Outdoor Solar Decorations

Lights

• You can find any kind of outdoor lighting you can think of -- and a few you may not have -- in a solar-powered version. Post lights, spot lights, walkway lights, string lights and tabletop lamps soak up energy into their solar cells by day and glow brightly through the night. You can even light the inside of your shed or pool house with a solar-powered ceiling light. If you like the look of candlelight, look for solar-powered outdoor votives that require no candles or LED lights.

Fountains

• Water features add a tranquil atmosphere to your garden, but they use a lot of energy, especially when run daily. Solar fountains and birdbaths can run all day long on sun power and shut off at night. Or, if you're not at home during the day, you can turn it off during the day to charge the cell and enjoy the fountain at night. Water feature solar panels may be integrated into the unit, or they may be remote panels that are separate from the fountain. There are no wires, making setup simpler than electric garden fountains.

Figures and Statues

• Outdoor solar decor takes lawn art to the next level, with decorative angels, fairies and garden gnomes that light up at night. In addition to figures, solar cells can light up resin animals and birds for the garden, miniature lighthouses and abstract yard art. Like most outdoor solar lights with small cells, solar figures and statues charge during the day for a glow that lasts from sundown to early morning.

Other Outdoor Solar Novelties

• Since no electricity is wasted, you can really go all out with your outdoor solar decor. Unusual items like solar flowers can light up your garden in the dark, while solar wind chimes give off a multicolored sparkle when the sun goes down. Glowing gazing balls, garden globes and even furniture add some fun to your backyard and patio. When the holidays come around, choose solar-powered icicle lights to line your roof and watch your winter electric bill go down.