10 Best Solar Lights 2025 in the United States

Lighting up your yard—or at least part of it—at night has a number of benefits. It will give you a greater sense of security when your yard is illuminated, since you’ll be able to see what’s going on. It also makes the yard safer, since the light will enable you and your family to see exactly where you’re going on a dark night. Aesthetically, they make your yard look warm and inviting. If you buy solar lights, which are charged by sunlight during the daytime, you won’t even have to worry about the lights running up your electrical bill. Here are some tips for finding the right lights for your property if you want to brighten up your yard with solar-powered lights.

Standalone: Standalone lights are individual lights that the owner places however he or she chooses in the yard. They are typically sold in sets.

• Standalone lights are an excellent option if you want to have control over how your lights are arranged in the yard—since they aren’t connected to one another, you can put them anywhere you like.

String: String lights work like Christmas lights—they come on a long cord, and can be wrapped around trees or poles, threaded through bushes, or placed in other arrangements. They tend to be smaller than standalone lights, with many more individual bulbs coming in a set.

• String lights are an excellent option for people who are interested in creating more intricate designs with their lights, as the larger number of bulbs (and the fact that they are connected with each other) allows the owner to create lines and patterns with the light strings.

Above-ground: Above-ground lights are placed on short poles or sticks and, as the name suggests, stick out above the ground, usually by one or two feet.

• Because they are elevated, above-ground lights can illuminate a larger area of the ground.

In-ground: In-ground lights are designed to be embedded in the yard, with just the bulb (usually encased in some kind of cover) sticking out.

• In-ground lights don’t illuminate quite as much area as above-ground models, but they are perfect if you’re going for a subtler and more elegant style.

Motion activated: While most solar lights stay on all night (or at least until their batteries run out), motion activated models turn off after a while, only relighting when someone or something activates their motion sensors.

• This is an excellent option for you if security is your primary concern.

• Lighting power: Manufacturers will generally put their lights’ brightness (typically measured in lumens or candlepower) in the product specifications; since you know your area and lighting needs, it’s a good idea to check out that information before purchasing.
• Design: Yard lights come in a wide range of colors, and an even wider range of light covers. They provide attractive shapes and, in many cases, work with the lights to cast patterns on the lawn. When looking for lights, choose ones that will work best with your sense of style.
• Batteries: While solar lights get their power from the sun, some also come with rechargeable batteries to provide extra power if it’s needed. If you live in an area where the sunlight is less than reliable all year round, it might be a good idea to buy lights that come with battery backup.

• Brightness: Many light manufacturers put their lights’ brightness (measured in lumens) in the product description. Think about how much light you need in your yard, and be sure to purchase lights that will meet your needs.
• Power source: Sunlight powers the lights, but some models use rechargeable batteries (which can be replaced as and when needed), while others store energy without the use of batteries.
• Color: White lights are the traditional choice, but there are plenty of color options out there that can match your style.
• Light pattern: Some lights come with regular covers, while others come with gobo covers that can shine patterns across your yard. If that’s something that interests you, it’s worth finding a light that will do that.

HGTV: Home and Garden TV has long been known as a favorite television channel for home improvement enthusiasts, but in recent years they have expanded their operation to include selling their own products.

Moonrays: Moonrays is an American manufacturer of garden accessories. Established in 1986, the company makes a range of products, from lighting options to lawn and garden ornaments.

Garden Creations: Garden Creations produces a number of different lighting options for people’s yards and gardens, which are then sold through various online retailers.

Frostfire: Frostfire is an American lighting manufacturer. Founded in 1998, the company produces a number of lighting options for both inside and outside the home.