If I must leave my house and return to it in the dark – shudders – then I want to come home to the cozy, welcoming glow of my favorite solar lights.
Outdoor solar lights are inviting, practical, and don’t impact my electric bill. Do not get me started on the electric bill. Ugh.
Here are my favorites:
The Workhorse Solar Light | Amazon
My go-to, all-around MVP for a solar light is this up-light disc. They come with a stake, but I also have them sitting directly on the ground without being secured by the stake in most places. Surprisingly, they have rarely blown away. Hope I didn’t just jinx myself!
If I’m up in the middle of the night and look out the window, these are the lights that stay on longer than any of my other solar lights. I don’t know why.
I have purchased these multiple times since 2022. If one goes out, it’s because the plastic has somehow cracked and water has gotten into the light and corroded it. Maybe because I set them directly on the ground? I’m sure improper use has nothing to do with it.
Cheap, But Effective Path Light | Walmart
These solar path lights are $1.48 each. Say no more.
I can’t install step lights directly on these stone stairs, so these path lights have been saving my bacon when I’m out here at night and need to know where the steps are located.
P.S. Handy Husband ended up in this shot because he was watching a rabbit. Who needs TV when the nature show is in your backyard?
The Thriller Solar Light | Amazon
This sparkler, starburst, fairy light, or whatever you want to call it, is my favorite solar light right now. The whimsy!
They come in a 2-pack, and I regret not getting more because I keep moving them around and loving them in every place I’ve added them. In the daytime, I do think they look best in an area that’s camouflaged by plants because they are a little weird-looking.
The Safe Staircase Solar Light | Amazon
I like how these lights are versatile for steps, deck railings, and fences. I have them on our deck steps and around the edge of the deck railing.
They give a warm glow that’s enough to see that there’s a step. If you’re trying to completely light up your steps like it’s an airplane runway, these probably aren’t that.
Full disclosure, though, the first batch felt like it had a few duds that quit working after 18 months. I replaced the duds with some from a second batch. The reviews have me optimistic, and I did switch brands. But they look identical, so did I really?
Solar Post Cap Solar Light | Lowe’s
This post cap solar light was so easy to install and, given the price of building materials, seemed like a deal at $12.
I might go back and get another one for the other post cap on the Carriage House porch.
Mason Jar Lid Fairy Lights | Amazon
I know I said the sparkler solar lights were my favorite, but it might actually be these fairy light solar lids that fit on mason jars. I have them on our covered front porch and our deck. They work in both places. In the winter, I keep them inside on a south-facing windowsill and they work at night indoors.
I have also gifted these and they are always so well received. Like a litle hug in a jar.
I’m linking the 6-pack because you’re going to want them. Worst case, they come individually-wrapped and you can break up the set and gift them to someone who needs a smile.
Now that I’ve shared all my favorite solar lights, I should tell you that all the solar lights in the world don’t beat the magic of fireflies lighting up your backyard. Our sunsets make our backyard glow pretty sweetly, too. Nature always does it best.
Are you as into solar lights as I am? Tell me your favorites. I’m always happy to add more favorites to the list. You can comment here on this blog post, email me here, or reach out via direct message on Instagram or Facebook.
P.S. If our outdoor string lights ever go out, I have my eye on this solar string light set. But I can’t speak to how well they work yet.
It definitely brightened my day for you to spend part of your day here. If you’d like another blog post to read before you go, I’ve got you covered.
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