One of the best ways to illuminate a walkway or add decorative lighting to your landscaping is to add a few solar lights.
They’re simple to use, easy to install, and there are so many options available that you can truly create a look customized for your backyard or garden.
Whether you’re adding subtle accent lighting or looking for something with a little more flair, choosing the best solar garden lights is an ideal way to upgrade your space.
Table of Contents
How to Choose Solar Garden Lights?
The main thing to keep in mind when shopping for solar garden lights is what area you want to illuminate.
There are different types of lights and each one is used for a different purpose.
Path Lights
Solar path lights are smaller than other types and are meant to be pushed into the ground along a path or walkway. They’re meant to light up walkways to make them a little safer at night and add a decorative accent.
Path lights are usually pretty bright when compared to other solar light styles and the designs are usually pretty simple.
Decorative Lights
These lights are made with materials like colorful glass, mosaic tiles, or sculpted metal. They’re not as bright as solar path lights because they’re mostly designed for decoration and not to light up a long pathway in the dark.
The best thing about decorative solar lights is that they look just as good during the day as they do at night. They’re usually carefully designed and have a lot of interesting detail that really makes them great pieces of art.
Accent Solar Lights
These lights are not quite as fancy as decorative lights but add a little more decoration than path lights. They’re typically used to add glowing light to accent flowerbeds, trees, or plants and can add a lot to your landscaping.
Other Considerations
Once you decide what type of light you need, there are a few other things to think about, too.
One of the most important is to find out how much sunlight is needed to charge the battery. Some of these lights need a lot of sun exposure to fully charge during the day and if you live in an area that doesn’t get a lot of sunlight, they’ll likely underperform.
You should also consider operating time. Some of these lamps will last all night with a fully charged battery while others might last a few hours. Decide if you definitely need something that’s going to last all night or if just a few hours after dusk is enough.
Finally, what kind of design fits the rest of your landscaping? Do you want something simple or something with a bit of edge or whimsy?
The Best Solar Lights For Your Garden & Yard
There are a lot of options when it comes to solar garden lights that serve different styles and functions. To help you figure out what will work best in your garden, it helps to compare everything side by side.
1. BEAU JARDIN Solar Lights Bright Pathway Outdoor Garden
One of the best things about these garden lights is their size. At about 16.5 inches tall and 4.7 inches wide, they really make quite an impact and create a beautiful snowflake-like pattern.
They require 6 to 8 hours of sun exposure to fully charge and last between 8 to 12 hours.
These lamps are made of stainless steel with a watertight diamond glass lampshade and a hard ABS plastic spike for long-lasting durability and a sleek modern look.
Pros
You don’t have to worry about damage from rain, frost, sleet, or snow because these lights are waterproof and weather resistant.
The 6500K LED bulbs produce bright, high contrast white light.
If you’re not satisfied, you can return them within 30 days for a full refund.
Cons
These lamps require a lot of sunlight to fully charge which can be difficult to get in certain climates.
The brightness of the bulb fades over time.
2. JHBOX Solar Ground Lights Outdoor Garden Decor
This set of ground lights is one of the most effective ways to light up a walkway at night.
They’re low to the ground for improved visualization and create a gorgeous lighting effect that makes your garden shine.
Each light uses 8 LED bulbs for a bigger, brighter range with a large-capacity battery that lasts for 8 hours when fully charged and works through occasional rainy and cloudy days.
Pros
These lamps use a high-quality aluminum alloy that’s been anodized to make it waterproof and more durable while giving these lights a smooth, classy look.
The large solar panels absorb as much sunlight as possible, improving efficiency and potentially storing more energy.
Cons
The plastic spikes are a little flimsy and can break if installed in a ground that is too firm or rocky.
3. Nekteck Solar Powered Garden Spotlight
One of the best things about these solar lights from Nekteck is they’re adjustable.
Not only can you direct the bulb to create the lighting effect you want, but you can also adjust the solar panel to make sure it’s getting as much exposure as possible.
These lights feature versatile 2 in 1 installation and can be placed directly into the ground using the plastic spikes or mounted to a wall with the included screws.
Pros
They are waterproof and heatproof and can withstand all types of weather.
The large solar panels absorb more sunshine and fully charge the batteries in about 4 or 5 hours. This can power illumination for 6 to 10 hours at a time.
These lights automatically turn off and on at dusk and dawn and also feature a manual on/off switch as well as high and low light modes which can help conserve energy if you don’t need them at full power every night.
Cons
The bulbs produce warm yellow light rather than bright white.
It can be hard to get the battery to charge during winter or other periods of low light.
4. GIGALUMI Solar Lights Outdoor Garden Led Light
These solar lights from GIGALUMI have a shiny smooth silver finish and a small bulb that adds a touch of elegance to any yard.
Whether you want to illuminate a walkway or add decorative accents to your landscaping, these lights are a great choice.
The lamp and pole are made of premium stainless steel with a clear plastic diamond lampshade. They’re also waterproof and can tolerate rain, sleet, snow, and frost.
These lights come with 30 days replacement guarantee. Just contact GIGALUMI if you ever have any problems and they’ll replace your product, free of charge.
Pros
With adequate sunlight, the battery fully charges in 8 hours and provides 6 to 8 hours of bright white light in a gorgeous, eye-catching pattern.
These lights are waterproof and can operate in outdoor temperatures between -72 and 90 degrees F.
Cons
These lights may not charge fully unless exposed to an adequate amount of direct sunlight.
5. Voona Solar LED Outdoor Lights
Not only do these lamps look sleek and elegant, but they also create a beautiful star pattern on the ground that adds a lot of character to your garden.
The stainless steel light and a plastic lens create a sleek look that creates a perfect accent for your garden.
These lights are covered by a 30-day guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, just return them for a full refund.
Pros
Each light produces 6 lumens of warm white light and illuminates for up to 8 hours when the battery is completely charged.
The sunburst star pattern is ideal for lining walkways and provides just enough illumination to light your way at night.
The stainless steel design is exceptionally durable and weatherproof.
Cons
The spikes can break if inserted into the hard ground so you may need to dig a hole before inserting them.
These lights require direct sunlight to fully charge.
6. OxyLED Solar Garden Lights
For something that adds a bit of whimsy and color, take a look at these fun color-changing lights.
This three-pack includes three different shapes: a butterfly, dragonfly, and hummingbird. Your garden will look like a fairytale come to life when the sun goes down.
These lightweight and durable lights are made using stainless steel, ABS plastic, and aluminum poles and the shapes are molded using high-quality clear acrylic. Each light is 30 inches tall so you can push them into the ground at different depths to create a staggering effect that suits your landscaping.
Pros
When fully charged, these lights can last for up to 8 hours. They’re controlled with an on/off switch and can be set to turn on automatically when it’s dark or left off until you need to conserve power.
These lights use OxyLED bulbs that cycle between 7 different colors and the fun shapes add a lot of character to your garden.
Cons
Performance can be patchy at times.
7. Doingart Outdoor Solar Garden Stake Lights
These solar lights from Doingart are one of the most unique products that we found.
They look like a bouquet of white and purple lily during the day but at night the fiber optic bundles light up to create a whimsical and charming display. Plus, unlike with real flowers, there’s no special care needed.
The 2 packs with 8 flowers that change between 7 different colors when they turn on at night to illuminate your garden and pathway.
Each flower is made of high-quality fabric material that’s durable and BPA-free. The solar panel is also water-resistant and holds up even in rain or snow.
Pros
This bouquet is highly flexible and adjustable so you can easily bend them into any shape you want to create the ideal look for your garden.
They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee that includes 60 days of free returns and a 360-day free replacement warranty.
Cons
This product looks much better at night than it does during the day.
8. Homeimpro Garden Solar Lights Pathway Outdoor
For a solar light that’s also a gorgeous piece of art, take a look at this light from Homeimpro.
The stainless steel half-moon shape holds an orb that glows when the sun goes down but also looks great during the day. This is a great choice if you’re looking for something primarily decorative.
This light charges during the day and turns on automatically when it gets dark. It also has an automatic timer that turns off after 6 hours of run time to conserve battery life.
Pros
The durable construction and weather-resistant materials provide long-lasting performance in most weather conditions.
The LED light inside the glass orb is bright white and creates interesting patterns as it shines through the glass and the metalwork.
This product is covered by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You can get a refund or replace it within 180 days by contacting the manufacturer.
Cons
This light requires a lot of direct sunlight to charge effectively.
9. GIGALUMI Solar Cracked Glass Ball Dual LED Garden Lights
These lights are a good balance of classy decor and fun lighting effects. They feature a silver base with cracked glass ball light and can be set for either color-changing LEDs or bright, white light.
They’re perfect for lighting a walkway or as a decorative touch in your plants or flower beds.
Choose between single-color white light for bright illumination or the color-changing mode for gradual shifts from blue to red to green to create a more romantic atmosphere at night.
Pros
These lights can work continuously for 8 to 10 hours once the battery is fully charged.
The weatherproof design tolerates rain and snow as well as bright and sunny days for a long-lasting design.
This 3-pack is covered by a 1-year replacement or risk-free refund warranty.
Cons
These lights need to be in bright sunlight for 8 hours to completely charge.
Some of the bulbs aren’t as bright as expected.
10. GIGALUMI Solar Garden Lights Outdoor
Another great option if you’re looking for something decorative and functional is these solar lights from GIGALUMI.
They can be used to line a walkway, add pops of color to your shrubs and bushes, or as a stunning way to add some outdoor mood lighting.
Each lamp in this set of 3 has a different but complimentary mosaic tile design in either blue, purple, or yellow themes. The tiles are made of glass which allows sufficient light to shine through.
Pros
The stainless steel base is durable and weatherproof so it can withstand snow, rain, and bright sun.
One the battery is fully charged, it can work continuously for 8 to 10 hours.
These lights are covered by a 1-year replacement or refund warranty so you can buy try them out risk-free.
Cons
These lamps are pretty small, only about 2-inches in diameter.
The light that they give off isn’t very bright.
How to Install Solar Garden Lights?
One of the best things about using solar garden lights is that they’re so easy to install.
There is some minor assembly required for most styles and then all you have to do is stick them in the ground. Just make sure that you place them in an area where they’ll get plenty of sunlight during the day.
Solar lights usually have a long stake and all you have to do to install them is push the stake into the ground right where you want the light to be. That’s it. There’s no wiring or electrical components which makes them really easy to set up.
One more thing, if your solar lights have plastic stakes and the ground is particularly firm or rocky, you should use a small shovel to pre-dig a hole for the stake to go into. Trying to force it into the ground could result in the plastic breaking.
Solar Garden Light FAQs
1. How does a solar garden light work?
The most important part of solar light is the solar cell, the small dark panel that converts sunlight into direct electrical current. It’s made up of multiple layers of silicone and chemicals and uses the power of the sun to excite positive and negative charges which generate electricity.
This process occurs during the day as the panel is exposed to the sun and charges the battery. When the sun goes down, these reactions stop. A sensor in the light detects when it’s dark outside and the battery begins to supply power to the bulb.
The cycle repeats every single day as long as the light is getting enough sunlight to generate power. This can be tricky in winter since there may not be enough sunlight available to generate a good charge.
2. Why are my solar garden lights not working?
There are a lot of possible reasons why solar lights aren’t working, including problems with the battery, inadequate sunlight, or dirt on the solar panel.
A lot of people assume that the problem with solar lights is automatically lack of sunlight but that’s not always the case. See if your solar lights have a troubleshooting guide to help you figure out what the problem could be.
3. How to fix a solar garden light?
Here are some things you can try to get your solar lights working again:
Make sure that they’re turned on. Most solar lights come with an on/off switch that’s usually located on the underside of the lamp itself. No matter how much power the battery has, the light won’t turn on if it’s set in the off position.
Check for a pull tab. If you’ve never used your solar lights before and can’t figure out while you can’t get them to work, check the battery and make sure the pull tab is removed. This is a safety feature put in place for storage and transport but your light won’t work until it’s removed.
Make sure the solar panel is positioned to properly catch the sun. This isn’t always easy to do since the sun might not reach where you want the lights set up. One way to get around this is to use lights with an adjustable solar panel so you have a bit more control.
Clean the solar panel. It’s pretty easy for these solar panels to get a little dirty. They get splashed with mud and dirt from your garden regularly so it’s important to keep the solar panel clean so it gets as much sun exposure as possible.
Turn it off for a day or two to allow for a long charging period. This is the best way to make sure the light is actually getting a full charge. If it works, it’s a good idea to do this every few days to keep things working smoothly.
If all else fails, contact the manufacturer. Some of these solar lights do come with warranties and you can get a new one or even a refund if they aren’t working properly. They may be able to give you some troubleshooting hints, too.
4. How to make solar garden lights brighter?
The more power the light has, the brighter it will be so the first thing you should do is to make sure the lights are charging properly.
Clean any debris off of the lights early in the morning so you can remove anything that’s blocking out the sunlight for a better charge.
Move the lights to a brighter location if necessary to get the most sunlight possible but make sure they won’t be covered in the shade as the day goes on. You can even leave them off for a night or two to make sure they’re getting a full charge.
Turn the lights on when night falls and, hopefully, they’ll be brighter. If not, you can try removing the housing and cleaning out any debris that may be inside the light, and preventing a decent charge. This is common in areas with a lot of wind and rainy weather.
Check the battery compartment for corrosion which affects the effectiveness of the battery’s connection. If you find rust, remove the battery and use a small roll of fine-grit sandpaper to gently remove the corrosion from the battery terminal. Then, replace the battery or use a new one.
If you do determine that you need a new battery, take the old one with you to the home improvement store so you know you’re getting the right replacement.
5. How to clean solar garden lights?
For thorough cleaning, the first thing you should do is disassemble the light. Most models include instructions telling you how to take the lights apart, just be very careful with the solar panel as they are very fragile.
Once you take it apart, check for any batter oxidation. This looks like a white, powdery substance and is really easy to clean, just use a small, soft brush to remove it or replace it if necessary.
To clean the solar panel, use a soft lint-free cloth to gently clean the surface. Make sure to remove any dirt, bugs, or other debris from inside the light itself.
The stake and the rest of the lamp can be wiped down with a wet cloth or even washed in the sink depending on what they’re made of. Glass, plastic, and metal can all be easily cleaned with water and a gentle dish detergent if needed.
Once everything is dry, just reassemble the lamp and it’s ready to go outside again. Remember, these lights are outside all day, every day, and come into contact with a lot of dirt, grime, bugs, and moisture. It’s a good idea to clean them every few weeks to make sure they keep working properly.
Conclusion
Good solar garden lights can really transform your whole backyard. They’re simple to use, easy to install, and there are so many styles available that you’ll be able to create just the look you want.
The first thing you have to decide is what kind of lights you need. Do you want to light up a walkway or driveway? Add accents among your flower beds or shrubs? Or are you looking for something that is a true piece of art?
There are solar lights out there for every taste and style and we found something for everyone in our top products. Whether you want simple accent lights or beautiful bouquets that light up at night, there’s something here for you.
Solar lights are environment friendly lights. Such beautiful solar lights in the article! I really like how the pathway lights adds beauty to the surroundings. I have also found this resource Redline-electrical.co.nz useful and its related to what you are mentioning.
Solar technology is still evolving and improving its products. It can be a more economical and ecological alternative in many cases. Congratulations for the work, I also address these issues in the spanish language. Regards
Your article fully the pros and cons of each product. I also like the way you guide the installation of Solar Garden Lights. I have purchased the BEAU JARDIN Solar Lights. Thank you for the very informative article! Keep up the great work.
I have owned a handful of solar lights, but these by GIGALUMI are by far the coolest. What I really like is that the color changing an on/off button has been encased in soft silicone lessening the chance of this being affected by rain.This lights were easy to assemble and the sticks that go inserted in the ground have a good length. It was 3 pieces to put together and a pull of a tab and they were ready to be installed outside. I placed the lights outside in my garden and have already received many compliments. The bulbs are are pretty big and almost look like crystal balls with the cracks. You can set them with white lights or colors, the lights are bright and change colors. This lights are a great way to decorate your garden.
GIGALUMI lights are beautiful. I was really pleased at how nicely they lit up my walkway but also how nice they looked. I really think they were worth the purchase price and they add a bit of class to my walkway. You have to keep in mind that they will never be as bright as a house lamp light. Also, if as some have stated their lights do not light at night or are very low, perhaps those lights are not receiving enough direct solar sun light to charge them properly. Those lights may need to be moved to an area where they can get more of direct sunlight to charge them. It is very light weight and small unit, but serves its purpose perfectly. I love to light up my house with all solar I can get. I put the stepping stone all around my house, so this set will come in handy. I was very impressed because all light were glowing nicely after been on the sun charging. I highly recommend these outdoor solar charged lights. They are still going strong and nice after months of used.
At this point I’ve bought a variety of Gigalumi solar lights, these in particular I have 2 multicolor sets in my back garden and a white set lining the front walkway to my house. The a multicolored are perfect for lining my planting beds in the back yard. Not so bright they distract, but just enough to dot the yard with a variety of colors.
Great article! I don’t need to worry about the first time buying a solar light as this post heled me choose the most appropriate solar light that could meet my needs.
I was looking for a website where I can get to know how I can get solar garden lights. I have found one. I want to thank them for putting an informative article. I will share my experience soon.
You explain in great detail about the solar lamps for the garden. I chose the right one for me. Thank you
I chose Solar Lights Bright Pathway Outdoor Garden. The good news is that they work very well. Looking forward to the next helpful posts. Thank you!
These lights have a high color index and are also adjustable with its brightness feature and work very well.
Solar lights are environment friendly lights. Such beautiful solar lights in the article! I really like how the pathway lights adds beauty to the surroundings. I have also found this resource Redline-electrical.co.nz useful and its related to what you are mentioning.
Solar technology is still evolving and improving its products. It can be a more economical and ecological alternative in many cases. Congratulations for the work, I also address these issues in the spanish language. Regards
Your article fully the pros and cons of each product. I also like the way you guide the installation of Solar Garden Lights. I have purchased the BEAU JARDIN Solar Lights. Thank you for the very informative article! Keep up the great work.
GIGALUMI Solar Lights are the number one because they have the best features. Good article!
I have a problem with my plastic solar light. So what can I do to repair it ?
I have owned a handful of solar lights, but these by GIGALUMI are by far the coolest. What I really like is that the color changing an on/off button has been encased in soft silicone lessening the chance of this being affected by rain.This lights were easy to assemble and the sticks that go inserted in the ground have a good length. It was 3 pieces to put together and a pull of a tab and they were ready to be installed outside. I placed the lights outside in my garden and have already received many compliments. The bulbs are are pretty big and almost look like crystal balls with the cracks. You can set them with white lights or colors, the lights are bright and change colors. This lights are a great way to decorate your garden.
GIGALUMI lights are beautiful. I was really pleased at how nicely they lit up my walkway but also how nice they looked. I really think they were worth the purchase price and they add a bit of class to my walkway. You have to keep in mind that they will never be as bright as a house lamp light. Also, if as some have stated their lights do not light at night or are very low, perhaps those lights are not receiving enough direct solar sun light to charge them properly. Those lights may need to be moved to an area where they can get more of direct sunlight to charge them. It is very light weight and small unit, but serves its purpose perfectly. I love to light up my house with all solar I can get. I put the stepping stone all around my house, so this set will come in handy. I was very impressed because all light were glowing nicely after been on the sun charging. I highly recommend these outdoor solar charged lights. They are still going strong and nice after months of used.
At this point I’ve bought a variety of Gigalumi solar lights, these in particular I have 2 multicolor sets in my back garden and a white set lining the front walkway to my house. The a multicolored are perfect for lining my planting beds in the back yard. Not so bright they distract, but just enough to dot the yard with a variety of colors.
Great article! I don’t need to worry about the first time buying a solar light as this post heled me choose the most appropriate solar light that could meet my needs.
I was looking for a website where I can get to know how I can get solar garden lights. I have found one. I want to thank them for putting an informative article. I will share my experience soon.