Install solar-powered outdoor string lights by choosing a sunny panel location, planning a safe route, mounting suitable supports, and testing the lights after charging. This guide is for beginners setting up lights on a patio, fence, pergola, or similar outdoor area. Allow about 1-2 hours for planning and installation, then give the panel a full sunny day to charge before judging its nighttime performance.
Get backup power and energy gear delivered free — and shop member deals
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Access to Prime Big Deal Days deals on October 6–7
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
Brightown 108 ft Solar String Lights with Remote and USB Charging
- ✔ Length: 108 ft
- ✔ Bulbs: 50 warm-white G40 shatterproof LED bulbs plus 2 replacements
- ✔ Bulb spacing: 2 ft
Brightown 100 ft Solar String Lights with 31+2 Shatterproof LED Bulbs
- ✔ Length: 100 ft
- ✔ Bulbs: 31 warm-white LED bulbs plus 2 spares
- ✔ Bulb material: Shatterproof PET plastic
Brightown 52FT Solar String Lights Outdoor Waterproof
- ✔ Length: 52 ft
- ✔ Bulbs: 15 LED bulbs plus 1 spare
- ✔ Bulb base: E12
Difficulty: Beginner | Time: 1-2 hours, plus a sunny charging period
What You’ll Need
Tools & Materials:
- Solar-powered outdoor string light set with panel, mounting hardware, and instructions
- Tape measure
- Pencil or removable marker
- Drill and outdoor-rated screws or hooks, if the mounting surface requires them
- Ladder rated for your weight and suitable for the ground
- Cable ties or outdoor-rated clips, if needed
- Safety glasses and work gloves
Knowledge:
- Basic measuring and safe ladder use
- How to identify whether a surface can take a screw or hook
- How to use a drill, if drilling is needed
Check the product instructions for the light set’s weather rating, mounting method, panel cable length, and charging requirements. Use outdoor-rated fasteners and supports. Do not mount lights where they could touch power lines, obstruct a walkway, or be pulled by a gate or door. If drilling into a wall, check for hidden wiring and pipes before making holes. Installation usually takes 1-2 hours; charging and performance checks may require a full sunny day and a night.
Brightown 108 ft Solar String Lights with Remote and USB Charging
The 108-foot Brightown is our top pick when a single strand needs to cover a broad patio, fence line, or pergola. Its 50 warm-white bulbs are spaced two feet apart, giving buyers a clear sense of the layout before installation. Compared with the 100-foot model, it offers more listed length and a longer stated runtime of up to 36+ hours, making it the strongest fit here for buyers who value coverage and time between charges.Charging flexibility is its main practical advantage over a solar-only setup: the lights support both solar and USB-C charging, and the 3 W panel adjusts through 180 degrees. The remote adds dimming from 25% to 100%, three lighting modes, and six- or eight-hour timer settings. These controls make it easier to tune the atmosphere without reaching the power unit. The shatterproof bulbs, two replacements, and IP65 rating also suit outdoor use, though the rating should not be read as a reason to leave equipment in any extreme condition.There is a firm limit to its scale: the strand cannot connect to additional strands. If 108 feet does not suit the layout, this is not an expandable way to bridge the gap. And although USB-C provides a fallback, solar charging still depends on panel exposure. Compared with the 52-foot set, this model brings more reach and a longer runtime, but also makes less sense for a compact space where excess cable complicates placement.
Pros:
- 108-foot strand with 50 bulbs spaced two feet apart
- Solar and USB-C charging provide two ways to recharge
- Remote offers four brightness levels, three modes, and two timer settings
- IP65 rating, shatterproof bulbs, and two replacement bulbs
Cons:
- The strand cannot connect to additional strands
- Solar charging depends on adequate sunlight
- A 108-foot run may be cumbersome for smaller spaces
Best for: Buyers lighting a large outdoor area who want long reach, remote dimming, and both solar and USB-C charging.
Not ideal for: People with a small patio, a heavily shaded panel location, or a layout that requires connecting multiple light strands.
Bottom line: We recommend this as the best all-around choice when broad coverage and a longer stated runtime matter more than expandable wiring.
“We recommend this as the best all-around choice when broad coverage and a longer stated runtime matter more than expandable wiring.”
Brightown 100 ft Solar String Lights with 31+2 Shatterproof LED Bulbs
For shoppers who want a near-100-foot run but need more freedom about where the solar panel sits, the 100-foot Brightown makes a persuasive middle ground. Its solar panel detaches and adjusts through 180 degrees, which can help when the best light path and the sunniest panel position are not in the same place. It also supports USB-C charging, so a cloudy spell does not leave solar as the only route to a charge.Against the 108-foot model, this set gives up eight feet and lists up to 26 hours of runtime rather than 36+ hours. It has 31 bulbs plus two spares, so buyers should not assume its longer overall strand means denser illumination: the supplied details do not specify bulb spacing. The 2700 K warm-white LEDs, four brightness levels, three modes, timers, and dusk-to-dawn operation offer useful control, while the IP65 rating and PET shatterproof bulbs suit outdoor decorating.The clearest drawback is its stated 7–8-hour solar charging time; USB-C is listed at four hours. That makes this a better choice for buyers who can plan charging or use the wired fallback than for anyone expecting quick solar replenishment. Compared with the 52-foot model, it covers far more distance but brings more installation and panel-placement planning. It is not the simplest option for a small patio, and its 26-hour runtime does not match the 108-foot model’s claim.
Pros:
- 100-foot strand for broad outdoor layouts
- Detachable solar panel adjusts through 180 degrees
- USB-C charging supplements solar charging
- Remote controls brightness, modes, timers, and dusk-to-dawn operation
Cons:
- Solar charging is listed at 7–8 hours
- Runtime is up to 26 hours, below the 108-foot model’s claim
- Bulb spacing is not specified in the provided details
Best for: Buyers who need a long strand and want a detachable, adjustable solar panel plus USB-C charging.
Not ideal for: Shoppers prioritizing the longest stated runtime, quick solar charging, or a compact, minimal installation.
Bottom line: Choose this long-layout option when panel positioning is a priority and you can work around its longer solar charging time.
“Choose this long-layout option when panel positioning is a priority and you can work around its longer solar charging time.”
Brightown 52FT Solar String Lights Outdoor Waterproof
The 52-foot Brightown is the most manageable choice in this group for a smaller patio, garden seating area, or short fence run. Its 15 bulbs plus one spare are a more modest setup than the 31 bulbs on the 100-foot model or the 50 bulbs on the 108-foot pick. That smaller scale can be an advantage when there is no reason to route a very long strand around the space. A hook on every bulb also makes it easier to adapt the layout to existing supports without relying on a single installation pattern.Like the two longer picks, it offers both solar and USB charging, an IP65 rating, shatterproof bulbs, a remote, dimming, lighting modes, and timers. Its stated runtime is up to 26 hours, matching the 100-foot model’s listed maximum while serving a shorter run. The 2700 K light is warm white, making the set a sensible fit for relaxed patio lighting rather than buyers seeking a color-changing effect. Compared with the 108-foot model, it sacrifices extensive coverage and the longer stated runtime, but should be easier to place in a compact area.The compromise is that “compact” also means limited reach: this is not the pick for lighting a long pergola or wrapping a large yard. The product information says output may dim when the battery is low, and optimal solar charging requires direct sunlight. USB charging offers a backup, but buyers should not count on solar alone if the panel will remain shaded. Choose it for a small, configurable layout—not as a shorter route to the same coverage as the other two options.
Pros:
- 52-foot length is easier to manage in smaller outdoor spaces
- Hooks on every bulb support customizable placement
- Solar and USB charging with up to 26 hours of stated runtime
- Remote control, dimming, timers, and IP65 weather rating
Cons:
- Shorter coverage than either 100-foot or 108-foot option
- Light output may dim when the battery is low
- Solar charging performs best with direct sunlight
Best for: People decorating a modest patio, garden nook, or fence section who want bulb-level hooks and dual charging.
Not ideal for: Buyers covering a large yard or pergola, or anyone whose panel will receive little direct sunlight and who does not want to use USB charging.
Bottom line: This is our compact-space pick for flexible mounting, provided its 52-foot reach is enough for the intended layout.
“This is our compact-space pick for flexible mounting, provided its 52-foot reach is enough for the intended layout.”
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Before You Start
Lay out the lights and confirm that the set includes every listed part. Inspect the cable, bulbs, panel, and connectors for damage; do not install a set with exposed conductors or cracked components. Choose a route that stays within the cable’s reach without stretching it. Solar panels need direct sunlight for effective charging, so do not assume a shaded light location is a suitable panel location. Some models let the panel connect by a cable; others attach the panel directly to the light strand. Follow the product instructions, since charging and operating controls differ by model.
Plan to mount the panel and lights at a height you can reach safely for cleaning and seasonal checks. Use a stable ladder on firm, level ground, and ask someone to steady it when appropriate. Never lean far to the side from a ladder; climb down and reposition it instead.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose the light route and panel location
Measure the area where you want the lights to hang, and compare that distance with the strand length and panel cable length. Mark the planned support points and the panel position. Pick a panel location that gets several hours of direct sunlight during the day, away from tree shade, roof overhangs, and places where dirt or snow will build up. Check the route from the panel to the strand connection so the cable can reach without tension.
Tip: If the strand is longer than the route, plan gentle curves or a loose return section rather than pulling it taut. Keep the panel’s sunny location even if the lights themselves will be under a covered patio.
Check: You have a complete route with reachable support points, enough cable length, and a panel position that receives direct sun.
Step 2: Test the lights and panel before mounting
Unpack the set, connect the panel if required, and follow the manual to remove any shipping tab or activate the switch. Cover the panel with a dark cloth or place it in darkness to check whether the lights turn on, using the product’s test method. Then expose the panel to sunlight. Do not leave the set switched off if its instructions say the switch must be on for charging or automatic operation.
Tip: Many solar lights turn on only when the panel senses darkness. A daytime test may require covering the panel; consult the manual rather than assuming the strand is faulty.
Check: The set responds to the manufacturer’s test procedure, and all bulbs appear intact before installation.
Step 3: Install secure support points
Mount outdoor-rated hooks, eye screws, or the supplied clips at the marked points, following their instructions and the limits of the surface. Use fasteners suited to the material: a wood screw for solid wood, for example, rather than a general-purpose screw in loose masonry. If the set includes guide wire or a support cable, install it before hanging the light strand and attach it to strong structural points. Avoid relying on thin branches, gutters, or decorative trim that may not carry the load.
Tip: Do not drill into a surface until you have checked for hidden electrical wires and pipes. If you cannot identify the surface or its safe fixing method, use an existing structural support or ask a qualified installer.
Check: Each support feels firm under a gentle hand check and is positioned to carry the strand without sharp bends or pinched cable.
Step 4: Mount the solar panel
Attach the panel using the supplied bracket or stake, following the specified orientation and fastening method. Aim it toward the open sky and adjust its angle as the product manual recommends. Secure the cable along the route with outdoor-rated clips, leaving a small amount of slack at the panel and connector so wind or movement does not pull on the connection. Keep the cable away from sharp edges, standing water, and places where people or animals may snag it.
Tip: Do not bury a panel or cover its surface with decorations. If using a ground stake, push it into firm soil and check that the panel will not be struck by a mower or foot traffic.
Check: The panel is stable, faces an unobstructed sunny area, and its cable reaches the strand without being stretched.
Step 5: Hang and secure the light strand
Start at the end nearest the panel connection and hang the strand on the supports. Work along the route, spacing the bulbs as you planned and leaving a modest sag between supports rather than pulling the wire tight. Keep bulbs clear of hot surfaces, sharp corners, moving doors, and places where people can catch clothing or equipment. Use clips or ties only where the product allows them, and do not pinch or tightly wrap the electrical cable.
Tip: If the product uses a separate support cable, attach the strand to that cable as directed instead of letting the light wire carry the full weight. Do not cut or splice a light strand unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it.
Check: The strand is held at every planned point, hangs evenly, and has no strained connectors, crushed wire, or bulbs pressing against a surface.
Step 6: Connect, set, and charge the lights
Connect the strand to the panel or controller, align any keyed connectors, and tighten or seal them as described in the manual. Set the switch, brightness, timer, or lighting mode you want. Leave the panel in direct sun for the charging period specified by the manufacturer; if no period is stated, give it a full sunny day before evaluating brightness or run time. Keep the panel surface clean and unobstructed.
Tip: Do not force a connector that will not fit. Check its orientation and the manual. Do not charge the panel through a window unless the manufacturer confirms that method, because glass can reduce charging.
Check: Connections are secure, the selected mode is set, and the panel has had the recommended exposure to sunlight.
Step 7: Check nighttime operation and adjust
After dark, check whether the lights turn on automatically or respond to the manual’s control sequence. Walk the route and inspect the strand, supports, and cable from the ground. If the lights are dim or switch off early, check panel exposure, charge time, settings, and connections before moving the fixtures. Adjust the panel or mode if needed, then observe the next full evening after another sunny charge.
Tip: Some sets have a manual on/off switch or timer that prevents automatic lighting when set incorrectly. Use the product’s troubleshooting instructions before replacing parts.
Check: The lights operate in the chosen mode, stay attached, and provide the expected illumination after adequate charging.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Judging battery performance before the panel has had a proper charge. — Follow the manual’s initial charge instructions, or allow a full sunny day before deciding the lights are underperforming.
Troubleshooting
Problem: A support loosens or the strand sags excessively.
Solution:
Switch off or disconnect the set if the manual permits, then remove the load from the loose support. Reinstall it with hardware suited to the surface or add a structural support cable. Do not simply pull the strand tighter or use a damaged fixing point.
What Success Looks Like
The solar panel sits securely in an unobstructed sunny location, the cable and light strand are not stretched or pinched, and the mounting points hold the strand without movement. After the recommended charge, the lights turn on in the selected mode and provide the expected brightness and run time for the product and weather conditions. No connector is loose, no wire is damaged, and the lights do not obstruct a walkway or moving object.
Next Steps
Check the lights after the first windy or rainy day and tighten or reposition only hardware that the product allows you to adjust. Wipe dust from the panel when it looks dirty, and inspect the strand, cable, and supports periodically for wear, corrosion, or looseness. In winter or during long periods of disuse, follow the manufacturer’s storage and battery-care instructions. Replace damaged parts with compatible parts rather than taping exposed or broken wiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sunlight do solar-powered string lights need?
Follow the product’s charging guidance. Many sets work best after several hours of direct sun, and a full sunny day is a useful initial test when no specific duration is listed. Shade, cloudy weather, dirt, and winter sun can reduce charging.
Can the panel be placed away from the lights?
Yes, if your model has a separate panel and its cable reaches the sunny location without tension. Secure the cable along the route and use only an extension approved by the manufacturer.
Can I leave solar string lights outside in rain?
Only if the lights and panel are rated for the weather conditions at your site. Check the product’s outdoor or water-resistance rating and keep connectors installed and sealed as directed. Take the set down during severe weather if the manufacturer advises it.
Why do the lights work during a test but not at night?
Check whether the panel is still in a test mode, whether the switch is set correctly, and whether the panel receives enough sunlight. Some sets need the panel covered to simulate darkness during daytime testing; use the control procedure in the manual.
Should I use a guide wire for the lights?
Use one if the manufacturer recommends it, the strand is heavy, or the span is long. A support wire can carry the load so the light cable is not pulled tight. Attach it to sound structural points with outdoor-rated hardware.
Halloween Picks
halloween
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
