What’s even better than a respite from the glaring sun by day? A patio umbrella that absorbs all that sunlight and turns it into a free, green source of light by night!
Energy-efficient and good for the planet, solar energy is an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors after sundown. Take a look at our reviews for the best patio umbrellas with solar lights, as well as a few other handy tips we’ve compiled for you.
Our Reviews for Best Patio Umbrellas with Solar Lights
Read on for our brief but detailed reviews of the best patio umbrellas with solar lights.
Giantex 10-ft Solar Patio Umbrella – Best Romantic Lighting & Our Top Pick
This 10-ft umbrella comes with three solar-powered LED lights on each of its eight ribs, so you have 24 bright lights in total to enjoy your evenings outside. The lights aren’t USB-rechargeable, so make sure your umbrella is drenched in sunlight all day.
You can raise and lower the canopy effortlessly with the easy-to-use crank handle. The handle and detachable pole make setting up and storing effortless.
The octagonal shape makes for a sturdy, stable umbrella. The vented canopy lets you enjoy the breeze, while the breathable, anti-mold fabric blocks most of the heat pounding down on you.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easily portable
Cons
- Light may not be bright enough for some
C-Hopetree 10-ft Solar LED Umbrella – Best Option with Bonus Hub Light
In addition to its 40 warm-white LED lights, this pricey 10-ft umbrella comes with one central hub light. You can turn on the hub light or the rib lights only for soft, soothing lighting, or switch them all on for extra brightness.
The rib pockets are reinforced to protect the fabric and stitching from tearing under pressure. You can turn the umbrella 360 degrees and tilt it for unlimited shade angles, so you’re always protected from the sun no matter where it is in the sky.
Pros
- Solar batteries stay on for over six hours
- UV and SPF protection
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a base
COBANA 10-ft Offset Solar Umbrella – Best Bluetooth-Speaker Umbrella
This 10-ft umbrella doesn’t just come with solar lighting but also with a Bluetooth speaker, so you can enjoy your favorite music with friends and family. It has four LED lights per rib on seven of its eight ribs.
There’s a handle for opening and closing the umbrella, and another handle for tilting it. You can choose between four different positions. The cantilever design leaves more room under the canopy, and the fabric blocks up to 90% of UV rays and is waterproof.
Wind can knock down the frame easily, so you may want to weigh it down with sandbags or something similar.
Pros
- USB-rechargeable solar panel (for lime green only)
- Can be rotated 360 degrees using foot pedal
Cons
- Pricey
Abba 11-ft Solar Umbrella – Best Splurge
Thanks to its heavy construction, this super-sized umbrella is sturdy and well-balanced. It comes with one big solar-powered bulb that provides excellent light. The design and materials are superior to most retail umbrellas.
You can raise and lower the canopy using the durable crank and locking grip. The included cover fully shields the umbrella and mast, and it’s easy to put in place with the bungee-corded stick that comes with the purchase.
The fabric blocks the sun while allowing for pleasant light diffusion during the day. The wind vent in the middle of the rectangular canopy counters forceful wind effortlessly.
Pros
- Super-waterproof
- Shades large outdoor spaces
Cons
- Not easily portable
ABCCANOPY 9-ft Solar Umbrella – Best Affordable Option
The 32 LED lights on this affordable 9-ft umbrella last 9-12 hours, and there’s a switch to turn them on and off whenever you like. You can open and close the umbrella easily with the crank system, and the push button lets you tilt it so you’re always covered from the sun.
The fabric comes in 12 different colors and provides UV protection and water resistance. The base isn’t included so make sure you buy a suitable one.
Pros
- Anti-rust aluminum frame
- Lightweight
Cons
- Lights are blue-like rather than white
What to Look for in a Patio Umbrella with Solar Lights
Here are the most important features you need to consider.
Water and UV Resistance
With a waterproof patio umbrella, you don’t have to dash to get it out of the rain, getting yourself thoroughly soaked in the process. Water-repellent fabrics will keep your patio furniture dry as well.
Similarly, adequate UV protection will block the harsh, harmful rays, keeping your skin safe and helping your furniture live longer.
Installation
How easy is it to set up, and will you need any tools you don’t already own? How heavy is the package? Often manufacturers will put things like “team lift” on the package, to keep you from injuring yourself if you try to handle it on your own.
Knowing this information in advance will help you prepare and enlist help from friends and family.
Strong Construction vs. Portability
You don’t want something that’ll snap in two at the first gust of wind. Sturdy materials like steel and aluminum are your safest bet. That said, you should fold your umbrella or remove it entirely if you know a storm is coming.
If you want to take your solar umbrella with you camping or on a beach holiday, you’ll need to consider frames that are more lightweight. Once you’ve set up your umbrella, make sure to weigh its base down for safety.
Base
You need a sturdy base, especially if your umbrella comes with a tilt function. Otherwise, the umbrella can completely tip over. Some people go one step further and bolt down the legs, just to be safe.
Not all umbrellas will come with a base included. Check and buy the suitable base in advance.
USB Rechargeability
If you live somewhere that doesn’t get a lot of sun, USB-rechargeable batteries can save your patio umbrella experience. You can recharge your batteries and enjoy a bright time outside even after an overcast day.
Diverse Lighting Options
Some umbrellas have lights that can be operated independently, so you don’t have to turn all the lights on and off at the same time. This lets you enjoy some mood lighting, which you can easily turn to full-on brightness with the push of a button.
Bells and Whistles
Patio umbrellas have joined the smart club, and some now come with Bluetooth speakers or even WiFi. If you’re mad for modernity, those would be your best bet.
Conclusion
Affordable and sturdy, the Giantex 10-ft Solar Patio Umbrella towers over the rest as far as we’re concerned. If you need brighter lighting, you can buy additional solar-powered LEDs and clamp them onto your umbrella.
For another look at all our contenders, check out this comparison table. With the right umbrella on your patio lit up like a jewel, you and your loved ones will see a whole new side of the beautiful outdoors.
| Number of LEDs | Rotation Feature | Tilt Feature | Multiple Sizes | |
| Giantex 10-ft Solar Patio Umbrella | 24 LEDs | No | Yes | No |
| C-Hopetree 10-ft Solar LED Umbrella | 40 LEDs + 1 Central Hub Light | Rotates 360 degrees | Yes | Yes |
| COBANA 10-ft Offset Solar Umbrella | 28 LEDs | Rotates 360 degrees | Yes | No |
| Abba 11-ft Solar Umbrella | 1 LED | No | Yes | Yes |
| ABCCANOPY 9-ft Solar Umbrella | 32 LEDs | No | Yes | Yes |