Best Overall
Brightech Ambience Pro Solar String Lights
Best Bang for the Buck
Sanjicha Waterproof LED Solar String Lights
Best Globe Lights
Sunlitec Waterproof Indoor/Outdoor Solar String Lights
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Solar string Light sort out your out-of-door space while add sparkle and whimsey , creating a pleasant ambience for entertaining or relax alfresco . you may hang them over a dining mesa , weave them into the beam of apergola , or string them from Tree to turn your backyard into an atmospherical oasis . Our top selection is theBrightech Ambience Pro , with its heavy - tariff frame and attractive vintage look .
Compared to standardoutdoor string brightness level , solar - powered options are useful if you do n’t have a conveniently placed electrical outlet . They ’re also an energy - effective option because solar panels do n’t lend to your electricity invoice . With that in mind , keep reading for our tips on selecting the full solar drawing string lights for your outdoor space and to learn more about these feature picks .
Product Comparison
Our Top Picks
We tested the follow solar string lights with key feature like distance , brightness , bulb style , and runtime top of psyche . These picks proffer a mixed bag of option for a top - notch string of solar lights that will accommodate your need , style , and budget .
Our Ratings : Installation5/5;Light Quality4.6/5 ; Appearance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.3/5
Most high - quality solar lighting utilise LED electric light because they are long lasting and let out mint of light but very little heat , produce them a dependable option for many options . These conduct Edison - fashion bulbs have a vintage expression and last 5 to 6 time of day on a full commission . Six hours of direct sunlight amply charges the solar gore .
The Light Within strand features 12 bulbs space 20 inch apart to span 20 invertebrate foot . A 6 - foot wire connects to the solar control board to allow for placement in the sunny location . The bulbs are protect with shatterproof plastic racing shell that resist heat up to 122 arcdegree Fahrenheit .
To determine the affectionateness of a idle bulb , receive the color temperature in Kelvins ( K ) . The miserable the number , the tender the light . This set of spark is available in both warm white ( 2700 K ) and a slimly nerveless soft white ( 3000 potassium ) .
After test the Brightech Ambience solar train lighting , we were instill by the heavy - duty feel and classic appearance . Although we had to use a few extra fasteners to flow them so as to eliminate unwanted sagging , we preferred the sturdy spirit and polished look of this LED light set for a semipermanent patio or pack of cards installation . Along those same line , we appreciated the ability to easily replace item-by-item bulbs if they break or when they eventually glow out .
From an functional point of view , the large solar panel was a gracious add-on . It easy recharge the barrage fire within one sunny day , providing enough electrical energy for the advertised 5 to 6 hours of runtime . Also , in testing we noted an important but subtle conflict between this igniter pose and some of the others we test . This solar panel had a slew on / off switch that made it much easy to acknowledge the status of the lights , equate to those with push - push switches . Plus , this panel included an adjustable - slant wax bracket with work up - in options for mounting on a ground stakes , onto a power play clamp , or onto other open via a screw mount .
This was a really courteous - looking light set with plenty of installing flexibility , render bright light source for the advertised 6 - hour runtime , and dense - duty ironware for a long influence lifespan . At 27 feet long with just 12 bulbs , one string may not be enough for a complete terrace initiation , but it ’s a great start point , and the terms is correct for adding on more as needed .
Read our full recap : Brightech Ambience Pro Solar String Lights
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Get the Brightech Ambience solar train light atAmazon , Target , Oriental Trading , orBrightech .
Our Ratings : Installation5/5;Light Quality4/5 ; Appearance5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.6/5
Add a small dash to any outdoor outer space with this price - effective two - pack of Sanjicha LED solar drawing string Inner Light . Each of the decorative Cu - discolor ignitor strings measure 72 foot farsighted and hold 200 micro LED fairy lights . A push - button selector switch allows you to take from firefly , flash , waves , fading , chasing / flash , slow fade , light , and steady lighting modes .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
opt a favorite and the build - in store role automatically selects the last manner setting . The little solar gore that attaches to the included earth stake fully charges the integrated assault and battery in about 8 hours , allow up to 12 hours of runtime per charge . An IP65 waterproof evaluation make the Sanjicha solar fairy lights a great option for any outdoor location .
We installed the Sanjicha lighting on a telegram topiary word form in a front porch plantation owner with the ground stake and solar control board enter in the soil . The long length allowed us to thoroughly enclose and weave the lights all over the form for an excellent decorative upshot at night — and in the daylight , too , thanks to the copper wire coloration . The lights charge amply every day , include some slightly overcast daytime during the trial run period , and consistently pass for 10.5 to 11 hour every nighttime .
Because the visible light were roll up up neatly on a thin , two-dimensional framework , they were easy to install without maze , but uninstalling neatly ask a bit more care and exertion . The only actual negative tip was the push button - button power switch that did not show “ on ” or “ off . ” Also , vendee should take down that the dull light floor produced by a single chain of these queer lights is far less bright than that pass off by the small globe lights and waterdrop lights reviewed by and by in our lineup . But , they have a convenient low profile that make them a great choice for wrapping handrails , station , arbors , and other architectural element at a budget - friendly price .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Sanjicha solar string lights atAmazonorWalmart .
Our Ratings : Installation4/5;Light Quality4.6/5 ; Appearance4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.3/5
Folks who care the look of globe lights may desire to check out this Sunlitec exercise set that has 25 large solar ignitor medulla spaced 10 column inch aside . This 27 - foot band can be used either indoors or outdoors . For indoor use , a micro - USB charger is provided . It strike 5 to 8 hours to charge the battery using solar might or 4 hour with the USB battery charger . Having both options ensures the light source can illuminate even on a cloudy or showery day . On a full charge , the brightness level shine for up to 8 hours . The string ’s colouration temperature is 3000 K , giving them a versatile impersonal people of colour that is neither too cool nor too warm .
Photo: amazon.com
We wanted to deploy the Sunlitec globe solar drawing string light around the rim of a patio umbrella , using cable television ties to secure it to the umbrella frame . But the 2 - foot conducting wire from the solar panel to the first light made this configuration impractical , so instead we set it up beneath the covered deck of cards rafters . Since the lights were spaced just 12 inches aside along the cable , the condensed light was easily brilliant enough to scan by . This was the brightest light set of our whole test , but with a cooler , bluer caliber at 3000K. We preferred the warmheartedness of 2700K.
We appreciated the prominent 3 - watt solar panel ’s ability to shoot down the battery in just 8 hr and that the spark really provided an telling 8 - hour runtime — the longest runtime of all the big - bulb trend we quiz . However , we question durability for two reason : the deoxyephedrine bulb , which are a notable breaking peril , and the lighter - weight cable’s length ( compared with that used in our Best Overall pickaxe and a few others ) . But the price was also half that of our top pick , so if these lights last half as long , then we consider it a fair price .
Get the Sunlitec solar chain sparkle atAmazon .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Waterproof
MagicPro Waterproof Heavy-Duty Solar String Lights
Our rating : Installation5/5;Light Quality4/5 ; Appearance4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
A few splashes should n’t put the muffler on this versatile hardening of string light source from MagicPro thanks to an excellent waterproofing rating of IPX5 , mean it can defy even stiff water cat valium . The lights can serve via solar power or with a micro - USB cable , both indoors and outdoors . The string is 44 feet long and features 15 Edison - expressive style LED medulla . Multiple strands can be get in touch for large spaces .
The solar panel and integrated rechargeable battery take 6 to 8 hours of continuous sunlight to agitate completely , and can then power the lights for up to 8 hours . The lights have four modes : steady , slow flash , quick flash , and pulsate . The solar light bulbs are also shatterproof .
Photo: amazon.com
We installed the MagicPro waterproof solar twine lights over an out-of-door seating area by attaching them to overhead Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree outgrowth with cable length tie beam . Each bulb fixture had its own hang eyelet , so securing the brightness was not a job . The charge time and runtime were accurate as listed : Our visible radiation fully charge in a minuscule over 7 hours and then run for for about 8.25 hour per direction .
We also care that the S14 incandescent lamp were replaceable , and the overall mental synthesis of this set felt substantial , much like our Best Overall pick . However , the lights were spaced 34 inches aside along the wire , or 14 column inch further apart than our top choice , so the overall lighting effect was scale down . Those with a big outdoor distance to ignitor will prize the dispersed inflammation effect , but they might weigh add together supplemental lights where add brightness is need .
Get the MagicPro solar string light atAmazon .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Waterdrop
Brightown Outdoor Crystal Globe Solar String Lights
Our rating : Installation4/5;Light Quality4/5 ; Appearance5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value5/5
Unique light bulb shapes can add a impulsive flair to a gathering space . The elongated bulbs on the Brightown outdoor light-emitting diode watedrop solar drawstring lights emit a warm white freshness that look great in linear or mass installations . The 25.7 - fundament light source string features forty 3 - column inch droplet - shaped LEDs , spaced 8 inch apart . Eight kindling mode options sum apparent motion and excitement to the party : Choose from waves , combination , sequential , gradual , chasing , dumb slice , twinkle , and steady on . It is IP65 waterproof rated for all - weather function . The small monocrystalline Si solar board institutionalize the 1.2 - V battery in about 8 hr to power the lights up to 10 hr at night .
We installed these Brightown waterdrop lights in a spiraled overhead configuration at varied tallness so that the LED resemble rainfall ; they were especially effective in “ twinkle ” mode . Both the charge time and runtime were as advertised . The overall quality of the light was fair for the price , which is to say comparable to a effective - character set of vacation lights . These lights were lot of fun and the different mode options really made the difference .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Brightown solar string lights atAmazon .
Best with Brass Socket
Brightech Glow LED Edison Bulb Solar String Lights
Our Ratings : Installation4/5;Light Quality5/5 ; Appearance4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.3/5
Brightech Glow LED Edison - bulb solar twine lights include many of the same feature as our Best Overall filling , but with the addition of attractive governing body electric-light bulb socket . This 12 - medulla oblongata 28 - invertebrate foot string light is built for all - atmospheric condition , all - season habit with shatterproof bulbs and a commercial-grade - form rubberized corduroy . The S14 LED light utter 2700 K of lovesome livid sparkle for up to 6 hour per tutelage , after bear down in direct sunshine for 6 hours via the 1 - watt solar panel .
The Brightech Glow solar bowed stringed instrument lights execute very well in our tests . As with Brightech Ambience Pro , this selection features nearly space ( 20 column inch ) Edison - style LEDs , which made them a smashing pick for linear applications . And we really liked the look of the brass socket . The system charge and ran as advertised and lit the space very well . The bulb were replaceable , and the whole package felt hardy and durable . We also liked the sliding on / off switch on the sonorous - duty solar gore .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
We object to the lack of hang - loops above the private bulbs . This was the only Edison - panache string light we tested that did not provide that characteristic , but it appear that hang loops are usable onsome versionsof the Brightech Glow . They may cost a bit more , but in our thought , it ’s probably worth paying a little extra . Other than that , these are great - calculate lights with a hardy habitus and bright kindling capability .
Get the Brightech Glow solar string lights atAmazon , The Home Depot , orBrightech .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Solar String Lights
Testing Stats
Products tested:8
hour spend testing:7 to 10 hour
try out performed:2 to 3
Average price:$33
Many of the solar string lighting sets in this pathfinder are retrace for year - round usage and can be used indoors , if hope . Some solar drawstring twinkle sets endure out for their extra features as well , include multiple lighting fashion and USB charging . We tested the solar string lights for sun - charge time , runtime , and luminosity .
After unbox them , we switched on the solar panels and put down them in the Lord’s Day for 12 hour to to the full lodge . We hung the lights close enough to one another so that we could liken brightness and installed the solar panels where they would encounter lineal sun for at least 8 hours during the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . After observe and commemorate the results on three dissimilar nights , we noted our impression of the appearance and quality of each Seth .
What to Consider When Choosing Solar String Lights
To make an inviting , illuminated outdoor space , reckon the size and form of the bulbs as well as brightness and color . A atmospheric condition - resistant design , a extended cord , and remote or app - control features can make outdoor solar - power string lights safer and easier to apply .
Style and Shape
Solar string light bulb are uncommitted in a mixture of styles and shapes , including globe incandescent lamp , Edison bulbs , lantern bulbs , fairy lights , andrope lights .
Size
When choose medulla sizing , deliberate the available outdoor space , ease of installing , and desired looking . Small bulb are a good pick for small outdoor spaces ; they wo n’t overmaster the space or other out-of-door decorations . They ’re broadly more subtle , providing aristocratical background lighting . Because they furnish less light , they are commonly pick out for decorative purposes .
Large lightbulb are more outstanding and provide a bolder look . Moreover , their enceinte size provide more direct illumination . They are generally bright and are suitable for prominent spaces that need additional ignition . Large decorative bulb , such as globe bulb and Edison bulb , make a manner command .
Brightness
The amount of light output a incandescent lamp can emit is specified in lumens — the more lumen , the lustrous the medulla . Do n’t confuse lumens with wattage : Wattage measures how much power a bulb consumes and not how bright a light appear . When deciding on medulla brightness , consider the desire kindling effect .
Solar string light bulbs can run from 5 to over 100 lumens per electric-light bulb . purchaser often choose solar lights for their glowy appearance rather than their brightness , so lower lumens often work well to set a mood .
Color Temperature
Lighting color temperature is mensurate using the Kelvin temperature scale . This scale measures how warm or cool down the lighting appear . low numbers on the Kelvin scale look warmer , while eminent numbers look cool .
Most home firing falls between 2000 K to 6000K. Bulbs around 2700 K have a cozy , warm white gloss with a white-livered hue , while bulbs over 5000 K provide stark , crisp lighting with a drab hue .
ardent inflammation makes a outer space flavour more intimate and inviting , while cool lighting may appear harsh , especially at night . As a outcome , warm bulbs are generally preferred for ambientoutdoor ignition .
Wire Length
Consider the sizing of the outdoor space and the lighting layout when choose the ideal duration of solar cosmic string light . The best means to square off the require wire duration is to use a piece of string to measure where the lights will go . Consider the following recommendations , base on the size of it of the outdoor area :
Weather Resistance
Since outdoor solar lights are exposed to the component , choose a set that abide up to rainy conditions and wakeless blast of wind is significant . have to take down the string lighting every time they face inclement weather is not idealistic .
First , check out the intersection verbal description to determine if the light are think for outdoor use . Using indoor kindling outdoors creates a likely ardor endangerment . Secondly , verify the merchandise is water - tolerant or rainproof — even spots under a roof can develop moist in bad conditions .
Weather - resistant lights can wield direct photograph to water and lineament watertight sealskin to protect their interior part from accumulating moisture and make safety issues .
Additional Features
For those who want to upgrade from basic solar ignitor , reckon a model with extra features like color - alter bulbs , blur option , and remote - control condition or app process .
FAQs
To be certain that you ’re using your solar string Light Within aright , safely , and in effect , show the questions and answers below and determine more about selecting the best choice for you .
Since solar lights charge during the daylight , yes , these lights can be safely left on all Nox . But be mindful that any solar - powered chain lights that check Li batteries are at higher risk for overheating or catching fire if neglected .
Solar string lights can run in the wintertime as long as they have access to sunlight to charge . Since many of these lights are also made to be waterproof , you’re able to leave them outdoors throughout the class .
Depending upon the model , you could expect outside solar string lights to last from 2 to 4 years . exploiter should be advised that models made with rainproof building provide excellent length of service . However , those made with chalk are easy breakable in in high spirits - dealings sphere .
whitened visible radiation is the most effective lighting colour since it ’s close to natural light . Warm white brightness level have a glowy yellow tinge that is cozy and inviting , fix them a pop choice for outdoor lighting . Colorful bulbs are another option that buyer often select for their atmosphere rather than their lighting ability . These lights bring a decorative flair and can be a fun addition for different season and holidays .
The easiest option is to hang string lights from survive fixtures or wrap them around columns and railings that fence a patio . If necessary , createhanging optionsby using heavy - duty sticky hooks , metal hooks , or nail .
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a author and merchandise tester with an extensive background in the glasshouse and landscape gardening industry . For more than 20 year he mowed , edged , planted , pruned , school , irrigate , and renovated beautiful landscapes . Now he quiz and writes followup about the a la mode outdoor power equipment , hand tool , lawn - maintenance products , and other outdoor - living goods .
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