The best solar lights for gardens that last long into the evening

This solar lighting solution from 4Lite is both simple and elegant. It's a wall light that offers robust security functionality thanks to the built in PIR motion sensor that will activate as soon as a person - or animal - is sensed.

The body of the light is made from die-cast aluminium and is IP54-rated meaning it can be used year-round and in all weather conditions. This will give you up to 12 hours of illumination, depending on the mode you select.

Tried and tested by Modern Gardens Commerce Content Writer Amy-Mae Turner: "I tested this 4Lite on the wall outside my back door. Getting the light up was a simple process, just two screws through the pre-drilled holes in the light's wall mounting plate. My first thought when I first installed this was - why on earth have I never thought to put a solar light there before?

This kind of lighting solution makes perfect sense for both security and practical reasons. The PIR sensor is very effective and turned on even when my dogs ran past the light to go out into the garden. There is no way a person could approach my backdoor without the light switching on and that gave me a real sense of security. In practical terms, illumination to chuck a couple of bits in the recycling bins was also welcome.

The light's sensor works two metres downwards and has a reach of up to eight metres. There are three modes; always on, an option to have a bright light come on for 10 seconds when motion is detected and then go off, and a mode that gives you a bright light for 10 seconds and then continues indefinitely with a low light until it's activated again to for the brighter light.

10 seconds is obviously a very brief period of time, so when testing I did wish that the bright light/then low light mode automatically went off after say, 10 minutes, to save power, but there are no options to change the settings. This Antheia light is an excellent solar wall light solution that comes recommended, and there are other styles of light in the range if you want to get the set."

Perfect for a patio swag or hanging along a fence, these warm white festoon lights from Lights4Fun feature 15 LED bulbs each with a 20cm drop along a 4.2-metre length of cable. These offer three metres of lead wire, so you have flexibility as to where you position them.

You can choose from eight lighting effects, including relaxing static or energetic flashing to instantly get the party started. Although IP44-rated, these lights are best stored away over winter.

Formed from tough polypropylene plastic, these sculptural lamps feature a high-powered rechargeable lithium-ion battery and a hidden solar cell.  We like this statement cube, but there's also a sphere, a cylinder, or a pebble, 

These lights can be set to gently cycle through seven colours or remain static on a single colour or one of two white settings. Weather and waterproof with a IP67 rating, they can be left outside year-round.

These neat solar lights are a practical way to create a reassuring glow around the perimeter of your plot, or along a garden path. The base of these lights measures just over 9cm square, so will fit on most standard fence posts.

The built-in sensor automatically activates when dusk falls, but you can override it via an off switch. They won’t be as bright in winter sunlight levels as in summer, but at this price we can’t complain.

In on-trend, all-weather natural rattan, this pendant scores highly in both style and practicality. Casting a warm welcoming light, the LED bulb lasts for up to eight hours when fully charged. This has a three-metre cable, plenty for suspending the light.

This comes complete with a hanging hook, so it’s ready to go out of the box. Although this is IP44-rated, because of the rattan shade we'd recommend this for use inside a gazebo, pergola, or parasol. This charges during the day and automatically comes on at dusk.

Inspired by 'ammi majus,' more commonly known as bishop's weed, these lights will add charming floral-themed illumination to your outdoor space. These come in pack of two or six, with each light giving you four stems, each with 10 LEDs. These lights stand at a metre tall and there's a metre cable from the solar panel.

These are exclusive to Sarah Raven so you know you're going to be able to create a real talking point for your next garden party - we can only imagine how stunning six of these would look dotted around a garden.

This stylish solar post light is made from extremely tough, high-sheen acrylic plastic and casts a warm white beam of light. Standing at 60cm tall (8cm diameter) it looks super-smart set into a patio or nestled among plants.

Rated IP55, it’s weather resistant and is fitted with a long-lasting LiFePO4 battery, providing up to 10 hours of light when fully charged. You can stake or screw this light in place and position the wired solar panel within three metres.

With built-in solar cells cased in white frosted glass, this uber-smart LED pendant oozes understated elegance. Those built-in cells mean this is a cable-free solution, making it even more attractive to anyone who dislikes trailing wires.

Great for lighting an outdoor lounge or dining area, when fully charged it provides light for up to 20 hours. A built-in sensor activates the lamp when light levels fall or alternatively use the on/off switch to conserve power.

This robust spotlight with auto sensor has a large solar panel and swivelling head to highlight garden features with precision. Alternatively, this could be focussed on an area for security reasons, such as a garden gate or shed.

The powder-coated aluminium housing is extremely weatherproof at IP65 rated and can be screwed or spiked into the ground. This automatically turns on at duck for hassle-free operation.