5 Best Solar String Lights: Reviewed for Your Outdoor Space

Last updated on September 19th, 2023 at 11:11 am

Are you looking to add stylish, eco-friendly lighting to your outdoor space? Solar string lights are a great option! These energy-saving lights use the sun’s power to light up your yard, garden, or patio.

But with so many options on the market, choosing the right one can take time and effort. That’s why we’ve researched for you and compiled a list of the top 5 best solar string lights based on factors like durability, battery life, and customer reviews. Read on to find out which solar string lights you should consider for your outdoor lighting needs!

What are solar string lights?

Solar string lights are outdoor lighting fixtures powered by solar cells that collect renewable energy from the sun. This means that they don’t have to be plugged into an electrical outlet, making them a convenient and eco-friendly option for outdoor lighting.

The solar cells are usually embedded in a panel mounted separately from the lights and connected by a cord that can be placed in a sunny spot to collect the energy. The lights are strung along a cord, usually in the form of LED light, and come in various colors and styles to fit any outdoor decor.

Outdoor solar string lights are ideal for illuminating patios, decks, gardens, and pathways, and they can add a warm and welcoming ambiance to any outdoor gathering. 

What to consider when Buying Solar String Lights

There are a few key factors to consider when buying solar string lights. First and foremost, you’ll want to consider the quality and durability of the product.

Look for outdoor solar string lights that are weather-resistant and made from high-quality materials. You’ll also want to consider the performance of the lights, including their brightness, charge time, and run time.

The number of lights in the string and the length of the string itself are also important factors to consider. Additionally, pay attention to any extra features such as timers or automatic on/off switches.

Think about the overall aesthetic of the lights and how they will fit into your outdoor space. Considering all these factors, you can choose solar string lights to provide reliable and stylish outdoor lighting for years. 

Tips for installing and using solar string lights effectively

Installing and using solar string lights effectively can enhance the ambiance of any outdoor space without the added expense of electricity. When installing solar string lights, it is essential to ensure that the solar panel is positioned in a location that receives direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours each day.

It is also essential to choose a location not obstructed by trees or other objects that may cast a shadow over the solar panel. Additionally, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use, including any recommended methods for weatherproofing and cleaning.

To ensure the best performance, it is recommended to clean the solar panel regularly with a soft cloth and store the lights indoors during winter to avoid damage from freezing temperatures. Following these tips can help ensure that your solar string lights provide the desired ambiance and add to the overall enjoyment of your outdoor space. 

Overview of the 5 Best Solar String Lights

The market is full of various options for solar-powered string lights, but we’ve narrowed down the top five for you. Our best overall pick is the Brightech Ambience Pro Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights, which feature Italian cafe-style LED bulbs that emit warm vintage vibes.

The Sunlitec Solar String Lights offer four brightness modes and can provide uninterrupted lighting for eight hours per charge. If you’re in the market for fairy lights, the YIQU Ultra-Long LED Solar String Lights are a great option, with 200 LED bulbs strung across a 72-foot copper wire. Brightown Outdoor Solar String Lights feature nine color modes and can provide 360-degree illumination.

Lastly, if you’re on a budget, the Toodour Solar String Lights provide excellent value, with eight lighting modes and a waterproof design, making them a great option for year-round use. 

Best Overall

Brightech Ambience Pro Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights

The Brightech Ambience Pro Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights are a top contender for the best solar string lights on the market. These lights are attractive, easy to install and operate, and, best of all, they are entirely solar-powered.

The bulbs are soft globes that offer warm white light and are surrounded by sturdy, discreet black wiring about the thickness of a typical outdoor extension cord. The 27-foot coverage adds a cozy touch to any outdoor space without being overly intrusive.

These lights perform exceptionally well with their six-hour minimum output and impressive light amount. Of course, as with any solar panel, you are subject to sunlight conditions, so knowing where you place the lights and panel is critical.

Nevertheless, their attractive design, impressive light output, and reliable performance make Brightech Ambience Pro Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights worthy of consideration. 

Best Outdoor Solar String Lights Under $20

Toodour Solar String Lights

The Toodour Solar String Lights offer great value for their price point. With 60 LED bulbs on a 35.6-foot cord, these lights provide ample warm white light and are waterproof for year-round outdoor use.

Additionally, they feature eight different lighting modes and an auto on/off function. The generous lead cable for attaching to the panel is a nice touch, and the memory mode ensures your preferred setting is saved.

However, some reviews cite quality control issues, and the battery pack may need more power to run all the bulbs for extended periods.

Overall, you’re on a budget but still want great solar string lights for your outdoor space. In that case, the Toodour Solar String lights are a solid pick that offers a variety of features and capabilities not found in similarly priced items. 

Best Backyard Outdoor Solar Lights

Sunlitec Solar String Lights

The Sunlitec Solar String Lights are great for durable and versatile outdoor lighting. With 25 high-quality LED bulbs, these lights are built to last, lasting up to 50,000 hours. They also come with various lighting modes, allowing you to choose the perfect mood for any occasion.

These lights are easy to charge, with a solar panel and USB charging port included, and the Li-ion battery provides a reliable power source. The lights are also waterproof, making them suitable for all-year outdoor use.

Despite lacking remote control, these lights are an excellent value for their price, with thousands of positive reviews on Amazon. The Sunlitec Solar String Lights are great for reliable and versatile outdoor lighting. 

Best Budget String Lights

Brightown Outdoor Solar String Lights

The Brightown Outdoor Solar String Lights have received rave reviews from customers on Amazon. These lights are perfect for year-round use and have a remote for easy operation.

The string includes 58 feet of length and 48 bulbs with an additional 10. The shatterproof bulbs are LED and provide three light modes, including dimming. These lights are easy to install with included cable ties and hooks, and the warm white color makes them perfect for any outdoor environment.

However, some customers have mentioned that it’s difficult to tell if they’re on or off due to the lack of a clear indicator and that they may only turn on once outdoor lighting is dark outside. Overall, the Brightown Solar String Lights are an excellent choice for reliable lighting. 

Best Solar Fairy Lights

Final thoughts and recommendations

Solar string lights are a fantastic way to add a charming and eco-friendly touch to any outdoor space. These lights have multiple benefits, from creating the perfect ambiance for a relaxing evening to showcasing your beautiful garden.

When purchasing your solar string lights, it’s essential to consider factors such as durability, run time, charge time, brightness, and cost. You also want to note any extra features of the lights, such as multiple lighting modes, USB charging, and auto on/off switches.

Based on our research and testing, the top solar string lights available in 2023 are the Brightech Ambience Pro Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights, Sunlitec Solar String Lights,

ZOTOYI LED Solar String Lights, Brightown Outdoor Solar String Lights, and Toodour Solar String Lights. We highly recommend these products based on their performance, durability, and affordability. 

FAQs

How do you install solar lights?

Most solar lights come with a stake or mounting bracket and can easily be installed in your outdoor area or outdoor patio. Find a location where the solar panel will receive enough direct sunlight, push the stake into the ground or mount the bracket, and your lights are ready to go!

Can solar lights charge on cloudy days?

While solar lights charge during the day, they require several hours of direct sunlight to fully charge. Cloudy days can slow the charging process and may make the lights not bright enough at night.

How long do solar lights stay on?

The time that solar lights stay on varies depending on the product and the amount of direct sunlight the solar panel receives. Most solar lights on our list stayed on for at least 6-8 hours after a full charge.

Do solar lights work in the winter?

Solar lights can work in the winter, but they may have trouble storing enough solar energy to last through the night. Additionally, snow and other obstructions can prevent solar panels from receiving the direct sunlight they need to charge.

How bright are solar string lights?

Solar string lights usually have a slow fade and are not designed to be bright enough to read. However, they provide a warm and inviting ambiance to your outdoor space and can be used to add extra lighting to your patio or garden.

Do solar lights turn on automatically?

Most solar lights come with a dusk-to-dawn feature, meaning they turn on automatically when the sun sets and off when it rises. Lights with motion sensors turn on when they detect movement and turn off after a certain period.

What are the benefits of using solar lights?

Installing solar lights in your outdoor space comes with many benefits. Solar lights are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly; they add extra lighting to your patio or garden and can save you money on your electricity bill.

What should I look for when buying solar lights?

When buying solar lights, consider the amount of direct sunlight your outdoor area receives, the brightness of the lights, and the run time after a full charge. Additionally, look for lights with features like motion sensors or dusk-to-dawn settings that fit your needs.

How many solar lights do I need for my outdoor space?

A: The number of solar lights you need for your outdoor space depends on the size of the area you want to light up. Consider purchasing multiple sets of solar string lights or several solar path lights to ensure enough to light up the entire space.

Can I place my solar light anywhere?

While you can technically place your solar light anywhere, it is essential to ensure that the solar panel is located in an area that receives enough direct sunlight to charge the battery. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the best placement of your solar light.

What are the best solar string lights to buy?

We have tested and reviewed the five best solar string lights of 2023. Our top picks include 1—Brightech Ambience Pro Solar String Lights – Best Overall 2. Sanjicha LED Solar String Lights – Best Bang for the Buck 3. Sunlitec Indoor/Outdoor Globe Solar String Lights – Best Globe Lights 4. Supsoo 8-Mode Globe Solar String Lights – Best Light Effects 5. MagicPro Waterproof Heavy-Duty Solar String Lights – Best Waterproof

How do solar string lights work?

Solar string lights have a solar panel that converts sunlight into energy stored in a rechargeable battery. The light strings have LED bulbs that illuminate at night using the stored energy in the battery. Most solar string lights are designed to charge during the day and turn on automatically at dusk.

How long do solar string lights last?

The runtime of solar string lights varies based on the product. The solar panels need to charge in direct sunlight for a certain amount of time during the day to provide a night’s worth of light. Solar string lights generally last 5-12 hours on a full charge.

Where should I place my solar string lights?

Solar string lights require direct sunlight to charge fully, so they should be installed so that the solar panel can receive sunlight during the day. When deciding where to place your solar string lights, consider the length of the string, the location of the solar panel, and the overall design of your outdoor space.

What are the benefits of using solar string lights?

Solar string lights are an energy-efficient option for outdoor lighting because they don’t rely on electricity from an outlet, which can save energy costs. They are also versatile to add charm and ambiance to any outdoor space, from a backyard patio to a garden pathway. Additionally, many solar string lights are designed for year-round usage and can be used indoors if desired.