Given the colored stripes, these don't throw a whole lot of light, which I knew would be the case when I ordered them.  They are pretty, they do work, and they do throw enough light to light the way on steps, or allow you to see what's on a patio table after dark, without having to turn on electric lighting.  It'd be nice if they were brighter, but they are as advertised.  They're a good compromise between pure functionality and decoration, imo.  If you really need bright light, a 3-way solar/battery/dynamo charged camping lantern, or a tac-light, might be a better option.  However, I'm very pleased with these.  They suit my needs.