This by far the most sturdy, well built umbrella I have ever purchased.  The solar lights are an added bonus and are hidden in the arms of the umbrella.  The umbrella covers our entire seating area and firepit.  We filled the base with water just so we could set the umbrella up to make sure it functioned correctly.  We will most likely fill the base with sand instead of water when we decide on the final placement.  If you need a large umbrella, this is the one for you!