Soak up the power of the sun with solar lights. Whether you need lighting for your driveway, pathways, or want to create ambiance on the patio, solar lights are the way to go. Our favorite options range from safety lighting to decorative bulbs for the garden. But really, it's hard to go wrong with any of the options we've collected. If you're not sure which solar lights work and look best at your home, read on to check out our thoughts on them all.
Hmcity solar lights
Ideal wall lighting for driveways or patios
This wide-angle design floods any area with illumination.
Pros:
- Built-in reflectors
- 120 LEDs
- Weather-resistant
- Motion sensor
Cons:
- Could be larger
- Inconsistent lifespan
Paying for the electricity to light your driveway or front porch at night is silly when solar lights like these exist. Mount them above your garage door, so they will turn on as you pull in to park. You could also mount them in your backyard, so you have light for grilling when the sun goes down. Each light is comprised of 120 LEDs and offers wide-angle illumination.
Brightech solar-powered outdoor string lights
Gathers charge in under 10 hours
The vintage bulbs shapes brighten your space and charge in the sun.
Pros:
- Twelve bulbs per strand
- Charge in 6 hours
- 27 feet long
Cons:
- A little dim
- Inconsistent charging
Do you dine outdoors at night during the week and weekend? Being able to see the food on your plate and the faces of family and friends is vital to a good mealtime experience. String these lights up on your patio, and you'll be able to see it all. We especially love the vintage style of the bulbs, each lighting with a warm white glow. They'll add a comfortable ambiance wherever you place them.
Brightown solar-powered fairy lights
Tiny bright spots that fit anywhere
A lightweight option for creating stunning displays in the garden.
Pros:
- Eight lighting modes
- 3.2-by-3.2-inch solar panel
- 100 lights
Cons:
- Fragile
- Can tangle easily
Want to bring a whimsical appearance to your garden or flowerbeds? These fairy lights are the perfect accessory to make that happen. Each tiny LED is connected to a super-thin wire, allowing you to sculpt the lights into whatever shape you desire. They're lightweight enough to sit on delicate plants without harming them or sacrificing their brightness.
BEAU JARDIN 8-pack solar lights
Small lanterns for walkways
Each lantern anchors into the earth for easy install.
Pros:
- 10-lumen LEDs
- IP65 waterproof rating
- 8 to 12-hour run time
Cons:
- Some may be dimmer than others
- Shorter lifespan
When you park your car at home, there's no need to precariously trek through your yard or walkways. Instead, you can watch your step by lighting up small sidewalks or stepping stones around your home with these lights. The mottled glass enclosures around the bulbs make interesting patterns with the beams on the walkway and help disperse it farther. Plus, they come in a multipack, so you don't have to space them too far apart.
KOOPER solar garden lights
Uniquely shaped bulb enclosures
Light up your flora without adding any eyesores.
Pros:
- Automatic turn-on
- Adjustable leaves
- Fantasy feel
Cons:
- Inconsistent run times
- A bit flimsy
These lights are shaped like colorful flowers, including green leaves, and will look at home in your yard. They're ideal if you want to light up your current flowers to better see them when relaxing outside at night. You may also like them for lawns and gardens that fail to grow plants. These flower lights won't need any water, and they run off energy collected from the sun, meaning there is no maintenance. We've found they look best in areas where there is a water source to reflect the lights, like a small fishpond or birdbath.
Brightown crystal globe lights
Beautiful bulbs for hanging
Make any outdoor space feel cozy at night with these spherical lights.
Pros:
- 60 bulbs
- Day and night sensor
- 800mAh battery
Cons:
- Dim over time
- Small globes
We love a string of globe lights above outdoor seating, especially lounge furniture. With a warm glow, they won't distract from starry skies above but will still illuminate the area enough to walk around safely. This particular 60-bulb collection is relatively durable, meaning it can withstand the elements—ideal for outdoor lights. The cable is about 35-feet long, so depending on your setup, you may not need an extension cord.
Choosing solar lights for your home
We love how you can convert daylight into energy for other lights at night. If we had to pick one solar light option, we'd spring for the Hmcity solar lights. They are incredibly versatile and easy to add to any spot on the outside of your home. The light is actually a grouping of 120 LEDs, offering maximum brightness. Essentially, they can work on their own to provide the light you need.
However, if you want to add a bit of personality to your outdoor seating areas, consider the Brightech solar-powered outdoor string lights. Their design is timeless, and the soft white light is the perfect amount for al fresco dining. Plus, their 20,000-hour lifespan is pretty impressive.
If both of these lighting choices aren't enough, we'd be remiss if we didn't also mention the KOOPER solar garden lights. These things are so cute, how can you resist snatching them up for your garden? We love the bright colors and pop of personality they offer, and we think you will, too.
Why trust us?
At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.
