9 Best Outdoor Solar Lights for Backyard Ambiance (2026)

Whether you’re looking to create a more modern or traditional feel, these solar lights are a bright idea. Read on to get the designers’ top picks.

Best Light for Pathways

Rejuvenation Alexia Solar Path Light

“This is one of my go-tos for pathways,” says Sasha Basso, designer at Capiz Studio. “They’re modern and streamlined—perfect for walkways.”

Best Solar String Lights

Renel Outdoor Solar String Light by Alder & Ore

“I like pairing the Alexia Solar Path Light with these outdoor string lights,” Basso notes. “They’re classic, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Who doesn’t love a string light? I love them strung across a courtyard or patio for a romantic feel.” You could also take a cue from the backyard of this Nick Olsen-designed Brooklyn Brownstone from AD’s archives and string them across a fence to create a surrounded light path.

Best Wall-Mounted Light Fixture

LUHLEE Solar Outdoor Wall Lights (Set of 4)

These square solar lights remind us of the ones we saw affixed to the rafters in this Manhattan penthouse’s outdoor dining area. They’re a great source of downward lighting when installed in a higher position or can even create dramatic shadows like the ones Agárdy mentioned by installing them right onto any wall or fence.

Best Outdoor Floor Lamp

AllModern Floor Solar Light (Set of 2)

Here’s a pair of modern floor lamps to set the mood. The cut-out design creates an interesting lighting scheme that will add some flair whether they’re surrounding an outdoor dining table or your conversation pit.

Best Solar Wall Lights

AllModern Sanders Outdoor Solar Wall Sconce Lantern

“This option looks just like hard-wired lights, but without the hassle of breaking open your exterior walls to run new electrical,” Alix says. “Trying to install exterior hardwired lighting where there is no existing electrical is extremely expensive and also messy. These are a clean install and you get a beautiful lighting pattern on your exterior wall. I would use these on a fence around a yard just as quickly as I’d use them on the side of a house, so they can function in many areas of your exterior!”

More AD-Approved Outdoor Solar Lights

West Elm Faro Pathway Light

Equipped with a dimmable LED light, this statuesque pathway fixture is an aesthetic way to ensure your garden is safely lit, all evening long. Suitable for year-round use, these lights can either be charged by solar power or through a USB cord. For added stability, you can screw the bases into place so no soccer ball or furry friend can knock them over.

Terrain Solar Pebble Light

Terrain’s warm glow pebble lights let you opt for a more natural look. Available in two sizes, these garden lights illuminate your landscaping in an ethereal way, without the need for hardwiring or installation. Battery powered with a solar charging ability, they have an automatic dawn/dusk sensor to turn the LED bulbs on and off with the sunlight.

VerLuce Solar Pathway Lights (Set of 4)

With multiple light settings and an automatic motion sensor, these pathway lights are a fuss-free way to keep your walking paths visible year-round. Ideal for the DIY-er, they include both ground spikes and optional screws for multiple installation methods. The sleek black frame leans modern and minimal, while a large solar panel and USB-C port allow for a seamless charging process.

AllModern Ricetta Solar Outdoor Floor Lamp (Set of 2)

Water-resistant and weather-friendly, these handwoven wicker floor lamps are ideal for poolside and outdoor lounge use. The solar panel atop the frame keeps them charged, even when not in direct sunlight. An added handle allows for portability, wherever the party may take you.