If you’re fortunate enough to have a backyard or patio, finding the balance between having it be well lit at night and not wasting energy is a difficult one. That’s where solar lights come in. Solar is more affordable and accessible than ever, and you, your wallet, and the environment will be grateful to not have to use any batteries or grid electricity.
Solar lights are great for home security purposes too; some of them are even available with motion sensors. Plus, if you’re coming home from a late night of partying, having lights on the stairs will ensure you don’t wake up both hangover and bruised.
We’ve selected a few different kinds of solar lights, including motion-activated pathway lights and decorative string lights.
1. URPOWER Waterproof Motion Sensor Outdoor Solar Lights
These affordable solar lights come in a pack of four, making it easy to light up your walkway or backyard. They have a motion sensor that activates the lights for 30 seconds, and the super bright LED lights make it easy to see.
Pros: Comes in a pack of 4 individual lights for maximum lighting.
Cons: No option to leave the lights on; they only come on when motion is detected.

2. Brightech Ambience Pro Waterproof LED Outdoor Solar String Lights
If you’re looking for lights you can enjoy on a warm summer night, these solar-powered string lights are an easy way to liven up your backyard. They have the brightness of LED, but give off a warm, soft color, so you don’t feel like you’re standing under floodlights.
Pros: Easy installation, lights can be turned on or off as desired.
Cons: In order to charge you have to have the switch in the on position, which may be easy to forget to do.

3. LITOM Original Solar Lights
If you just need a single source for illuminating your door or backyard, this ultra-bright light should do the trick. It has three light panels for 270° degrees of lighting coverage. It has a motion sensor as well.
Pros: Has three modes, meaning it can be left on all night or only when motion is detected.
Cons: The button to change modes is on the back, meaning the light has to be taken down to change settings.
