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With a few simple solar post cap lights, you can illuminate an outdoor space for entertainment, decor, and utility, all without the need for a direct electrical connection. With these handy light sources, you can keep the fun going into the night, ensure your pathways are illuminated, and add security to your yard. We researched a dozen solar post cap lights and tested the top eight to help you find the best performance and value options available. Our favorite in testing was the Dynaming Flickering Flame Solar Post Cap Lights. We appreciated their ease of installation, durability, and the soft light they emitted. However, there are plenty of other options that also performed exceptionally well.
The best solar post cap lights are typically made of strong materials like ABS plastic, aluminum, and glass, ensuring that they continue shining even in poor weather conditions. These lights can also vary in brightness from just 10 lumens (which is about as bright as a cell phone flashlight) to over 200 lumens. Keep in mind that this brightness rating only refers to a single light, so adding more lights to the deck or yard will increase the overall light. Take a look at the products below to help determine the best solar post cap lights for your home.
- BEST OVERALL: Dynaming Flickering Flame Solar Post Cap Lights
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Aponuo Solar Post Cap Lights
↓ Jump to Review - BEST DURABILITY: Classy Caps Imperial Solar Post Cap Lights
↓ Jump to Review - BEST GROUND ILLUMINATION: Veranda 7-Lumen Solar Post Cap Light
↓ Jump to Review - BEST DECORATIVE: SunnyPark Solar Post Cap Lights
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LOW-PROFILE: Maggift 15-Lumen Solar Post Lights
↓ Jump to Review - BEST DROPDOWN: GreenLighting Marina Solar Post Cap Lights
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR PATIOS: Home Zone Security Decorative Solar Post Cap Lights
↓ Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Solar Post Cap Lights
Each style of solar post cap light was installed on a 4×4 fence post in an area that receives full sunshine for much of the day. Small solar panels on each individual light charge the batteries, so sun exposure is critical.
We began the testing process immediately during installation while reading each light’s instructions. Ease of use, setup, installation, and hardware quality were key factors in our rankings. Each day, we left the lights to charge in the sun and assessed them at night for brightness, light direction, and overall aesthetic. Lastly, we assessed their resilience after a major windstorm put each light’s durability to the test.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 8 |
| Time spent testing | 2 weeks |
| Tests performed | 5 |
| Price range | $5 to $35 per light |
Our Top Picks
These products were selected for their quality, price, and the other essential factors mentioned above. The best solar post cap lights will keep a deck or yard illuminated so the outdoors can be enjoyed even after the sun goes down.
Best Overall
Dynaming Flickering Flame Solar Post Cap Lights
Our Ratings: Assembly 4/5; Light 5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Features 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Materials: Plastic
- Energy source: Solar plus 1 AA rechargeable battery
- Post fitting: 4×4 wood and vinyl, 5×5 wood and vinyl, 6×6 wood
What We Like
- Soft light creates great ambience
- Durable build with hard plastic exterior
- Aesthetically attractive without being flashy
- Holds the charge and stays lit all night
What We Don’t Like
- Included screws are easy to strip
As with most solar post cap lights, these are easy to install. Make sure the battery is inserted, select the “on” position, and place the light on the post. Use a drill to screw in the two screws, and you’re set.
The one and only con with this model is the screw quality. The screws are longer than those of other models, which is nice, but the heads are also soft and strip easily. You’ll need to predrill the hole to avoid stripping the screw head. We ended up removing the low-quality screws and used our own higher-quality wood screws instead. (This is a good idea for every model, really.)
After the light charged in full sun for a few hours, the sun dipped and the light lit up. It was set alongside all the other models for easy comparison. We loved the soft light this model emitted. It sets a mellow mood yet casts enough light so we could see well when sitting in the immediate vicinity. The overall look is sleek in daylight and at night.
After several weeks, during which a massive windstorm occurred, the plastic showed no signs of wear, and the light remained stable on the post. Overall, this is a great light that has a sleek look and impressive performance. The lights come in a pack of eight, and the flickering-style flame is perfect for patios and entertainment areas.
Get the Dynaming solar post cap lights at Amazon.
Best Bang For The Buck
Aponuo Solar Post Cap Lights
Our Ratings: Assembly 4/5; Light 4/5; Durability 4/5; Features 3.5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Materials: Plastic, polypropylene
- Energy source: Solar plus 1 AA battery
- Post fitting: 4×4 vinyl, 4×4 and 6×6 wood
What We Like
- Great value with 6 in a pack
- 2 light modes for warm or bright settings
- Light lasts all night without fading
- Includes downward and side screws for extra stability
What We Don’t Like
- Very tight fit over post
- Light is more bright than warm
While these lights offer the best value for those on a budget, don’t underestimate their performance. The setup takes a bit longer because it requires the user to install screws in multiple directions. You’ll need to drill down into the post and then sideways as well. We like the security this offers—the lights shouldn’t budge in high winds or during intense weather conditions. It does mean, however, you will have a more difficult time removing the light if it requires replacement.
The light is bright, but the casing diffuses it in an attractive way. It illuminates a surprisingly large area, too. In terms of overall performance, the durability and illumination are both fantastic. The aesthetic isn’t unique by any means, but it’s nice and adaptable to a variety of decorative styles and post types.
Overall, this is a great cost-effective choice for those who want to cover a larger area on a budget. A single order can illuminate a patio, while several orders can cover a larger yard area. The lights charge easily and glow all night. We saw no drops in performance across the entire test, and they managed well in the wind. They even charged up after a couple of cloudy days.
Get the Aponuo solar post cap lights at Amazon.
Best Durability
Classy Caps Imperial Solar Post Cap Lights
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Light 5/5; Durability 5/5; Features 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Materials: Aluminum
- Energy source: Solar plus 1 AA rechargeable battery
- Post fitting: 3.5×3.5 wood, 4×4 wood/vinyl, and 4.5×4.5 vinyl (with adapter)
What We Like
- Powerful LED light covers a broad area
- Sleek, low-profile design is very attractive
- Durable cast-aluminum build
What We Don’t Like
- Not adaptable to 6×6 post sizes
- Pricier than other models
These lights gave our Best Overall pick a run for its money. The aluminum body makes them exceptionally durable relative to plastic housings. And compared with most other solar fence post cap lights, these look fantastic. They have a low profile and a sleek design that will fit any environment.
The lights are powerful and cast a wide glow. We could see ourselves using these on shorter posts along pathways because they’d illuminate the path effectively. When mounted on posts at eye level, they are very bright without being blinding. In addition, the LED lights are noticeably brighter than many of the other models we tested.
We also liked the sizing, as it’s made to fit true post dimensions. The lights include an adapter, so users can fit them to 3.5×3.5 and 4×4 posts perfectly. The hardware is high quality, and unlike with other models, we didn’t need to substitute any parts for the installation.
The only downside to these is their higher price point. That said, these lights are built to last, and their performance is next-level. If you want a great look from lights that shouldn’t need replacing for years to come, these would be a fine choice.
Get the Classy Caps solar post cap light at Amazon, The Home Depot (2-pack), or Classy Caps.
Best Ground Illumination
Veranda 7-Lumen Solar Post Cap Light
Our Ratings: Assembly 4/5; Light 5/5; Durability 4/5; Features 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Materials: Plastic
- Energy source: Solar plus rechargeable 1.2V AA battery
- Post fitting: 3.5×3.5 wood
What We Like
- Wide cap helps cast light downward
- Shines bright all night long
- Does well in wet and windy environments
- Looks good and offers consistent performance
What We Don’t Like
- Made for standard 3.5×3.5 posts, not true 4x4s
The Veranda lights are a winner in every category: they look good, perform well, and cast an impressive amount of light. The oversize cap does an excellent job of projecting light down and outward. When mounted on eye-level posts, the light doesn’t shine directly into the user’s eyes, which we appreciated. This is another great model for shorter posts and pathways in that sense, though it serves equally well on taller posts.
We installed this light on a post attached to an outdoor shower area. It’s seen more wind and water than the other models and has shown zero wear or performance hiccups. Overall, it’s been consistent, and although it’s sold as a single unit, its price point makes it a good value.
We do think the wide cap is less attractive than those of some of the lower-profile models, but that’s a personal opinion. The way it projects light more than makes up for the larger profile. We especially like this model for garden areas and patios, but it would suit just about any other outdoor space.
Get the Veranda solar post cap light at The Home Depot.
Best Decorative
SunnyPark Solar Post Cap Lights
Our Ratings: Assembly 4/5; Light 2/5; Durability 3.5/5; Features 3/5; Value 3/5
Product Specs
- Materials: Plastic base, glass dome
- Energy source: Solar plus 1 AAA NiMH battery
- Post fitting: 4×4 wood/vinyl
What We Like
- Offers a beautiful light with multidirectional reflections
- Creates a pleasant ambience for social settings
- Easy to install on 4×4 posts
- Decent hardware included
What We Don’t Like
- Low-level illumination doesn’t offer much light
- Unique aesthetic isn’t for everyone
SunnyPark’s solar post cap lights come in a pack of two or four and are designed with a metallic plastic base for use with 4×4 posts. The spherical solar lighting post caps are made with a crackle-glass pattern that reflects the light from the LED bulbs at unusual angles, creating an intriguing light display. However, these lights only produce about 5 lumens of light, meaning that they are primarily for decorative use.
These solar post caps take about 8 to 10 hours to fully charge. Once charged, they can provide over 10 hours of light, so they may still be illuminated when the sun comes up. Each light has 10 copper wire LEDs that are powered by a battery that the solar panels recharge. When this battery eventually reaches the end of its life cycle, it can be replaced with another rechargeable AAA NiMH battery.
The overall aesthetic didn’t complement our rustic fence design too well, but we enjoyed the unique light cast by this model nonetheless. It would certainly look great on a uniform, modern fence profile. While the light itself isn’t practical for walking paths and functional use, it really is beautiful and creates a pleasant ambience.
Get the SunnyPark solar post cap lights at Amazon.
Best Low-Profile
Maggift 15-Lumen Solar Post Lights
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Light 4/5; Durability 3.5/5; Features 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Materials: Plastic
- Energy source: Solar plus 1 AA NiMH rechargeable battery
- Post fitting: 4×4 and 6×6 wood
What We Like
- Very bright light with 15 lumens
- Charming aesthetic with low-profile design
- Durable plastic shell will last a long time
- Fits both 4×4 and 6×6 post sizes
What We Don’t Like
- Light can be overpowering at eye level
- Included screws are low quality
For those who want to illuminate a yard but don’t want the decorative shapes and sizes common with standard and lantern-style lights, these solar post cap lights are a great choice. The lights have a low profile that measures only 2.4 inches in height. Each light provides up to 15 lumens of light without drawing attention away from the surrounding decor.
These post caps with solar lights are made of durable plastic with a water-resistance rating of IP44, which ensures protection against occasional splashes of water. As such, it may be a good idea to cover them during storms to prevent damage. The lights take 6 to 8 hours to fully charge and can then function for 8 hours before needing to be recharged.
The design of these lights is unassuming and sleek. While they don’t feature the aluminum build that we prefer, they remain an excellent choice. The low profile is attractive, and they emit a ton of light. Sold in a pack of two, these lights can be installed on both 4×4 and 6×6 posts.
Get the Maggift solar post cap lights at Amazon.
Best Dropdown
GreenLighting Marina Solar Post Cap Lights
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Light 4/5; Durability 5/5; Features 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Materials: Plastic
- Energy Source: Solar plus 1.2V AA NiMH rechargeable battery
- Post fitting: 4×4 and 5×5 wood posts
What We Like
- Emits soft, pleasant light sufficient to provide visibility
- On/off sensor switches lights on at sunset and off at sunrise
- Perfect for short posts, pathways, and dock posts
What We Don’t Like
- Dropdown style may not work on all posts
The 5 lumens of light combined with the soft output made this bundle of lights one of our favorites during testing. They illuminate a relatively large area without being overly bright; in our opinion, they provide the perfect amount of light. Every other model sits above the post, while this model mounts to the top while remaining flush against the side of the post. For this reason, it’s the most stable and secure in high winds. And because of its unique design, these lights also look different from every other model we tested.
Made for marina dock-style lighting, this two-pack of lights works equally well on fences and along pathways. Thanks to the soft light, we think it’s ideal for outdoor entertainment areas, garden areas, and general walking paths with posts installed. Of course, if you have a dock with elevated posts, it’s perfect for that use, too. The light style would allow for decent visibility, and it would reflect a bit off the water, too.
The only time this might not work is when fence boards are mounted against the upper post area, as the dropdown style could interfere with those posts. Otherwise, this is one of our favorite designs, and the light cast is easy on the eyes.
Get the GreenLighting solar post cap lights at Amazon.
Best For Patios
Home Zone Security Decorative Solar Post Cap Lights
Our Ratings: Assembly 4/5; Light 4/5; Durability 4/5; Features 4.5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Materials: Plastic housing and glass shell
- Energy source: Solar plus 1 NiMH rechargeable battery
- Post fitting: 3.5×3.5 wood and 4×4 vinyl posts
What We Like
- 12 lumens are bright enough to illuminate a patio
- Easy to install with included hardware
- Large glass casing looks elegant
- Available in multiple color options
What We Don’t Like
- Glass can shatter
- Height exposes the lights to wind
While these are labeled as security lights, their design looks perfect as deck post solar light caps in outdoor entertainment and gathering areas. The glass helps diffuse the light pleasantly while covering a broad area. These are larger lights, so keep that in mind if you prefer a lower profile. Because the glass casing is larger than that of other lights, the larger surface area means it’s more exposed to the elements. The trade-off, however, is more light refracted through that bigger aperture.
We installed this two-pack late in the day, and they worked the first night. With only a few hours of sunlight, the battery seemed to charge quickly and lasted throughout the entire night. These lights also have a sensor for auto on/off, which prevents them from running during the day. The auto sensor is found on many other models and it’s a great feature to have on any solar light.
Installation is very easy, requiring only a few screws to secure them on the post. They remained stable as well through the windstorm we experienced during testing. While we prefer the look of lower-profile lights, the performance and glass build look great and will complement many yard styles.
Get the Home Zone solar post cap lights at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing Solar Post Cap Lights
Before purchasing a solar light based solely on its appearance, you may want to also consider the size and shape of the fence or deck post where it will be installed. Once that is determined, move on to the more detailed features, like its weather resistance, brightness, and overall performance, as well as a few other important factors mentioned below.
Size
Deck and fence posts come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, which can impact the size you need for your solar post cap lights. To ensure you pick the right solar lights for deck or fence use, it’s important to take accurate measurements and reference the product information and manufacturer’s recommendations before buying a product.
Most solar post cap lights are designed to fit over the top of a fence or deck post. They typically come with a bracket that screws directly into the wood. However, there are other products that utilize different methods; for example, some solar post cap lights attach directly to the side of the post, while others have a bracket specially made for round posts. It’s wise to take proper measurements before deciding on a product.
Material
Solar post cap lights are usually made with a few different materials, each intended to give the lights a unique appearance while protecting the sensitive electrical components from rain, sleet, and snow.
- Plastic is an inexpensive and durable material that can be produced in a variety of different color options. It may even be designed to resemble metal. Plastic is resistant to water and extreme temperature fluctuations, though it isn’t as robust as aluminum.
- Aluminum and cast aluminum are regularly used to give solar post cap lights a high-quality appearance that can be modern, faux-weathered, or antique. Aluminum is more durable than plastic or glass; however, it’s less resistant to rain, sleet, and snow.
- Glass is typically used for ornamental panes in lantern-style solar post cap lights, but it can also be used in spherical and honeycomb lights. Glass is completely safe from rust and corrosion, so it won’t be impacted by rain or snow. However, it is fragile and can easily be broken.
Weather Resistance
Solar post cap lights are made to stay outside during inclement weather, so you shouldn’t have to worry about covering them or removing them before they get wet. However, the level of resistance to dust, dirt, debris, rain, sleet, and snow varies among products. For this reason, solar post cap lights usually feature an IP (Ingress Protection) rating that denotes their specific level of resistance.
The IP rating system refers to the device’s resistance to solid objects, represented by the first digit, and the resistance to water, shown with the second digit. The scale ranges from 0 to 6 for solids, with 0 being no protection at all and 6 indicating that the product is completely sealed against dust and any larger solids. The scale for water resistance ranges from 0 to 9. As with solids, 0 refers to no protection, while a 9 would indicate full protection from powerful close-range water jets.
Typically, a water-resistance rating between 5 (protection against low-pressure jets of water) and 7 (can withstand full immersion in 3.2 feet of water for up to 30 minutes) is suitable for a solar post cap light.
Brightness
The brightness of the light is a very important detail to note before deciding on the best solar post cap lights for your home. This is because if the post cap lights don’t produce enough light, the deck or yard won’t be bright enough for users to see in the dark. The number of individual LED bulbs in a solar light can be a broad indicator of the light’s brightness, but this is a basic product specification that isn’t as reliable as lumens.
The brightness of the light produced by solar post cap lights or any other type of light is measured in lumens. Solar post cap lights can range in lumens from as low as 5 lumens to more than 200 lumens, but the cost of the light will typically increase with the number of lumens it can produce. However, adding additional solar post cap lights will make the entire area brighter, so several low-brightness lights can be as effective as one or two high-brightness lights.
Battery and Charging Time
While you won’t have to worry about regularly replacing disposable batteries, solar post cap lights still use internal batteries that can impact the runtime and charging time of the lights. These batteries will typically take about 6 to 8 hours to fully charge, though the specific charging time will vary between individual products—even those that use the same type of battery.
Once fully charged, the average solar post cap light battery will be able to provide light for 6 to 10 hours, depending on the product. Inclement weather will reduce the efficiency of the solar panels, but the solar post cap lights will still charge during the day, even during a storm.
Aesthetic
The aesthetic appearance of solar post cap lights isn’t the most important detail for functionality, but it’s an undeniable factor that needs to be considered in order to find the best solar post cap lights to match your deck and yard decor.
- Lantern-style lights are often as large as full-size lanterns and may have plastic or glass panes on each side to protect the lights inside the casing. The housings of these lights are usually made with aluminum, though some may be made of ABS plastic.
- Faux-weathered finishes are great for adding a classic or antique appearance to the yard. This finish tends to look good with wood or metal posts and is most frequently made with cast aluminum.
- Honeycomb covers are used on solar post cap lights that attach to the side of the post or to the fence boards. They have a quarter-circle appearance that directs light down and out to each side, while the solar panel takes up the top half of the light.
- Modern solar post cap lights have a sleek appearance with very little decorative design. These minimalist pieces are a good choice for providing light without drawing a lot of attention away from the rest of the deck or yard.
- Spherical solar post cap lights are typically made of glass or plastic. They sit on top of a flat bracket but are otherwise completely spherical in shape. This gives them the ability to give off light at nearly 360 degrees.
- Flame effects may be added to standard solar post cap lights to give them the appearance of containing a blazing fire. The flickering light adds a comforting ambience to the yard when day turns to night.
FAQs
Before investing in a new solar post cap light, take a look at these frequently asked questions and their answers. They’ll explain more about how solar lights function and how long they should last before needing to be replaced.
While direct sunlight is best for quickly charging a solar post cap light, indirect daylight, even when it’s cloudy, will also charge the solar battery—just not at the same speed.
While you won’t have to worry about regularly replacing disposable batteries, a solar post light still comes with one or more rechargeable batteries inside.
A solar post cap light can last between 2 and 8 years, depending on the frequency of use, the replaceability of the battery, and whether it’s somewhat sheltered or completely exposed to any and all weather conditions.
Yes, lighting does attract moths and other insects at night, and insects are especially prevalent during the summer months. However, solar post cap lights are typically dimmer than a typical porch light, so they may attract fewer bugs.
Most models have screws included that are drilled into the posts. You can predrill for easier mounting. Hardware quality is a frequent issue, so you may want to consider using a higher-quality wood screw than the ones provided by the manufacturer.
Meet the Tester
Zach Lazzari divides his time between the great outdoors, travel, and DIY projects ranging from camper builds to home renovations and maintenance. His home base in Montana is the perfect testing ground for a variety of outdoor products.
Additional research provided by Timothy Dale.