Choosing the right arena lighting can be tough with so many options available.
It’s even harder when you think about the cost, how well they work, or if they’re bright enough.
That’s why I’ve tested over 30 solar arena lights to find the best ones for you.
After thorough testing and comparison, I’ve narrowed down the choices to the top solar arena lights that stand out for their quality, brightness, and value.
Whether you’re lighting up a sports field, a concert area, or any large space, these picks are designed to meet your needs.
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.
I didn’t pick it for its looks or because it’s cheap; I chose it because it works incredibly well.
This light is powerful.
It has 968 tiny lights (LEDs) that shine brightly together, about 50,000 lumens with a 120-angle degree.
To give you an idea, it can light up an area of 2,838 square feet evenly, making sure there are no dark spots.
I tried these lights in a stadium I look after, which is about 2,400 square feet, and they lit up the place beautifully.
The middle was bright, and although the edges were a bit less bright, it was still pretty good.
There are different models based on how bright you want the light – 8,000, 10,000, and 20,000 lumens.
You also get to choose how you control the lights:
- A motion sensor mode that dims the light after a while
- A dusk-to-dawn setting that automatically turns the light on at night and off in the morning
- A remote control that lets you adjust the brightness and turn the lights on or off from up to 39 feet away
This light’s 70-watt solar panels and 60,000mAh battery can give you between 12 to 24 hours, depending on the setting you use.
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 them is quite flexible.
You can mount them on a wall or a pole, although you have to buy the pole separately if you go that route.
Just make sure to place the light high enough (16-20 feet) to cover the area well.
The aluminum construction along with the IP66 waterproofing protects the lights from the winter’s worst snow and summer’s scorching heat.
However, the hefty price tag made me hesitate for a bit but, in the end, I found it to be worth every penny.
Anyways, if you need a dependable, adjustable solar light for your arena or stadium, I highly recommend the TENKOO Solar Powered Lights.
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 has plenty of features to offer.
They have 182 LED bulbs that together emit 2,500 lumens of white light, brightening every corner evenly without being too harsh on the eyes, thanks to each LED’s light reflector.
These lights can also illuminate an area of up to 500 square feet with a bright, clear light.
I even used just two Aootek lights to light up a 1,000-square-foot space during a New Year’s Eve party, and they set the perfect mood.
This light has also three distinct lighting modes to ensure maximum security:
- Security Mode: The light turns on and off by detecting movement.
- Permanent On: The lights stay on all night.
- Smart Brightness Control: The lights remain on but get brighter when they detect motion.
With just 6 hours of charging, Aootek lights can last up to 10 hours.
However, when I used them in Permanent On mode, they lasted about 5 hours after a full charge, which is pretty good considering how bright they are.
They’re also built to endure, with IP65 waterproofing making them tough against both heavy snow and intense heat.
Plus, there’s a 1-year warranty for added peace of mind.
There are a couple of downsides, though.
The battery could be bigger for longer run times, and the plastic housing means you need to handle them carefully during installation.
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 on a budget but still looking for a good solar light, AmeriTop Solar Powered Arena Lights are a great choice.
These lights are equipped with 128 LED bulbs that produce 800 lumens, providing plenty of light to keep areas well-lit without any flickering.
What’s cool about these lights is that they have three heads you can adjust up, down, and sideways, offering a wide 270-degree lighting angle.
This feature allows you to light up an area of about 800 square feet.
For instance, I used six of these lights to brighten up a 4,520-square-foot space, and it worked brilliantly.
A motion sensor also turns the light on for 30 seconds if it detects movement within 26 feet, which is great for saving energy.
However, this feature was a bit of a hassle during sports activities as it kept activating unexpectedly, so I switched to using the lights in constant mode instead.
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.
The lights are made from durable plastic and polycarbonate, so they’re tough against weather conditions like wind and rain, and they’re also waterproof (IP65 rated).
I had these lights for 2 years now and not one of them has gotten damaged in any way even after countless rainy days.
One small drawback is that the motion-sensor mode only has a one-time setting (30 seconds), which I wish was more adjustable.
Overall, AmeriTop Solar Powered Arena Lights are a reliable and cost-effective lighting solution that provides good value for the 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.
They have 864 LED bulbs, shining brightly with 10,000 lumens, which means they spread light evenly and brightly across the court.
I used them to light up a 4,520-square-foot basketball court, and they did a great job, illuminating every corner so you could see everything clearly from anywhere on the court.
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.
They also have a motion sensor that detects movement from as far as 26 feet, boosting the light to full brightness on movement detection and then dimming it to 50% to save energy.
With a 40-watt solar panel and a 3,600mAh battery, these lights can run up to 14 hours on a full charge, which is ideal for long events or activities at night.
I had them running for five straight days, and each night they lasted up to 6 hours, which was more than enough.
Like the TENKOO lights, you can install these NiorSun lights in various ways, but they need 8-10 hours of direct sunlight initially to work at their best.
They’re built tough with aluminum, glass, and metal, and they’re waterproof (IP67 rated), so they can withstand whatever Mother Nature throws its way.
However, 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 minor issues, NiorSun Solar Arena Lights are still top-notch, especially for basketball courts, thanks to their bright light, durability, and long runtime.
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 and sports courts need good lighting to make sure games are fair and everyone can see clearly.
So, Richarm has created a special outdoor dual solar light just for this.
These lights mimic natural sunlight with a color temperature of 6,500 Kelvin, so it feels like you’re playing outdoors in the sunshine.
The lights have two adjustable heads that you can tilt up to 60 degrees, allowing you to light up a large area – up to 430 square feet.
For example, I only needed three of these lights to brighten an 856-square-foot tennis court, which is great because these lights are small and not heavy.
There’s a remote control that lets you adjust the brightness, set timers, and choose between three lighting modes from up to 39 feet away:
- Automatic Lighting Mode: Turns on automatically at dusk and off after a few hours, depending on the battery’s charge.
- Auto Light Mode: You can change the brightness and set a timer (2, 4, or 6 hours).
- Manual Mode: You can turn the lights on or off yourself.
The installation is a breeze, thanks to a 16.4-foot cable and a bracket that adjusts up to 90 degrees, allowing you to mount the lights on a wall or the arena’s roof.
One downside is that if you lose the remote, there’s no other way to control the lights, which can be a bit of a hassle.
Also, during my tests, the lights lasted only about 4-5 hours in the automatic mode, which makes me wish the solar panel was a bit more powerful.
Overall, Richarm’s Outdoor Dual Solar Lights are a great pick for lighting up covered sports areas or courts, offering a practical and effective lighting solution with their 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 set of four, and each light has 40 LED bulbs that spread light over a wide area, thanks to their 120-degree angle.
This makes it easy to place them around your arena’s fence for good lighting coverage.
I put these lights up in my horse arena and was impressed by how bright they were.
They lit up every corner, making everything visible and safe for night-time riding.
Each light has a built-in 1,500mAh battery that lasts up to 8 hours, so you don’t have to worry about them turning off while you’re still using the arena.
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-bright mode, the lights lasted for only 3.7 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
The reason you’re using solar arena lights shapes what kind you should get.
You’ll need to consider how many LED bulbs they have, how much area they can light up, the color of the light they emit, how bright they are, and the direction the light spreads.
For instance, if you need to illuminate a big stadium, you’ll want lights that cover a large area and are very bright.
On the other hand, if you’re arranging a concert in a smaller hall, you might prefer lights with fewer LED bulbs and a softer, warmer glow.
This is why I’ve included a variety of options in my recommendations.
Depending on your specific needs—whether you’re lighting up a vast stadium or setting the mood in a smaller venue—you can find a solar arena light that fits the bill.
2. Color Temperature
Color temperature is all about the feel of the light.
If the color temperature is low, between 2500-3500K, the light feels warm and cozy, kind of like a candle.
If it’s high, between 3500-7000K, the light is more like daylight – bright and lively.
I like using lights that have a color temperature of 5000K or more because they make the place look bright and full of energy.
However, I’ve made sure to include various options in my list to cater to different preferences and needs.
3. Brightness
The brightness of a light is quantified in lumens, which you can think of as the light’s “strength” or “intensity.”
Just like you use gallons to measure how much milk you have or pounds to weigh how heavy something is, lumens measure how much light a bulb or lamp emits.
When you’re choosing lighting for a space, the lumens value on the packaging is crucial—it tells you how bright the light will be.
A higher lumens value means the light will be brighter.
When it’s time to light up an area, you can’t just pick any light.
You need to figure out how many lumens are needed to brighten the space adequately.
Generally, you want to aim for 20 to 50 lumens per square foot to ensure the space is lit well, but not too harshly.
However, if you want the area to be very bright, you should aim for at least 50 lumens per square foot.
This is especially useful in places where you need good visibility, like a sports arena or a workspace.
4. Light Coverage
When choosing solar lights for an arena, two things matter a lot: the beam angle and the number of LEDs in the light.
The beam angle is like the light’s spread – how wide it shines.
If the angle is wide, the light covers more ground.
However, there’s a catch: a wider beam means the light isn’t as concentrated, so it might seem less bright.
Now, let’s talk about LEDs – these are the individual light points in your fixture.
More LEDs mean more brightness and better light coverage.
Here’s the key: you need to find the right mix of these two factors.
If the beam angle is too wide without enough LEDs, your arena might not be bright enough.
But with the right angle and enough LEDs, you can light up the whole area effectively.
I recommend choosing lights with a beam angle of at least 120 degrees.
This size of an angle is good for covering a lot of space.
And make sure there are plenty of LEDs in the light to keep your arena bright and welcoming.
5. Run Time
When we talk about how long solar arena lights can stay on, or their “run time,” two main things come into play.
Firstly, there’s the battery capacity, which is like a container for electricity.
The bigger the container (or the higher the battery capacity), the longer your light will stay on.
Secondly, consider the number and power (wattage) of the LEDs in the light.
LEDs are the tiny bulbs that provide the light.
The more LEDs there are, and the more power they use, the quicker they’ll use up the battery, which means the light won’t last as long before needing a recharge.
Remember, when you see a run time listed on the packaging, it’s often the best-case scenario.
In real life, the light might not last quite as long, so it’s good to keep that in mind.
I’ve done a lot of homework to pick out solar arena lights for this list, focusing on those that should give you at least 6-8 hours of light once they’re fully charged.
6. Charge Time
Charge time is all about how long your solar lights need to sit in the sunlight to get fully charged.
For solar lights, this charging happens through the solar panel that’s attached to the light.
The efficiency of the solar panel plays a big role here.
A more efficient solar panel can capture more sunlight and convert it into electrical energy quicker than a less efficient one.
This efficiency means that your light will be ready to use faster because its battery gets filled up quickly.
For instance, if a solar light has a very efficient panel, it might only need to bask in the sun for an hour to provide you with an hour of light once the sun goes down.
This is a good deal, especially if you live in a place where sunny hours are limited.
When I picked out the solar lights for this list, I made sure they were efficient.
I chose ones that offer a good return on sunlight – at least one hour of light for every hour they spend charging.
This way, you won’t have to worry about your lights running out of juice too quickly after the sun sets.
7. Motion Sensor
A motion sensor in a light is a handy tool, especially for security.
It works like this: when someone moves within its range, the sensor catches that movement and turns the light on immediately.
This sudden light can scare off people who shouldn’t be there.
While I find the light turning on and off a bit bothersome, it can be a valuable part of keeping your place safe.
8. Material & Quality
The material your lights are made of really matters because it affects how long they’ll last.
Usually, lights made of metal or aluminum are your best bet because they’re tough and can handle different kinds of weather, meaning they’ll stick around for a long time.
There are also lights made from a type of plastic called ABS, which is pretty strong against bad weather, but it’s not quite as tough as metal.
I’ve picked out lights made from strong materials for this list, so you won’t have to worry about them breaking when you’re setting them up or when they’re being delivered to you.
9. Ease of Installation
Setting up your lights can be super easy or tricky, depending on the type of light you buy.
That’s why it’s smart to check how hard the installation will be before you decide to buy a light.
I’ve picked out solar arena lights for you that come with everything you need to set them up, like all the parts and clear instructions.
This way, you will be able to put them up easily.
Plus, I’ve chosen lights, like the NiorSun Solar Arena Lights, that you can either attach to poles or mount on walls, giving you more choices on where to place them.
10. Weatherproofing
If you’re getting outdoor lights, making sure they’re weatherproof is key for them to last a long time.
How well a light can handle different weather conditions is shown by its IP rating.
A higher IP rating means the light can stand up to tougher weather.
This rating has two numbers: the first one tells you how good the light is at keeping out dust, and the second one shows how well it can resist water.
Here are some examples:
- 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
For outdoor arena lights, I suggest going for at least an IP65 rating.
Anything lower might not hold up well against heavy rain or lots of sun.
11. Warranty
Finally, when you’re choosing a solar arena light, make sure it comes with a warranty.
A warranty is like a promise from the company that they believe in their product.
If something isn’t right, they’ll fix it or give you a new one.
That’s why I picked lights that have at least a 1-year warranty or offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
This way, you can feel more secure when you buy, knowing that you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
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.
What Are the Advantages of Using Solar Arena Lights?
There is no doubt that solar-powered 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 6 best solar arena lights in the market, offering you a variety of options based on brightness, efficiency, and durability.
Among these standout options, if I had to pick one, I’d choose the TENKOO Solar Powered Lights.
They offer exceptional illumination, energy efficiency, and a robust design, making them a top choice for anyone looking to light up a large area effectively.
But here’s a pro tip: always consider the specific layout and size of your space when selecting solar lights.
Even the brightest light needs to be positioned correctly to maximize its coverage and effectiveness.
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.
