There are dozens of different solar powered rope lights on the market with a variety of features to choose from, which makes it overwhelming to find the right one for you.
That’s why I’ve taken the guesswork out of it and tested over 30 different models to bring you the most efficient solar powered rope lights.
So without further ado, let’s dive into the best solar powered rope lights!
Best Solar Powered Rope Lights Selection
Editor’s Choice
IMAGE 8 Modes Solar Rope Lights
Key Features
- Material: Polypropylene
- Length: 78.7 ft
- Run Time: 10-20 hours
- Charge Time: 6-8 hours
- Lighting Mode: 8 modes
- LED Number: 200 LEDs
- Warranty: 1 year
Today’s top pick is the Image 8 Modes Solar Rope Lights. I honestly didn’t choose this one because of its attractive design or even the high-quality construction.
This solar rope light has a whopping 200 LEDs which are more than enough to create a stunning light show that’s sure to impress your friends.
I still use this model around my pool and the way the lights twinkle and shimmer in the night make me feel like I’m having a mini-disco party at my house.
This model also has 8 enchanting modes of lighting so you can choose the mode that suits you the best:
- Combination mode
- In waves mode
- Sequential mode
- Slogs lo mode
- Chasing/flash mode
- Slow fade mode
- Twinkle/flash mode
- Steady on mode
I prefer twinkle/flash mode which offers a star-like twinkle effect that gives my poolside more of a magical look.
The 78.7 ft length is more than enough to provide lighting around your entire pool or garden without having to attach multiple pieces together.
The IMAGE 8 Modes solar light can operate for up to 20 hours after only 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.
I used it once in the steady-on mode when I had a party at my pool and it lasted for about 12 hours straight which is pretty good for its price and battery capacity.
The installation is also an easy task. I just had to stake the ground spike in a sunny spot, wrap the solar rope lights around my pool area and I was done!
There is a wall mount option available too if you don’t want to bother with the ground spike but I found that the ground spike was much easier to install.
The polypropylene construction that is resistant to chemicals, water, and corrosion along with the 1-year warranty gives you peace of mind that you’re getting a quality product.
The only problem I have with this model is the dimensions of the solar rope lights. It’s thinner than I expected and it seems a bit delicate.
However, the IMAGE 8 Modes Solar Rope Lights is still my ever-favorite pick for anyone looking to spruce up their outdoor space without draining the planet’s energy.
Pros
- Stylish and beautiful design
- 8 enchanting lighting modes
- 78.7 ft length to cover any area
- Up to 10-20 hours of run time
- 2400mAh battery capacity
Cons
- The solar rope lights are a bit thin and delicate
Runner up
Oak Leaf Outdoor Solar Rope Lights
Key Features
- Material: Silver wire LED & PVC tube
- Length: 41 ft
- Run Time: Up to 17 hours
- Charge Time: 6-8 hours
- Lighting Mode: 2 modes
- LED Number: 100 LEDs
- Waterproofing: IP44(solar panel), IP65(lights)
Oak Leaf Outdoor Solar Rope Lights have 100 LEDs that create a soft bluish glow that’s perfect for setting a relaxing mood with 2 modes:
- Flash mode – Creates a bright, rapid flashing effect
- Steady mode – Offers a constant, subtle glow
I used this model last year for my wedding party and I can’t tell you how happy I was with the results. The soft hues of blue created a romantic atmosphere and everyone loved it.
I also love how it’s very flexible and easy to shape – I wrapped it around the wedding arch, railing, trees, and the pool and it stayed in place all night.
Oak Leaf lights stay up to 17 hours after 6-8 hours of direct sunlight which is impressive for its 800 mAh battery.
It worked for about 9 hours in the steady mode which was still more than enough for my wedding reception.
The solar rope lights are waterproof with IP65 and the solar panel is also waterproofed with IP44 which makes the lights withstand winter’s snow and summer’s sizzling heat.
One issue is the 41 ft length – I had to use 2 packs to cover my entire pool area and the wedding arch.
I also expected the light to be more bright but it was still good enough to create the romantic, star-like effect I wanted.
Despite these setbacks, the Oak Leaf Outdoor Solar Rope Lights is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, flexible, and stylish solar rope light for their outdoor space.
Pros
- Stylish and beautiful design
- Flexible silver wire for easy customizing
- 2 lighting modes
- Up to 17 hours of run time
- Easy installation
- Inexpensive price tag
Cons
- The length won’t be enough to cover a large area
- The lighting is not as bright as expected
- No warranty included
Best Bang for the Buck
Aluvee Solar Rope String Light
Key Features
- Material: PVC
- Length: 33 ft
- Run Time: 8-10 hours
- Charge Time: 6-8 hours
- Lighting Mode: 8 modes
- LED Number: 100 LEDs
- Waterproofing: IP65
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Sometimes you just need something affordable and still get the job done without compromising on quality. If that’s what you’re looking for, then the Aluvee Solar String Lights are your best bet.
It has 100 LEDs with the same 8 lighting modes in our Editor’s Choice, so you don’t have to worry about missing any features.
I used these lights to set up my first date night with my wife – I hung the Aluvee lights on tree trunks and they gave off the soothing white light I was looking for.
Aluvee solar lights can last up to 10 hours after 6-8 hours of direct sunlight which is perfect for its low price tag.
I picked a bright, sunny day to test this model and it worked for 5 hours straight in the steady-on mode which was more than enough for our date night.
The installation is easy and quick – you just need to leave the lights in the sun for 2-3 days before the first use to ensure the battery operates at its best.
Aluvee solar rope light also comes with a lifetime warranty which adds bonus points to its IP65 waterproofing that protects the lights from rain, snow, and summer heat.
One catch is the PVC material which is a bit flimsy and feels cheap – though it still works well, I would have preferred a more durable material.
I also wish the working time was a bit longer for more nighttime activities.
Overall, I still think the Aluvee Rope String Lights are a great value-for-money product that will add charm and beauty to your outdoor space.
Pros
- 100 LEDs for a soft white hue
- 8 lighting modes
- Easy installation
- IP65 waterproofing
- Lifetime warranty
- Inexpensive price
Cons
- The length is a bit short to cover large areas
- The lights’ construction is a bit flimsy
- Short run time
Best Multicolor
LiyuanQ Solar Rope Lights
Key Features
- Material: PVC
- Length: 33 ft
- Run Time: 8-12 hours
- Charge Time: 6-8 hours
- Lighting Mode: 8 modes
- LED Number: 100 LEDs
- Waterproofing: IP65
This time I’m introducing the LiyuanQ Solar Rope Lights – and if you’re into some wild colors, you’ll love this one.
It has 100 LED bulbs with 8 lighting modes that give off vibrant, multicolored lights to liven up your outdoor space.
I tested this model last Christmas and it was perfect for decorating around the tree – I set up the lights in a swirling pattern and it gave off the stunning, festive look I was hoping for.
It also offers up to 12 hours of run time after a single charge of 6-8 hours in the sun.
I used them in December when the sun sets quite early, and the battery still ran for up to 5 hours in the steady-on mode which is quite impressive.
The lights have IP65 waterproofing which makes the lights handle all winter’s crazy weather conditions from small rain showers to heavy snowfall.
It has already rained and snowed quite a few times since I got this and the lights are still working perfectly.
My only problem is the 33 ft length which might be a bit short for larger areas and you might need to buy extra pieces to cover a bigger space.
Anyways, I still think the LiyuanQ Solar Rope Lights is a great pick if you’re looking for something that adds more color to your outdoor space.
Pros
- Vibrant multicolor design
- 8 lighting modes
- Easy installation
- Flexible design
- IP65 waterproofing
- Inexpensive price
Cons
- The length won’t be enough to cover large areas
- The PVC cover is not very durable
- No warranty included
Best Strip
Lumtang Solar Outdoor Strip Lights
Key Features
- Material: Copper & PVC
- Length: 32.8 ft
- Run Time: 8-12 hours
- Charge Time: 6-8 hours
- Lighting Mode: 8 modes
- LED Number: 560 LEDs
- Waterproofing: IP67
Finally, I present the Lumtang Solar Outdoor Rope Lights – the right pick for people who love to switch things up every now and then.
The 560 LEDs give off 8 different colors of light that keep changing for a more dynamic look – they look like a set of fireflies dancing around your garden.
It also comes with 8 lighting modes and adjustable 4 brightness levels that you can switch with an IR remote control to suit your mood.
I wrapped these lights around the trees, and bushes in my garden to set up a surprise anniversary party for my wife – the twinkle mode created the right romantic atmosphere I was looking for.
Lumtang rope lights can last up to 12 hours after a single charge of 6-8 hours of peak sunlight which is great for a 1200 mAh battery.
The timer setting also helps to preserve the battery life and you can set it to automatically turn on/off at a certain time.
When I tested the lights I set up the timer on the 6 hours setting to spruce up the party from 7 pm to 1 am and they worked without any hiccups.
The installation is quite easy as well – I used the mounting tools and didn’t take more than 30 minutes to complete the setup.
The lights are IP67 waterproof which makes them withstand strong rains and heavy snowfalls quite well.
One issue I have with these lights is the short remote control range as you need to be quite close to the solar rope light to change settings.
The hefty price tag also might be a deal-breaker for most people.
Despite those few drawbacks, I think the Lumtang Solar Outdoor Rope Lights is a great option if you’re looking for something with changing colors and adjustable modes.
Pros
- Vibrant multicolor design
- 8 illumination modes
- Adjustable brightness level
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Timer function
Cons
- Short remote range
- No warranty included
- An expensive price tag
How to Choose the Right Solar-Powered Rope Lights?
1. Decide the Purpose for Using Them
Your purpose for using the solar rope light determines the features you need to look for such as the length, brightness, waterproofing level, and so on.
If you need them for creating accent lighting around your garden, then you can go for lights with lower brightness and warm tone colors.
But if you are looking for a light to illuminate pathways or large outdoor areas then you should get lights with higher brightness and more vibrant colors.
2. Whether You’re Using Them Outdoors or Indoors
If you’re planning to use them outdoors, then make sure you get one with an IP65 or higher rating to protect the lights from harsh weather conditions.
But you don’t need to pay too much attention to the waterproof rating for indoor use.
You should instead focus on the solar panel wire length so you can place it easily in a spot where it gets ample sunlight.
This is why I made sure to include solar rope lights with long wire lengths and high waterproof ratings in my list to be suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
3. Length of the String Light
The length of the solar rope light matters a lot when it comes to setting up your lighting system.
Think about the area that you want to cover and the length of the entire setup you will need.
For instance, if you’re opting to light up your whole garden area, then a light string of about 78 ft would be ideal such as our Editor’s Choice pick Image 8 Modes solar lights.
4. Number of LEDs
The number of LEDs in solar rope lights determines how bright they’ll be.
Generally speaking, the more LEDs the solar rope light has, the more lumens it’ll give off.
If your purpose for using the lights is to light up walkways or large outdoor areas, then go for rope lights with a higher number of LEDs such as the Lumtang solar strip lights.
I was careful to include models with different numbers of LEDs in this list to make sure you have enough options to choose from.
5. Lighting Mode
Some solar rope lights come with a variety of lighting modes such as flashing, twinkle, and so on.
Lighting mode can be used to create various color patterns and effects.
I personally don’t use most of these modes and I opt for the steady-on mode but this feature can be quite handy if you’re setting up a party or a holiday decoration system.
6. Weatherproofing
If you opt for outdoor lighting, then the weatherproofing of the rope lights is important.
The ability to withstand rain, snow, and other weather conditions is determined by the IP rating.
The higher the rating, the higher the waterproofing level.
This rating has 2 numbers, the first one indicates protection from solids and the second one is for liquids. Here are some examples:
- IP44 – Protected from dust and splashes of water
- IP65 – Protected from low-pressure water jets
- IP67 – Protected against total immersion in water
I don’t recommend going for lights with a rating lower than IP65 for outdoor use as any lower rating won’t be enough to protect your lights from the elements.
7. Run Time
The run time of solar rope lights depends on two factors – the number of LEDs and the capacity of their batteries.
In general, the bigger the battery capacity, the longer the run time of a solar rope light will be.
But the more LEDs the lights have, the more electricity they will draw which will lead to shorter run times.
You should also know that the advertised running time is the maximum time the lights can stay on under optimal conditions so take it with a grain of salt.
I actually spent a lot of time testing and comparing solar rope lights to determine the actual run times and I made sure to include that in my reviews.
8. Charge Time
No one would like to wait for an eternity to charge their solar rope lights.
The bigger and more efficient the solar panel is, the more solar energy it will be able to convert to electricity and the quicker it will charge the batteries.
I was very careful to include solar rope lights with efficient solar panels in this list that will offer at least 1 hour of light for every single hour of sun exposure.
9. Material & Quality
The material used for making solar rope lights is what affects their quality and longevity.
Most solar rope lights are made from copper, PVC, or a combination of both such as Lumtang solar rope lights.
I don’t prefer going for PVC-only models as they don’t offer the same level of sturdiness and durability that copper-PVC models do.
But if you’re looking for something affordable, then the plastic ones should work just fine.
That’s why I included both types of solar rope lights in this list so that you can pick whatever suits your needs and budget best.
10. Price Range
Now, let’s talk money.
I know how important it is to stick to a budget when shopping for solar rope lights and still get a good quality product.
The important thing to keep in mind is that a higher price doesn’t always mean better quality or more features.
I spent a lot of time researching different solar rope lights from various price points and I was able to get great deals on some of them.
So no matter how much you’re willing to spend, I’m sure you’ll find something within your budget in this list.
11. Warranty
Last but not least, you should always opt for solar rope lights with a decent warranty.
This will give you peace of mind that if anything goes wrong, it can be easily replaced or fixed without any extra cost.
I was very careful to choose models that at least offer a 30-day money-back guarantee to make sure you’re satisfied with your purchase.
What Are the Benefits of Using Solar-Powered Rope Lights?
Solar-powered rope lights offer man benefits such as:
- Easy to install – They are easy to install and don’t require any special tools or knowledge
- Eco-friendly – Solar rope lights don’t need any electricity to operate, making them eco-friendly alternatives to traditional lighting solutions
- Versatility – They can be used for a variety of purposes from decorating your backyard or garden to providing extra lighting in outdoor areas
- Safe – You can easily wrap them around trees, plants, and other objects without worrying about electric hazards
FAQs
What Are the Best Solar Rope Lights for Outdoor String Lights?
The best solar rope lights for outdoor string lights are those with wide solar panels, a decent battery life, and waterproof construction.
I recommend checking out the IMAGE 8 Modes which offer 200 LED bulbs, 8 different modes of lighting, and an IP65 waterproof rating.
What Are the Benefits of Solar-Powered Rope Lights?
The benefits of solar-powered rope lights are that they are easy to install, eco-friendly, versatile, and safe.
They also offer free energy as you don’t need to pay for any electricity use.
Conclusion
As promised, we have discussed the 5 best solar rope lights, their features, pros and cons, and what to consider before buying them.
If you ask me for my personal opinion, I suggest opting for the IMAGE 8 Modes solar rope lights model for its range of features, high-quality construction, and waterproof rating.
Do you still have questions about solar rope lights? Feel free to drop them in the comments section below and I’ll be glad to help.
