Out with the old, in with the new. In this case, the old is lighting that uses a ton of electricity and clutters the space with wires. The new is the energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and affordable alternative that is solar lighting. It’s a simple change that has a big impact on the environment and your budget, but it also does wonders for the visual appeal of your backyard.
Illuminate your walkways, light up your garden features, or create a cozy evening atmosphere with a welcoming ambiance for your quiet nights on the patio. These solar light ideas for your backyard are exactly what you need to add maximum charm and security with minimal effort.
1. Pathway Lighting
Solar-powered pathways are so easy to install that all you have to do is stake them into the ground. They’ll collect sunlight and automatically illuminate at dusk to transform your pathways from dull everyday elements to safe, decorative features. Pathway lights really are a must for any well-designed backyard, whether you use them to line walkways, driveways, or winding garden paths.
Choose from sleek modern designs, rustic lanterns, or low-profile domes to match the rest of your outdoor decor. You can even step it up a notch with options that have motion sensors for added security.
2. Hanging Lanterns
You can instantly add charm and ambiance to your patios, pergolas, and garden trees with hanging solar lanterns. Hang them individually for a subtle glow or group a couple together for something more dramatic. Some options mimic vintage oil lamps or Moroccan designs for an exotic touch, some have modern metal and bamboo finishes, while others feature patterns or frosted glass to cast beautiful shadows after dark. The best part is that you can easily move them around to change the look of your backyard for special occasions.
3. Garden Stakes
Just like pathway lighting, garden stakes require almost no effort to be installed. Solar garden stakes are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, like flowers, butterflies, stars, and nearly any other figure you can think of. Some even change colors or flicker like candles.
They add a fairytale touch to your garden beds at night and during the day they serve as decorative pieces. They’re ideal for highlighting specific areas without overwhelming the space and they’re low-maintenance as well as weather-resistant.
4. String or Fairy Lights
String or fairy lights are a timeless favorite for any and all spaces, and that includes the outdoors. They’re known for their versatility and romance, but it gets even better when you opt for the solar alternative because then you can add energy-efficiency and eco-friendliness to the list of benefits.
They’re also very flexible and they don’t require power outlets, so you can get creative by draping them across fences, wrapping them around trees, or weaving them through pergolas. Their gentle glow adds an elegant touch to backyard dinners and quiet evenings under the stars.
5. Feature Uplighting
If you incorporate too many of the other solar light ideas for your backyard, you may find that they steal the show, overshadowing the other garden features. With solar-powered uplights, you can solve that problem and allow all elements to shine. Highlight trees, sculptures, water features, statues, and even large stones or walls to add sophistication to your outdoor landscape.
Simply place the uplights at the base of the focal points and they’ll cast light upwards to emphasize the shape and texture. If you choose adjustable lights you can control the direction and intensity to create your own customized atmosphere.
6. Wall Sconces
Whether your walls are standard and dull, or architecturally striking, wall sconces will give them a polished look. Position solar wall sconces with motion sensors evenly along exterior walls for extra security. Or extend your living space to your yard by highlighting the walls of your patio, deck, or inner garden walls.
It eliminates the need to manually turn your outdoor lights on and off, adding extra convenience to your busy lifestyle. They can even be decorative if you choose traditional lanterns or sleek modern panels. It’s the ideal way to provide practical lighting for outdoor experiences without cluttering the space or creating hazards for pets and children.
7. Floating Lights
Now is your chance to highlight your water features to make them both beautiful and safe. Add floating solar lights to your pond, pool, or fountain to create mesmerizing patterns as the flowing orbs reflect light while they drift gracefully along the water’s surface. They don’t need cords or installation and they turn on automatically at night after charging during the day. It depends on what your backyard theme is, but some models change colors or flicker like candles.
8. Decorative Lighting
All of the solar light ideas for your backyard can be used in a decorative manner, but some solar lights come in artistic designs. Your options include metal lanterns with intricate patterns, mosaic glass globes, and sculptural lights shaped like animals or flowers. They double as garden ornaments by day and turn your patios, garden corners, and entryways into an expressive, solar-powered masterpiece.
9. Curtain Lights
Solar curtain lights are exactly what you need to create that Pinterest-like magical backdrop for your outdoor gatherings. The cascading strands of LED bulbs that hang vertically resemble a waterfall of light, which is perfect for fences, pergolas, or exterior house walls.
You can also hang them off the sides of your patio or deck to create a fairytale atmosphere that doesn’t need a power source. For a soft glow, opt for warm white tones, while cool whites will bring that crisp, modern vibe. Solar curtain lights can make even the dullest spaces feel festive.
10. Hanging Bulb Strings
Hanging bulb strings are like regular string lights, but they have Edison-style bulbs instead of the regular mini bulbs. And with these lights, the focus is on both the glowing bulbs and the black string. Together, they form a timeless combination that captures the essence of farmhouse style. Hang them on your pergola or deck, or create an illuminated canopy by draping them from tree to tree. It’s the perfect warm backdrop for your next social gathering in the comfort of your own backyard.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.