Solar lights offer eco-friendly garden lighting, harnessing daylight through solar panels to charge and illuminate your space at night. Cost-effective and easy to install, these lights save on electricity and batteries. They serve both decorative and practical purposes, enhancing ambiance and providing security or path lighting. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best solar-powered garden lights.
Best Solar-Powered Garden Lights
Solar garden lights are available in various colors and designs to enhance your outdoor area. You can pick stake lights for borders, string lights for the fence, or a charming lantern for the table. In addition to creating a pleasant atmosphere for entertaining, some designs serve a practical purpose by enhancing the security around your home. Check out the best solar-powered garden lights listed below:
| Product Name | Unique Feature | Battery Type | Price (approx.) | Our Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geemoo 6-Pack Solar Flickering Dancing Flame Lights | Flickering flame effect | Li-ion | $29.99 | 4.7 |
| Home Zone Security Solar Wall Lanterns | Decorative design with aluminum/glass | Solar-powered | $44.99 | 4.6 |
| Brightech Ambiance Pro Solar String Lights | Vintage Edison-style bulb | AA battery | $64 | 4.6 |
| Solar String Lights 200 White PowerBee Endurance | 8 Operation modes with white LEDs | Lithium Ion | $76.07 | 4.5 |
| Habitat Neon Effect Bulb Solar String Lights | Neon effect bulbs | Rechargeable | $21.33 | 4.4 |
Now, take a look at the lights in detail:
1. Geemoo 6-Pack Solar Flickering Dancing Flame Lights
Geemoo 6-Pack Solar Flickering Dancing Flame Lights have a warm, flickering glow, resembling candlelight. When fully exposed to the sun, they can light up for up to 10 hours in summer. Easy to assemble and reasonably priced in a pack of six, despite their basic black plastic waterproof frames, they are ideal for illuminating garden paths and accentuating flower borders. Priced at about $29.99, these lights get an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Features:
- Stands at 52cm in height.
- Equipped with a 2V, 50 mA solar panel.
- Features a 1.2V, 300 mAh Li-ion battery.
- Solar charging time of 8-10 hours.
- Offers a lifespan of 50,000 hours.
- Turns on at dusk and off at dawn.
- IP65 waterproof, suitable for outdoor use in all weather conditions.
- No wiring is required.
Also See: 20+ Most Powerful Highest Watt Solar Panels
2. Home Zone Security Solar Wall Lanterns
Illuminate your outdoor space effortlessly with Home Zone Security Solar Wall Lanterns. Powered by the sun through built-in crystalline solar panels, these long-lasting LED lights provide both efficiency and eco-friendliness. The fixtures are not only functional but also durable, thanks to their high-quality aluminum and glass construction.
Designed with decorative casing, these modern outdoor solar wall lights for the backyard add a touch of beauty to your surroundings, creating accent lighting that enhances the charm of your home.
On their official site, their price is listed at about $44.99 and they have an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5.
Features:
- Mount anywhere effortlessly using provided brackets and screws.
- No wiring is needed.
- Unique hanging design enables lanterns to function as portable lights.
- Dusk to dawn sensor keeps the light off during the day for charging.
- Tested and approved for outdoor weather resistance.
- Backed by a 1-year no-hassle product warranty.
3. Brightech Ambiance Pro Solar String Lights
Brightech Ambiance Pro Solar String Lights are vintage Edison-style solar-powered garden lights emit a warm, nostalgic glow. They’re designed to endure the elements, so no need to worry about rain. Opt for these solar-powered outdoor string lights to bring a unique and sustainable touch to any outdoor area.
On the official site, their price is listed at around $64. Overall rating, they deserve a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5.
Features:
- 2 AA batteries required.
- Has a total length of 27 feet
- Comes with 12 sockets, spaced 20 feet apart.
- Its power source is a one-watt solar panel for outdoor use.
4. Solar String Lights 200 White PowerBee Endurance
The Solar String Lights 200 White PowerBee Endurance adds a touch of magic and elegance to gardens, house fascias, parties, or large shrubs throughout the year. These white LEDs are effortlessly installed with no need for mains wiring. They recharge using solar power during the day and automatically illuminate for up to 12 hours at night when fully charged, sensing darkness as it falls.
These bright solar garden lights are priced at about $76.07 (£59.99) and get an average rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Features:
- Available in white and warm white colors.
- Powerful 2.8-watt amorphous solar panel
- Lithium Ion 3.7V, 2000mAh battery.
- 8 Operation modes
- Lighting time is 8-12 hrs in Summer and 3-10 hours in winter.
- Automatically switch on and off at dusk/dawn
- 6 Months as standard guarantee(string damage is not covered by warranty).
5. Habitat Neon Effect Bulb Solar String Lights
You can enhance your outdoor atmosphere with the Habitat Neon Effect Bulb Solar String Lights and bring a nostalgic vibe to your garden. These lights are to be set up with no complex wiring and are both practical as well as enjoyable. The set comes with 10 multicolored LEDs, offering up to 6 hours of solar-powered battery life. Plus, they feature a simple on/off switch for added convenience.
On its official site, its price is listed at around $21.33 (£16.75). It gets a 4.4 out of 5 stars on overall aspects.
Features:
- Automatically activates at dusk.
- Needs 8 hours of sunlight for a complete battery charge.
- Includes 1 rechargeable battery.
- The total length is 3.8m, with a 2m cable to the first bulb, 1.8m lit length, and 20cm spacing between bulbs.
- Each light measures H 10.5cm, W 6cm, D 6cm.
- Designed for outdoor use.
- Comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
Also Read: How to Choose Best Solar Powered Security Lights?
6. Solar Samba Table Light
The Samba table lamp is perfect for your garden or side table. Made of metal, it features one warm white LED. The punched-out leaf motif creates a beautiful light effect on the table, making your time in the garden or on the balcony more enjoyable, especially during long warm summer evenings.
Its price is around $40.73 (£31.99) and it has an overall rating of 4 out of 5.
Features:
- Material is a combination of metal and plastic.
- color options available are copper and black.
- Uses Softtone LED.
- Burning time of the light is 6 hours.
- Equipped with an on/off switch for easy control.
- IP-class rating is 44.
- Operates on NiMH batteries.
- Required battery size is AA.
- Battery has a capacity of 300 mAh.
- Battery voltage is 1.2V.
7. Three-Pack Outdoor Luxe Path Lights
Three-Pack Outdoor Luxe Path Lights are connected by a two-meter cable to the solar panel. While their bright white branches may not be the most attractive during the day, they emit a powerful warm white glow at night, providing illumination for an extended period.
They are priced at around $7.64 (£6.00) and get an overall rating of 4 out of 5.
Features:
- Height of the item is around 76 cm.
- Battery type is a power pack.
- The item is pre-lit.
- Bulb color is warm white.
- Composition is of mixed material.
8. Argos Home 200 Warm White LED Solar String Lights
Ideal for extending your summer nights, these Argos Home 200 Warm White LED Solar String Lights are a fantastic garden addition. Simply choose a sunny spot to hang them, and they’ll illuminate when it gets dark. With 200 bulbs, they emit a warm white light, maximizing your enjoyment of the warmer weather. The lights have a convenient on/off switch and automatically turn on at dusk.
They are priced at around $25.46 (£20.00) and have an overall rating of about 4 out of 5.
Features:
- Needs 6 hours of direct sunlight for a full battery charge.
- Recharges the battery through the solar panel.
- Requires 1 x AA battery, included in the package.
- Equipped with 200 x LED bulbs, also included.
- Total length is 21.9m, with a cable length to the first bulb of 2m
- Emits warm white light.
- Suitable for outdoor use with a 44 IP rating.
- Operates at 1.2 voltage.
- Comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
9. LUMABASE Solar Silver Lantern
Powered by the sun, this timeless LUMABASE Solar Silver Lantern enhances your outdoor decor with a warm glow from dusk until dawn. The flickering amber LED candle provides a charming illumination. Place the lantern anywhere outdoors without the need for extension cords. Ensure the lantern is in a sunny spot daily to charge the panel for nighttime lighting. With its handle, you can hang this lantern from a shepherd’s hook and showcase it along a walkway.
Its price is around $31.99 and overall it gets a rating of 3.7 out of 5.
Features:
- Available in black and silver color.
- Constructed with plastic and glass panels.
- Provides 6-7 hours of light.
- Solar-powered for charging.
- Dimensions are 5.5″ x 5.5″ x 11″.
- Designed to be weather-resistant.
10. 4lite Solar LED Bollard Light
4lite Solar LED Bollard Light is made of aluminum and is ideal for paths and lawns, providing an additional layer of security for your home. It has a maximum sensing distance of 10 meters and emits a very bright and cool white light. While it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing solar light, it is undoubtedly the most practical.
It is priced at about $97.41 (£76.57) and on all the overall aspects, it also gets a rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Features:
- A rotatable head design that can swing ± 90°, allowing for a varied range of installation options.
- Durable graphite textured powder coat paint finish for enhanced durability.
- PIR motion sensor that has two modes. Mode 1: 15% output after sunset, motion detected 100% output, no motion 15% for 20 hours. Mode 2: Motion detected 100% output, no motion off.
- LED lifespan of L70 36,000 hours.
- Comes with an IP54 rating.
- Brightness of 230 Lumens.
Also See: How Do Solar Lights Turn On At Night?
11. Smoked Solar Festoon Classic Lights
Elevate your outdoor seating areas with the Smoked Solar Festoon Classic Lights, providing a cozy atmosphere. The LED bulbs emit a warm white glow, and the festoons come with a solar panel, eliminating the need for outdoor plugs.
You can select from two sizes—10 or 20 bulbs—and effortlessly hang them using the provided hooks above each bulb. These lights are ideal for adding charm to your garden, patio, or balcony.
They are priced at around $49.65 (£39.00) and on all the overall aspects, they get a rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Features:
- Weight is around 0.97 kg.
- Weatherproof bulbs and wire.
- Rated IP44 for outdoor use.
- Class 3 Construction.
- Each bulb has 5 copper LEDs inside (non-replaceable).
- One dead LED will not affect the others.
- Not dimmable.
- Lighting lasts for 6 hours on intermittent mode when fully charged.
- Lifespan is around 5,000 hours.
12. Elan Solar Dandelion Lights
Effortlessly enhance your outdoor space with our beautiful Elan Solar Dandelion Lights. The set includes 30 warm white Dandelions spaced 30cm apart, ideal for decorating garden fences, pergolas, or seating areas. Featuring an automated dusk-till-dawn sensor and two lighting modes, these lights are priced at about $ 25.43 (£19.99). For all overall aspects, these lights get a rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Features:
- Includes a rechargeable AA battery.
- Offers up to 10 hours of run time on a full charge.
- Comes with steady on and flashing modes.
- Standard 12-month warranty included.
13. Alvares Bottle Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights
Elevate the ambiance of your garden with Alvares solar string lights, bringing a warm and inviting glow to your outdoor space. These lights are designed to withstand splashes and feature a total cable length of 3m, with an additional 7.5m to suit various setups. Powered by solar energy, these lights eliminate the need for a mains connection and can operate for up to 8 hours, depending on the availability of sunlight. With their water-resistant design, Alvares solar string lights are a stylish and practical choice to enhance your outdoor decor.
These lights are priced at around $17.81 (£14) and overall have a rating of 4.5/5.
Features:
- Automatically lights up at night.
- Waterproof with a high IP rating for weather resistance.
- Uses AA batteries.
- Bulbs are included and spaced 500mm apart.
- Non-dimmable.
- 8-hour lifespan.
- Power output of 0.04W.
- Operates at a power voltage supply of 1.2V.
- Weighs 350g.
14. 100 LED Solar Outdoor Lights Power
The NESENNI 100 LED solar spotlight is among the best solar lights for shaded areas. It has a 3.5W solar panel on top that quickly charges. It automatically absorbs solar energy during the day and shares it with two 40 LED non-solar lights using 9.8ft cables at night or in darkness. You don’t need to plug them in. You can put the non-solar lights anywhere, even in shaded areas. Only the big solar light needs to be charged under sunlight, making it easy and convenient. Overall, it receives a rating of 4.5.
Features:
- 3 modes to illuminate the connected non-solar lights in Strong, Medium, or Low light modes for varied brightness levels
- Adaptable Installation Methods.
- 360° Illumination with Auto On/Off.
- Supports solar or USB charging for flexibility in various weather conditions.
- Featuring IP68 super waterproofing.
- Receiving power through non-detachable 3M cables.
15. Solar Urbane Black Lantern
Solar urbane black lantern is one of the best solar lights for shaded areas. You can just leave it to charge while turned off. It’s an excellent option for gardens without a south-facing direction. Place it in the sunniest spot during the day for charging, then move it to a shady corner for a warm glow at dusk. Despite its metal-like appearance, it’s made of plastic, preventing rust and making it light enough to hang on trees and shrubs with thinner branches.
On various commercial sites, its price is quoted at around $25.32 (£20). On all overall aspects, it gets a rating of 4.4 out of 5.
Features:
- Automatically illuminates at dusk.
- Can be used as either a table top or hanging lantern.
- Features warm white LED lighting.
- No assembly required.
- A rechargeable battery.
- Battery type is Ni-Mh.
- The lantern dimensions are 18cm in depth, 18cm in diameter, and 36cm in height.
- IP44 rating for water resistance.
- The lantern is rechargeable and weatherproof.
Also Read: Do Solar Lights Charge on Cloudy Days?
16. LEREKAM Solar Spot Lights
Experience a nightly light display with LEREKAM Solar Spot Lights that automatically illuminate when it gets dark. These lights enhance the beauty of your trees and illuminate your landscaping effectively. Featuring 40 bright LEDs with a wider 360° lighting angle, a 120° adjustable solar panel, and a longer working time with a rechargeable battery, LEREKAM solar landscape lights offer durability and efficient lighting.
These modern outdoor solar wall lights for the backyard are priced at about $29.99 and they garner an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5.
Features:
- Offer high, medium, and low light modes with varying durations (8-15-25hrs).
- Support both solar power and USB charging.
- Can be installed in the ground with stakes or mounted on the wall using the included screws.
- IP65 waterproof design.
- 1000 Lumen brightness.
17. SOLARBABY Solar Flowers
Revive your dry flowerbeds with a pop of color using SOLARBABY Solar Flower lights. They resemble real flowers by day and transform into a captivating color-changing light show at night. These outdoor solar flower lights feature larger lily flowers made of processed fabric, providing a vivid and high-quality appearance. The garden lights automatically illuminate your garden and pathway in the dark. With 7-color changing capabilities, they create a romantic atmosphere for any occasion. They make for a perfect decoration in your garden, patio, pathway, or yard.
They are priced at around $35.64 (£27.99) and have an overall rating of 4 out of 5.
Features:
- Equipped with a monocrystalline silicon panel, providing 21% higher photoelectric conversion efficiency than polycrystalline silicon panels.
- A built-in 1.2V/600mAh Ni-MH AA battery.
- The stems and leaves of the solar flower lights are supported by iron wire, offering ultra flexibility and durability.
- You have the freedom to bend the stems and leaves into various angles and styles
- Featuring IP55 Waterproof technology
- The product dimensions are 44 x 9 x 9 cm and the weight is around 356 grams.
- A color temperature of 1000 Kelvin.
18. Solar Helsinki Lantern
Solar Helsinki Lantern are sophisticated black lantern works well on a tabletop or for use on a patio, or next to a flowerbed. Its legs are sturdy, and its run time of up to 6 hours didn’t disappoint.
It is priced at about $38.18 (£30) and overall, it deserves a rating of 4 out of 5.
Features:
- Includes batteries.
- Has an 8-hour charge time.
- Equipped with an on/off switch.
- Its height is around 31.5cm.
- Its diameter is about 19cm.
19. Solar Silver effect Starburst Solar-powered LED Outdoor Stake Light
Brighten up your outdoor area with the playful Starburst solar-powered stake light, a unique addition to your space. The range also includes a matching outdoor pendant light and string lights for a cohesive look. This stake light comes with a rechargeable battery, automatically lighting up at night and charging in direct sunlight during the day. With 120 warm white LEDs, these stylish starburst lights are ideal for decorating your exterior, bringing a festive ambiance to parties, and illuminating your outdoor spaces with flair. Its cost is around $20.38 (£16) and it has an overall rating of 4 out of 5.
Features:
- Battery used is AA (HR6).
- Battery run time is 6 hours.
- non-dimmable.
- Material of the product is metal and plastic.
- Power voltage supply is 1.2V.
- Product dimensions are 60mm (Depth) x 840mm (Height) x 105mm (Width).
Also See: 15+Types of Landscape Lighting
20. ShapeLights Indoor & Outdoor USB Solar Powered Mood Light Pebble
Enhance the appeal of any indoor or outdoor area with these impressive color-changing mood lights. Shapelights offer flexibility, serving as portable lights with USB rechargeable batteries, solar-powered lights, or mains-powered lights. This provides you with the freedom to place them anywhere in your home or garden. Choose your favorite color or let your Shapelight gently cycle through different colors for a captivating effect. The light is priced at around $50.91 (£39.99) and has an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5.
Features:
- Light transitions through red, green, blue, purple, pink, and light blue.
- A 1.5m USB charging cable is included.
- Have IP67 waterproofing for outdoor use.
- Uses a high-quality replaceable 18650 lithium-ion battery, supplied and installed.
- Operate at low voltage, ensuring safety for year-round use indoors or outdoors.
- Installation is simple with no wiring required.
- A stake mount is provided for lawns, flowerbeds, and planters.
- A full 1-year guarantee as standard.
After learning about these bright solar-powered garden lights, let’s look at the design ideas and factors to consider when choosing them.
Backyard Solar Lighting Ideas
When it comes to garden lighting, solar lights are the top choice. They have no operating costs and are easy to install. Plus, there are various styles available. You can create a festive atmosphere with warm white festoon lighting or use fairy or lantern-style solar lights. You can also opt for solar globes, tea lights and dual-purpose options like solar jar lights for a rustic design. In these ways, solar lights bring both functionality and charm to your outdoor area.
For a better understanding, you can check out – Solar Pathway and Garden Lights Buying Guide: 35 Best Design Ideas
Factors to Consider While Choosing Garden Lights
Consider these factors when choosing a solar-powered garden light:
- Solar panel size: Larger panels generally provide brighter and longer-lasting lights, but ensure they match your desired lighting effect and run time.
- Cable length: For string and fairy lights, look for at least a meter of cable between the solar panel and the first bulb for flexibility in placement.
- Brightness: Lumens measure brightness, with atmospheric lights around 5-10 lumens and practical spotlights at 100-200 lumens.
- Lighting modes: Dimming, glowing, and twinkling modes enhance ambiance and extend light lifetime. Some lights have a power-saving mode for longer runtimes in adverse conditions.
- Motion sensors: Relevant for spotlights, motion sensors activate lights when motion is detected, extending their lifetime and working well in all seasons.
- On-off switch: A useful feature for turning off lights when needed, ensuring consideration for neighbors and protecting local wildlife.
- Weather resistance: Check for an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of 44 and above to ensure lights are weather-resistant and can withstand dust and water exposure.
In conclusion, when choosing solar-powered garden lights, consider factors such as solar panel size, cable length, brightness, lighting modes, and weather resistance. This ensures durability in various conditions.
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