Solar lights have become synonymous with summer, which isn’t surprising. They come in a variety of styles, are very low maintenance and, being powered by the sun, won’t add to the electricity bill. Solar lights make it easy to light up the backyard on a budget, especially if you buy them at the dollar store. Try these 4 super easy solar light ideas for 2025.

4 Super Easy Solar Light Ideas for 2025

I am an Amazon Associate. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Idea 1: Solar Flower Vase Upgrade

Supplies Used and Recommendations:

 

 

In a previous year, I set these three flower solar light stakes in a mason jar, rather than sticking them into the ground. 

 

 

This year, I upgraded that idea by adding a filler bush of faux florals and some glass pebbles in the bottom of the jar to hide the bottoms of the stakes. This makes the display look much fuller.

 

 

It make a lovely accent when you’re sitting outside in the evening. 

Idea 2: Solar Lamp With Dried Florals

Supplies Used and Recommendations:

 

I’ll be using these dried floral stems that I found at Dollar Tree, but you can use any faux florals you already have on hand.

Step 1: Place Dried Floral Pieces in the Vase

 

 

I cut a few pieces of both colours of the dried florals in different heights and inserted them into the bottom of this 6 1/2 inch tall clear bud vase I already had on hand. A pair of long craft tweezers are helpful for arranging the pieces the way you want them. 

Place whatever flowers you like into the vase. Faux flowers would work just as well.

 

 

I like E6000, but I don’t use it often enough for it to be worth my while to buy. If it sits around too long, it starts to harden in the tube. For me, it’s just a waste of money. For this project, I thought I’d try using this clear double-sided mounting tape instead. Stay with me. It turned out to work remarkably well for the purpose and is good for outdoor use.

 

 

I’m using one of the smallest solar lights for this project, keeping the plastic piece attached. This kind of solar light has an on/off switch.

Step 2: Use Mounting Tape Around Solar Panel

 

 

I cut about a two inch strip of mounting tape from the roll and lined the long end up with the edge of the solar panel. Then I trimmed around the edge of the solar light with scissors and used what was left over to do another side. I repeated this step until all four sides of the solar panel had a strip of mounting tape.

Step 3: Attach Solar Light to Lampshade

 

 

I had some small plastic bowls that I bought at Dollar Tree some time ago and realized one of these would make the perfect lamp shade for this size of solar lamp.

 

 

After peeling off the top layer of film from the mounting tape, I carefully positioned the solar light in the middle of the plastic bowl.

Step 4: Attach Solar Light to Vase

 

 

After that, I used some hot glue to secure the solar light section to the top of the vase. Of course, if you will be using this lamp outside, you’ll need a stronger glue. I’m sitting this little lamp on my desk in front of the patio doors where it will get plenty of sunshine to power it.

I love the way this one turned out.

Idea 3: Solar Powered Mushroom Lamp

Supplies Used and Recommendations:

 

 

I found this tall glass carafe at Dollarama. I liked the raised designs on it. At first, I thought I’d use this fluted plastic bowl as a lamp shade, but ended up using the etched salad bowl from Dollar Tree, instead.

Step 1: Add Mounting Tape Around the Rim of the Jar

 

 

I cut four strips of clear mounting tape, about 2-inches long and wrapped them around the rim of the carafe at intervals. 

Step 2: Attach Solar Light to Carafe

 

 

Then, I placed the top of a larger solar light onto the mouth of the carafe, on top of the mounting tape. As before, I used mounting tape around the solar panel and centred the top of the solar light in the middle of the salad bowl.

 

 

I like how the etchings in the plastic bowl, while not the same as the ones on the carafe, are similar.

 

 

Here’s how my mushroom lamp looks at night. 

Idea 3: Candlestick Solar Lamp Ideas

Supplies Used and Recommendations:

 

 

The metal candlesticks you can find at Dollar Tree are perfect for holding the top half of a solar light. I used the 8 3/4″ high candle stick for this. I like them in gold, but paint your candlesticks in a colour that suits your decor.

The lampshade I’m using is the same as the small plastic bowl I used in the second project. Follow the same steps as before to attach the solar light to the bowl.

 

 

This candlestick lamp is so cute! I’m only using hot glue to attach the solar lights to the candlesticks but, of course, a stronger glue will be needed if you want to place them outside.

 

 

Using a leaf candlestick (found at Dollar Tree) makes this lamp extra charming. Even if you don’t use these lamps outdoors, they make cute accent pieces for your indoor decor. These easy solar light ideas will help you to light up your backyard this summer.

***

If you enjoyed this post, sign up for the Dollar Store Style newsletter. Each month you’ll get my pick for a Find of the Week, a Quick Tip for decorating, a Product Review and much more.

Related: