10 Best Outdoor Solar Lights for Al Fresco Parties

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With the right lighting you can gather outdoors long after the sun goes down—and make a style statement. One way to light up your yard at night? With the best outdoor solar lights. They’ll illuminate any outdoor space, from your front porch to your backyard, in the most beautiful way. Whether you enjoy hosting friends and family in your yard or relaxing with a nighttime cocktail on your deck, there’s plenty of solar lighting options to make your space glow, from LED solar lights and hanging solar lights to solar string lights. (Bonus: Outdoor solar spotlights placed strategically around your home are also ideal for extra security.)

Solar lights are powered by the sun, which cuts down on energy costs and harnesses a renewable energy source—a win for both your wallet and the environment. Another benefit to choosing this type of lighting? While you can certainly splurge on outdoor solar lights, you really don’t need to. Budget-friendly options are everywhere! To help you choose the best solar lighting for your outdoor space, we’ve rounded up some fantastic options at a variety of different price points. Whether you want to light up an outdoor lounge area or make your outdoor dining sets more cozy, these options will get you there.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How Many Lumens Is Best for Solar Lights?

Lumens measure the brightness of a light source. In general, you’ll need at least 100 lumens per square foot of outdoor space. For areas that require bright light—say, a backyard pool—you’ll want to choose a solar light option with a higher lumens rating, and you may want to increase your lumens per square foot. Light with a lower lumens rating is better for areas that need dimmer lighting, like landscape lighting or dining lighting that’s intended to be more decorative than anything else.

How Do I Choose the Best Outdoor Solar Lights?

The best solar lights address your exact needs perfectly. You can use solar lights to add decorating to your landscaping, or to illuminate an area for entertaining. Bright solar lights add extra security to your outdoor area, from your front porch to shadowy areas in your backyard.

What Is the Best Wattage for Outdoor Solar Lights?

Watts indicate how much energy a light bulb consumes, while lumens measure the brightness of a light source—so you’ll want to consider both wattage and lumens when you choose outdoor solar lights for your space. For the best wattage for outdoor lights aim for a selection that’s 40 watts or lower.

How Long Should Outdoor Solar Lights Last?

Outdoor solar lights last from six months to two years, based on factors such as your maintenance and the harshness of the weather where you live.