Solar lights are the easiest way to light a garden: no cables, no electrician and no running costs. Modern solar LEDs are brighter and longer-lasting than ever, and the designs have come a long way from basic plastic stakes. Here’s how to get the best from them.
How do solar garden lights work?
A small solar panel charges a built-in battery during the day. At dusk a light sensor switches the LED on automatically, and it runs for several hours depending on how much sun it received.
Tips for brighter, longer-lasting solar lights
- Give them sun: aim for 6–8 hours of direct light. Avoid deep shade under trees or north-facing walls.
- Keep panels clean: wipe off dust, pollen and leaves every few weeks.
- First charge: leave new lights switched off in full sun for a day before first use.
- Winter: shorter days mean shorter run times – that’s normal. Consider a mains-powered spotlight for key areas.
Path lights and bollards
Space path lights roughly 6–8 ft (1.8–2.4 m) apart for a guiding line of light, staggering them on alternate sides for a natural look.
- Solar Garden Bollard Light – Black Post – steady or motion-sensor mode.
- Curved Solar LED Garden Bollard Lights – 6 or 12 Pack – directional downlight.
- Solar LED T-Post Pathway Lights – 4 Pack – clean modern posts.
- Solar Frosted Cylinder Path Light – black or silver.
- Solar Pathway Light with Decorative Pattern – projects patterns onto the ground.
- Solar In-Ground Path Light – for decks and driveway edges.
- Mushroom Outdoor Path Light – Coffee Finish – shaded, glare-free glow.
- Classic Lantern Outdoor Post Light – solar or wired, timeless curb appeal.
Solar lanterns
- Rectangular Solar Lantern with Frosted Glass – IP65 with remote.
- Solar LED Flickering Candle Lanterns – Set of 2 or 4 – candlelight without flames.
- Solar Moroccan Metal Lantern – casts enchanting patterns.
- Solar Bamboo-Style Outdoor Lantern – warm patterned light.
- Compact Solar Flame-Effect Lantern – for tables and balconies.
- Solar Garden Stake Lanterns – Packs of 4, 8 or 10 – for borders and beds.
- Portable LED Hanging Lantern – Rechargeable – for patios, camping and power cuts.
Flame-effect and decorative lights
- Solar Flickering Flame Garden Light – realistic firelight effect.
- Solar Flickering Flame Torch Lights – Set of 2 – tiki-style ambience.
- Solar Spiral Projection Garden Light – mesmerising dot patterns.
- Solar Owl Garden Stake Light – a charming glow in planters.
- Solar Easter Island Head Garden Statues – quirky glowing sculptures.
String lights and spotlights
- Solar LED Outdoor String Lights – warm white or multicolour, up to 72 ft.
- Outdoor LED String Lights with Weatherproof Bulbs – 16, 26 or 43 ft for pergolas.
- LED Garden Spotlight with Ground Spike – uplight trees and façades.
Finish the garden
Pair your lighting with a rustic wooden hanging birdhouse for wildlife and charm by day.
Shop the full outdoor & garden collection, and see our outdoor wall lights guide for porches and patios.