Some people are surprised to learn that our entire pool area is lit using only solar LED landscape lights. The sun provides effortless evening ambiance—nothing needs to be plugged in, and our electric bill isn’t impacted by the soft glow around the yard. Below I’ll share the three solar products we use so you can consider giving your outdoor space a similar glow-up.
We do have a porch light and in-pool lights that use traditional electricity, but they’re rarely on. They feel a bit blinding compared with the soft, star-friendly glow of solar LEDs. For everyday evenings we rely on the solar lights for a warm, inviting atmosphere that doesn’t overpower the night sky.
I used to assume solar landscape lighting was a poor substitute for wired fixtures (we installed wired landscape lighting at our previous house and it was easy), but after using solar lights here we’re big fans. Here’s why.
Why We Love Using Solar Lights
One obvious benefit is avoiding wiring. That simplicity drew us in initially, but there are many more advantages:
- Easy to install: No wiring — just place the solar panel where it gets sun.
- Placement flexibility: You’re not limited by cords or outlets; put them wherever you want.
- Affordable: They’re inexpensive to buy and won’t increase your energy bill.
- Set and forget: Most operate from dusk to dawn without switches or timers to manage.
- Eco-friendly: They use renewable energy and reduce electricity use.
They do depend on sunlight, so performance can dip on cloudy stretches. Still, we’ve been surprised how well they hold up on gloomy days—sometimes staying lit until 11 or midnight rather than fading early. On the rare days they don’t provide enough light, we have the wired porch or pool lights as backups.
When friends visit after dark we usually gather by the firepit or on the upper deck, which are lit with plug-in string lights. The pool lighting is more for atmosphere—enough to see steps and enjoy the view, but gentle enough to preserve the stars overhead.
The 3 Outdoor Solar LED Lights We Use
Quick rundown of the three main products we rely on:
- Solar Pathway Lights (4-pack)
- Solar-Powered String Fairy Lights (2-pack)
- Solar Patio Umbrella Lights (single kit)
Each kit includes its solar panel and arrives ready to install. All of ours are warm white, which gives a cozy, flattering glow rather than harsh, blue-tinted light.
Solar-Powered Pathway Lights
These pathway lights are a staple for us. They’re attractive by day and easy to install: switch them on, stake them into the ground, and you’re done. The solar panel sits on top of each light, and at night they cast a starburst pattern that looks great along paths, patios, or garden edges.
We have these lights placed all around the house—about 16 in total—and they perform well in a variety of climates. The only caveat is to avoid fully shaded spots that receive no sun. Most of ours stay lit until we turn in for the night, and they provide plenty of soft, functional illumination for evening activities.
Tip: turn them on under the cap and try the two brightness settings to see which you prefer. We use the brighter setting and it still reads as subtle and pleasant.
Solar-Powered Fairy Lights
We added solar fairy lights last summer and used them under the eave and along the fence. Installation is simple: tack small nails into the fence and wrap the copper wire around them. The solar panel can just sit on top of the fence or roof where it collects sun without being too visible from the ground.
Each strand is long enough to run around gates and fences, and we’ve placed panels in discreet spots so the wires stay tidy. The lights are low-heat and versatile—great tucked into landscaping or used seasonally. They offer optional modes like twinkle or fade, though we keep ours on solid for a steady glow.
Solar Patio Umbrella Lights
For the umbrella we use a kit with an eight-spoke design: a center ring with eight shorter strands radiating out. It clips onto the umbrella and the solar panel attaches where it can get sun without unbalancing the canopy. The lights aren’t bright enough for reading, but they create a lovely layer of light that helps you see safely and reflects beautifully in the pool.
We used zip ties and wrapped some strands around the umbrella ribs to secure them; the solar panel clips on like a chip clip, so you can position it on the vent fabric or another spot that catches sun.
The umbrella lights contribute subtle ambient light—perfect for evening hot tub dips and relaxed backyard gatherings.
Overall, this mix of solar-powered lights gives us a cozy, low-effort way to make our backyard inviting without using extra electricity. We enjoy evening hot tub nights several times a week, and these lights provide just the right atmosphere.
BONUS #1: Solar Motion-Activated Flood Light
We also use motion-activated solar flood lights in a few dark corners, like near the driveway. They’re surprisingly bright and fully adjustable, so you can aim the sensor and light where needed. They’re great for practical security lighting rather than ambiance.
BONUS #2: Wireless Security Camera
While not a light, we recently added a wireless video doorbell that runs on a rechargeable battery. It was inexpensive and simple to install, and it’s another handy wireless outdoor device if you want more coverage without hardwiring.
If you’ve been on the fence about solar lights, consider trying a few in different areas: pathways, fences, umbrella spokes, or tucked into landscaping. They’re low-cost, low-effort, and deliver a warm, automatic glow that makes evenings outside feel relaxed and inviting.
*This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when purchases are made through links on our site at no additional cost to you.