A solar patio umbrella is a type of outdoor umbrella that has built-in solar panels that collect energy from the sun during the day to power lights or other devices, such as charging ports or speakers, at night. These umbrellas typically have a small solar panel located on the top of the umbrella, which can be connected to a rechargeable battery or a USB port. The solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which is stored in the battery or used to power the attached devices. Solar patio umbrellas are popular for outdoor events, patios, and gardens, as they provide shade during the day and ambient lighting at night, without the need for electrical outlets or cords.