Buyer’s guide to solar lighting

Which type of solar light is right for me?

Solar lights can be used purely for ambience and decoration, or can have a more practical function such as illuminating a path or providing security lighting. Many offer flashing as well as constant lighting options, and there’s often a choice of coloured bulbs. Some of the most popular types include:

String lights

Just like Christmas fairy lights, these have LEDs or bulbs spaced along a wire or cable. Wrapped around trees, woven though shrubs or draped along fencing, they provide an atmospheric, twinkling display. They’re usually sold in specific lengths or according to the number of bulbs or LEDs.

Post lights

Useful dotted along a path or through borders, these help guide you through the garden. Bulbs sit at the top of a stake, post or bollard and cast light downwards. Some also include motion sensors to light up an area as you walk towards it.

Spotlights

Ideal for lighting up a specific area, focus plant or feature, recent technology means some of these can be as bright as mains-powered lights. The beam can be angled for extra impact, while motion sensors allow them to function as security lighting, too.

Lanterns

Hung up or free-standing and used as an intimate tabletop or patio feature, these decorative lights often have stylish or intricate designs that project patterns to add atmosphere to your evening.

 Damasque solar lantern

£28.99

crocus.co.uk

This Moroccan-style lantern is made from steel, with an antique, rusty finish. The solar panel and LED light sit in the top of the globe and cast a bright light through the shade to create intricate patterns against walls and floor surfaces. It can be hung from its loop handle or stood on a table.

Wickes Lutec Superspot LED spike light with integrated solar panel

£17

wickes.co.uk

With a large solar panel that can be angled to catch the sun, this warmwhite spotlight has a 50-lumen output and the option of flashing or constant light. With an IP rating of 54, it can be left out in all weather.

Wilko 10-pack small garden solar light markers

£10.50

wilko.com

Push these stake lights into the ground for an instant glow. At less than 30cm in height they keep their white light low. They do not have an on/off switch, so must be taken down when not in use.

Look out for these details

Five key factors to consider when making your shortlist

 Solar panel size The bigger the solar panel, the more light the cells can absorb and the longer the lights will stay on. If you want to illuminate a shady area of the garden, look for lights with a good length of cable from the solar panel to the LEDs, so you can place the panel in your brightest spot.

 Brightness Light output is measured in lumens: the higher the lumen count, the brighter the light. Decorative solar lights emit around 50 lumens, but those used for security can produce as much as 1,000 lumens.

 Motion sensors Lights that come on only as you approach are great for prolonging the life of your battery and LEDs. As they only light up in short bursts, they’re also less dependent on natural light levels, and will work just as well in the winter as in the bright summer months.

 Durability and weather resistance Look out for long-lasting materials such as stainless steel, aluminium or tough plastic. The Ingress Protection (IP) rating will indicate how weatherproof and water-resistant lights are, and rates how easily dust and water can enter electronics. If you plan to keep solar lights outside permanently, aim for ones with an IP rating of 44 and above.

 Replaceable parts To really prolong the life of your solar lights, look out for brands that offer replacement light packs, solar panels and rechargeable batteries for sale separately.

Marrakesh Moroccan solar stake lights

£24.99

lights4fun.co.uk

Introducing an attractive patterned light, these four plastic stake lights can be lined along a path or steps to lead the way, or dotted among flower beds. They feature an on/off button under the lid and have an IP rating of 44.

Atlas solar spotlights

£44.99

lights4fun.co.uk

Illuminating to a distance of 25 metres, these two spotlights are connected to the solar panel with four and a half metres of cable, so it’s easy to get the position just right. They have a 50-lumen output and an IP rating of 44 for year-round use.

 TrueFlame

USB Crook solar lantern

£24.99

thesolarcentre.co.uk

Featuring a flickering real-flame effect, these traditionally styled lanterns hang from their pole to light up a path or border, but they can also be stood upright on a table or patio. They include a power-saving mode and the option of USB charging.

How to use solar lights

With no cable and no need for an outdoor electricity source, solar lights are easy to install.

Before proceeding, ensure the solar panel will get lots of sun by checking where direct sunlight falls throughout the day. Tweak the position if you need to after the first few days, and keep the solar panel clean and dust-free by wiping it down regularly.

Also, some lights need to be turned off for a couple of days when you first install them. This gives them time to charge up fully before use.

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Raise the bar-becue

Hosting a garden party this summer? Get your gathering off to the perfect start with Wertherís Original

The warmer months are finally upon us, which means you can look forward to spending more days in your own carefully curated outdoor haven. If you love sharing your garden with family and friends at this time of year, then chances are you plan on hosting a barbecue or three ñ and Wertherís Original is here to help take yours to the next level.

From fun lawn games and table dÈcor inspiration to tempting recipe ideas, read on to discover how you can throw your best barbecue yet.

Get playing

Whether youíve got children in attendance or are simply looking for ways to keep your guests entertained while you tend to the barbecue, lawn games can most definitely be used to your advantage. If youíre blessed with a large outdoor space, then croquet is always a popular choice, while traditional quoits is ideal for smaller gardens. If youíre on a budget or simply want a more sustainable option, collect some sizeable sticks and paint 10 stones in different colours, five in one colour and five in another, and youíve got yourself a garden-friendly edition of noughts and crosses.

Get decorating

When it comes to making your garden partyready, there are a few simple and inexpensive tips and tricks you can apply. For instance, instead of buying bouquets of flowers to use as table centrepieces, pick some pretty flowers and foliage from your garden and add them to vases or nestle them into your guestsí napkins. You could also try setting up a drinks station. Not only will it make for a fun and unique addition, but it will enable guests to keep themselves topped up, leaving you free to get on with other things ñ like mingling and enjoying yourself!

Get grilling

Barbecuing your food can add such an incredible depth of flavour and Wertherís Original can be used to create delicious caramelised chicken skewers. Simply grind some Wertherís Original Butter Candies in a high-powered food processor and mix a little mustard, yogurt, lemon juice, crushed garlic, and salt to create the ultimate marinade. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, along with peppers and red onion, then barbecue for you and your guests to enjoy.