Buying guide for best solar Christmas lights
The twinkle of Christmas lights is a sight that many people adore and look forward to every year. These lights aren’t without their pain points, however. For example, when hanging outdoor lights, you usually need to use an extension cord or two—unless you switch to solar Christmas lights.
Unlike traditional string lights, solar Christmas lights don’t use electricity. Instead, they draw power from the sun. Because no electrical outlet is required, you’re free to hang the lights where you wish. What’s more, solar Christmas lights usually have a sensor that makes them automatically turn on when the sun goes down, and they stay illuminated for hours.
If you’re looking for solar Christmas lights, start by learning how they work so you know what to expect. Next, consider how long the lights need to charge and how long they’ll stay lit. Finally, decide which features matter most to you in Christmas lights—for example, color, shape, lighting mode options, and strand length.
How do solar Christmas lights work?
Solar Christmas lights usually have a dark solar panel, or cell, attached to the string and a rechargeable battery that powers the lights. The solar panel absorbs and converts sunlight into electricity. The electricity is stored in the battery until the lights turn on.
The lights charge via the solar panel all day long. They typically turn on when their photoreceptor sensor determines it is dark outside. The lights can stay illuminated as long as the battery has energy.
Benefits of solar Christmas lights
Ease of setup
Because you don’t have to plug solar lights into an outlet or use an extension cord, they are easier to set up than traditional lights. The attached solar panels don’t require much work to install, either. They have a stake that you simply press into the ground in a spot where the panel will receive the most sun.
Flexibility
Because having a nearby outlet or extension cord isn’t an issue, these lights offer more flexibility. You can hang, drape, or wrap them anywhere you wish without worrying about the cord.
Cost-effective
Solar Christmas lights don’t cost anything to operate because they don’t draw on your home’s electricity. Once you pay for the lights, you won’t have to invest more money in their operation.
Eco-friendly
Solar Christmas lights are more eco-friendly than traditional lights because they don’t leak pollutants into the air or soil. They’re typically more durable than regular lights, too, so replacement is required less often. This translates to less waste. And, of course, they don’t require expensive electricity to run. They’re powered by free sunlight.
Safety
Solar Christmas lights are typically safer to use than traditional lights because they don’t require extension cords and other cords. As a result, you don’t have to worry about kids or pets tripping over cords. And they aren’t a fire hazard because they don’t overheat like regular lights.
Depending on the type of bulbs you use and where you live, it could cost between $9 and $76 to run traditional Christmas lights for a month. Solar lights have zero operating costs.
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Charging hours vs. working hours
Before purchasing solar Christmas lights, it’s essential to understand how long they take to charge and how long they can stay illuminated.
Most solar lights require 6 to 10 hours to charge. The exact time depends on how much sun they receive, so choosing the right spot for the solar panel is crucial. Manufacturers usually list the number of charging hours required, but that refers to charging in direct and full sunlight. In a shady area or on a cloudy day, your lights may not charge as quickly.
Many people feel it’s best to choose a set of lights that requires fewer hours to charge. That way, a cloudy or overcast day won’t necessarily translate to lights that don’t glow at night.
How long your solar Christmas lights stay illuminated depends on whether the battery is fully charged. Generally speaking, if the lights are fully charged, they should stay lit for most of the night.
What features do solar Christmas lights have?
Length and number of lights per strand
As with traditional string lights, you should consider how long a strand of solar Christmas lights is and how many lights it contains. Depending on which parts of your home and yard you plan to decorate, you may have a fairly large area to cover.
A shorter strand would work well if you want to outline a doorway or window. A longer strand would be a better option if you want to light a tree or several bushes in your yard.
Keep in mind that if you use multiple strands of solar lights, you’ll have to set up multiple solar panels. It can be tricky to find spots to place more than one panel where they all receive good sunlight.
In most cases, the longer a strand of light is, the more bulbs it has. And the more bulbs per strand, the brighter the light will be. Strands with fewer bulbs may have large gaps between the lights, and they may not have the same impact on your holiday display.
Color
The color and shape of your Christmas lights are a matter of personal preference. You can find plenty of options in solar lights, and you can’t go wrong with classic white lights—though some white bulbs lean more toward yellow than pure white. You can sometimes find solar Christmas lights in a single color other than white, too. For example, you might find a strand of all red or green solar lights. And many people love the festive look of multi-color lights in shades like red, blue, green, yellow, orange, and purple.
Lighting modes
Many solar Christmas lights offer a single lighting mode, so they stay on in a steady pattern. However, you can find some strands that offer both steady and flashing modes. Some solar Christmas lights even offer additional lighting modes, such as twinkling, fading, waves, or a combination of two modes. If you want the most versatility for your decorations, choose a strand with several lighting modes.
IP rating
To hold up well in the elements outside your home, solar Christmas lights should have an IP rating that tells you the level of protection that they have against water and dirt. An IP rating reads IPXX, with the first number standing for its level of dirt resistance and the second number capturing the level of water resistance. The higher these numbers, the more protection the item has.
For the most durable solar lights, look for strands rated IP65 or higher.
DID YOU KNOW?
While solar lights have many benefits, they may not be as bright as you want on days when the sky is overcast because the battery isn’t fully charged.
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How do you accessorize solar Christmas lights?
While your solar Christmas lights make the trees and shrubs in your yard look festive, a Christmas wreath on the door can tie together your look. Artificial wreaths are an excellent option because you can reuse them yearly. You can even find pre-lit wreaths with battery-operated lights already wound through the greenery.
Besides lights, you may want to wrap Christmas garland around porch railings, banisters, light posts, columns, and other features outside your home. As with your wreath, you may wish to choose an artificial garland that can be used for multiple years.
How much do solar Christmas lights cost?
Inexpensive
Between $9 and $25, you can find inexpensive solar Christmas lights. These tend to be short strands with 100 or fewer bulbs.
Mid-range
Between $25 and $60, you will find mid-range solar Christmas lights with medium-length strands of 100 to 200 bulbs.
Expensive
For anywhere from $60 to $140, you will find the most expensive solar Christmas lights. These long strands tend to have more than 200 bulbs.
Secure your Christmas lights with adhesive clips or hooks to prevent them from falling down.
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Tips
- Make sure your solar Christmas lights are off during the day. If your lights don’t have an auto sensor and stay on all day, the solar panel won’t be able to absorb sunlight, preventing the battery from recharging.
- Avoid placing the solar panel in a shady area. To fully charge your lights, place the solar panel in a spot that receives full sunlight. You may need to angle it slightly for the best placement.
- Clear off the solar panel after it snows. If snow covers the panel, the battery won’t charge.
- Use your solar Christmas lights year-round. You can use them to decorate for other holidays, such as Halloween or Easter, or string them up in your garden or patio area for soft mood lighting.
FAQ
Q. Where should I hang solar Christmas lights?
A. The best thing about solar Christmas lights is that with no cord or plug to worry about, you can hang them nearly anywhere you’d like. Of course, the placement of the solar panel is crucial because it must receive direct sunlight to charge the lights. But the lights themselves can be strung in trees, over shrubs, around doors and windows, and even across your roof.
Q. How long do solar Christmas lights last?
A. Solar lights typically last longer than standard Christmas lights because they don’t have filaments that burn out over time. The batteries may eventually require replacement, though. The bulbs can last up to 10 years, but you may need to replace the battery after three to five years.
Q. What maintenance do solar Christmas lights require?
A. In most cases, the only maintenance required is keeping the solar panel in good working order. This means cleaning it regularly to prevent dirt, dust, or other residue on the surface from blocking sunlight. Wiping the panel with a cloth and soapy water usually does the trick. Of course, when the battery starts to go, you’ll need to replace that.
