WANT to give your garden a magical makeover without adding to your energy bills? The best solar lights are the perfect solution – and we’ve put the best ones to the test.
From cosy glows to practical path lighting and twinkling fairy lights, solar-powered options can completely transform your outdoor space after dark – all without spending a penny on electricity.
The best solar lights keep shining for hours (many lasting until sunrise), with options to suit every garden size and style.
Some even double as security lights, while the smartest models can be controlled right from your phone.
Whether you’re looking to create a feature in flower beds, line a pathway, brighten up balcony railings, or weave lights through tree branches, there’s a solar option that fits the bill.
Today’s solar lights come in an impressive range of designs – from different colours and white light tones to dynamic patterns that create stunning visual effects.
Feeling overwhelmed by all the choices? We’ve spent weeks testing various solar lights across different designs, sizes and price points to find the very best options available in the UK right now.
Here’s what you need to know before brightening up your outdoor space this summer.
Best solar lights for the garden at a glance:
1. Solar Centre Festoon Lights
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Solar Centre Festoon Lights, RRP £49.99
Pros: Genuinely bright as mains lighting, stunning vintage look, impressive battery life, two brightness settings
Cons: On the pricier side
Rating: 5/5
The Solar Centre Festoon Lights are first solar string lights I’ve found that actually look as bright as plugged-in electric versions – no exaggeration!
Yes, they’re more expensive than budget options, but the quality completely justifies the price tag.
The 25 glass LED bulbs are spaced along a sturdy 8m black cable, giving them a gorgeous vintage feel that transforms any outdoor space.
That generous length means you can easily drape them across a pergola or along a fence without needing to buy multiple sets.
What really sets these apart is their remarkable longevity – I’ve had a set installed since last summer that’s still performing brilliantly, even after making it through the winter months.
The dual brightness settings are a clever touch (though I’ve found the dimmer mode only lasts marginally longer than the brighter setting).
Each bulb features smart little hooks, making them easy to attach to wires or other fixtures.
But honestly, it’s the impressive brightness that keeps impressing guests – everyone assumes they’re mains-powered until I tell them otherwise!
If you’ve been disappointed by dim, short-lived solar lights before, these Solar Centre Festoon Lights will completely change your expectations.
Size: 25 lights; Weight: 1kg
2. HETP Solar Motion Sensor Security Lights
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HETP Solar Motion Sensor Security Lights, RRP £29.95
Pros: Easy to install, very Ridiculously bright, incredibly reliable, dead easy to install
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
I’ve tried dozens of solar security lights over the years, but these HETP sensors are genuinely in a different league.
After I spotted them at my brother-in-law’s house, I refused to believe they weren’t connected to the mains – he had quite a job convincing me they were actually solar-powered!
What makes these stand out is just how insanely bright they are.
I’d actually say they’re even more powerful than many traditional wired security lights I’ve tested, which is pretty remarkable for a solar product.
The motion detection is spot-on too, triggering at exactly the right moment (no false alarms) and staying lit for ages.
Installation couldn’t be simpler – just a couple of screws and you’re done.
I love their sleek, modern design that looks properly high-tech rather than cheap and plasticky like so many alternatives.
The clever integrated solar panel means there’s no separate unit to mount, so with careful positioning, you’re getting professional-level security lighting without any wiring headaches.
If you’re looking for security lights that deliver serious illumination without adding to your electricity bills, these HETP lights are absolutely worth investing in.
Genuinely impressive performance that’s converted me from a solar security light skeptic into a total believer.
Size: 2 lights
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3. yiyicas 2-Pack Solar String Lights
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yiyicas 2-Pack Solar String Lights Outdoor, £9.99
Pros: Unbelievably reliable, fantastic copper wire design, serious staying power, great brightness
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
I’ve been utterly amazed by these lights since installing them last summer.
What’s genuinely mindblowing is that they’ve twinkled away EVERY SINGLE NIGHT without fail – and if you’ve tried as many solar lights as I have, you’ll know what an incredible achievement that is!
I’ve wrapped two strings around a bay tree trunk in my garden, and they’ve been incredibly consistent performers.
Even during the darkest winter days when we barely saw any sunshine, they still lit up reliably every evening.
Their energy storage capability must be exceptional because they’re positioned where they only get morning sun (they’re completely shaded all afternoon) yet still perform brilliantly.
The copper wire design is a game-changer – super lightweight and incredibly versatile.
You can wrap them around literally anything – tree trunks, pergolas, fences, railings – and they stay exactly where you put them.
Unlike bulkier string lights that can sag or drop, these maintain their position perfectly.
At 10 meters per string (with a generous 100 LEDs on each), you’re getting plenty of coverage from the pack.
They emit a lovely warm glow that creates the perfect atmosphere without being overpowering.
If you’re tired of unreliable solar lights that work for a week then give up, these yiyicas strings are the solution you’ve been looking for.
Size: 2 x 10m strings with 100 lights on each; Weight: 284g
4. Carnival Solar Festoon Lights
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Carnival Solar Festoon Lights, RRP £39.99
Pros: Oversized statement bulbs, seriously versatile, eight lighting modes, practically unbreakable, excellent value
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
These are properly chunky bulbs that make a real statement – and unlike most solar lights, they actually look fantastic during daylight hours too!
The clever hooks on each bulb mean you can easily attach them to wire or other fixtures, making them incredibly versatile.
One of my absolute favourite features is the eight different lighting functions.
You can switch between everything from a static warm glow to what they brilliantly describe as a “funky flash” or chase effect depending on your mood.
It’s like having multiple string lights in one!
The perspex construction is a genius touch that makes these far more practical than glass alternatives – they’re much safer to handle and virtually indestructible.
Perfect if you’ve got kids or pets running around (or if you’re just a bit clumsy like me).
They look absolutely stunning draped across a pergola or garden structure, casting a beautifully warm glow that instantly creates that perfect relaxed garden atmosphere.
The quality is exceptional, especially considering the price point.
Size: 20 bulbs along 4.75m cable
5. SolarCentre Smart Festoon Lights
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SolarCentre Smart Festoon Lights, RRP £39.99
Pros: App-controlled from anywhere, mind-blowing 16 million colour options, chunky reliable solar panel, USB charging backup
Cons: Premium price point, remote control needs clear line of sight to solar panel
Rating: 4.5/5
Smart solar lights were bound to happen eventually – and these SolarCentre beauties have absolutely nailed it!
With a staggering 16 million colour combinations available (honestly, I’m still working my way through them), these app-controlled festoons bring serious tech credentials to your garden lighting.
Available in 25 or 50 bulb configurations, the Hello Fairy app puts complete control at your fingertips.
You can cycle through endless colour combinations, set different scenes, and – my absolute favourite feature – sync them to music!
If there was ever a perfect excuse to throw a garden party, this is it.
The solar panel itself is impressively chunky, suggesting serious power capacity.
In my London garden, I can control the lights from our kitchen table (about five metres away) using the app without any issues.
If you prefer the included remote control, just make sure the solar panel isn’t tucked away too discretely as it needs line-of-sight.
What really elevates these above regular solar lights is the USB charging option – perfect for keeping them brilliantly bright throughout those longer summer evenings when you’re entertaining.
No more garden lights fading just as the party gets going!
If you’re after something beyond standard garden illumination and fancy bringing a proper disco atmosphere to your outdoor space, these smart festoons deliver the wow factor.
They’re definitely an investment, but the flexibility and fun factor make them worth every penny.
Size: 25 or 50 bulbs
6. SolarLiving Solar Powered LED Curtain
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SolarLiving Solar Powered LED Curtain, £12
Pros: Incredible value, properly bright, impressive all-night performance
Cons: Wires don’t hang perfectly straight
Rating: 4.5/5
For just £15, these B&M curtain lights are an absolute steal.
I was a bit skeptical they’d match what was shown on the website, and while they definitely don’t hang as poker-straight as their marketing images suggest, they still look fantastic once installed.
The effect is genuinely impressive – what appears like hundreds of twinkling lights cascading downward creates a truly magical backdrop.
The 266 LEDs spread across the generous 1.8m x 1.8m curtain give you plenty of coverage for transforming a fence, wall or garden feature.
What’s really blown me away is the battery life.
These lights consistently shine through the entire night – I’ve literally gotten up at 5am for work and found them still twinkling away in the garden, only switching off when dawn breaks.
That kind of longevity from solar lights at this price point is almost unheard of.
I’ve got mine hanging down our back fence behind our garden sofa area, and they’ve completely transformed the space.
If the not-quite-straight wires really bother you, you could probably add small weights to keep them perfectly aligned, but honestly, the slight randomness adds to the charm.
Size: 266 lights on a 1.8m x 1.8m curtain; Weight: 310g
7. Forest Solar Mushroom Lights
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Forest Solar Mushroom Lights, RRP £24.99
Pros: Budget-friendly, hidden wiring design, magical woodland vibe
Cons: None
Rating: 4/5
These quirky little mushroom lights are pure joy in garden form – and they offer something completely different from your standard hanging string lights.
Instead of draping from trees or pergolas, these beauties are designed to be staked directly into the ground, creating a truly enchanting woodland feel.
What I particularly love is how you can completely bury the connecting wires in the soil between each light, so all you see are the glowing mushroom caps emerging from the ground.
Plant them around the base of trees or dotted between flowers for a magical fairy garden effect that looks straight out of a storybook.
At 6.14m long, the string gives you plenty of flexibility for creating your perfect mushroom pathway or magical corner.
They’re the perfect whimsical touch for adding character to your garden without spending a fortune.
Size: 12 lights along 6.14m cable
8. Solar Maroc Lantern String Lights
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Solar Maroc Lantern String Lights, £19.99
Pros: Super stylish, properly weatherproof, gorgeous warm glow
Cons: Not the brightest option
Rating: 3.5/5
I had to include these beauties because let’s be honest – solar lights can sometimes be more functional than fancy.
These Moroccan-style mini-lanterns bring some serious style credentials to your outdoor space while still lasting well into the evening.
They won’t flood your garden with light like some of the other options I’ve tested, but that’s not really the point.
These are all about creating atmosphere – they look absolutely stunning strung from tree branches or as part of a wider Middle-Eastern inspired garden setup.
What’s particularly clever about the design is that they’re fully weatherproof, but because of their shape, you’ll never end up with those annoying puddles of rainwater collecting inside.
The intricate cut-out patterns create a beautifully warm, cosy glow that adds a touch of magic to any outdoor space.
Size: 10 lanterns on 2.7m string
Solar Garden Lights FAQs
Where can I buy solar garden lights in the UK?
You can find solar lights both online and in high-street stores. During the summer you’re also likely to find them in supermarkets, in the seasonal aisle, and don’t forget to check out discount chains like B&M or Home Bargains.
Garden centres and DIY stores often stock a selection in summer, while online Amazon always has a great choice.
Other online options include department stores, such as John Lewis, chains such as Argos or M&S and furniture retailers, including Wayfair, Dunelm and The Range.
We found the products reviewed in our feature at:
How do solar lights work?
After extensive testing, I can confidently say that solar string lights have come a LONG way in recent years.
The technology has improved dramatically, and many now rival mains-powered alternatives in brightness and reliability.
The secret is in their improved solar panels and battery storage capacity.
The best options I’ve tested continue shining well into the early hours – I’ve literally gotten up at 5am to find some still twinkling away before dawn breaks.
Of course, performance varies significantly between brands.
Budget options (some as cheap as £4) can still deliver impressive results, while premium models offer features like app control and music synchronization.
Position is crucial – most need 6-8 hours of decent daylight to fully charge.
Even in winter, the best models will still perform, though typically with reduced runtime.
How much do solar garden lights cost?
You’ll be pleased to know there are solar garden lights to match every budget – from pocket-friendly options that won’t dent your wallet to luxury designer versions that could set you back hundreds (even thousands for the proper posh ones).
For fairy lights, expect to pay between £5 and £15 per set depending on where you shop.
Larger festoon lights cost a bit more, but you can still find great deals – I’ve spotted packs of 10 chunky bulbs for under £20 at Wayfair.
The real investment pieces tend to be freestanding outdoor solar lamps, but these are essentially garden furniture rather than just decorative lighting.
My top tip? Don’t rush into buying the first solar lights you see.
Browse several websites to compare options and get inspiration for your outdoor space – you’ll be amazed at the variety available at every price point.
Do solar-powered lights need direct sunlight?
Solar lights DON’T need direct sunlight to work – but they definitely perform better with it.
Modern solar lights have come a long way, with improved panels that can now capture energy from indirect light.
I’ve had impressive results with lights placed in partially shaded areas that only receive morning sun but still illuminate reliably every evening.
That said, positioning matters enormously. While direct sunlight delivers the best charging performance (6-8 hours of direct sun equals maximum brightness and runtime), most decent quality solar lights will still function with diffused light on cloudy days – just expect reduced brightness and shorter operation time.
The yiyicas string lights I tested continued working faithfully through winter despite minimal direct sun, which speaks volumes about how far the technology has advanced.
If you’re planning to install solar lights in predominantly shaded areas, look for models with larger solar panels or those specifically designed for shade tolerance.
Your lights will still work – just not at their full potential.
Do solar lights need batteries?
Despite the name ‘solar-powered’, most solar garden lights DO actually contain batteries – they’re just rechargeable ones that get topped up by the sun rather than ones you’ll need to keep replacing.
Inside most solar lights you’ll find rechargeable batteries (typically AA or AAA) that store the energy collected by the solar panels during daylight hours.
This stored power is then used to illuminate the lights after dark.
The brilliant thing is you never need to faff about changing these batteries – they’re designed to charge and discharge thousands of times before eventually wearing out.
I’ve had some solar lights running continuously for years without any battery maintenance.
Some premium models (like those SolarCentre Smart Festoon Lights I reviewed) even include backup USB charging options for when you need guaranteed brightness for special occasions or during particularly gloomy winter periods.
The only time you might need to replace batteries is after several years when they eventually lose their ability to hold a charge – but by then, most people are ready for new lights anyway!
How many lumens is best for solar garden lights?
When it comes to solar garden lights, the “right” number of lumens completely depends on what you’re trying to achieve – and I’ve tested enough to know there’s no one-size-fits-all answer!
For gentle ambient lighting and decorative effects (like those charming mushroom lights or fairy strings), you’re looking at anywhere between 5-50 lumens.
These create a lovely atmosphere without being overpowering.
Path lights need a bit more oomph – typically 100-200 lumens will properly illuminate walkways and garden edges without creating that harsh, spotlight effect that ruins the vibe.
For statement lighting (like those gorgeous festoon bulbs), aim for 100-400 lumens to create proper impact that’s visible even from indoors.
Security and flood lights are a different story altogether – you’ll want 700+ lumens to properly light up larger areas and deter any unwanted visitors.
The beauty of today’s solar lights is that many now offer multiple brightness settings, so you can adjust based on your needs or even the season (less sun in winter means conserving battery power with lower settings!).
