One of the quickest and easiest ways to give your garden a glow-up is by adding solar lights. Garden lighting can uplift even the plainest gardens and they are ideal for adding a touch of sparkle to fences, trees, flower beds, pergolas and decked areas.
As the name suggests, solar-powered garden lights require sunlight to charge their batteries, enabling them to glow brightly at sundown. Solar lights typically take between 4 to 10 hours to charge from a flat battery so although they may work on brighter winter days, you can expect them to glow at their brightest and for longest during the lighter summer months.
Solar lights will glow from 6-10 hours at night and you can expect your lights to last between 2-5 years if looked after well.
If you’re keen to brighten up your outdoor space, keep reading to discover our pick of the best solar garden lights.
Our TOP Solar Garden Lights Picks
The Best Solar Garden Lights to Buy
From magical solar lights for pergolas to elegant festoon lights and fun animal-shaped lights, we’ve rounded up our pick of the very best budget-friendly garden solar lights to add a twinkle to your garden patch.
- Farny Solar String Lights
- Realky Solar Outdoor Ball Lights
- Joycome Solar Curtain Lights
- LEDYA Solar String Lights
- Augone Solar String Lights
- Geemo 6-Pack Solar Flickering Flame Lights
- Globrite Solar Outdoor Garden Hanging Owl Lantern
- Smart Solar Super Bright Jumbo Rock Light
- Buywin Dandelion Solar Stake Lamps
- Seklin Outdoor Solar Security Lights
- Joomer Outdoor Solar Garden Lights
- Chipark Solar Rope Lights
- MEIHUA Solar Floodlight
Farny Solar String Lights
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 60 feet/18m with 31 bulbs
- Colour: Warm white
- Material: Plastic
- Remote control
- Dimmable
Festoon lights are arguably one of the most striking garden lights. Lengths of attractive traditional bulb lights are often seen hanging in swags from gazebos or strung across gardens between fence panels and trees.
These classic festoon lights are made from weatherproof plastic so can withstand heavy rain as well as extremes in temperature so you can leave them up all year round.
The solar panel includes a handy USB port so you can charge the panels inside on rainy days or in the winter months.
A remote control allows you to adjust the brightness of the solar lights, set a timer and switch between lighting modes (static, flashing and breathing).
We love festoon lights for decorating gazebos and pergolas, hanging along fences and stringing across gardens. They’re one of the easiest ways to transform your outdoor space and work well in all styles and sizes of gardens. We rate these as the best solar string lights for your space.
Pros
- 8-10 hours of light
- Fully waterproof and shatterproof bulbs
- 24 months warranty
- Varied lighting modes
- USB port to boost charging
Cons
- Not much cable length before the first bulb – could restrict where you put the solar panel
Realky Solar Outdoor Ball Lights
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 26.6 feet with 30 lights
- Colour: Cool white
- Material: Plastic
- High battery capacity
- Button operated
These pretty garden solar lights offer excellent value for money and you get plenty of lights along the length of cable. The solar panel charges in the sunlight and the lights will turn on and go off automatically as the lighting conditions change.
These little solar ball lights are just an inch in diameter, so they’re perfect for stringing under a pergola.
We love the attractive glass beads in the lights that give the lights a crystal-like appearance. These are solid plastic lights so the bulbs can’t be replaced which is quite typical of solar lights.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to brighten up a pergola, these small solar globe garden lights are an excellent option. You can also opt for a multicoloured version.
Pros
- 8-14 hours of light
- Fully waterproof and shatterproof bulbs
- 8 different lighting modes
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with the lighting mode randomly resetting
Joycome Solar Curtain Lights
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 3x3m with 300 lights
- Colour: Cool white
- Material: Plastic and PVC-coated copper wire
- High battery capacity
- Remote control with multiple light functions
- Copper light string can be cut to fit
Perfect for adding a magical touch to a gazebo, these spectacular curtain lights offer incredible value for money. Each 3-metre length is packed with 300 bright LED bulbs for maximum sparkle.
The lights are strung along a PVC-coated copper wire which you can cut to size as required, an excellent feature for curtain lights which can often be too long. The different lighting modes can be controlled remotely, giving you the option to easily change the lighting to suit the mood.
Whether you’ve got a wedding event, party or just want to brighten up your garden gazebo, these solar lights are one of the most eye-catching options. We think these curtain lights are one of the best solar lights for winter too and are ideal for adding some festive cheer.
Pros
- Upgraded solar panel allows 10-12 hours of light
- Fantastic looks
- Can be cut to size
- 8 different lighting modes and a dimmable option
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Can be fiddly to put up
LEDYA Solar String Lights
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 33 feet/10m with 100 lights
- Colour: Warm white
- Material: Plastic and copper wire
- Multiple light functions
- Flexible copper wire can be bent to shape
This outdoor light bundle includes two packs of solar fairy lights for an excellent price. Each 33 feet length of copper wire contains 100 twinkly lights, perfect for wrapping around tree trunks and branches and for illuminating potted plants.
There are multiple light functions and a handy memory function so the lights will remember the last mode that was set when they automatically turn on at dusk each day.
We rate these as the best solar fairy lights on our list due to their versatility. The flexible copper wire makes them easy to bend around trees, plants, furniture and garden decorations, adding interest to areas of your garden all year round.
Pros
- Flexible copper wire offers versatility
- 8 different lighting modes
- Unbeatable value for money
- 12-month warranty
Cons
- Some users have reported lights fading quite quickly
Augone Solar String Lights
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 26 feet with 60 bulbs
- Colour: Multi
- Material: Plastic
- 8 lighting modes
Add a retro touch to your garden with rainbow-coloured garden lights. Multicoloured lights are perfect for brightening up your outside space at any time of the year and they’re a great way to cheer up a favourite outdoor spot or take away on camping trips.
These small solar lights can be used indoors or out, you’ll just need to make sure that you position the solar panel in a bright spot so that it can soak up the sun.
Pros
- Retro, rainbow-coloured lights
- Multiple lighting modes
- Easy to set up
- Good value for money
- 12-month warranty
Cons
- Could be a little brighter
Geemoo 6-Pack Solar Flickering Flame Lights
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 40cm high
- Colour: Flame orange
- Material: Plastic
- Flickering effect
These flickering solar flame garden lights are a great choice if you want to add interest to a path, flowerbed or pond area. They provide an attractive dancing light and are durable enough to leave outside all year round.
Solar stake lights can be particularly pricey at garden centres so we rate these as a best solar stake lights buy. The solar torch lights have a maximum height of 40cm, you can push the stake further into the ground to the desired height, just make sure that the ground is soft beforehand so you don’t snap it.
Pros
- Incredible value for money
- Attractive flickering flame effect
- Easy to set up
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Stakes can snap if pushed into hard ground
GloBrite Solar Outdoor Hanging Owl Lantern
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 18 x 13 x 22cm
- Colour: Warm white
- Material: Metal
- Hanging lantern-style solar light
From strings of bees to light-up cows and jumping rabbits to illuminated flamingos, there’s a surprisingly large range of quirky animal solar lights for the garden. It was hard to pick a favourite but this gorgeous metal owl is one of the best solar lanterns for its looks, amazing value and durability.
If you’re looking for unusual solar lights for the garden or a present for a friend, this cute owl lantern is an inspired choice. When lit, the cutout holes create a beautiful pattern on surrounding surfaces.
The solar owl lantern comes with a metal hanger and would look great suspended from a wall or hanging from a sturdy tree branch.
With its good looks and the striking patterns the light emits when alight, the charming owl lantern is one of the best solar hanging lights on our list. When the integral solar light eventually stops working, you can fill the body of the owl with pretty fairy lights instead.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Looks fantastic
- Durable metal construction
Cons
- Needs to be suspended – doesn’t stand well on the ground
Smart Solar Super Bright Jumbo Rock Light
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 21 x 15.5 x 15cm
- Colour: Cool white
- Material: Plastic
- Bright light
- Batteries included
These good-sized, rock-effect garden lights emit a bright light that lasts well into the night. Perfect for use around paths, these realistic-looking rocks are one of the best solar ground lights on our list.
These lights will work well on grass, decking or patios and, as long as they receive sufficient light during the day, will emit a brighter light than most other solar lights.
If you’re looking for solar lights for the flowerbed or the best path solar lights, the Smart Solar rock lights are highly recommended.
Pros
- Realistic-looking rock design
- Powerful, long-lasting light
- Durable
Cons
- Expensive if buying several
Buywin Dandelion Solar Stake Lights
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 65cm tall, dandelion diameter: 11cm
- Colour: Warm white
- Material: Plastic and aluminium
- Attractive design
- Improved solar panel design for more efficient charging
- Pack of 2
We don’t think it’s possible to have too many garden lights, and if you’ve decked out your fences, trees and garden buildings, you might want to turn your attention to the flower beds.
These contemporary dandelion stake lights are sure to make a statement wherever you decide to place them in your garden. With a 65cm height, these tall solar garden lights will easily fit into flower beds with taller plants and work well in raised beds.
The dandelion petals are made of aluminium so won’t rust or discolour and the lights have an upgraded solar panel, resulting in efficient charging and strong light output for 8-10 hours (dependent on light conditions).
If you’re looking for striking solar lights to create a focal point in your garden, these Buywin dandelion lights are an excellent choice.
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Non-rust
- Tall
Cons
- Expensive
Seklin Outdoor Solar Security Lights
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 12.9 x 10.2 x 5.6cm
- Colour: Cool white
- Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- 3-sided design for maximum brightness
- Easy installation
- Multiple light settings
Security lights offer peace of mind as well as handy instant lighting when you need it. The clever design of these security lights offers a 270° illumination angle.
There are multiple light settings with this model allowing the light to be constantly on, on dimly but brightening when someone approaches, or off and lighting up when someone approaches, before switching off after a few seconds.
These lights are easy to install and can be mounted on walls, fences or sheds. The best solar spotlights are super bright and, with each light containing 238 LEDS and an illumination range of 484 feet, these are easily the brightest solar lights on our list.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Easy to put up
- 12-month warranty
- Extremely bright
Cons
- The whole light will need to be replaced when no longer working
Joomer Outdoor Solar Garden Lights
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 11.43 x 11.43 x 12.95 cm
- Colour: Cool white
- Material: Stainless Steel, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- Easy to install
- Pack of 12
These good-sized, in-ground garden lights are designed for lining pathways and lighting up lawn areas. Installable in seconds, they will charge in 4-6 hours (weather dependent) to provide an impressive 8-10 hours of light.
These lights provide an impressively bright output and are water and fog-proof. They could be recessed into the lawn but we would recommend removing them before mowing the lawn to prevent damage.
We’ve rated these as the best solar lawn lights for their great value, durability and impressive performance.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Extremely easy to install
- Bright
Cons
- Ground stakes can break easily
Chipark Solar Rope Lights
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 33 feet/10m with 100 lights
- Colour: Warm white
- Material: PVC-coated copper wire
- Multiple light modes
- Pack of 2
Because they’re enclosed in PVC tubing, rope lights often last longer than other types of garden solar lights. Rope lights are easy to install and they offer a contemporary solution to outdoor lighting as you can neatly run them along the top of fences and around pergolas and gazebos.
This 2 pack of waterproof solar garden rope lights offers multiple light modes and the rope is thin, making it easy to attach to fences or buildings. The wire can also be bent so you could also use these lights to illuminate trees and other objects.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Extremely easy to install
- Durable
Cons
- Not super bright
MEIHUA Solar Floodlights
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 17 x 9.5 cm
- Colour: 12 colour options
- Material: Plastic
- Dimmable
- Can be wall-mounted or ground inserted
These impressively bright solar floodlights have a range of functions including different light modes, various colours, a timer and memory function, and adjustable brightness.
Whether you want to illuminate your trees, house or a particular object, the lights can be placed into the ground or wall mounted.
Perfect for parties and events, these are the best solar uplights for trees and buildings on our list.
Pros
- Multiple functions
- Can be ground-staked or wall mounted
- Very bright
Cons
- Not incredibly long-lasting
How to buy the best solar lights for your garden
Solar lights are an excellent and inexpensive way to light up your garden. Because they run on power generated by the solar panel, you don’t need an electricity connection and this makes them easy to install wherever you like.
Whether you’re searching for the best solar patio lights, the best solar LED string lights or the best solar wall lights, here’s a list of what to look out for before you buy:
On/off switch
Many solar lights feature an on/off switch but that isn’t the case for all. It’s a great energy-saving option and switching the light off when not in use will help to conserve energy and prolong the life of the battery. Not all solar panel batteries can be replaced, meaning you have to dispose of the light and buy a brand new one when it fails, so using the off switch can be a smart move.
Light modes
Most solar lights feature different lighting modes, ranging from twinkling to flashing and static. It’s a good option to have, but look for lights with a memory function so you don’t have to scroll through the settings every time the lights come on.
Cable Length
Check the length of the cable before you buy. Many lengths of solar lights, especially festoon-style lights can be linked together which is an excellent feature. Also, check the length from the solar panel cable to the first bulb as this can affect where you place the panel.
Water resistance
As solar lights are designed for use inside and out, most sets will be waterproof. Make sure you check before buying though as a rusty solar panel will mean the lights stop working very quickly.
FAQs
How to charge solar lights without sun?
Solar panels rely on the sun to charge but there are other options if you need to charge your solar panels in a hurry. You can look for panels with a USB charging cable to boost charge or you can charge the panel under a bright household light. You’ll need to place the panel close to the bulb (take care not to get burnt). You can also use LED lights to charge solar lights, this can take up to 12 hours.
Why is there an on/off switch on solar lights?
The on/off switch is designed to conserve energy and prolong the life of the solar panel’s battery.
How long do solar lights take to charge?
The amount of time that it takes to charge a solar panel will depend on the amount of light the panel receives. In bright sunlight, it will take around 5 to 8 hours to charge fully.
Conclusion
When it comes to garden lighting, solar lights are one of the most inexpensive and versatile options. We hope you manage to find the perfect lights for your outdoor space, and just remember, you can never have too many twinkly garden lights!
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