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An energy monitor provides detailed information about your home’s power consumption, equipping you to make informed energy-efficiency decisions. The Sense energy monitor allows users to track real-time consumption of the entire home, even down to individual appliances.
With an energy monitor like Sense, you can pinpoint energy sinks in your home and make decisions to become more efficient and save money on power bills. Plus, if you have a home solar system, you can monitor your solar panel power output.
But is this smart home energy monitor the best on the market? Let’s take a deep dive into Sense.
How Does the Sense Home Energy Monitor Work?
The Sense energy monitor uses machine learning to detect individual devices and appliances by identifying their electrical signals. Sense tracks the energy usage of these devices and sends the information to its smartphone app via built-in Wi-Fi, giving you on-demand, real-time usage data.
Sense is proven to be 99.5% accurate, compiling millions of measurements every second to provide useful, up-to-the-minute data about your home’s and appliances’ energy consumption. Sense also identifies trends by day, week, month and billing cycle to demystify nebulous electric bills and show you ways you can save. The monitor can help you along in your journey toward energy efficiency, setting targets by device, day or month, and in watts or dollars.
But Sense does more than put data about your home’s energy usage within your grasp. It allows you to see which devices are on and which are off, such as if the garage door opens, the downstairs clothes dryer is done or you left your oven on. If it’s raining cats and dogs, you can tell immediately if your sump pump is working, sparing a potential disaster. And it does all of this remotely, sending information to your smart device wherever you are, from the loo to Timbuktu.
Installation
Sense plugs directly into your home’s circuit breaker box, where it takes up inconspicuous residence to work its magic. Installing the Sense home energy monitor is a straightforward process that usually takes less than 30 minutes for a licensed electrician to complete (Sense highly recommends homeowners hire a professional for the job).
If you’re confident in your electrical skills or just want to know how installation works, here are the steps:
- Turn off the main breaker and remove the electric panel cover.
- Place the Sense monitor inside or outside of the electric panel.
- Feed the antenna through the panel and into monitor ports.
- Clamp the sensors around the two electrical mains, then connect sensors to the Sense monitor.
- Connect Sense’s power cables to an unused but live 240V breaker.
- Close the panel and turn the main back on.
- Install the app and set up an account.
If you are comfortable doing the above, you don’t need anything but a screwdriver to install Sense. If you don’t have an unused 240V breaker, you will need to install one. If you have any doubts, hire a professional.
How Sense Monitors Energy Use and Appliances
Most electronic devices have a unique way they use electricity. Sense takes information on wattage, electrical resistance and other signals, combining them into a cohesive electronic signature used to identify individual devices.
Sense detects many common household appliances such as light bulbs, toasters, washers and dryers, entertainment systems, computers, ovens, water heaters, fridges and more. It can also monitor two 120V or 240V circuits directly and, with optional Flex add-on sensors, can monitor large loads and critical devices like HVAC systems, electric vehicle chargers or pumps.
Does an Energy Monitor Save You Money?
A monitor alone won’t save you money, but changing your habits will. All that the Sense Home Energy Monitor does is provide accurate electricity usage data to help you identify energy inefficiency, make informed decisions and track your progress toward energy reduction goals.
An energy monitor is a great way to discover power-hungry appliances that may be perniciously stealing energy. This may be a device that you forgot to turn off, an always-on appliance that consumes more electricity than you’d expect or something that isn’t operating properly. Such energy hogs can easily go unnoticed but will show up loud and clear with a monitor like Sense.
Sense reports its average user saves 9% on electric bills. Given the average monthly electric bill is $117, or $1,400 per year, Sense saves the average homeowner $126 annually and will pay for itself in about two and a half years.
Using Sense With Your Solar Power System
Sense Solar provides information to optimize solar energy use. The Sense Solar energy monitor offers the same advantages of the base unit, plus other perks specifically tailored to sun-powered electricity, including:
- Real-time and historical solar production readings contrasted versus usage, so you know when to use heavy-load devices or decrease consumption
- Net metering data
- How much energy you pull from the grid versus produce with your panels
If you don’t have a solar monitoring app available from your solar installer or manufacturer, Sense Solar is a great third-party add-on to keep track of the amount of energy your panels produce.
Sense Energy Monitor Reviews
This all may sound great, but what do actual customers have to say about the smart home device’s longevity and ease of use?
The Sense Home Energy Monitor has a 4.3 out of 5-star Amazon rating with over 2,000 reviews. The Sense app has a 3.4 out of 5-star Google Play Store rating with 454 reviews and an App Store rating of 4.1 out of 5 with 256 reviews.
Positive Sense Energy Monitor Reviews
Customers love Sense’s real-time, accurate data helping them make effective decisions to increase their home energy efficiency. Here’s what happy customers are saying in Sense energy monitor reviews:
“I love technology, but this has exceeded my expectations. It was very easy to install, and in 15 minutes, I knew exactly how many watts my home was using… I purchased this to understand my daily energy usage, as I was upgrading my portable emergency generator but really didn’t know where to begin in calculating every plug, refrigerator, freezer, light bulb in my home. This was perfect for knowing exactly what I needed.” — Dan Wood via Amazon
“The fact that it can recognize the change as soon as it happens and reports it goes a long way in understanding the inefficient appliances in your home. Whether it’s bulbs or old appliances it’ll measure it as precisely as anything out there.” — Taiwo E. Egun via Amazon
Negative Sense Energy Monitor Reviews
There are a few naysayers, though. Some folks have found Sense to have issues with device detection and consistent monitoring:
“Very disappointed. Really was hoping this unit would give a better breakdown of my power usage. We’ve had it for 14 months now and over 50% of all our power usage is still not being tracked.” — April Hope via Amazon
“While this product seems to be an answer to energy conservation, it does not live up to its potential. When I had an electrician install it, the first few weeks were fun watching it detect various devices. However, the ability to manually label or add devices was a challenge. After 5 months, it still has not ‘detected’ our washer/dryer. On the timeline, it clearly shows a spike when those units are on, but you are unable to label those and need to wait for the system to detect it.” — ScubaSteve260 via Amazon
Is Sense the Best Home Energy Monitor for You?
The Sense energy monitor is a fantastic performer, giving accurate, instant information as broad as an entire house and narrow as individual appliances and devices. But that doesn’t mean it’s the best option for you, particularly if budget is a primary concern. Starting at just under $300, Sense is definitely an investment, especially considering its competitors’ devices are usually half the price.
Sense is close to perfect, but not completely. Sense hasn’t successfully mapped every single device out there, meaning there may be an elusive anomaly of an appliance somewhere in your home that Sense can’t identify. Plus, some folks report inaccuracies even on common appliances like dishwashers.
But the naysayers are definitely the exception to the rule. The vast majority of customers agree that no other home energy monitor provides the pinpoint precision, accuracy and speed that Sense does. If you have the money and need for a powerhouse home energy monitor, Sense just makes sense.
Sense Energy Monitor
Sense / Amazon
The Sense Energy Monitor provides real-time, 24/7 data that is accessible through iOS, Android and desktop apps. That means you can check energy usage patterns whenever and wherever you like. Even better, schedules and alerts can be set to create a truly customized data system.
Sense Solar
Sense / Amazon
Like the Sense Energy Monitor, Sense Solar can track usage data in real-time. It can also track your appliances and devices on an individual basis to give you a more comprehensive window into your home’s energy consumption.
Christian Yonkers is a writer, photographer, filmmaker, and outdoor junkie obsessed with the intersectionality between people and planet. He partners with brands and organizations with social and environmental impact at their core, assisting them in telling stories that change the world.
CASEZY / iStock / Getty Images
From lighting up the night when you return home to boosting security, installing solar flood lights is a great way to invest in your home’s functionality and safety. Solar flood lights harness their energy from the sun and don’t require wiring or electrical work, making installation a breeze even for renters. And thanks to waterproof designs and efficient LEDs, they offer a fix-it-and-forget solution to myriad lighting predicaments.
In this article, we’ll recommend four of the best LED solar flood lights and motion-detector lights on the market today.
Best Solar Flood Lights: Our Recommendations
- Best Overall: AmeriTop Motion-Sensor Lights
- Best Light Bar: TBI Pro Super-Bright Outdoor Solar Lights
- Best Compact Lights: Kolpop Solar Security Lights
- Best Street-Style Light: RuoKid Solar Street Lights
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. Learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission.
Full Reviews of Our Top Picks
Best Overall: AmeriTop Motion-Sensor Lights
ameritopdeal.com
This high-quality motion-sensing solar flood light from AmeriTop boasts super-bright LEDs for top-notch security. Highly efficient solar panels and LEDs mean lighting whenever and wherever it’s needed, and a 26-foot motion-sensing radius ensures nothing can get close to your house without getting some serious time in the limelight.
Key Features:
- 800-lumen output
- 20% efficient poly solar panels
- 26-foot radius motion sensor
- Wide 270° lighting area
- Automatic on and off
- Adjustable light head and sensor
- IP65 waterproof rating
- Fixed solar panels
Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars with over 18,000 Amazon ratings
Standout Review: “It was exactly what I was looking for. They are easy to install, just the right size and project a lot of light. Love that it is solar.” — Joshua via Amazon
Why Buy: The AmeriTop triple-head outdoor flood light is a robust solution for exterior lighting needs, featuring high-intensity LED bulbs, a quick charge time, a wide flood angle and motion-sensing areas, and IP65 waterproofing. Short of the sun itself, there’s no better solar security floodlight for your home.
Best Light Bar: TBI Pro Super-Bright Outdoor Solar Lights
tbi-store.com
The TBI Pro ultra-bright solar motion sensor flood light can illuminate up to 1,600 square feet, making it perfect for walls, posts, paths and gardens. Each light fixture casts a searing 2,500-lumen ocean of light, adding security and comfort to any exterior. This model has three lighting modes, so if you don’t need to burn a hole in the dark, you can select a different mode to set a lighter ambiance. From outdoor security to entertaining, these are a great choice.
Key Features:
- 2,500-lumen output
- 1,600-square-foot lighting area
- Super-wide 280° lighting angle
- Motion-detection up to 40 feet
- 12-hour runtime with 4,400 mAh battery
- Three lighting modes
- Automatic on and off
- IP65 waterproof rating
- Fixed solar panels
- Two units per purchase
Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars with over 1,300 Amazon ratings
Standout Review: “Wow! These things are really bright! Much brighter than we had anticipated. The motion sensor device is neither too sensitive or not sensitive enough — it’s just right.” — Light-Zone via Amazon
Why Buy: These high-power solar flood lights prove great things can come in small, affordable packages. You get two super-bright 2,500-lumen bar lights with three brightness settings, a wide lighting angle and superior motion sensitivity reach. And at under , they’re perhaps the best value you can buy.
Best Compact Lights: Kolpop Solar Security Lights
Kolpop
Small but tremendous, Kolpop’s Solar Security Lights package offers six 800-lumen solar-powered security lights, each capable of illuminating over 320 square feet. Three brightness settings give you the power to adjust lighting to fit the occasion, from a chill get-together to all-night security.
Key Features:
- 600-lumen output
- 120° motion detection area with 16-foot range
- 8- to 10-hour runtime
- 8- to 10-hour charge time in full sunlight
- 1,800 mAh battery
- Three lighting modes
- IP65 waterproof rating
- Fixed solar panel
Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars with over 4,000 Amazon ratings
Standout Review: “I love these lights and have bought two packages for our country home … I installed these four months ago and am totally satisfied so far. They don’t last as long on overcast days, but that’s to be expected.” — Donald via Amazon
Why Buy: Six feature-packed solar security flood lights at an amazing price. These suffer a bit on charge time, output and motion/lighting angles, but their affordability and modularity mean you can install them anywhere you so desire. They’re a great buy for folks who want compact solar security wall lights.
Best Street-Style Light: RuoKid Solar Street Lights
RuoKid
There are several reasons to abandon the traditional flood light style, and RuoKid’s street-style solar flood lights encompass them all. Exceptional brightness, a cool urban design, and an adjustable solar panel and light head make these perfect for brightening dark driveways, patios, front door entryways and more.
Key Features:
- 1,500-lumen output
- Illuminates 970 square feet
- Aluminum alloy housing and mounting hardware
- 4 to 6 hours in full sunlight for full charge
- 8-hour runtime
- 5-year warranty
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Remote controlled
- Adjustable solar panel
Customer Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars with over 1,100 Amazon ratings
Standout Review: “This light stays on from dusk until dawn with full sun the day before. I installed it as a security light. I live in a rural area with no street lights, and it works perfectly compared to other lights I have purchased..” — Yardman11236 via Amazon
Why Buy: RuoKid designs its products for use on the street, so they’re made to withstand years of heavy-duty service. This awesome 1,500-lumen street-style solar flood light combines power, capacity, durability and function into an attractive, modern design.
How to Choose the Best Solar-Powered Flood Lights
A single doorway doesn’t need 2,500 lumens, nor is a single solar-powered flood light sufficient for lighting up a driveway. Before choosing the best solar-powered flood light, consider the following factors:
- Brightness: In general, brighter is better, but if you only need to light a small area, you might not have to fork over the extra cash for a higher-output unit. If you want to cover a large area with a single bright light, go for at least 1,600 lumens. Or, install multiple lights with a smaller output.
- Features: Today’s solar-powered flood lights are ripe with features. Most have multiple brightness settings and weatherproofing as standard features, but consider other important elements such as remote controls, adjustable/modular solar panels, tilt and pan adjustments for lights and sensors, and metal constructions. As always, the more features, the higher the price, but the investment will be worth it.
- Durability: All of our picks are waterproof, but you may want a light that’s truly built to last. The RuoKid Solar Street Light has an all-metal design and is made to take a beating. Look for weatherproof lights that will hold up through multiple seasons.
- Ease of installation: Compared to their wired counterparts, solar-powered flood lights are a breeze to install. Some require more assembly and mounting than others, so if you’re not on friendly terms with your toolbox, pick a solar flood light that requires little more than a screw to install.
Frequently Asked Questions: Solar Flood Lights
Do solar flood lights really work?
As long as they have consistent daylight for at least a few hours, solar flood lights work exceptionally well. They utilize the same sensor technology as their wired counterparts but require no wiring and have an overall simpler installation thanks to their built-in solar panels.
What is the brightest solar LED flood light?
TBI Pro Super-Bright Outdoor Solar Lights have an impressive 2,500-lumen output. These are some of the best solar flood lights if brightness is your top priority.
How long do solar-powered flood lights last?
As far as runtime, most solar flood lights provide uninterrupted lighting for 8 to 12 hours. Assuming a solar light has no defects and is installed and used as intended, a solar flood light battery will last 3 to 4 years before needing replacement. Other components of a solar flood light can last up to a decade or more.
What is the most powerful solar security light?
TBI Pro Super-Bright Outdoor Solar Lights are the most powerful solar LED security lights on our list.
Christian Yonkers is a writer, photographer, filmmaker, and outdoor junkie obsessed with the intersectionality between people and planet. He partners with brands and organizations with social and environmental impact at their core, assisting them in telling stories that change the world.
Patricia Marroquin / Moment / Getty Images
Solar umbrella lights use a solar panel to subtly capture photons during the day and power lights at night. They’re a great way to incorporate solar energy into your outdoor spaces, seamlessly combining shade, shelter, power and lighting into one practical package.
If you’re looking to upgrade your outdoor lighting and furniture, we’ll give you our recommendations for four of the best solar patio umbrellas on the market below.
Best Solar Umbrella Lights: Our Recommendations
- Best Overall: EliteShade Sunumbrella
- Best Extra-Wide Umbrella: Phi Villa Large Patio Umbrella With Solar Lights
- Best Deluxe Model: Purple Leaf Double-Top Solar Patio Umbrella
- Best Under $100: Blissun Solar Umbrella
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. Learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission.
Why Switch to a Patio Umbrella With Solar Lights?
There are so many reasons to replace your old umbrella with a solar umbrella light, not the least of which are that they offer unrivaled convenience and energy-efficient lighting. Additionally:
- Solar umbrellas don’t require a power source or extension cords, so you can put them practically anywhere.
- Solar umbrellas make use of empty umbrella space with energy-generating solar panels, saving you space and unsightly panels taking up valuable patio real estate.
- Solar lights are integrated into the umbrella, so there’s no need to hang a solar lantern or place a light on your patio table.
- Solar umbrella lights create a warm and inviting atmosphere and offer many lighting options to fit any occasion.
- LEDs are highly efficient and won’t shatter like glass bulbs, so they’re safer for outdoor spaces where kids and pets run around frequently.
- Umbrellas provide shade during the day, so it’s a multi-purpose investment.
Full Reviews of Our Top Picks
Best Overall: EliteShade Sunumbrella
EliteShade
The EliteShade Sunumbrella packs all the features of your favorite umbrella into a solar-gathering workhorse. EliteShade doubles the lighting power of most solar umbrellas with a bright hub light and 80 rib lights to cast all the brightness you need for your next gathering or relaxing night on the patio.
Key Features:
- 9-foot acrylic umbrella
- Fade-resistant for up to five years
- Stands up to water and oil
- Rust-proof aluminum frame
- Robust crank handle system for opening and closing
- Push-button tilt feature
- Vented canopy
- LED lights have up to a 5-hour runtime on full charge
- Only comes in one color
- Umbrella base is not included
Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars with over 1,300 Amazon ratings
Standout Review: “Prior to this purchase, we were unable to make good use of our backyard kitchen area. It now gets a lot of use! And we have received many comments from guests about how the lighting is perfect – not too bright but bright enough to eat, drink and have conversation. We would definitely purchase all over again.” — Lisa via Amazon
Why Buy: With double the lighting of other units and robust features you’d expect in an umbrella, the EliteShade Sunumbrella is well-deserving of its place at the top of our list of the best solar umbrella lights.
Best Extra-Wide Umbrella: Phi Villa Large Patio Umbrella With Solar Lights
Phi Villa
This spacious 15-foot solar umbrella is large enough to shade an entire table or several patio chairs for fun under the sun or under the stars. When the sun goes down, 36 bright LED lights keep the party going. What’s more, the Phi Villa large solar umbrella light comes with a metal-framed base (you’ll need to fill included bags with sand).
Key Features:
- 15-foot umbrella
- Double-sided vented canopy
- Water-resistant
- Sturdy, rust-resistant steel frame
- Available in beige, dark red and navy blue
- Includes umbrella base
Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars with over 200 Amazon ratings
Standout Review: “It’s huge, provides a lot of shade and makes our deck look beautiful. We love the solar-powered lights and the switch on the pole that turns them on. They work beautifully! I thought we might have to install the lights, but all you have to do is attach the three solar panels at the top, which is a breeze.” — SMcQuilkin via Amazon
Why Buy: Living large under the sun and stars is easy with this extra-large solar umbrella light. It’s the perfect patio umbrella with solar lights, ideal for large tables, patio chairs and more. Ample lighting options, an included base stand and multiple color options make the Phi Villa deserving of a spot on your patio.
Best Deluxe Model: Purple Leaf Double-Top Solar Patio Umbrella
Purple Leaf
There’s nothing quite like this umbrella in terms of features, design, and quality. The Purple Leaf Double-Top stands out because it’s square, hanging, and tantalizingly elegant. The double canopy hangs from a unique cantilever arm and offers multiple height and angle configurations and 360-degree rotation for effortless shade adjustment. LED tube lights run down the length of each rib for even lighting. The price is steep, but you get way more than you pay for, in our opinion.
Key Features:
- 9-foot umbrella (also available in 10-foot and 11-foot sizes)
- 6 height and angle configurations
- 360-degree rotation
- Solar battery can also be charged rapidly via USB cord
- Available in beige, black, brick red, grey, navy blue and terra
- Umbrella base is not included
Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars with over 200 Amazon ratings
Standout Review: “If you’re hesitant to purchase because of the price, but yet you’re torn because you need a good, quality umbrella… just get it. I went round and round before purchasing, but I’m so happy we made the investment.” — Crystal Taylor via Amazon
Why Buy: An ultra-adaptable design and elegant geometric features make this a distinguished piece that is as much a statement as it is practical. Six height and angle adjustments and 360-degree rotation are possible thanks to the hanging cantilever, and quality design and materials mean peace of mind throughout years of use.
Best Under 0: Blissun Solar Umbrella
Blissun
The price isn’t reflective of the features and quality of the Blissun Solar Umbrella. You’ll forget you paid under 0 for this patio umbrella light, which offers 32 LED solar lights that provide a warm white ambiance. It holds up after seasons of outdoor use and has a tilt feature so you can angle your shade however you like.
Key Features:
- 9-foot umbrella
- Adjustable angles
- Water- and sun-resistant canopy
- Robust steel umbrella pole
- Requires 6-7 hours of full sun to charge
- Lights run 8 hours on a full charge
- Comes in multiple colors and pattern designs
- Umbrella base is not included
Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars with about 10,000 Amazon ratings
Standout Review: “We purchased a heavy base knowing how windy it can get on a daily basis, and with that, we have had no problems. We just roll it down when the wind gusts are over 20 mph. We are pleased with our purchase and definitely feel that it was worth the money.” — Huntington via Amazon
Why Buy: The Blissun Solar Umbrella comes with everything you’d expect in an outdoor patio umbrella with solar-powered LED bulbs, but its price is way below most competitors. For the cost, features and glowing reviews of happy customers, you can’t go wrong with this unit, especially if you’re just starting out with solar umbrella lights or have to respect a budget.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Solar Umbrella
All solar umbrellas combine conventional umbrella design with the added benefit of solar LED lighting. But not all are created equal. It’s a good idea to consider the following criteria when choosing the best solar umbrella:
- Design: Make sure canopy shape, metal finish, and fabric design/color match your aesthetic.
- Features: Besides casting shade and lighting up the night, consider other options for your solar umbrella. Common features you should expect are mold and fade resistance, ventilation flaps, high-quality materials and crank opening/closing. Other features you may want are tilt, multiple brightness modes, a dual-layered canopy and a remote control. More features usually mean a higher price, but it’s typically worth it.
- Size: Choose an umbrella that provides shade and lighting to adequately meet your space requirements. Common LED patio umbrella diameters are 9, 10, 11 and 15 feet.
- Lighting duration: How long do you need your lights to stay on? If you regularly party late into the night or enjoy the added ambiance/security of all-night lighting under your umbrella, choose a model with an eight- to nine-hour run time. More LEDs usually means lights out earlier.
- Charge time: Most people will likely have plenty of sunlight to fully charge their solar umbrella lights, but if you only have a few hours of daylight to spare, the umbrella will provide marginal lighting benefits at night. If daylight is scarce where you live or the top of the umbrella will be shaded, buy a model with a rapid charging time or plug-in charging capability.
- Durability: Umbrellas are all designed to withstand at least some long-term exposure to the elements. If your umbrella will be seeing long days and nights of use, purchase one with a fade- and mildew-resistant canopy, air vent flaps and aluminum ribs and poles. As a general practice, it’s recommended to close your umbrella when not in use.
Frequently Asked Questions: Solar Umbrella Lights
Can you add solar lights to a patio umbrella?
You can’t add additional LEDs to a solar umbrella’s wiring harness, but there’s nothing keeping you from adding additional lighting to a standard patio umbrella with solar string lights or solar lanterns.
How do solar lights work on an umbrella?
A solar umbrella features integrated LEDs along the ribs to cast light beneath the canopy. A solar panel atop the umbrella receives sunlight during the day, converting photons into electrons that are stored in a battery to power the lights when the sun goes down.
What does a solar umbrella do?
A solar umbrella provides everything a standard patio umbrella does, plus clean, renewable lighting thanks to an integrated solar panel and LEDs.
Can a solar umbrella get wet?
Solar lighted patio umbrellas are water-resistant but shouldn’t be exposed to regular deluges. What’s more, the LEDs shouldn’t be submerged or drenched for a significant amount of time. When not in use, be sure to close your solar umbrella to protect it from rain and wind.
Do solar umbrellas need batteries?
Yes. Solar panels store their electricity in batteries for use later in the evening. All of the solar umbrellas we’ve recommended come with batteries, and some of them are removable, allowing for plug-in charging and replacement.
Christian Yonkers is a writer, photographer, filmmaker, and outdoor junkie obsessed with the intersectionality between people and planet. He partners with brands and organizations with social and environmental impact at their core, assisting them in telling stories that change the world.
