Solar rock lights blend beautifully into any landscape design, mimicking the natural rocks that surround them. They can lend an elegant ambiance to your outdoor gatherings or they can be used to light the way if your property has a few tricky dark areas, such as steps and uneven paths. Here’s a list of the five best solar rock lights:
| Solar Rock Light | Product Award | Rating |
| Melunar Solar Rock Light | Best Single Light | 4.3/5 |
| Melunar Solar Stone Light | Best Double Light | 4.3/5 |
| Britta Solar Paver Stone Light | Best Ambient Light | 4.2/5 |
| Moonrays Solar Rock Spotlight | Best Extra Features | 4.1/5 |
| Morvat Solar Gravel Light | Best Gravel Light | 4.3/5 |
What’s more is that they can do all this without raising your energy bills and without having to run ugly cords across your lawn. We’ve compared some of the top solar rock lights on the market, and narrowed down the list to our 12 favorites.
How We Reviewed The Best Solar Rock Lights
The first thing we do is remove any solar rock light that has below a four star rating. Secondly, we remove solar rock lights that do not have at least 30 reviews. This is because we want to have a statistically relevant number of reviews to read through.
Next, we look at the specifications for each solar rock light. We care about material quality. We also care about battery capacity. The larger the capacity, the longer the lights will last.
We also want to make sure it is using rechargeable batteries with lithium ion or NiMH chemistries. Most of the industry has upgraded from NiCd to NiMH batteries. Some have gone straight to lithium ion. It depends on the power requirements of the solar rock light.
Best Solar Rock Lights Reviews
Melunar Solar Rock Lights
The Melunar Solar Rock Light blends in seamlessly with your garden, providing light while maintaining a natural-looking landscape. The adjustable lens provides illumination right where you need it, and the new-and-improved solar panel is large and more efficient than ever before.
The sand colored solar rock blends in with its surroundings, making it a perfect addition to a manicured lawn. Use the spotlight to accent favorite plants or to light your way.
Specs
- Color: Brown
- Material: ABS Polyresin
- Watts: 1.6
- Light: white LED
- Batteries: 1 AA battery (included)
- Charge time: 6-8 hrs
- Output time: 8 hrs
Pros
- Large solar panel for more energy capture
- Adjustable lens shines light where you need it
- Durable polyresin material
- Weatherproof design
Cons
- No waterproof rating
Moonrays 91211 Rock Solar Spotlight with Built in Key Hider
Moonrays 91211 Rock Solar Spotlight with Built-in Key Hider solves two problems at once, providing you with the safety of an illuminated yard and the convenience of a hide-a-key location. The key compartment is hidden on the bottom of the rock, keeping your spare safe until you need it.
It’s worth pointing out that although the rock’s facade is realistic, the light may call attention to your key’s hiding spot. This might work best if you have several other solar rock lights in the same area, rather than just the one with the key.
Specs
- Color: Sand
- Material: Polyresin
- Watts: .35
- Light: white LED
- Batteries: 1 required (included)
- Output time: 6hrs
- Power Source: Battery Powered
Pros
- Lense can be adjusted 120-degrees
- Comes with a limited 1-year warranty
- Hidden Key compartment
Cons
- Light might call attention to hidden key spot
- Only 6 hours illumination on a full battery
GYMAOYI Landscape Rock Light
The GYMAOYI Landscape Rock Light’s outer rock facade gives it a natural appearance, while it’s ultra efficient mono-crystalline solar panel soaks up the sun’s rays. Reflective coating inside the light casing reflects more light outward, resulting in an even brighter beam.
Thanks to the durable poly-resin exterior, this solar rock boasts an impressive IP65 waterproof rating. If you live in an area with lots of inclement weather, this is a rock to check out.
Specs
- Color: Brown
- Material: Eco-friendly polyresin
- Watts: 1.6
- Light: cool white LED
- Batteries: 1 AA battery required (included).
- Charge time: 4-6 hrs
- Output time: 8-10 hrs
Pros
- IP65 waterproof rating
- Light adjusts 45 degrees
- Withstands rain, snow, frost, and sleet
- Up to 10 hours of output time
Cons
- The included battery is not the highest quality, so may need to be replaced sooner than others
Morvat LED Rock Lights
Finally, someone created solar rock lights that blend in with gravel-based gardenscapes with the Morvat LED Rock Lights. Rather than a light encased in a large faux rock, these solar lights are instead surrounded by small pebbles. These low-profile lights work well for creating lighted pathways without being obtrusive.
People in the southwest, who often have gravel instead of grass, will especially appreciate these solar rock lights. They come in brown or grey to blend in with any garden style.
Specs
Color: brown or grey
Material: Polyresin
Light: LED
Batteries: 1 AAA battery (each)
Pros
- Low-profile design
- IP65 waterproof rating
- Durable and weatherproof
Cons
- Not adjustable
HULPPRE Solar Solar Rock Lights
HULPPRE Solar Solar Rock Lights direct powerful light where you need it while looking attractive and blending in with your landscaping. You can switch the light to cooler or warm, depending on the look you’re trying to achieve, giving these solar rock lights an edge over most others, which only have one option.
These solar rock lights are small but powerful, and are best for creating a spotlight effect rather than a subtle glow.
Specs
- Color: grey
- Material: Resin
- Watts: 5 watts
- Light: LED
- Batteries: 1 Lithium ion battery required (included)
Pros
- Dual color light (cold or warm)
- Adjustable lens
- IP65 waterproof rating
Cons
- Not ideal for subtle effects
Melunar Double Head Landscape Rock Light
Get twice the amount of light in your garden with the Melunar Double Head Landscape Rock Light. The durable polyresin outer shell mimics the other rocks in your landscape and holds up to even the most extreme weather conditions.
The adjustable wide angle lenses allow you to direct the lights exactly where you need them – create ambiance during outdoor get togethers, keep people safe while walking on uneven pathways, or just accent landscape features.
Specs
- Color: Grey
- Material: Polyresin
- Light: white LED
- Batteries: 1 AA batteries required (included)
- Charge time: 8 hrs
- Output time: 8 hrs
Pros
- IP65 waterproof rating
- Wide angle lenses adjust 120 degrees
- Sturdy weatherproof design
- Two lights in one
Cons
- No waterproof rating
Ronana Solar Garden Rock Lights
The Nobranded Solar Garden Rock Lights provides a camouflaged light source for your yard so you can safely light up paths and steps without worrying about traditional solar lights, some of which can be eyesores. Eco-friendly ABS resin makes it easy to create ambiance in your yard while taking care of the environment, which is a nice bonus.
The rusty brown color blends in with a variety of landscaping designs, from rustic yards to country gardens. IP waterproof rating of IP66 keeps this solar rock safe from powerful rain and snow.
Specs
Color: Rusty brown
Material: Eco-friendly ABS resin
Light: warm white LED
Batteries: 1 AA battery (included)
Charge time: 6-8 hrs
Output time: 8+ hrs
Pros
- IP66 waterproof rating
- 2 pack
- Solar energy can last for up to 16 hours
Cons
- Not adjustable
Britta Products Solar Path Paver Stones
Unlike the other solar rock lights we’ve been reviewing up until this point, Britta Products Solar Path Paver Stones completely cover the light source, resulting in a soft glow rather than a directable light source. This makes them perfect for adding elegant, ambient light in your garden, but they’re not ideally suited for providing safety lighting for steps and uneven ground.
These white stones fit into any garden style during the day, and begin to glow with soft light as the sun goes down. They make a wonderful addition to poolside gardens.
Specs
- Color: white
- Material: ABS plastic
- Watts: .1 watt
- Light: LED
- Batteries: 2 AA batteries required
- Output time: 8-10 hrs
Pros
- IP-65 waterproof rated
- 3 to a pack
- Diffused light for added ambiance
- Light isn’t directable
Cons
- Not a powerful light source
Starry Love Solar Rock Lights
Starry Love Solar Rock Lights feature a new and improved design, making them more efficient than previous models. Their updated solar panels are positioned to capture the maximum amount of sunlight and convert it into long-lasting light for your yard or garden.
The weatherproof exterior and waterproof bottom panel withstand snow and rain, and a grounding spike holds the solar rock in place on windy days. These powerful solar rock lights come two to a pack.
Specs
- Color: Brown
- Material: Plastic
- Light: warm white LED
- Batteries: 1 AA batteries required (included)
- Output time: 6-9 hrs
Pros
- Stabilizing spike to prevent blowing away
- New and improved solar panel design
- Weatherproof
- Waterproof rating: IP67
- 2 per pack
Cons
- Light not adjustable
Weather Resistant Solar Rock Landscaping Spotlights (Set of 3)
This set of three Weather Resistant Solar Rock Landscaping Spotlights is a good choice for people with larger areas they’re trying to cover. Because the rocks are different sizes, they blend more seamlessly into their surroundings than multiple identical rocks do.
They’re not adjustable, but they do give of a strong beam, spotlighting walkways and focal points in your yard or garden.
Specs
- Color: light sandy brown
- Material: Ceramic
- Light: LED
- Batteries: 3 AA batteries required (included)
- Output time: 8 hrs
Pros
- Weather resistant
- One large and two small
- 8 hrs output
Cons
- Not adjustable
GSI Solar Powered Rock
If you’re looking for a solar rock to light a gravel path or driveway, the GSI Solar Powered Rock is worth checking out. This oblong grey solar rock is the color of slate gravel, so it will blend in well with darker rocks on your property.
It’s small but efficient, providing bright solar-powered light for up to eight hours on a full charge.
Specs
- Color: Grey
- Material: Polyurethane
- Light: LED
- Batteries: 1 AA batteries required (included)
- Output time: 8 hrs
Pros
- Water resistant lens
- Waterproof casing
- Battery lasts up to two years
- Natural oblong shape
Cons
- Not adjustable
Sunnydaze Solar Rock
Sunnydaze solar rock lights come four to a pack, giving you a good amount of light for your money. The natural-looking faux rock exteriors blend in with a variety of settings, and the powerful beams will light up even the darkest corners of your yard.
These solar rock lights have the solar panels right on top, rather than on the back, ensuring they capture as much light as possible, regardless of where the sun is at any given time. This multi-pack is worth checking out if you’re looking to illuminate multiple areas on your property.
Specs
- Color: brownish grey
- Material: Resin
- Light: LED
- Batteries: AA battery required (included)
- Charge time:
- Output time: 6-8 hrs
Pros
- 4 to a pack
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Color blends well with most settings
Cons
- Light isn’t adjustable
How Do Solar Rock Lights Work?
You know that rock lights add beautiful, practical accents to your outdoor property. And you know that solar rock lights are:
- Better for the environment than traditional outdoor lights
- Reduce the need for battery replacement
- Eliminate the need for cords which present tripping hazards
But have you ever stopped to wonder about how these lights actually work? Getting a better understanding of how solar rock lights work is not only interesting; it may also help you:
- Know what to look for when shopping
- Better understand to utilize them effectively
- Troubleshoot any problems that may arise
If you want detailed information on how solar lights generate electricity, this article explains the process in detail. But for now, let’s just stick to the basics. Below are the basic parts of a solar rock, along with descriptions of what they do, and how they work together.
Faux Rock Exterior
The faux rock exterior is usually made of a durable polyresin, which can withstand harsh outdoor conditions:
- Direct sunlight
- Rain
- Snow
- Sleet
- Hail
The exterior is meant to look like the other rocks on your property, so the solar rock lights blend in with your outdoor decor.
As you probably realize, the faux rock exterior is really the only thing that sets a solar rock apart from a regular solar light – just the appearance. Otherwise, they all work using the same principles.
Solar Panel Provides Power To The Light
The solar panel, or solar cells, is the smooth, shiny panel you see on the top or back of solar rock lights. This panel is where the magic takes place.
Using something called the photovoltaic effect, these cells convert the sun’s rays into usable electric energy.
It goes without saying that the sun is a huge component of this process, so these panels only work while exposed to direct sunlight. That means a solar light won’t always work all that well if it’s:
- In shade
- Cloudy
- Not facing the sun
- Covered by snow
IT sounds obvious, but it’s not uncommon for people to wonder why their solar rock lights aren’t working, only to discover that the spot they’re in isn’t getting much direct sunlight.
Rechargeable Battery Allows The Light To Turn On At Night
Solar lights contain rechargeable batteries that store the energy the cells have converted. Without the batteries, the converted energy would just dissipate and not be very helpful.
The battery’s job is to hold on to that electricity until the sun goes away, after which it can power the light.
Rechargeable batteries last for years, making them incredibly eco-friendly compared to traditional disposable ones. But they will need to be replaced eventually; this battery guide will walk you through some of our favorites.
Light Sensor Turns The Light On Automatically
Solar lights have sensors that detect whether it’s sunny or dark. That is what allows the lights to turn on automatically when the sun goes down.
If the light sensor gets covered for some reason, it may cause the light to come on during the day, draining the battery so it won’t work at night until it’s recharged the next day.
LED Light Provides Light At Night
Most solar rock lights use LED lights, which are better for the environment than traditional light bulbs, lasting longer and providing brighter light.
The majority of solar rock lights on the market produce cool white light, but if you prefer warmer light you can find it in a select few, such as:
HULPPRE solar rock lights even offer you the option of deciding between the two, using a handy switch to change from one to the other.
On/Off Switch TO Turn The Light On
People often fail to realize that even automatic solar lights have on/off switches, which you can use to save the batteries.
If you’re not going to be using the lights for a while, say, if you’re going out of town, you can switch them off. That will keep the panels from converting energy as well as keeping them from turning on when it gets dark.
We’ll cover this in more detail in the “how to get the best from your solar rock light” section, but it’s worth mentioning here, too – if your light isn’t working, make sure it’s not only turned on now but that it was turned on while you were charging it, too. Otherwise it can sit in the sun forever and it won’t do a thing.
How To Get The Best Results From Your Solar Rock Light
No matter what solar rock light you get, if you’re not using properly, you’re going to end up disappointed. These tips will help make sure you’re getting the most out of your new lights.
Make Sure It’s On
This one sounds obvious, but bear with us. In order to get a solar rock light to work, you need to follow these steps closely:
- First turn the switch to “on”
- Then place the light in direct sunlight for several hours to charge
- The LED light will turn on automatically when it gets dark
One of the most common situations, when people complain about a new light not working, is that they don’t realize it needs to be turned on before charging it. The solar panel will not convert or store energy if the unit is not turned on.
If your switch doesn’t make the on and off positions clear, you can test whether the solar light is on by covering the light sensor. If you cover it and the lights on and charged, the LED should light up.
Keep It In Direct Sunlight
Many people think that putting a solar light outside during the day is enough to make sure it charges. But the solar panels need direct sunlight, and won’t work if:
- They’re in the shade
- They’re not facing the sun
- It’s cloudy or raining
Keep this in mind when deciding where to place your new solar rock lights.
Clear Away Debris
This is similar to the point we made above – if your solar panels are covered, the sunlight won’t be able to reach them. Make sure to keep them clear of:
- Dust and dirt
- Leaves
- Snow
It doesn’t hurt to wipe them down every so often to make sure they’re as clean as they can reasonably be while living outdoors. There are a few other cleaning tips to make your solar lights brighter.
Conclusion
As you can see, solar rock lights come in all shapes and sizes to perfectly complement your existing landscaping design.
Softly glowing ones, like the Britta Path Paving Stones, add a sophisticated feel to poolside gatherings, while others contain powerful spotlights that can highlight accent points or show guests the way through a dark area.
No matter what your lighting needs are, there’s a solar rock light for you. Make sure to do your homework by researching and reading reviews so you can be sure you’re getting a high-quality light.