5 brilliant outdoor solar lights you need to illuminate your yard

With these outdoor solar lights, your backyard will look inviting all evening long

Outdoor solar lights: Image of three different outdoor solar lights
(Image credit: Future)

These outdoor solar lights give you the ambiance you need for hosting magical yard parties, or for simply extending the amount of time you can spend in your outdoor space at night. These lights give you the kind of glow that will make your backyard look so inviting at nighttime, and with these lights being powered by the sun, they're also a sustainable choice. 

Everyone has a different opinion on what kind of color is best for solar lights, from a warm white to a yellowy gold, and we've pulled together a range of options so that you can make that decision for yourself. You'll also need to look out for the dimensions and run time of these lights, so they're suited to what you want them for. After all, it's no good if your lights give up on your halfway through your alfresco dinner party. 

As one option for the best outdoor lights, solar designs offer the best of both worlds – they're both stylish and practical at the same time.


5 outdoor solar lights for a wow effect

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Best solar lights: Image of Brightech lights

(Image credit: Brightech)

1. Brightech Ambience Pro Waterproof LED Outdoor String Lights

These outdoor solar lights are perfect for creating ambiance in your garden

Specifications

Length: 48ft
Battery included?: No
Bulb colour: Soft white

Reasons to buy

+
A classic design 
+
Perfect for creating a canopy
+
Waterproof

Reasons to avoid

-
High replacement bulb cost 

Create the perfect idyllic setting in your own backyard with these powerful, weatherproof solar lights that are perfect for creating a canopy to get cozy under. Packed with great features, from the classic Edison design to the fact that they are 48ft long, you won't find better string lights for your outdoor space. 

On a practical note, these lights are weatherproof and can withstand winds of 50 miles per hour. The cord that holds them together is helpfully made from rubber and is flexible enough for hanging across a pergola or from the sides of your garden. 

There's a three-year warranty to help you with peace of mind with these lights too, and thousands of five-star reviews to support their design. With these hanging from your space, you're sure to notice a shift in the atmosphere.

Best solar lights: Image of ROSHWEY solar lights

(Image credit: ROSHWEY)

2. ROSHWEY Solar Lantern

Integrate these wonderful solar orbs in your outdoor space

Specifications

Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 5.3 inches
Battery included?: No
Bulb colour: Yellowy

Reasons to buy

+
Adds a touch of elegance
+
Round and gorgeous design
+
Can be hung from above or displayed on surfaces

Reasons to avoid

-
Batteries required

These solar lanterns are such a versatile choice when it comes to illuminating your garden, with the choice to hang them over your outdoor table, within trees, or add them to your patio or porch. They have a lovely design, with a rope band that gives them a rustic feel. The glass jar exterior also looks expensive and would compliment a string of smaller lights perfectly. 

There's no assembly required with these lanterns, so you can set them around your garden for an instant boost. The glass design also makes them sturdier than you might assume. If you're hosting an event in your garden soon, we think that these lanterns are an essential finishing touch.

Outdoor solar lights: Image of HCMTIY light

(Image credit: HMCITY)

3. HMCITY Motion Sensor Solar Light

An outdoor solar light with an added sense of security

Specifications

Dimensions: ‎6.1 x 4.02 x 3.11 inches
Battery included?: Yes
Bulb colour: White light LED

Reasons to buy

+
3 different modes
+
Affordable
+
Help with security 

Reasons to avoid

-
Motion sensor could be more advanced

This practical wall light is an affordable way to integrate an element of security into your backyard. With an in-built motion sensor, this light also has three modes: a security mode, a permanent on all-night light and a smart brightness mode, which detects movement. It's a wide wall light, giving plenty of coverage into your garden where you need it, and is bound to help you if you need to venture out in the dark. 

It's great that there is a battery included with this pick, and that the solar panel on the light can charge a little faster than other similar lights. This is a more affordable option, so the motion sensor might not be the most advanced, but for the price, we think that it's very reasonable.

Best solar lights: Image of rattanfloor light

(Image credit: Amazon)

4. Grand Patio Outdoor Solar Powered Resin Wicker Floor Lamp

The perfect outdoor solar light for decorative purposes

Specifications

Dimensions: ‎8.3 x 8.3 x 30.7 inches
Battery included?: Yes
Bulb colour: White

Reasons to buy

+
Blends with outdoor furniture 
+
Statement feature

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the most light emitting on this list

Find the perfect accompaniment to your garden furniture with this wicker floor light, which is bound to match your outdoor set-up. Easy to assemble and requiring little maintenance, it really couldn't be easier to add this to your backyard. 

Though it looks very pretty, it's nice to know that this floor lamp is also durable in design, with the solar panel case made out of premium materials. You don't need to worry about carrying this light inside when there's adverse weather either, as it is waterproof and dustproof and can even stay strong during a snow storm. 

Best solar lights: Image of LED Path light

(Image credit: Mainstays)

5. Mainstays Classic Column Solar Powered LED Path Light

Light up the way with these excellent little outdoor solar lights

Specifications

Dimensions: 1.85 x 1.85 x 12.87 inches
Battery included?: Yes (rechargable)
Bulb colour: Warm, yellowy glow

Reasons to buy

+
Help to carve out spaces
+
Prevents trips and falls
+
Simple and effective 

Reasons to avoid

-
Small in size 

Creating sections of your garden is essential for pulling your design plans together, so that you have designated areas for growing, relaxing, or socializing. One extremely easy way to carve out different sections is using solar lights for walkways and garden path lighting. Plus, it's an easy way to make your garden more accessible, and keep footprints from disturbing your pristine lawn.  

These lights are the perfect pick for just that job and has a stake design so that you can place them easily into the ground. The batteries within these lights are rechargeable and can withstand nasty weather conditions too. Essential for evenings spent in your background, we recommend you pick up lots of these lights to make your garden easy to move around.


Browse more outdoor solar lights...

More outdoor solar lights are never a bad idea, especially when it comes to adding outdoor lighting ideas to your backyard. 

If you want more time to browse for suitable lights for your garden, check out our recommended retailers for picking up suitable solar products. 

Molly Cleary
Ecommerce Writer

Molly is the Ecommerce Writer for Gardeningetc and spends her time searching the internet for the next best thing for your garden. When she's not writing, she would most like to be swimming in the nearest sea/ocean or getting through her neverending pile of novels. She's a huge fan of houseplants and loves identifying new plants and trees on walks too.