Solar Power: French Lanterns Built with Race Cart Technology

What could make more sense than solar-powered outdoor lighting? But sensible too often comes in basic-at-best packaging. Fortunately, a team of designers at French teak furnishings company Les Jardins has been on the case.

Powered by LED panels that charge just by being left outside, Les Jardin’s solar lanterns are not only better looking than their competition but more finely tuned: the owner’s electrical engineer son and a collaborator applied power management software that they created for Italian race carts to the engineering. That translates to brighter, longer-lasting lights that are energy efficient, water resistant—and evocative of St. Tropez poolsides. Come see.

Above: The Skaal Lantern has a frame of weather-resistant, maintenance-free teak; €239 from Les Jardins. The line will soon be available in the US from Curran Home.

Above: The minimalist pyramidal design is just over 15 inches tall; its battery lasts up to 20 hours.

Above: Les Jardin’s Tinka Solar Lanterns, €125, have powder-coated aluminum frames that come in seven colors.

Les Jardin’s portable solar lanterns are 12-watt LED and have four switch positions: off, low, high, and a motion detector setting. The lithium batteries are good for at least eight hours on standby mode and are rechargeable by the sun or via a USB port. For the lowdown on how solar lighting works and its many applications, go to Hardscaping 101: Solar Lighting.

Above: Especially made for watery settings, Bump, €149, is composed of aluminum and molded plastic.

Above: Teak and stainless steel Blade Lanterns come in three sizes. The 18-inch-tall Teka Teak version (shown center) is $449.51  and the 26-inch Teka Teak (far right) is $499.91 from Lamps Plus.

Above: Our favorite model, the Tecka Teak Lantern; €139, works equally well indoors and out. It’s 15 inches tall and is available as the Teak Solar Lantern for $149.91 from Lamps Plus.

To fully light your landscape, see our curated guide to Outdoor Lighting 101. And take a look at:

• Everything You Need to Know About Outdoor Lighting
• Hardscaping 101: Smart Outdoor Lights
• 10 Easy Pieces: Solar Lighting
• 10 Easy Pieces: Portable Outdoor LED Lanterns