Herbie's Picks

Home Outdoor Updated Sep 14, 2026

Best solar string lights for backyard paths

Length and remote control matter most when you want lights that stay on without daily fiddling along a backyard path.

100FT Solar String Lights with Remote and Timer
Top pick: 100FT Solar String Lights with Remote and Timer

Run length before extras

Measure the path twice and add a little extra for curves or posts. A single long string covers a straight run without joins. Two shorter strings let you split coverage around corners or separate sections.

Remote and timer habits

A remote lets you adjust brightness or set a timer from the house. Without one you walk out to the panel each time. Timers that run four or six hours keep the lights from draining the battery on short summer nights.

Panel placement on paths

The panel needs direct sun most of the day. Place it facing south and keep the cord long enough to reach the first light without stretching. Shade from trees or fences cuts runtime fast.

Pick by job

Pick Best for Skip if
100FT Solar String Lights with Remote and Timer One long straight backyard path You need to split the run around corners
JMEXSUSS 2 Pack Solar String Lights Total 151FT Two separate path sections You want one remote for the whole setup
Brightown 58FT Solar String Lights with Remote A short path or patio edge The route is longer than fifty eight feet

Start here

100FT Solar String Lights with Remote and Timer

Best for
One long straight backyard path
Skip if
You need to split the run around corners

JMEXSUSS 2 Pack Solar String Lights Total 151FT

Best for
Two separate path sections
Skip if
You want one remote for the whole setup

Brightown 58FT Solar String Lights with Remote

Best for
A short path or patio edge
Skip if
The route is longer than fifty eight feet

Product reviews

3 picks with live Amazon ratings

1 Start here Homeowners with one long straight backyard path

100FT Solar String Lights with Remote and Timer

4.6 (1,399 Amazon ratings, as of 2026-09-05)

One hundred feet gives a continuous line along a winding or straight route. The remote lets you set a timer without going outside each evening.

The panel sits separately so you can angle it toward the sun while the lights follow the path edge. Check the current listing for exact bulb spacing before you order.

It still needs clear sky overhead. Heavy tree cover shortens the nightly run no matter what the label claims.

Good for

  • Remote and timer included
  • Single long string for continuous coverage
  • Solar panel on a separate cord

Skip if

  • One string only so no split runs
  • Needs full sun on the panel all day
2 Owners who need to light two separate path sections

JMEXSUSS 2 Pack Solar String Lights Total 151FT

4.2 (21,596 Amazon ratings, as of 2026-09-05)

The two pack gives flexibility to cover a main path and a side spur without running one giant string. Each string works on its own panel so you can place them in different sunny spots.

Total length adds up but you still have to manage two panels and two sets of lights. The listing shows high review volume so the basic build has held up for many buyers.

No remote on this set so you adjust at the panel each time. That works if the panels sit near the house.

Good for

  • Two strings for split paths
  • High number of buyer reviews
  • Separate panels for different sun angles

Skip if

  • No remote or timer
  • Two panels to position and maintain
3 Renters or owners with a short path or patio edge

Brightown 58FT Solar String Lights with Remote

4.3 (8,966 Amazon ratings, as of 2026-09-05)

Fifty eight feet fits a modest path or the edge of a patio without excess leftover. The remote handles on off and timer settings from inside.

Smaller total length means less weight on the posts or fence. The panel still needs its own sunny spot away from the lights.

It is the shortest of the three so you may need two sets if the route is longer than expected.

Good for

  • Remote included for easy control
  • Shorter length suits compact paths
  • Lighter load on posts or rails

Skip if

  • Shortest total footage
  • Single string only

FAQ

How long should the string be for a typical backyard path?

Measure the full route and add ten percent for curves or posts. One hundred feet covers most straight or gently winding paths in a single run.

Do solar path lights need direct sun every day?

Yes. The panel needs several hours of direct sun to charge fully. Shade from trees or buildings cuts the runtime quickly.

Is a remote worth it on path lights?

It saves walking outside to change settings. If the panel sits near the house a remote lets you adjust brightness or timers without extra trips.