Goodbye Dark & Boring Backyards: Costco's Solar Solution Makes Lighting Fun

A well-lit backyard is important for those who want to make the most of their evenings outside. If you're growing tired of a dimly lit backyard (or even of traditional lighting options like string lights and lantern-style sconces), it might be time to search for backyard lighting that has a more festive element. Costco carries solar solution — the Evergreen Enterprises Solar LED Flamingo Pair — that can light up your patio on summer nights.

The Evergreen Enterprises Solar LED Flamingo Pair is sold as a set of two metal birds and retails for $59.99 at the time of publication. The birds measure 13.3 inches long by 6.2 inches wide by 35 inches high and 11 inches long by 6.2 inches wide by 35 inches high and are crafted from iron, making them lightweight and suitable yard decor. They feature a powder coating and a high-gloss enamel finish for durability in the elements. The birds have slits on their backs that allow lights to shine through once they have been charged via the integrated solar panels. At the time of writing, this product had a 3.5-star rating from over 130 reviews on the Costco website.

These birds could be seamlessly integrated poolside on your patio during the summertime. For those without a pool, they could just as easily adorn the perimeter of your deck or even be placed farther out in your yard, such as along a walking path, for a soft glow in the evenings.

While there is no denying that these lights are unique, it's well worth examining the pros and cons prior to purchasing them. For starters, the style of these flamingos might not work well in all yards; individuals who like to add a dose of levity to their surroundings and appreciate casual vibes might readily embrace these flamingo lights. While yard flamingos aren't universally adored, the classier design of these birds makes them less likely to be a front yard eyesore your neighbors want you to get rid of. One review on the Costco website, for example, criticizes the bright pink color of the birds, stating, "the paint color is a garish shade of pink." A very common criticism of the product is that the solar function is difficult or faulty, with customer reviews that sound like this one from Costco's website: "The lights really aren't worth it — they don't make them glow at night and don't light up the area around them."

Although there are some potential drawbacks to these flamingos, they could still be worth purchasing if you love the feel that they bring to your yard. Numerous other reviews state that the LED solar capabilities function well when the instructions are followed and when the flamingos can be placed in a very sunny spot on your property. One four-star review on Costco's website says, "the people adamant that they aren't solar are wrong. That said, the flamingos do not emit a lot of light at night." They may be worth purchasing, provided that you manage your expectations and appreciate the way these flamingos can bring character to your home's exterior.