9 Solar Lights to Set Your Yard Aglow This Summer
No light switch necessary.
Warm summer nights are perfect for sipping tea (or cocktails), snuggling up with loved ones, and taking in the fresh breeze on your porch or patio. Add a little ambient lighting with cheeky lawn ornaments and string lights, and you’ll never want to go inside.
If you’re shopping for outdoor lighting of any kind, solar lights are the eco-conscious, hassel-free way to light up any space. Here’s why:
How Do Solar Lights Work?
Solar lights have a built-in panel that captures sunlight during the day, then it transfers the energy created to power an internal battery. The result is an eco-friendly, often cord-free way to illuminate string lights, path markers, and cute home decor (see the adorable owls below!). Best of all, you won’t have to remember to turn them on at night — most have a function that flicks on the light when it senses dark surroundings. You can even set a timer, so they turn off automatically.
Bed Bath and Beyond has a great selection of solar lights, many of which are on sale right now! Here are our top picks.
Solar Stake Lights
Bell+Howell Solar Pathway Lights in Black
$49.99, Bed Bath and Beyond
Solar stake lights are a great way to illuminate a garden or pathway for safety at night. This reasonably-priced set of four will guide the way with your choice of either a warm glow or a flickering flame.
One reviewer wrote, “These lights are amazing! So bright! Really enjoying them. Set them out in direct sun for a good solid 12 hours or more and then assembled them and put them in the yard after a hard rain so the ground was soft. I am sure they will do well. Just ordered four more to use on the other side of my yard. Great Quality!”
Gerson® Solar Lighted Flower Bud Yard Stakes (Set of 3)
$112.99, Bed Bath and Beyond
These charming, crackle glass hanging buds will add some color and whimsy to your path or garden. Each set of three hangs from a sculpted metal flower stalk which is as sturdy as it is pretty.
Solar Lantern
Allsop® Square Solar Boaters Lantern in White
$33.99, Bed Bath and Beyond
Lanterns are great portable night lights. This one has hand-blown glass for a romantic glow and can be placed on porch stairs, outdoor tables, and even indoors for a soft, ambient den light.
One reviewer wrote, “The solar lanterns are very nicely made. I am so happy with them that I am going to order six more!”
Solar Lawn Ornaments
Destination Summer Solar Owl Family Lights (Set of 3)
$14.39 (originally $17.99), Bed Bath and Beyond
Just try not to smile at these little guys! Nestle them in a garden for a sweet surprise for an unsuspecting passerby, or just let your grandkids have a ball setting them up in their play fort.
One reviewer wrote, “These owls really cheer me up. First day of use … so far so good. Charged them for about 5 hours. I have them on a window sill lighting up the living room. I’m going to buy more!”
Destination Summer Solar Flower Welcome Sign
$15.99 (originally $19.99), Bed Bath and Beyond
This wire-free solar sign stays put with a water-resistent stake and glows for up to eight hours on a fully-charged battery, so you can welcome family and fireflies long into the night.
One reviewer wrote, “Purchased this for my front porch area. It is small but really cute. It lights up pretty good for being small.”
Solar Umbrella
Destination Summer 9-Foot Round Solar Patio Umbrella
$89.99 – 109.99 (originally $109.99 – $119.99), Bed Bath and Beyond
When your afternoon barbecue turns into an after-hours soirée, this solar lit patio umbrella will illuminate your table with a soft glow. The adjustable umbrella has built-in solar lights on each metal rib, and is made with a fade-resistant shade and rust-proof pole to last you several summers.
One reviewer wrote, “The store clerk ordered it for me and it arrived in 2 days! Big bonus was the solar panel on top and plug in switch for awesome 8-track lighting! You will love it too!
Solar Planter
30-Inch Indoor/Outdoor Solar Light with Stone Planter in Grey
$80.99 (originally $89.99), Bed Bath and Beyond
Shine a much-deserved light on your most prized plant with this solar planter. It’s constructed of cement for an earthy, elegant accent to your porch, but weighs in at just 10 pounds for easy relocating.
Solar String Lights
50-Count LED Outdoor String Lights in Warm White
$19.99 (originally $24.99), Bed Bath and Beyond
String lights warm up any space, indoor or outdoor. This 42-inch, glass bulb set of 50 can be hung anywhere, and add just the right amount of light to bedrooms, decks, and pool areas.
One reviewer wrote, “I bought 3 strands of these lights to line the inside of the wooden beams of my outdoor deck. Wonderful, romantic lighting. You do have to be careful when hanging not to break the glass decorative bulbs.”
Solar Insect Torch
PIC® Solar Insect Killer Torch with LED Flame Effect in Black
$49.99, Bed Bath and Beyond
Nothing puts a damper on a summer barbecue like pesky insects. This pretty lantern is actually a bug zapper in disguise, and allows you to attract and kill mosquitos and other insects without the use of harmful insecticides. Plus, it looks great on a tabletop!
