Outdoor solar lights are not only a convenient option when outlets aren’t available, but they also help us live more sustainably and could save us money. Outdoor lighting systems use solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity, which is then stored in batteries for nighttime use. Ideally, outdoor solar lights should be placed in areas where they can receive full sunlight for about eight hours a day.
This may be easy for those living in sunny Southern California, but others with less favorable conditions (looking at you, Seattle) should consider consulting a solar- or landscape-lighting professional for optimal positioning. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, outdoor solar lighting works well in most parts of the country. However, it will only work as long as the solar cells obtain the amount of sunlight recommended by the manufacturer. Outdoor solar lights that receive less light than needed will have a more limited window of operation at night. Run times can also vary depending on how clear the sky is on a given day. Outdoor solar lights can also be less effective in the winter months if they haven’t been sized for winter operation, varying by as much as 30 to 50 percent.
While outdoor solar lights of the past may have appeared less attractive to the eye, you no longer have to sacrifice beauty for functionality with today's cutting-edge iterations. Below, you’ll find our top picks for best outdoor solar lights for your yard, outdoor bar, garden pathway, or patio.
Add a warm glow to your summer cocktail parties on the veranda with the help of these lace lanterns. Their innovative solar technology allows for these stunners to provide up to seven hours of light after a full day in the sun.
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Sean Lavin for Circa Lighting Strut Outdoor Path Light
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Sean Lavin for Circa Lighting Strut Outdoor Path Light
The clean lines and minimalist details of this pathway light by Sean Lavin help it blend into the background, allowing for your manicured landscape and thriving garden to shine.
These solar-powered, stainless steel pathway lights are a cinch to install. Simply remove the isolator tab and push the stake into the soil. The weatherproof lights, which are designed to withstand sunny, rainy, and light snowy conditions, will stay illuminated for up to eight hours.
A pop of color and modern lines give the traditional lantern style a fresh twist. These are crafted from aluminum with polycarbonate side panels and can hold four hours of light at full charge (up to 150 hours when dimmed).
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AshleeDecor Set of 12 Mini Solar Mushroom Light / Outdoor Solar Garden
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AshleeDecor Set of 12 Mini Solar Mushroom Light / Outdoor Solar Garden
Perfect for the intimate backyard gathering, these tabletop solar lights from Terrain hold about eight hours of juice and and come with a Velcro strap to hang on trees, chairs, or balconies.
Also available in white and blue, these solar-powered string lights feature 33 feet of flexible copper wire, making them easy to shape around a pergola or other outdoor structure—and easy to store on the included bobbin winder.
Designed with eight LED lights, these motion-sensor wall-mount lights are brighter than four light options and longer lasting than 12 light versions. They offer a sensing range of up to 10 feet and a sensing angle up to 12o degrees.
The fullly adjustable solar panel makes these lights—which can be installed in soil or mounted on a wall—ideal for uplighting trees or shrubs. Two modes—low and high light—allow for customization.
Bring the indoors out with the stand-alone solar light from Les Jardins. Lower over the dining table or in the corner next to a chair for late-night, warm-weather reading.
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XMCOSY+ Solar Pathway Lights – Pathway Lights Solar Powered 4 Pack Landscape LED Solar Pathway Lights Outdoor IP65 Waterproof & 10-40 Lm Dimmable & Auto On/Off Warm White Pathway Lights for Garden & Path
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XMCOSY+ Solar Pathway Lights – Pathway Lights Solar Powered 4 Pack Landscape LED Solar Pathway Lights Outdoor IP65 Waterproof & 10-40 Lm Dimmable & Auto On/Off Warm White Pathway Lights for Garden & Path
Simple yet refined, these budget-friendly solar lights from XMCOSY+ require no assembly and can be placed directly into the ground as soon as you get them out of the box.
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SOLAR BASICS Solar Basics SB-57B Luna- Flame Bulb Solar Accent Light
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SOLAR BASICS Solar Basics SB-57B Luna- Flame Bulb Solar Accent Light
This versatile solar-powered outdoor light can be mounted three ways: on top of flat surfaces such as columns or pillars, on walls, or as a pathway light using the included soil stake. When fully charged, this light will stay illuminated for up to 10 hours with a simulated flame light.
A fantastic workhouse, these solar spotlights from Frontgate will have all your best landscaping moments on display through the night. A 10-hour run time, weatherproof cast-aluminum housing, and crystallines solar panels makes these a no-brainer for reliably lighting up your exterior.
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lamp Lancaster 8"H Black Solar LED Deck and Wall Lights
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lamp Lancaster 8"H Black Solar LED Deck and Wall Lights
The textured glass on these solar lights casts a warm, vintage glow around your home's exterior. This Lamps Plus design is fashioned from a cast aluminum with a bold, black, powder-coat finish.
Lauren Wicks is a Birmingham-based writer covering design trends, must-have products, travel inspiration, and entertaining. She’s obsessed with globally inspired textiles, hosting dinner parties, and French cocktails.