The Best Solar String Lights Tested in 2023

Most high-quality solar lights use LED bulbs because they are long lasting and emit plenty of light but very little heat, making them a safe choice for many settings. These LED Edison-style bulbs have a vintage look and last 5 to 6 hours on a full charge. Six hours of direct sunlight fully charges the solar panel.

The light strand features 12 bulbs spaced 20 inches apart to span 20 feet. A 6-foot wire connects to the solar panel to allow for placement in the sunniest location. The bulbs are protected with shatterproof plastic shells that resist heat up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

To determine the warmth of a light bulb, find the color temperature in Kelvins (K). The lower the number, the warmer the light. This set of lights is available in both warm white (2700K) and a slightly cooler soft white (3000K).

After testing the Brightech Ambience solar string lights, we were impressed by the heavy-duty feel and classic appearance. Although we had to use a few extra fasteners to hang them in order to eliminate unwanted sagging, we preferred the sturdy feel and refined look of this LED light set for a semipermanent patio or deck installation. Along those same lines, we appreciated the ability to easily replace individual bulbs if they break or when they eventually burn out.

From an operational standpoint, the large solar panel was a nice addition. It easily recharged the battery within one sunny day, providing enough electricity for the advertised 5 to 6 hours of runtime. Also, in testing we noted an important but subtle difference between this light set and some of the others we tested. This solar panel had a sliding on/off switch that made it much easier to know the status of the lights, compared to those with push-button switches. Plus, this panel included an adjustable-angle mounting bracket with built-in options for mounting on a ground stake, onto a squeeze clamp, or onto other surfaces via a screw mount.

This was a really nice-looking light set with plenty of installation flexibility, providing bright light for the advertised 6-hour runtime, and heavy-duty hardware for a long working life. At 27 feet long with just 12 bulbs, one string may not be enough for a complete patio installation, but it's a great starting point, and the price is right for adding on more as needed.

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Get the Brightech Ambience solar string lights at Amazon , Target , or Oriental Trading .