Solar lights are an inexpensive, simple way to bring illumination to your garden. They don't cost anything to run and they're easy to set up - just switch on the solar panel and they should give you automatic light for years.
However, while that should be the case, it isn't always. It's easy to buy a dud set of solar festoon or path lights that don't provide any light and break within a month.
I've tested lots of solar lights over the years so know all the tricks for finding a set that actually works. These are the best retailers for solar lights, and some examples of your options.
Amazon
Amazon has a poor reputation for solar lights, and some of that is well-founded. There are a lot of cheap, low-quality lights on Amazon. However, you can save a lot of money if you know what you're looking for.
People buy bad solar lights from Amazon because they don't know how to spot good lights. You need lights of at least 100 lumens, which will ensure that they're bright enough for practical lighting.
You also need to find lights that are at least IP65 rated - this is a measure of weatherproofing, and the minimum standard for outdoor electronics. Lights with these two measures will be bright and robust, unlike most of the lights on Amazon. Then, see if you can find reviews that mention how long the lights have lasted. Good lights will have reviews that say they've lasted for five years or more.
I've spent time finding the best options, and there are a few sets of solar lights on Amazon that you should consider.
These are the best solar lights I've ever tested. I tried them years ago and they're still going strong after several seasons of snow, rain, and dust storms. I ended up giving them to my parents, and when I went home to see them the other weekend they were one of the few sets of lights I've tested that are still going strong. I've even outright tried to break them against fence panels and they've still held up. The only issue is that they're sold under lots of different names, so it can be hard to find a genuine set.
Lots of other product testers swear by Brightech's lights. These are very bright by string light standards, and thousands of reviews have said that they last for years.
If you're lighting a pathway or driveway, you need a set of pathway lights like this, which offer practical illumination rather than a dim glow.
Lamps Plus
If Amazon lights aren't for you, you need a dedicated lighting store like Lamps Plus. Lamps Plus has a huge range of solar light fixtures, and they're usually made from hard-wearing metal rather than flimsy plastic.
The trade-off, of course, is that these lights are more expensive than other brands. Few of their solar lights are available as multi-packs, so you need a bigger budget to light your garden.
This post light can offer 18 hours of light when fully charged. Low-profile but luxurious, it's a great option for gates or driveway lighting.
Unlike most lights at Lamps Plus, these path lights come as a set of six. Best of all, they glow at 350 lumens, providing practical lighting.
If you need practical lighting over a garage or barn, you need this powerful, motion-detection street light. It glows at 500 lumens, so it's bright enough for security, and it also has a remote so that you can run it on a timer.
Wayfair
Like Amazon, Wayfair has lots of poorly-made options, but there are hidden gems that can save you a lot of money. Unlike Amazon, Wayfair has large, free-standing solar lamps that are great for illuminating a patio.
This rattan lamp is perfect for patio lighting, especially if you have wicker or poly rattan furniture. It offers style as well as practical lighting.
A two set of lamps like this are perfect for lighting a table. You can also hang them from trees for a boho effect.
This solar light is based on old Victorian streetlights, but that's not the best feature. We love that it includes a two hooks for hanging baskets and a planter at the base.
Lights.com
Lights.com doesn't have a huge range of solar lights, but they have the best collection of solar lanterns I've seen. The company also has a 90-day returns policy. For any other product this warranty is incredibly short, but by solar light standards it's worth having.
I was immediately taken by these blue lanterns. They look incredible against brick and terracotta and are the perfect way to introduce a little color without garishness.
This sculptural glass lantern holds a soft solar candle. It won't be bright enough for practical light, but it's perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere.
Modern farmhouse yard will benefit from this sleek black solar candle. It mixes rustic domesticity with clean, modern lines.
Anthropologie
After a while, solar lights can look pretty samey. However, Anthropologie have lots of unique solar lights that are perfect to adding interest to a dull patio space.
However, a word of warning - not all of their lights are high-quality, so make sure to do your research before you buy, as some reviewers have found that their lights didn't work for very long.
This dandelion stake light brings practical light without a boring nuts-and-bolts design. It looks especially great when reflected in water.
Unlike most of the solar lights on the market, these are perfect for both indoors and outdoors. They work well woven into a trellis for soft wall mounting, but are equally at home on a mantel as decor.
You could transform a functional kitchen garden with these solar mushroom lights. They're perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to small pots and planters.
FAQs
Are solar lights safe?
Used properly, solar lights are perfectly safe. Just don't tamper with the battery - like any product with a lithium battery, whether a phone, video game controller, or even a car, a solar lights can be a fire hazard when badly damaged.
My final tip when buying solar lights is to look out for lights with adjustable solar panels. One of the best ways to ensure your solar lights work in winter is to tilt the panel to match the lower angle of the sun in the sky. This should help your lights to run even as the weather turns wetter, colder, and darker.
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