Solar-powered utilities are true lifesavers, especially when you want your chickens to continue laying eggs throughout the year. With solar lights for the chicken coop, you don’t have to worry about keeping your lights on all the time. Solar lights are eco-friendly alternatives that will keep you coop bright for an ideal length of time, regardless of the size. The trick is to find the best solar lights for your chicken coop.
We rounded up several amazing options for you, as well as some information on why lighting is necessary for chickens. Plus, you’ll learn some great tips for picking out the solar lights that suit your setup the most. Let’s get started.
Why Do Chickens Need Light in the Coop?
Has egg production throughout the flock dropped recently? Is it because there is less sunlight for your chickens to enjoy? Maybe chicken owners are surprised to learn that chickens need 14 hours of sunshine a day for egg production. This is why winter is so difficult for chicken keepers who rely on the eggs their ladies lay. However, you don’t have to tolerate a reduced number of eggs. Not if you give your hens more daylight artificially.
The good news is that chickens aren’t picky about the kind of sunshine they get. This means that you can use LED light to stimulate egg production among your hens. You’ll never be without eggs again.
10 Best Solar Lights for Chicken Coops Reviewed
Next up is the list for the highest rated solar chicken coop lights available. The reviews aim to help you make an informed decision — and a choice you won’t regret. After all, nothing is worse than receiving your solar light and finding out the description from the store wasn’t accurate.
All of the solar lights for chicken coops listed below were added for their affordability, ease of use, features, battery runtime, weather resistance, and wattage. Here are the 10 best solar-powered lights for chicken coops:
1. Bemexred Upgraded Solar Pendant Light
Do you have a medium- or large-sized chicken coop that needs to be lit up? You might think you need multiple units, but you really only need one: the Bemexred Upgraded Solar Pendant Light. The shade around the bulb helps concentrate the illumination downward, brightening the roosts and floor of the coop.
Included in the package is a 16.5-foot long extension cable and a mounting bracket for the 5.5 volt solar panel. The entire lamp, from the bulb to the wire is rated as IP65 waterproof, meaning this pendant light is also ideal for outside use. The bulb, when fully powered, emits about 50W incandescent light with a color temperature of 6500K.
There is also an on/off switch, remote control, and 3.7V rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that have a capacity of 18 hours.
Pros
- Automatic charging features
- Timer and brightness can be adjusted with remote
- Lightweight unit
- Affordable price
- Charges fast throughout the day
Cons
- Remote must be pointed at the lamp to function
- Doesn’t operate during the daytime
2. Flyhoom H70-S1 Solar Powered LED Rechargeable Lights
The Flyhoom solar powered LED light looks modern but features high quality materials that outperform many other lights in terms of longevity. Just keep in mind that this is not a light you can hang outside. While you might sacrifice some of the features of more pricier models, you can’t deny the importance of durability.
Weighing only 4 ounces, you can attach this light anywhere in the coop. When charged up, the unit lasts for 18 hours and has 4 modes of operation: Low, medium, high, and SOS. The user-friendly remote control also gives you the ability to set a 15-minute, 30-minute, 1-hour, or 4-hour timer.
Pros
- Convenient design
- Installation is a breeze and doesn’t require much hardware
- Portable
- Brightness ranges from 50-280 lumens and lights 100-150 square feet
- Comes with a remote control
Cons
- The light is not weatherproof
- Only built for smaller coops
3. Viewpick 2 Pack Solar Powered LED Bulb Light
Are you worried about solar lights not charging because of bad weather and lack of sunlight? Viewpick has come up with a solution. Their 2-pack solar powered LED bulbs are a reliable option for those sunless days. Simply plug your bulbs into a USB charger or power bank to give them power. Having that assurance that your chickens are never without light is a definite plus.
These tiny yet powerful solar powered LED bulbs come with one blinking mode and two levels of brightness. Each bulb lasts up to 4 hours between charges, too.
Pros
- You can charge these lights with either a power bank, USB cable, or solar panel
- Choose between two brightness settings
- Ideal for emergency lighting, decoration, and illuminating outdoor spaces
- Comes with a high capacity and performance rechargeable battery
Cons
- Tiny size, but it functions remarkably well
4. YINGHAO Solar Powered Red LED Predator Deterrent Light
Are you tired of waking up to less chicken eggs in the coop or even hurt and killed chickens? Lighting can often be used to deter predators from coming after your chickens; the YINGHAO Red LED deterrent light is just one example. This unit comes in a 4-pack and is made with waterproof materials, such as stainless steel. Each device has 2 bulbs and covers 360-degrees of space.
What do these lights keep predators away? The red lights look a little like the eyes of a hunter prowling about. For your chickens, the red light isn’t as terrifying. They will be at ease. The units last for about 12 hours when used nonstop. In order to fully charge, however, they need at least 5 hours of uninterrupted sunlight.
If you want to knock out two goals with one product (lighting and keep your flock safe) this is the product for you.
Pros
- Durable, waterproof construction
- Has two main functions — brightening the area and keeping your chickens safe
- 360-degree protection
- Easy to install
- Comes in a multi-pack for thorough lighting and protection
Cons
- Does not have many features, like blink or timer
5. Kyson Solar Powered Light
There are many reasons to love the Kyson solar powered light. Not only is the design eye-catching, it also casts a lovely ceiling throughout the space. Within the vintage-style cage is a tungsten bulb that can withstand high temperatures and is highly durable. You won’t have to worry about damages with this unit.
This lamp has an on/off button, a 9-inch long pull cord, and a remote control. You can choose to use any of the three to turn the unit on and off. The light emits about 30-40 lumens in 2700K incandescent white, not bright LED blue. This makes the coop more comforting for your chickens.
Kyson is a well-respected brand, so you know you are purchasing a quality solar powered light from them. Plus, set up and installation is easy enough that you can have this light hanging in no time at all.
Pros
- Portable and lightweight unit
- Easy to assemble and install
- Ideal for smaller coops and enclosures
- A number of ways to operate the light, from near or far
- Beautiful design
Cons
- Requires a special kind of bulb
- Doesn’t do well in extremely cold temperatures
6. YiaMia Solar Outdoor Light
How about a solar powered flood light for the outdoor sections of the chicken run or for a larger chicken coop? While the YiaMia Solar Outdoor Light is a compact 4.7×4.9 inches, it packs a powerful punch. The light can be adjusted with a 360-degree movable mounting base. The solar panel is a little bigger and also has an adjustable base.
Installation is easy, and the light can be placed both indoors and out. Made from ABS plastic and rated IP65, the YiaMia is a budget-friendly solar-powered flood light that will last for many years. Once the unit has fully charged, you get 18 hours of operating time. It also comes with features, such as three brightness levels. Once the sun comes out, this unit charges automatically, which is incredibly beneficial.
Pros
- Adjustable unit
- Incredibly bright flood light
- 3-year after-sale service included with purchase
- Adjustable time and brightness
- Budget-friendly option that works well
- Includes 182 LED chips and a total of 1200 lumens
Cons
- The remote control can be finicky
7. Lixada Solar Pendant Light
Looking for something stylish for the coop? Check out this stainless steel pendant light from Lixada. One unit emits enough light for a smaller coop. Medium coops may require two. Installation of sleek Lixada light is straightforward. Once installed, all you need to do to turn the light on and off is the pull cord or remote control.
The unit has a long cable connecting the solar panel to the light. The solar panel is also adjustable, so you can adjust the panel for maximum sunshine. One of the best features about the Lixada light, however, would be the water-resistant design. Many solar-powered lights can’t withstand cold and humidity, but this light can.
Pros
- Light can last 30,000 hours before needing a replacement
- Features a pull chord and remote control
- When in operation, the light can remain on for 8-10 hours before needing a recharge
- Gorgeous stainless steel pendant design
- Easy to install and operate
Cons
- Remote is IR, so you need to be close to use it
8. Tera Light – Uranus LED Solar Light
While one of the priciest on this list of solar lights for chicken coops, the Tera Light is also one of the best. If you don’t mind making a bit of an investment, you won’t regret it. It may not be extremely stylish, but it is made with IP65 materials for a 100% waterproof design. Plus, you can use it both indoors and outdoors. The face of the light is made with aluminum and glass, so it’s even impact resistant to a degree.
Since the cable connecting the light to the solar panel is about 12 feet long, you can install this model anywhere. Inside the light are 4 lithium-ion batteries that get charged within 4-5 hours. At full power, the Tera Light Uranus LED Solar Light can last for about 8 hours. Reduce the brightness with the remote to extend runtime or set a timer for 3 or 5 hours.
Pros
- Battery power indicator
- Extremely bright light that is great for larger coops
- Charges rapidly
- Highly durable construction
- Has long-lasting, high-quality batteries
Cons
- Do not use this light in temperatures below freezing, as the battery will degrade rapidly
- Pricey
9. Afoskce 130LM Solar Powered LED Bulb Light
Sometimes you want a solar powered bulb that can be hung almost anywhere. This model by Afoskce offers up a unique amount of versatility, because the bulb is attached to a simple hook, making it mobile. In the event your regular electricity goes out because of a storm, you can switch on this solar powered LED bulb and bring it with you when inspecting the coop, for example.
The size and capacity are also bright enough to light the whole coop. Both the solar panel and battery pack are waterproof, though the LED bulb itself isn’t. As long as you keep this environmentally-friendly alternative away from moisture, it will illuminate the coop without fail.
Pros
- A cost-efficient choice
- Versatile and portable
- Comes with the light source, battery, and solar panel
- Offers up a large amount of light despite its compact size
- Comes in 2-pack
Cons
- The light bulb is not waterproof and shouldn’t be left exposed to the elements
10. AGPTEK SY-SYDJ032 Solar Powered Shed Light
If you don’t want to have to deal with a long, complicated setup that requires electrical knowledge, then you’re going to love this solar powered shed light from AGPTEK. It doesn’t take much to get the unit running. Just make sure you are putting the solar panel somewhere that sees a good amount of sunlight for charging.
Once you have these 3-panel shed lights installed, check out the remote control functions. Not only can you set up a timer and change how bright the panels get, you can also work with auto-mode.
In other words, you can program this solar light to brighten and dim on a schedule, so your chickens aren’t jarred by the coming and going light source. It will be more natural for them, meaning more eggs for you.
Pros
- Equipped with extremely durable and resistant LED bulbs
- Comes with an easy-to-use timer function and adjustable brightness
- Unique 3-leaf style that maximizes light output
- Comes with a remote control
- Straightforward installation and use
- Waterproof
Cons
- The nuts on the solar panels can be easily lost during the unboxing and installation. Handle them with care.
Things to Consider When Shopping for Solar-Powered Chicken Coop Lighting
Now that you have seen some of the options available to you, it’s time to consider a few factors that influence your decision. As you may have noticed, some solar lights for chicken coops will emit just enough light for smaller coops, while others are too high-powered for such spaces.
Keep these factors in mind when shopping around:
The Size of the Coop
Wattage and square footage are linked. If a chicken coop is about 100 sq. feet, look for models that provide about 3-4 watts of LED light. If the coop is bigger than 200 sq. feet, you will need a much more powerful model — one that has about 6 watts of LED light.
Another way to look at this is with lumens. Small and medium-sized coops work best with about 100-200 lumens of brightness. The LED lights will be bright but not painfully so. Larger coops may need 300 lumens or more to be adequately illuminated.
How Much Daylight You Receive
This is important for two reasons:
- Some chicken breeds require more daylight than others in the winter to continue producing eggs
- Your solar panel’s efficiency depends on it getting enough sunlight
Remember, a solar panel needs direct access to daylight in order for enough energy to convert and charge the unit. It’s best to install the solar panels on the roof of the coop and face it in the southerly direction for the most sun exposure.
In the event that your coop is located in a shaded area, you should get a solar light for the chicken coop with a longer extension cord.
Battery Life
The last thing to truly think about is battery life. If a battery dies within a few hours of turning on the light, it’s not going to be of much use to you or your chickens. The sudden plunge into blackness can also startle your chickens, which is counterproductive to egg-laying. In short, the minimum battery life should be 6 hours. 8 is normal. 10-18 hours of operation is optimal.
That battery life should be enough for multiple days. You should also factor how many timed cycles you have scheduled for your light.
Also, while the batteries in the light are usually charged by the solar panels, it always helps if their power can be restored with a USB charge. That will keep the lights running, even on the gloomiest of days.
And finally, a video where you can watch the experience of using solar lights on a farm:
Final Thoughts
Remember, light isn’t just something to brighten up the interior of the chicken coop on rainy days. Your chickens need an adequate amount of sunlight in order to lay eggs. If you want to maximize the productivity of your flock, you need to add solar lights for chicken coops as soon as possible. Match the best solar lights for chicken coops to the size of the coop and what you need accomplished. From there, you shouldn’t have any problems finding a light.
Valerie has been content writing since 2016 for websites and companies all around the world. A traveler, dancer, martial artist, Valerie loves gathering experiences and wisdom. Her travels have taken her to over 20 countries, and she hopes to see more of the world soon.
