Solar Motion & Security Lights

Motion-activated solar lights stay dim or off until a PIR sensor detects heat and movement, which saves battery for bright bursts when they count.

• Brightness. Compare lumens. Doorways and paths need far less than a driveway or a dark side yard.
• Sensor range and angle. Wide-angle sensors cover more ground but trigger more often; adjustable heads let you aim at the area you care about.
• Modes. Common options are motion only, dim-then-bright, and dusk-to-dawn. Dusk-to-dawn modes drain the battery fastest.
• Separate panel. Mount the light under the eave where you need it, and the panel where it gets sun.
• Weather rating. Look for IP65 or higher.

Mount sensors around 2 to 3 m (6 to 10 ft) high and angle them across the path people walk, since PIR sensors detect side-to-side movement better than movement straight toward them. Avoid pointing them at roads or trees that move in the wind. For larger areas, see solar street and flood lights.