Forget tangled wires and flat batteries, if you want to light up your garden this year, solar garden lanterns are a must-have. Solar lanterns come in all shapes and sizes, so you can opt for anything from a modern hanging solar lantern to a classic freestanding design.
We’ve picked out our favourite solar lantern lights, including year-round and all-weather designs, meaning you can enjoy solar lanterns in your garden or on your patio 365 days a year.
Do solar lanterns need batteries?
No, solar garden lanterns are charged by sunlight, so there’s no need to buy batteries. Some designs even have the option to be charged using a USB cable, so you can boost the brightness of your solar lantern on overcast days with little natural sunlight.
Can you leave solar lanterns out in the rain?
Solar garden lanterns have been designed for use outside, so they’re built with all weather conditions in mind – that includes rainy days, too.
Conserve Energy Future says, ‘You can leave solar lights out in the rain, and your investment will still be safe. Solar lights have been created especially to be used outside, so it is only normal for them to experience every changing weather until their lifespan becomes expended.’
Are solar lanterns worth it?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to light up your outdoor space, then absolutely! Because they’re powered by the sun, they’ll save you money on your electricity bill, plus they don’t have any installation costs. Better still, most solar garden lanterns are easy to manoeuvre, so you can move them to suit your mood.
How much sunlight do solar lanterns need?
Although sunny days and direct sunlight are best for charging a solar lantern, they can still work on cloudy days during winter and in partially shady locations. Boston Solar explains: ‘Photovoltaic (PV) panels use particles of light, called photons, to generate electricity. Photons are present in direct and indirect sunlight, so solar panels can operate in both conditions.’
Shop our pick of the best solar lanterns for your outdoor space…
Garden Solar Lantern
This traditional lantern automatically turns on at dusk for up to eight hours of illumination. The flickering light effect adds a beautiful touch which makes it perfect for evenings spent alfresco.
Amazon
£22.79 at Amazon
New Garden Brown Okinawa Cordless Portable Solar Lantern
This handcrafted solar lamp combines aesthetics and functionality perfectly. Place it wherever you need it and let it create a cosy ambience. Best of all, this stylish lantern comes with a remote control that lets you turn it on and off and adjust the brightness.
next.co.uk
£89.00 at Next
Elements Mesh Solar Lantern Oliv
These elegantly-shaped solar lanterns come in a set of two and feature a contemporary mesh design. Pop them on your outdoor table to light up the evening.
wayfair.co.uk
£24.99 at wayfair.co.uk
Warm White Outdoor Tripod Solar Lamp
If you want to take your solar lights up a notch, why not try out a solar lamp? Taller than a traditional solar lantern, a lamp gives you height to play with – perfect if you don’t have anything to hang a lantern from.
Warm White Outdoor Tripod
£65.00 at Habitat
10 Warm White Carnival USB Solar Festoon Lights
With eight lighting effects, these solar festoon lights will add a festive glow to your garden. After soaking up the sunshine for 16 hours, the 10 charming bulbs on 5 metres of cable are ready to cast a warm white light on your patio, nighttime picnic or camp.
lights4fun.co.uk
£29.99 at lights4fun.co.uk
Flecked Lantern Solar Table Lamp
This lightweight design features a beige speckle dot finish. We think it would work well with both contemporary and traditional outdoor furniture.
Barker & Stonehouse
£28.00 at Barker & Stonehouse
Sage Green Set of 2 Solar Filigree Lanterns
This pair of lanterns emits a beautiful, warm light at night – and, thanks to its ornate detailing, casts eye-catching shadows. With this set, you get variety as well, with one being small and white and the other large and green.
next.co.uk
£35.00 at Next
Habitat Solar Filament Bulb Lantern
Both modern and retro at the same time, this solar-powered lamp, which consists of a retro bulb in a windowless cage, is a stylish fit for contemporary homes and gardens. Hang in a tree or place on your garden table. Fully charged, it’ll glow for up to eight hours.
habitat.co.uk
£15.00 at habitat.co.uk
Smart Garden Urbane Black Plastic Solar-powered Outdoor LED Small Lantern
With a flickering faux candle inside, this sizeable lantern will light up automatically as night falls, and can be used as a table top or hanging lantern.
diy.com
£15.00 at B&Q
KagoLing Solar Lanterns, 2 Pack
These pair of solar lights can be hung wherever you fancy thanks to their handy hooks. The mesh design makes them a perfect combination of style and practicality.
Amazon
£18.75 at amazon.co.uk
Habitat Solar White Lantern
Budget-friendly styles like this are a great way to elevate your outdoor space without breaking the bank. These solar-powered garden lanterns come in a set of three and have a traditional shape and natural finish, making them versatile and easy to work into many garden styles.
habitat.co.uk
$15.00 at habitat.co.uk
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