Modes
- Up to 14 hours of run time
- IP67 waterproof rating
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- The mounting system is poorly designed
- A bit on the pricey side
Best for Covered Arenas
Richarm Outdoor Dual Solar Lights
Key Features
- Material: Metal, plastic & aluminum
- Run Time: Up to 10 hours
- Charge Time: 6-8 hours
- Lumens Number: 500 lumens
- Lighting Angle: 120 degrees
- Light Coverage: 430 ft²
- Color Temperature: 6,500 Kelvin
- Waterproofing: IP65
Covered arenas, especially sports arenas and courts require special lighting systems to ensure fair play. This is why Richarm has designed an outdoor dual solar light that’s specifically built for such purposes.
The light’s 6,500 Kelvin color temperature provides natural light that makes everyone feel like they’re playing under the sun.
And the dual head design made it easy for me to adjust the angle up to 60 degrees, resulting in a wide coverage area of 430 ft².
To set up an 856 ft² tennis court, I only needed three of these lights, which was perfect considering their lightweight and small size.
And thanks to the powerful remote control that boasts a range of up to 39 ft, I was easily able to control the light’s brightness levels, motion sensors, and 3 distinct lighting modes:
- Automatic Lighting Mode that switches on the light at nightfall and off again after a few hours, depending on the battery charge
- Auto Light Mode allows you to alter brightness levels and set a specific time (2H/4H/6H)
- Manual Turn On/Off Mode that provides manual control of turn-on or off operations
The 16.4ft cable and the 90-degree adjustable bracket offered me a convenient installation experience, I could easily mount it onto the wall or roof of my arena.
However, my problem was that there is no other way to control the lights if you lost the remote which is quite frustrating.
Also, when I tested the lights I found out that they last only up to 4-5 hours in the Automatic Lighting Mode – I wish the solar panel was a bit more efficient.
All in all, I can highly recommend the Richarm Outdoor Dual Solar Lights for covered arenas and courts. It’s an ideal choice if you want to light up a medium-sized area with a unique dual-head design.
Pros
- Made of high-quality material
- Dual head design with 60° lighting angle
- Remote range of up to 39 ft
- Run time up to 10 hours
Cons
- The installation process is a hassle
- The remote control is the only way to control the lights
- Not as bright as expected
Best for Horse Arenas
URPOWER Solar Outdoor Lights
Key Features
- Material: Plastic
- Charge Time: 8 hours
- Lighting Angle: 120 degrees
- Sensing Distance: 16-26 ft
- Waterproofing: IP65
If you’re looking for solar lights specifically suited for horse arenas, then I highly recommend the URPOWER Solar Outdoor Lights.
These lights come in a 4-pack and each one features 40 LEDs with a 120-degree angle so you can distribute them around the fences of your arena to get adequate coverage.
I installed these lights in my horse arena and was very surprised at how bright the output was – I had a bright, even light that covered every corner.
The light’s built-in 1,500 mAh battery also provides up to 8 hours of operation time so you can enjoy the night rides without worrying about them going off.
And the IP65 waterproof rating makes it withstand all weather-crazy conditions from heavy rain to sandstorms.
But I was disappointed that the mounting screws are “counter sunk” rather than “flat head” so they’re completely unsuitable for the screw holes available.
Plus, when I tried them on the full bight mode, the lights lasted for only 3 hours which was less than I expected.
Still, the URPOWER Solar Outdoor Lights is probably the best choice for any horse arena due to its reliable performance and waterproof build.
Pros
- 120-degree beam angle
- The sensing distance of up to 26 ft
- Waterproof IP65 rating
Cons
- The mounting screws are of poor quality
- Short battery life on full brightness mode
How to Choose the Best Solar Arena Lights?
1. Decide the Purpose for Using Them
Your purpose for using solar arena lights will determine the features you need to look for.
These features include the number of LEDs, coverage area, color temperature, brightness, lighting angles, etc.
For example, if you’re using them to light up a large stadium, opt for lights with a wide coverage area and high brightness.
But if you’re setting up a concert in a medium-sized hall, you can go with fewer LEDs and dimmer output with warm lighting.
2. Color Temperature
The color temperature plays an important role in setting the mood for any arena.
The lower the color temperature (2500-3500K), the warmer and cozier your environment will be.
But higher color temperatures (3500-7000K) give off a more vibrant white light and look brighter to the eye.
I personally prefer lights with a color temperature of 5000K or higher for a brighter and more vibrant feeling.
3. Brightness
The lumens rating is the measure of brightness for any light.
The higher the lumen rating, the brighter your light will be, and vice versa.
For each square foot, you need between 20-50 lumens to get sufficient illumination.
I recommend at least 50 lumens per square foot to ensure your arena is bright enough
4. Light Coverage
There are two factors that affect the coverage area of your solar arena lights – beam angle and number of LEDs.
The wider the lighting angle, the more area it will cover.
But the wide angle will also reduce the brightness of the light.
So you need to balance the two parameters to get the perfect coverage for your arena.
I recommend you opt for lights with a beam angle of at least 120 degrees with an adequate number of LEDs for the best coverage.
5. Run Time
There are two factors that affect the solar arena lights’ run time.
First, is the battery capacity, which is the maximum amount of electricity that a battery can store.
Generally speaking, the higher the battery capacity, the longer the light will run.
The second factor is the number and wattage of LEDs in the light.
The more LEDs the lights have, the more energy they will need to run, and the faster they will drain the battery, resulting in less run time.
But you should know that the advertised run-time is usually the maximum time, so take it with a grain of salt.
I spent a lot of time researching and comparing solar arena lights and made sure that this list contains the ones that will offer at least 9 hours of run time.
6. Charge Time
The charge time of solar arena lights refers to how long it will take the solar panel to fully charge the batteries.
The more efficient the solar panel is, the more energy it’ll be able to generate from the sun, and the faster it’ll charge your lights.
This is why I was careful to select lights that offer you at least 1 hour for every single hour of direct sunlight.
7. Motion Sensor
A light’s motion sensor is a great feature if you’re looking for a security lighting solution.
They will detect motion and turn the lights on instantly when someone passes by, deterring any unwanted visitors.
I’m not a big fan of this feature because the constant flickering can be a bit annoying but it will be a great addition to your security setup.
8. Material & Quality
The material of your lights is what determines their durability and longevity.
Typically, metal or aluminum is the best option as they are weather resistant and can last for a longer period.
Materials like ABS can also withstand some harsh weather conditions but are not as durable as metal.
I made sure that every light on this list is made of quality materials that won’t break during installation or the shipping process.
9. Ease of Installation
The installation can be either a breeze or a nightmare depending on the model, so it’s important to know how difficult it will be before you make a purchase.
I chose the solar arena lights that come with all the necessary mounting hardware and installation instructions, which makes it easy to set up.
In addition, I also picked lights that can be attached to poles or walls such as NiorSun Solar Arena Lights to give you more flexibility.
10. Weatherproofing
For any outdoor lights, weatherproofing is a must to ensure their longevity.
The ability to withstand elements is determined by the IP rating. The higher the rating the more the arena light will handle harsh weather.
This rating is designated by two figures, the first one is for dust protection, and the second one is for water protection, for example:
- IP44: Protected from dust and splashes of water
- IP65: Protected from dust and low-pressure jets of water
- IP66: Protected from dust and powerful jets of water
- IP67: Protected from dust and complete immersion in the water
I don’t recommend you settle for an arena light with less than IP65 because any lower rating may not withstand heavy downpours or prolonged sun exposure.
11. Warranty
Last but not least, you should always look for solar arena light that offers some sort of warranty.
The thing is, a warranty offers you peace of mind knowing that the company stands by its product and is ready to replace it or repair it if something goes wrong.
That’s why I made sure to include only solar arena lights that come with at least a 1-year warranty or a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can shop with confidence.
What Are Solar Arena Lights?
Solar arena lights are the same as any other traditional arena lights that you see in stadiums or sports fields.
But instead of being powered by electricity, they have a solar panel on top that charges their batteries throughout the day to light up the arena at night.
How Does a Solar Arena Light Work?
Solar arena lights use sunlight to generate electricity and then use this electricity to power the lights.
The solar panels first collect sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity, which is then stored in batteries and used as a power source.
Once the light sensor detects that the sun has set, it will automatically switch on and remain illuminated until dawn or until the battery is completely drained.
What Are the Advantages of Using Solar Arena Lights?
There is no doubt that solar-power lights are very beneficial in a variety of ways.
Here are some of the advantages that come with these Solar Arena Lights:
- Cost-effective – With no need for electricity, you can save money on your power bills.
- Eco-friendly – Not only will it help reduce your carbon footprint, but it also makes use of renewable energy, which is great for the environment.
- Easy to install – No wiring or special tools are required for these lights, making them very easy to set up and maintain.
- Durable – With a good IP rating, you can be sure that your solar-powered arena lights will withstand extreme weather conditions.
- Flexible – You can rotate or tilt the lights to get the best angle for illumination.
FAQs
How Many Lumens Does It Take to Light an Arena?
It takes between 20 to 50 lumens per square foot to sufficiently light an arena.
How Many Lumens Do You Need to Light a Football Field?
You need between 60,000 and 150,000 lumens on average to light a football field properly.
How Many Lumens Do You Need to Light a Basketball Court?
You need about 87,400 lumens to light a standard basketball court.
How Many Lumens Do You Need to Light a Riding Arena?
You need about 30 lumens per square foot to light a riding arena.
Conclusion
As promised, we have discussed the 9 best solar arena lights in the market, their various features and specifications, as well as the points of consideration to keep in mind when making your purchase.
I hope this article was helpful and if you still have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.
Editor’s Choice
TENKOO Solar Powered Lights for Arena
If you ask me for my personal recommendation, I would go for the TENKOO Solar Arena Lights for its high lumen output, wide area coverage, and building quality.
