10 Energy-Saving Outdoor Solar Lights to Get Your Backyard Glowing This Summer

No need to manually flip a switch — these lights turn on and off with the sun! Outdoor solar lights are great energy savers, and they can be placed virtually anywhere on your outdoor property since they don't require extension cables or a power outlet to work. Instead of having to remember to turn your patio lights on and off, outdoor solar lights conveniently automatically glow all night long in any season.

If you're looking for lights that are bright, outdoor-safe, low-maintenance, and pleasant to look at year-round, our guide to the best outdoor solar lights has exactly what you need.

Best Outdoor Solar Lights

What to Consider

There are a few things to keep in mind as you begin your search for the best outdoor solar lights:

Light Type

Solar lights come in various formats, so whether your yard is big or small, grassy or completely concrete, there are plenty of creative options out there to get your space glowing.

Many outdoor solar lights are pathway stakes or wall-mounted step lights that provide convenient illumination at night to help you and your guests navigate the dark safely. Some also come in the form of string lights or table lanterns, which can be very convenient if you don't have a lot of soft ground to stick a light into. There are also solar lights that have a beautiful glow, but they are meant more for outdoor ambiance than practical illumination. They can help make your garden look enchanting at all hours.

Ultimately, the best outdoor solar light for you will depend on the setup of your space and the amount of room you have for light placement.

Lighting modes

A lot of people love outdoor solar lights because they're set-and-forget solutions that are typically weather-safe and very durable. Plus, they make the ambiance for outdoor entertaining easy.

However, some of these lights give you lighting options by providing color-changing modes, different dimnesses, and even on/off switches for when you want a break from the everlasting glow. Some also have motion-sensor functionality, illuminating whenever they detect movement nearby.

Charging and glow time

You'll want to make sure that you install your outdoor solar lights in a sunny or partly sunny place so that their solar panels have access to as much sunlight as possible. The number of hours that an outdoor solar light will shine through the night will vary, but it's usually between 5 to 10 hours. The light will be strongest just after the sun goes down, gradually fading overnight. Of course, keep in mind that these lights won't shine for as long after cloudy, dark days.

Also, it's important to note that even though these products run on solar power, many of them also contain internal batteries that get recharged with the sun. These batteries can last for up to a year or two before they stop holding a charge. You'll know this is happening when your lights emit dim light even after a day in full sun. This is different for every brand — some units can be opened and the battery can be easily replaced, while others may no longer be operational once their batteries die.

The outdoor solar lights in this list reflect a range of different categories, from pathway lanterns to patio umbrellas to string lights. They've all been highly rated by reviewers for their resilience over time and the brightness of their glow. Check out these 10 different outdoor solar lights to show off your yard in its best light.