Bringing in a set of solar yard lanterns was the right decision to start the new year!
When my solar outdoor torches ran out of juice, I wanted to replace them as quickly as possible. At the same time, I was really tempted to try something new. And between the battle of landscape lanterns and torches, the former narrowly edged out.
But it wasn’t a cakewalk. With so many options to choose from, both my husband and I landed in the soup. And that’s when we thought of shortlisting a few to make the job slightly easy.
So, if you’ve faced this situation, you don’t need to worry anymore. Hi! I am Stacy, and today, I’ve curated this guide to help you select the best solar yard lantern.
Now, let’s begin!
Top 5 Solar Yard Lantern Reviews
1. TomCare Flickering Flame Outdoor Hanging Lantern
Let me start by introducing this beautiful flickering flame outdoor hanging lantern from TomCare. Sporting a delicate yet durable design, this pair undoubtedly makes for a unique outdoor lighting option.
Product Highlights
If you’re anything like me, then positive reviews from existing customers play an important role in your purchase decision; and this unit ticks that box. Appearance-wise, the interior features a charming dancing flame, which mimics a real flame. Moreover, the warm yellow light effectively creates a cozy ambiance even in the darkest of corners. So, brownie points for that!
The vintage hollow design on the exterior perfectly complements the “flame” as it ensures optimum visibility. Although it looks delicate, the durable ABS plastic construction means the lights can easily take on a blow or two. Beyond that, the brand emphasized upgrading the solar panel to a monocrystalline variant for a higher conversion rate of solar energy into electrical charge.
The 2000mAh battery is at the base of the lamp, as is the automatic integration switch. And before the first use, make sure to slide it on for the lights to automatically switch off at day and turn on at night.
What’s There To Like About It?
Looks aside, I was very impressed with the portability factor. For this, both the lanterns are equipped with a sturdy hook and metal ring. Not only that, but they also have a strong clamp to finish off the trio of hangers. I tried hanging it from some of the tree branches in my backyard as well as from the patio roof and didn’t face the slightest problem.
On top of that, the IP65-grade build protects the lights from almost all weather conditions. In tandem with the lightweight construction, you can even carry it for camping or trekking trips.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
One thing to keep in mind is that the lights stop working when the temperature nears the freezing point. This may be due to some part of the internal circuit or switch contracting in the cold. So, if you plan to use it during harsh winters, I’d suggest charging them during the day and using them indoors at night.
Pros and Cons of TomCare Flickering Flame Outdoor Hanging Lantern
Pros
Cons
- Flickering Flames Design: The dancing flame design is attractive, which looks like the real flames; The warm yellow light creates a welcoming ambience. This flicker candle effect solar light will be the best choice for a alternative candle lantern
- Upgraded Size: We have upgraded the solar panel, it is larger than others so that this hanging solar lantern will perform better. Also, the measurement of each solar lantern is upgraded: 3.74(L)*3.74(W)*6.7(H) inch (hook does not included). Bigger size brings you better visual experience
- Solar-powered & Energy-saving: This lantern light is solar powered, no wires needed, just put it in the sunshine to absorb solar energy, then the solar panel will transfer the solar energy into electricity. It is energy-saving and help you save money
2. MAGGIFT Hanging Retro Solar Lanterns
Next in line, I have the Maggift Hanging Retro Solar Lanterns. Made from a blend of iron and plastic, these decorative lights will add a touch of old-school charm to your lawn. What’s more, this set of 2 won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Product Highlights
First things first, these retro lanterns have an engraved exterior that’s made from a mix of iron and plastic. Furthermore, the antique bronze finish does a great job of rendering a vintage appeal that looks like a million bucks! Since many potential customers take this ancient effect to be a quality issue, the brand issues a disclaimer stating the same.
The interior comprises a warm, white LED that’s almost 6 lumens brighter than the older models. Interestingly, the white light reflects off the golden surface inside, and the resultant output looks like an original firelight. In combination with the engravings, the mesmerizing shadow doubles up as a decor of its own.
The rest of the design is pretty basic, with the solar panel forming the “lid” of the casing, surrounded by a metal handle. And similar to its predecessor, the base contains the on/off switch. You can also check out the different shapes and LED colors available.
What’s There To Like About It?
Each lantern is powered by a 1 AA 400mAh Ni-MH battery, which in turn runs on the solar panel. Depending on the intensity of the sunlight, a full charge takes about 6 to 8 hours, and the illumination time is nearly 10 hours. Hence, you can keep them on throughout the night.
I hung them on a stand near the pool, and the shadow lit up the water! While I’m satisfied with the weather-resistance, you can apply a coat of anti-rust paint for greater peace of mind.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
I opted for the oval-shaped lights, which are slightly bigger than the average lanterns. Hence, hanging them in compact areas may increase the chance of people bumping into them. Likewise, they take up a fair bit of space on smaller side tables.
Pros and Cons of MAGGIFT Hanging Retro Solar Lanterns
Pros
Cons
- Made of iron (antique bronze finish) and plastic, the light of solar lanterns is subtle and soft. 2 Pack, the warm white LED 6 lumens is BRIGHTER than old one. The inside color of the lantern is golden, and against the gold, the light looks like a real firelight. The RUSTY surface of the lantern is deliberately designed as an ancient effect, NOT QUALITY DEFECT. IF YOU MIND, PLEASE DO NOT BUY.
- Powered by solar, the lanterns automatically turn the lights on at dusk and off at dawn, saves energy. There is the switch ON/OFF on the back of lantern cover, please cover the solar panel from sunlight and turn on the switch to check if it works. Be sure TURN ON button before charging.
- Waterproof, suitable for indoor and outdoor decoration. Can be hung on porches, trees, pergolas with the hang ring or rested on a table top, ledge. Add elegance and color to your patio, porch or outdoor space with this beautifully crafted solar powered lantern. Perfect for Christmas.
3. LeiDrail Outdoor Solar Table Pathway Light
LeiDrail is a popular brand of solar lanterns, and as such, it’s only fair to include one of its products in this list. This newly developed pair has quickly earned the praise of users for their appearance and long battery life.
Product Highlights
Starting with the design, the engraving pattern is quite similar to that of the Maggift Hanging Retro Solar Lanterns, except for the peacock feather design. I loved how they render a modern yet classic presence that matches any decor and color scheme. Bonus points for that!
Moving on, the lanterns consist of LED bulbs with a total output of 30 lumens, which is sufficiently bright for all the dark corners in the garden. Apart from that, the all-metal construction is very durable, making them suitable for regular outdoor use. And surprisingly, the lanterns don’t weigh too heavy to affect portability.
Unlike most other lanterns that have the power switch located on the bottom, these have it directly beneath the solar panel. Therefore, you pull out the lid, slide the switch, and place it back before the initial use. The solar panel takes a maximum of 8 hours to get fully charged.
What’s There To Like About It?
Honestly, I was a bit skeptical about hanging them in my backyard after reading the “table pathway lights” description, but the sturdy handles are capable of tolerating the weight. Moreover, they are built to be both waterproof and weather resistant, so that you don’t have to worry about using them outdoors.
The polysilicon solar panels are more efficient than traditional solar cell boxes on the market to retain the charge for a longer duration. I replayed the footage captured on my security camera and found the lights illuminated throughout the night.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Owing to the lightweight design, it might be a better idea to fill the bottom with something heavy like paper-wrapped marbles. Otherwise, the wind may sway the hanging lanterns to the point where they fall off the tree or stand. That said, this minor inconvenience is far from being a deal-breaker.
Pros and Cons of LeiDrail Outdoor Solar Table Pathway Light
Pros
Cons
- SOLAR-POWERED: LeiDrail solar lanterns use durable polysilicon solar panels and warm white LED lights. Illuminate 10-12 hours at night after 6-8 hours charged under the sunlight. This lanterns are very suitable for garden decoration or as a gift
- PEACOCK FEATHER LIGHTING: LeiDrail solar hanging lanterns has a morocco and classical appearance with black color. It can project lights like peacock feathers at night. A special lantern to decorate your outdoor
- MADE of IRON: LeiDrail solar outdoor garden lantern is made of iron. The waterproof system and anti-rust coating can resists high temperatures and rain and snow. It can be hung on porches, trees or rested on a table, pathway etc
4. Pearlstar Hanging Solar Outdoor Lights
If you’re looking for something simple and rustic, then the Pearlstar Hanging Solar Outdoor Lights may just fit your needs. The light’s clear ABS body has wood-style grooves for that countryside vibe.
Product Highlights
The Pearlstar Hanging Solar Outdoor Lights are perhaps the smallest lanterns on my list, making them a perfect addition to any table. Besides, there’s a sleek metal handle that can be used to hang them at your desired location. Unlike the Maggift Hanging Retro Solar Lanterns, you don’t have to stress about people bumping into them.
I liked how the solar panels are relatively wider to enhance the overall effectiveness. Upon charging them for 8 hours, these lights can last throughout the night. Just make sure to turn on the auto-illumination switch located at the base before use.
On that note, the flat bottom will come in handy for placement on multiple surfaces like tables, shelves, porches, pergolas, etc. Once charged, you can also bring them indoors. But since the lights are essentially meant for outdoor use, the weather-resistant properties are truly praiseworthy. Finally, there’s a bigger size available in a pack of 1.
What’s There To Like About It?
Simplicity has its charm, and so do these lights. The clear casing reinforces the intensity of the warm, golden light inside to create a welcoming ambiance. Additionally, the high-impact ABS construction can resist bad weather conditions. And despite being a very affordable option, they don’t miss out on the dusk-to-dawn sensor.
I appreciate that the customer service promises to solve any problem within 24 hours of contact. Not only that, but users can also avail refund or replacement within 180 days of purchase.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
For all things good, I wish the lights were a bit brighter. So, if you want to cover a bigger area or want more coverage, I’d suggest buying at least 2 packs (total 4) initially. Or, you can use a combination of smaller and bigger lanterns.
Pros and Cons of Pearlstar Hanging Solar Outdoor Lights
Pros
Cons
- 【UNIQUE VINTAGE STYLE】 - The color of lantern coating and warm light can bring a subtle hint of vintage style to your surroundings. When you put the light on the ground, it can cast a beautiful pattern. Our solar lights will be an attractive decoration for tree, garden, yard, pathway and Christmas Party. DESIGNED WITH SMALL ELEGANT STYLE. IF YOU MIND, YOU COULD SELECT OUR 8.3" LANTERN
- 【SOLAR POWERED & LIGHT SENSORED】 - Our lights are Powered by free solar energy. No wiring or external electricity required. The solar lanterns have built-in light sensor, which can automatically light up at night and recharge during the day.
- 【WEATHER RESISTANT】 - The solar landscape lights are made of high-impact ABS plastic proven to withstand in bad weather. The waterproof level is IP44. It is important that the solar panel is kept free of dirt, debris or even snow.
5. Ulmisfee Big Outdoor Hanging Lantern
Before bringing the list to a close, let me talk about the Ulmisfee Big Outdoor Hanging Lantern. Featuring a metal and plastic construction, it casts a warm, yellow light to amp up any decor whether indoors or outdoors.
Product Highlights
The Ulmisfee Big Outdoor Hanging Lantern has many similarities with some of my other recommendations, and that’s what got me interested in the first place. Much like the Maggift Hanging Retro Solar Lanterns, the engravings on the exterior surface account for its classy appearance. The soft, warm light brings a sense of calm aesthetics to any surroundings.
It operates on a AA rechargeable battery that is powered by an upgraded solar panel. And similar to all other lights mentioned on my list, it charges in about 8 hours to provide uninterrupted illumination for at least 10 hours.
Furthermore, the durable construction is reinforced by multiple weather-resistant properties for optimum longevity with consistent outdoor use. But the best part about this lantern is the replaceable battery, which keeps it serviceable for years to come.
Last but not least, the installation involves no tools or wiring, allowing you to use it right out of the box.
What’s There To Like About It?
Undoubtedly, the replaceable battery system makes it extremely likable. And since it uses a standard AA solar battery, you don’t have to rack your brain finding it in stores or online. In case the light stops working, you can easily take out the battery to check if it’s the battery that’s exhausted.
I also liked how the LED barely emits any heat, be it on the ground or while hanging. This is a good way to ensure a long service life for the lamp.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
In my opinion, this lantern is best used as a decorative piece since it’s way too dim to be used as proper outdoor lighting. In fact, the brand states in the descriptions that it should primarily be used to create an atmosphere and not for lighting.
Pros and Cons of Ulmisfee Big Outdoor Hanging Lantern
Pros
Cons
- 【UNIQUE DESIGN】The solar big lantern is crafted from quality metal, features retro looking. The warm light will cast a beautiful pattern on the wall or table top at night, a modern and unique garden decor for you.
- 【 MULTI FUNCTIONAL】This outdoor solar hanging lantern can be used as tree lights, patio umbrella lights, front & back porch decor or table lamp. There is a hook on the top of the solar garden light, which is very portable and you can place it anywhere!
- 【ENERGY SAVING】Solar powered lantern does’t need power cord, no electricity cost, just simply put it in the sunlight to charge, which is very convenient and can save energy cost. However, make sure you turn “ON” the bottom swith before charging!
Buyers Guide
Sure, most solar yard lanterns won’t cost a fortune. But that doesn’t mean you should pick the first product that you come across. To ensure that your preferred option matches your requirements to the tee, I have listed down some key features that should be considered before purchase.
1. Purpose
The energy-efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar yard lanterns make them serve multiple purposes. Therefore, it’s advisable to figure out the purpose before going for a particular option.
A. Decoration
As far as decoration is concerned, there are no right or wrong choices. From traditional engravings, peacock feathers to simple casings and unique hand-made designs, the options are seemingly endless. In this case, most users don’t mind if the brightness is slightly less.
B. Practical Lighting
When it comes to practical lighting, you’d want to focus on features like brightness and battery life. Additionally, look out for lamps that use LED bulbs to produce high-intensity light while lasting for several years.
C. Camping
If you plan to carry your solar lantern on trips, then portability and compactness should be on top of the checklist. Features like a metal handle, detachable clips, and flat bottom ensure versatile placement.
2. Material
Coming to the construction part, most solar yard lights are made of either ABS plastic or metal. In the case of the latter, iron, stainless steel, and aluminum are mostly preferred by brands. Among them, aluminum is a common choice due to its rust-resistant properties, lightweight composition, and recyclability. Plus, it costs significantly less.
Likewise, ABS plastic is robust and non-corrosive, and doesn’t degrade quickly under extreme temperatures. In addition to being dust-resistant and waterproof, these lanterns are very affordable.
3. Solar Panel Type
From what I have observed, most solar yard lanterns use 1st generation solar panels, which can be further categorized into monocrystalline (Mono-SI) and polycrystalline (Poly-SI) solar panels. The typical Mono-SI solar panels have uniform darkness and rounded edges. Thanks to the pure silicon construction, these panels have one of the highest efficiency rates, with the upgraded ones having 20% better conversion abilities.
Other than that, their compact structure has a high-power output and lasts longer. But all of these advantages come with an expensive price tag.
On the other hand, Poly-SI solar panels are made by melting raw silicon using a faster process than their counterparts. And although it's comparatively cheaper, the efficiency rates are lower.
4. Charging Time And Battery Life
Irrespective of the panel, almost all solar yard lanterns take around 6 to 8 hours to get fully charged. And once done, the lights last for a maximum of 10 hours.
5. Replaceable Vs. Non-Replaceable Battery
A common misconception is that lanterns with non-replaceable batteries last less than those with replaceable batteries. However, that’s not exactly true. The longevity of a solar lantern depends on various other factors like the type of light, the durability of the casing, strength of the solar panel, etc.
6. Dusk-To-Dawn Sensor
To avoid the hassle of turning on the lights after sundown and switching them off in the morning, I’d strongly recommend going for a model that has a dusk-to-dawn sensor. A good thing is that a lot of super affordable lights also come with this feature, so it’s not hard to find.
7. Flame Vs. Steady Lights
As you may have already noticed, some solar yard lanterns come with a dancing flame to replicate firelight, while others have a steady beam. If you plan to buy the former, make sure it doesn't create too much of a flickering shadow to avoid putting strain on the eyes.
8. Number Of Lanterns
Don’t forget to check out the number of lanterns in the pack. In this regard, many potential customers think that the higher the number, the more is the value for money. But it may not be so, especially if the lights don’t have adequate brightness. On a side note, a brighter lantern may make up for the absence of a second one.
9. Warranty
Generally, users prefer buying those brands which offer longer warranty and fast replacement and refund options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard models have a brightness range between 5 to 40 lumens. However, many lanterns are available with a brightness of 120 lumens or more. In this case, a brightness controller can help adjust the brightness to not hurt the eyes.
For lanterns that support replaceable batteries, they either use a NiMH or NiCd variant. Both of these types are readily available and can even be upgraded. Moreover, they are interchangeable, so you may use whichever you have during an emergency. But alkaline batteries can cause irreversible damage to the circuit.
An effective way to prolong the life of your yard lanterns is by coating them with anti-rust paint. But instead of going all in, I’d suggest first coating a small area towards the base or the lid to see if the metal is compatible with the paint you’re using.
Our Final Recommendation
That’s all I have for today!
Hopefully, you have picked the one for you by now. Or at least, you now know what to look for and would go through the reviews again with the requirements in mind. Whatever be the case, let me assist you some more by naming my top two from the list.
For me, the TomCare Flickering Flame Outdoor Hanging Lantern is the best solar yard lantern, followed by the LeiDrail Outdoor Solar Table Pathway Light.
With that, it’s time for me to take my leave. I’ll be back with more such guides, so stay tuned till the next time!