Christmas is coming and you should get ready to start decorating the home and garden for this festival season. Do you want to lighten up your home without consuming electricity? Then solar Christmas lights are the best option.
The solar powered Christmas lights are environmentally friendly, easy to install, energy saving, efficient, and easy to use them for perfect lighting. These lights are perfect decorators that make your room beautiful, versatile, durable, and functional than traditional counterparts. Although, there are different shapes, sizes and colors available in the market but you can grab the best one that suits prefect for wind, snow and rainfall or winter season.
Before buying the best solar Christmas lights, you have to keep these 2 main factors in mind.
- Type of Bulbs – There are two main types of bulbs available in the market – Incandescent lights ad LED lights, in which LEDs are best and widely used solar Christmas lights. Also, prefer to choose the mini bulb size, which is suitable for both inside and outside lighting.
- Solar Panel Type & Capacity – One has to use a high-quality solar panel which is made with shield cover to withstand in any weather condition. Among 4 types of solar panels like monocrystalline solar panels, polycrystalline solar panels, amorphous silicon solar panels & concentrated PV cell, the monocrystalline and concentrated PV cell have longer life and better efficiency. The best solar panel will provide maximum output wattage in minimum power.
Apart from these 2 key points, you have to consider various other factors like battery type & capacity, charge time & runtime of a battery, light color and temperature, etc. which are clearly mentioned in the below “Buying Guide”. Also, we have reviewed various product and listed the best of Solar Christmas Lights to buy in this 2023.
Best Solar Christmas Lights
Also check –
13 Best Solar Christmas Lights Reviews
1. Brightech Solar String Lights
First on our list is the Brightech Ambience Pro, a string of waterproof solar powered decorative lights. These lights are designed and shaped like a vintage Italian cafe looks, these pergola lights are a brilliant choice for a wonderful Christmas festive decoration set up.
The solar panels of this light are sufficient enough that a mere 6 hours of sunlight can give you about 6 hours of the runway of lighting. Just make sure that the panels are in direct contact and have good sunlight exposure.
Coming to the bulb, they have a unique vintage design to them and unlike the conventional bulbs, they are made out of waterproof and S15 Shatterproof plastic material. This gives them the ability to withstand 50 MPH fast winds up also snow or rain too. They are heat resistant up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit temperature
The solar panel comes detached from the lights and it can easily be placed anywhere. It makes it easier for decorative placements. The solar panels also work on indirect sunlight as well thus not a lot of worry needs to be for charging.
As for the string, it has a line of about 20 feet long with a good 6 inches of distance from the panel to the first bulb.
These lights have a 3000k soft white brightness and an overall life span of 20,000 hours. Also, the company gives you about 3 years of manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase. This and their better support add on to make it a great buy for this Christmas.
What we liked about it
- Soft white brightness of 3000K
- Solar panels that are detachable
- 6 hours of working with 6 hours of charge
- Panels can also work in indirect sunlight as well
- Bulb lines are 20 Feet long
- Shatterproof bulb material
- 122 degrees Fahrenheit heatproof
- Wind resistant up to 50 MPH
- 3 Years manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase
- Good customer support
What we didn’t like about it
- Could have had a better battery life
2. Sunlitec Solar String Lights
Sunlitec Solar string lights are a bunch of bulb-shaped string lights that are waterproof in their build. Giving you a retro look, the Sunlitec lights are great for indoor and also for outdoor lighting as well.
With their warm white/ yellow colour output, they look incredible for an under umbrella set up if you have one in your backyard. The string set comes with a total of 25 high quality LED bulb balls.
They are durable in nature and are waterproof that can withstand rain or heavy wind as well. These bulbs have a total lifetime of 50,000 hours.
You can set up the bulbs in 4 different lighting modes depending on your mood. This ranges from basic steady light to the quick flash, the slow flash and the pulsating light mode. The small button by its line can be pressed to make changes.
While this is primarily a solar-charged outdoor stringed light, you can also charge the light’s battery with a USB charging port as well. Back to the primary charging source, these bulbs are charged using a 3Watt/5-volt solar panel. It takes about 8 hours of sunlight to fully charge the panels and for the USB ports, it takes about 4 hours.
As for the batteries, it has a large 2,000 mAH, 3.7 volts lithium-ion battery that lights up the bulbs for a long time (enough till the dawn). The line too is lengthy enough with an 8,200 mm length that’s good enough for an under umbrella placement.
Sunlitec also provides you with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase.
What we liked about it
- A retro-styled bulb based outdoor string lights for under umbrella placement and on doors too
- 25 bulb piece string light with a 8,200 mm string length
- Dual charging options with Solar Panel and USB Charging
- USB Charging takes about 4 hours to full charge
- Solar panels need 8 hours of sunlight for a full charge
- 2,000 mAH large 3.7-volt batteries
- 50,000 hours lifetime for the bulbs
- Rainwater resistant
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase
What we didn’t like about it
- String length not enough for large decorations
3. MagicPro Solar Lights
Much like the Sunlitec, the MagicPro is also an outdoor string of solar lights that is heavy-duty. Made out of waterproof materials, these solar string lights are heavy duty and come with a total of 15 LED lights.
With a total string length of 13.6 meters, the lights have a very long string length making it good for any length of porch or patio. The lights have 4 different lighting modes which include steady lights, slow flash, quick flash and pulsating lights.
For a meagre 6 to 8 hours of charge, the solar panels give you a total of 8 hours of work time. Made out of IPX5 Waterproof material, the solar string lights are great for holiday decorations. It has a wide distance from one bulb to another thus it is great for spatial decorations too.
It does not come with any warranty but the company offers a full refund to unsatisfied customers but the duration of this window is unknown.
What we liked about it
- 15 LED bulb-shaped lights with a lengthy distance between one bulb to another
- A very lengthy bulb of 13.6 meters (44.6 feet)
- 4 Lighting modes from quick flash, slow flash to pulsating and steady lighting
- 8 hours of run time for 6 to 8 hours of solar panel charge
- IPX5 Waterproof material
What we didn’t like about it
- There is no warranty but there is a full refund option but the window is not exactly specified
4. Amir Solar String Lights
AMIR is a decoration string light with tiny bulbs and it gives a stream of lighting rather than focussed lighting like bulb lights. It comes with 100 bright yet tiny LED lights and a 360 degree viewing angle.
Perfect for the Christmas tree and other internal/external decorations, these lights are made out of high quality, flexible and thin copper wiring coiled into a bobbin winder. This prevents any messy string formations that are a hassle for most string lights.
The solar panels come attached yet with enough string length that it can be placed in bright areas with sunlight for charging. The copper wiring too is almost invisible during the night due to its black colour blending into the dark.
These lights have three forms of lighting. Warm white, white and blue and a lengthy string of 33 feet. These lights are also available in 200 bulb units as well.
The solar panels AND the lights are made out of IP 65 dustproof and Waterproof material. These lights have a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase.
What we liked about it
- Tiny beautiful string lights that available in 100 bulbs and 200 bulbs variants
- Available in White, Blue, Warm White variants
- 33 feet long cables
- Very thin copper wiring that’s invisible in the dark
- Easy to install
- IP 65 weatherproof material
- 1 Year manufacturer’s warranty
What we didn’t like about it
- Could have had a better battery life
5. Liyanq Solar String Lights
While the Amir string lights come with bright lights, the LiyanQ comes in dual packs of 100 bulbs each. The LiyanQ Copper wiring solar string fairy lights have a 33 feet long string length.
Starting off with the bulbs, the 100 bulbs in the lights have a 360-degree viewing angle and light in not just 4 but 8 lighting modes. These include Fading, fireflies flashing, waves, chasing/flashing, fading slowly, twinkle flashing and also steady on. As the copper wire is black in colour, in the dark, its almost as if the lights are in mid-air.
The copper wiring is silver coated and thus is super thin and flexible. The bulbs are of low heat emission and a high conversion rate for the solar panels used. The lights have both manual and automatic on and off mechanisms.
The lights are available in white, yellow and multi-coloured ranges. Both the lights and the panel are made out of strong IP 65 weatherproof material. It does not have any manufacturer’s warranty.
What we liked about it
- Available in packs of 2 with each line having 100 LEDs
- Available in white, yellow and multi-coloured ranges
- Super thin copper wiring with silver coating
- 8 modes of operation
- 33 Feet long string length
- IP 65 Waterproof material
- Automatic on and off with the solar panels
What we didn’t like about it
- No warranty
- Could have had better battery
6. Lalapao Solar String Lights
Lalapao is a focussed LED string light that comes in two packs and a wide range of color schemes to choose from and a brilliant 8 modes of functioning.
The panels on this light are highly efficient and can work for a full 10 hours for a full 8 hours of sunlight charging. They are made out of IP 65 waterproof material so no worries about the lights or the panel getting damaged due to weather.
As mentioned before, the lights come in 8 modes of working. It has two switch buttons for power on and off and it also features automatic power on and off.
With a total 72 feet line length (22 meters), the LED lights are available in packs of 2 with 200 LED lights in total and are flexible for any shape. There is no warranty for these lights.
What we liked about it
- 100 LEDs each in packs of 2 with each line
- Available in 8 different colour ranges
- 72 feet long wire
- 8 modes of operation
- 10 Hours of usage for 8 hours of solar charge
- IP 65 Waterproof material
- Automatic on and off with the solar panels
What we didn’t like about it
- No warranty
7. Gigalumi Solar Strings Lights
Gigalumi’s lights are aesthetically beautiful thanks to their floral shaped bulb casings. The LED lights of this string light are packed inside the floral shaped casings.
Available in 2 packs of 50 LED bulbs each, the Gigalumi lights have 23 feet long strings each and are great for Christmas decoration of your garden, home and much more.
Powered by the Solar panels, you don’t need any external wiring except driving down the stick to the ground with enough solar light exposure. The build material of the lights is IP 65 weatherproof so no worry of rain or snow to damage it.
With its 2 switches, you can turn it on and off and also switch between the two modes; steady light and flashlights. The company has a 30 days no questions asked replacement window but no proper warranty window.
What we liked about it
- Floral styled bulb casings for a festive look
- 50 LED bulbs each in packs of 2 with each line (100 LEDs in total)
- Steady light and flashing light modes
- 23 feet string line
- The solar panel that can be placed on the ground with a stake
- IP 65 Waterproof material
- Automatic on and off with the solar panels
What we didn’t like about it
- No warranty but it has a 30 days replacement window
- Not so great battery life
8. Semilits Solar String Lights
The Semilits LED Decor lights have a very interesting design aspect to them. Each of their lights has a honey bee shaped casing.
With 20 bees in its string line, the LED lights have enough distance from each bee that will look brilliant on your Christmas tree filled with magical lighting bees.
The lights are solar-powered with the panel being enough distant (6 feet from the first bulb) to be placed in the place of ample sunlight or with indirect sunlight as well. It can also be placed to the ground with the spike it comes with.
Made out of hard plastic and a waterproof design, the lights have an automatic light turning on and off. The Solar panel used is of 2 volts and 100 mA capacity whereas the battery is 600 mAH capacity that’s enough to hold the 20 LED bulbs through the night (For about 8 to 10 hours).
The length of the string of copper wire is 16 feet which are decent enough for tree decoration. It comes with a 1-year replacement warranty from the date of purchase and they also have a 24 hours online customer service too.
What we liked about it
- A very unique and interesting honey bee stylized LED bulb casings
- 20 LED pieces in total
- Solar panel with 6 feet from the first bulb
- 16 Feet line length that’s great for Xmas tree decoration
- 600 mAH battery that runs for 10 hours for the bulbs in 6 hours of solar charge
- 2 volts waterproof solar panel
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase and good customer support as well.
What we didn’t like about it
- The line length could have been a tad bit longer
9. Joomer Solar String Lights
Next on our list is the Joomer, a set 72 feet long 200 LED waterproof fairy outdoor solar string lights. These too, much like the previous two entries in the list, are focussed LEDs.
With 2 switches, one is to turn it on and off whereas the other is to switch the lights between the 8 modes of lighting ranging from steady light to flickers, twinkles, fade and more.
Waterproof in its build, the lights and the panels can withstand any type of windy, snowy or rainy weather. The best part is that these lights come with a memory chip function which remembers the last set mode of lighting and will return it back when the lights are turned on again the next day.
It has a 1,200 mAH battery and these lights come with a stake stick that lets you plant the solar panel down the ground or anyplace you like with good solar light. These lights are available in 8 different colors including the multi color too.
There is no manufacturer’s warranty on the lights.
What we liked about it
- 72 feet long cable with 200 waterproof LED bulbs
- 1,200 mAH battery with 12 hours of working for 8 of charging
- 8 lighting modes
- Memory function to remember previously set lighting mode
- IP 65 Build material
What we didn’t like about it
- No warranty
10. Bripower Garden Solar Lights
Bripower garden solar lights consist of basic spherical bulbs with vibrant colors and aesthetic looks. For a given 24 feet long wire string, you will get a total of 50 solar-powered LED bulbs.
The high energy conversion rate (up to 17%) of this polycrystalline silicon solar panel (2V 100mA) will deliver outstanding lighting performance. These multicolor solar string lights will illuminate for around 14 hours upon a single charge of its 1200 mAh Ni-MH rechargeable battery for 6 – 8 hours of sunlight charge. It is quite easy to install and simple to use – just wrap it around the tree or use it as a décor lining on the walls, garden, gate, lawn, porch, or patio, especially on festivals, weddings, or parties.
With its 8 different lighting modes (waves, flashing, fading, fireflies, combination or steady on), these crystal globe fairy lights will make your outdoor place more gorgeous. While its IP65 waterproof rating will ensure durability and longer service, even on rainy or snowy days. The built-in light sensor shut down the lights automatically in the daytime.
Bripower does not provide any warranty or replacement for these lights.
What we liked about it
- 24 feet long wireline length
- 8 lighting modes to choose from.
- IP65 waterproof build material
- Bright velvety looking spherical 50 LED lights
- 1200 mAH Ni-MH rechargeable battery
- 6 – 8 hours of solar charge offer a runtime of 14 hours
- Polycrystalline silicon solar panel for high energy conversion rate.
What we didn’t like about it
- Lacks replacement or warranty information
- Some users complain it is a bit difficult to hang them.
11. JosMega Solar String Lights
JosMega has a very long string length and bright yet tiny looking LED lights with 360 degrees brightness. It comes in packs of 1 or 2 and is available in 100 LED or 200 LED bulbs.
Starting off with the design, it has a relatively simple design and is available in multiple color schemes ranging from multicolour bulbs to yellow, green, red, white and blue single colour lights.
Working in 8 modes of operation, the modes have an interesting sequence such slow-wave, slow glow, twinkle flash etc., Great not just for Christmas trees but thanks to its availability in 32 feet and 72 feet variants, you can decorate your entire long patio or the front yard with a single line.
To power all these bulbs, it has an 800 mAH rechargeable battery charged by the solar panel. Given the small LED bulb size, the battery is enough to power up the lights for the entire night. For charging, 2 hours of direct sunlight, 8 hours of mediocre sunlight or even 8 hours of indirect sunlight or any brightness can charge the lights for at least 1 or 2 hours of light or at least dim modes.
Both the panels and the lights are made out of waterproof IP 65 material which is durable and sturdy. The lights are very easy to install and use. JosMega gives you 45 days money-back guarantee and a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase.
What we liked about it
- A very large line of wire string with either 32 feet or 72 feet choice
- 100 Bulb and 200 Bulb variants available for both line choices
- 360 Degree brightness lights
- 800 mAH rechargeable battery with 10+ hours of working
- 8 working modes
- 45 days money-back window and 1 year manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase
What we didn’t like about it
- Nothing too specific to mention about
12. Starry Solar String Lights
Available in multiple color variations and a very long string length, the starry fairy christmas lights have focussed LED bulbs with them.
Starting off with the string, it is made out of high quality copper and has a large 72 feet length and within it are fed 200 bright LED bulbs. The lights come with 2 buttons one for turning it on and off whereas the other is to switch between the 8 different bulb lighting modes (which include steady lights, flashing, twinkling and slow fading etc.,).
Powered by a highly efficient solar panel, you would get a full 8 to 12 hour play time for just about 8 hours of daytime sunlight charging. Moreover, you are given a stake stick to drive to the ground for installing down or also a place with good sunlight. The distance between the first bulb and the panel is about 6 feet thus it should not be a problem.
Made out of IP 65 weatherproof material, the lights are good enough for any weather and are great for the outdoors and for tree decors too. These lights are available in 6 different color variants including multi colors as well. Though highly rated, the bulbs do not come with any warranty.
What we liked about it
- 72 feet large line of wire string
- 200 bright focussed Bulbs
- 12 hours of working for 8 to 10 hours of solar light charging
- 8 working modes from steady to twinkling and fading.
- Auto on and off
What we didn’t like about it
- No warranty
13. Ucutely Solar String Lights
Ucutely solar string Christmas lights are more or less similar to most of the fairy string lights on our list. These outdoor solar-powered lights have diamond-shaped lamp beads that can easily run for up to 10 – 14 hours when fully charged (up to 8 hours). Each of these lamp beads has 7 small lights to make the lights shinier and brighter.
The patented cutting process and 360-degree lighting angle of these multi-color string lamps will enhance their brightness, even from far. The large-sized solar panels of these lights are removable and can be rotatable up to 180 degrees. Also, you can either stick the panel into the ground or mount it onto the wall for its effective usage.
Its sturdy and fall-resistant LED material construction along with sealed rubber material connection from bulb to wiring will make it an excellent option to use in a stormy, rainy, or all weather and also in any occasion. Furthermore, it has a 108 feet length and within it are fed 300 bright LED bulbs.
Its remote controller comes with an on/off button, reset button, mode button (8 different lighting modes), dimmer buttons (up to 4 brightness adjustments 25%/50%/75%/100%), and timer button (up to 3hr/5hr/8hr).
While there are two buttons on the panel’s back – a switch button and eight modes for easy and convenient use. Thus, you can set and enjoy the lighting according to your needs. It saves the last mode setting to prevent its resetting, thanks to its built-in memory chip. In case you don’t set the timing mode, then the lights will turn on automatically at night and off during the daytime.
However, its IP65 waterproof design (including both string lights and solar panel) will make it the perfect option to decorate the outdoor and indoor areas of your home. Though highly rated, the bulbs do not come with any warranty.
What we liked about it
- 108 feet large line of wire string
- 300 bright focused bulbs
- 8 working modes from steady to twinkling and fading
- Auto on and off feature
- 10 hours of working for 8 hours of solar light charging
- IP 65 build quality
What we didn’t like about it
- No warranty
How To Pick The Best Solar Christmas Lights:
The solar powered Christmas lights are essential to have in Christmas season to enhance the beauty of your home. One has to know that not every solar light is created equally to illuminate. There are several factors which you have to consider before its purchase to grab the best one. So, here in this buying guide, we are providing you all the essential information required for buying the solar Christmas lights that suits perfect for your requirement.
1. Types of Bulbs/Lights:
Although, there are different types of bulbs used in Christmas lights but LED light bulbs and incandescent light bulbs are most commonly used bulbs. These bulbs come with different shapes and colors. The LED bulbs are highly efficient, provides brighter lighting and lasts longer than other types of light bulbs. Here are some points will let you know about these two bulbs.
- LED Lights – It requires less energy than incandescent bulbs. Lasts longer for up to 1,00,000 hours. It comes in warm and cool glow varieties, as they burn at lower temperature. This bulb will let you not to replace them at regular intervals.
- Incandescent Lights – Costs less than LEDs. The incandescent lights have warm glow and uses more energy.However, its would be fine to use both types but make sure that not to mix these two on same bush or tree. As you will notice that it won’t appear perfect for lighting the Christmas tree. So, prefer to choose the one that suits perfect for the occasion.
2. Bulb Size:
There are various sizes of bulbs available in the market such as mini, C3, C5, C6, C7 & C9, in which mini lights suits best for both inside and outside lighting. An insane number will be given to these outside and inside lighting. All these lights are easy to place and take out. The light sizes will range from C3 (smaller) to C9 (bigger). So, prefer to choose the one that is smaller yet provide bright lighting to the home.
3. Solar Panel Type & Capacity:
There is always a chance for solar panels to get broke up due to various weather conditions. Instead, invest your money on high quality solar panel, made with shield cover for its long-lasting usage.
Generally, there are 4 types of solar panels available in the market – Monocrystalline Solar Panels (Mono-SI), Thin-Film Amorphous Silicon Solar Panels (A-SI), Polycrystalline Solar Panels (p-Si) and Concentrated PV Cell (CVP).
Among those types, the monocrystalline panel comes with better efficiency rate and longer life and other solar panel types have less price and short-term warranty periods.
The capacity of a solar panel will be indicated by its voltage and wattage. So, a solar panel which provide maximum output wattage in minimum power is considered as the better one.
4. Battery Types and Capacity:
The lithium-ion batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, & lead-acid batteries are most common types of batteries used for solar lights, in which lithium – ion battery is affordable, and has low maintenance while other types are expensive, powerful, durable and long lasting. Hence, it is advisable to purchase a high-quality battery to enjoy durability and life long usage.
The battery capacity is measured in terms of mAH and a higher capacity of a battery will make the solar Christmas lights illuminate brighter for a longer time. Also, the battery with higher capacity will definitely take longer time to get fully charged. Make sure to have larger solar panels while having solar lights with large battery. Look for battery with charge time of less than 8 hours is quite useful for those living in regions with limited sun. Having a full charge battery will make it capable to keep the light on for at least 7 – 9 hours.
The battery’s storage capacity will decide the operating hours of solar Christmas lights. For instance, a 2200mAH battery up on full charge will make the solar spotlights function for up to 10 hours continuously.
5. Charge Time and Run Time:
The charge time and run time of a battery is essential to check before purchasing the solar Christmas lights, especially for outdoor lights. The solar Christmas lights gets charged fully within 6 – 8 hours and after charging they lighten up for 10 – 12 hours. Some of the Christmas lights come with sensors that switch on the light automatically at dusk and switch off at dawn.
- Runtime – It is the time period the light will illuminate with full charge of battery. It depends on the charging time of the battery. Prefer to choose the one that comes with a runtime of at least 7 hours of lighting.
- Charge Time – It is the amount of time required for the battery to get charge fully upon direct sunlight. But the actual charging time of a solar Christmas light is little bit more, why because the conditions are not ideal always and thereby the light may not get full charged to stay lit for a longer time. So, choose the light that will still lit even under less than ideal conditions for much time of the night.
Here are a few different combinations of this solar Christmas lights.
- For battery with long runtime and short charge time
- For battery with long runtime and long charge time.
- For batteries with short runtime and short charge time.
- For batteries with short runtime and long charge time.
Among these combinations, the solar light with short charge times and longer runtime is best whereas the lights with short runtimes and long charging time is useful under certain situations.
6. Modes:
Different lights have different combination of possible modes like normal turning on/off or motion sensing, dim or bright or combination, chasing/flash, twinkle/flash, sequential, slow fade, in-wave, slow-glow, and steady on. Also, you can customize the lights as per your requirement to have unique and extra useful modes. For instance, you can have dim lighting at night time and switch to high intensity (brightness) with senses a motion (motion sensor).
7. Other Features:
However, there are various preference that helps for deciding the best solar Christmas lights. Here are a few basic considerations.
- Length – The more lights per strand and the more strands are preferred as best option to purchase. One can get 30 lights on short strand and 400 lights on longer one.
- Bulb Spacing – If you want to wrap slender posts and tree branches, then prefer to choose strands of solar Christmas lights with more space between bulbs. Whereas strands with less space between bulbs suits perfect for draping them loosely around the indoor trees / overhangs / lining roofs. So, select the bulb spacing as per your requirement.
- String Length – In case, having two strands with same number of lights, then they come with different string lengths, if the bulb spacing is not identical.
- For Outdoor Trees – Fix around 200 mini Christmas tree lights per vertical foot and half of tree for heavy lighting. For medium lightings, prefer to use 100 mini lights per foot. here are a few suggestions like slender trees require a less count of lights, while wrapping around bushes & shrubs with net then cover larger area with less strands. For dense evergreen trees such as firs, pines & spruces needs more lights or else choose large size bulbs. Want to cover tree branches, then use lights with at least 6 – 8 inches of spacing between bulbs will let you wrap wires tightly.
- Indoor Christmas Trees – Fix 100 mini Christmas tree lights approximately per vertical foot and half of tree. For instance, strands with bulb spacing of about 4-inch will illuminate more area at low cost, while for spacing for 6 – 8 inches used to wrap the branches tightly. Prefer to purchase extra solar Christmas light whenever you need more than actual you thought or replace them.
- Auto ON/OFF – Most of the solar lights come with a feature of automatically turning on / off the light, while some other models won’t come with this feature. So, prefer to choose the one, as per your requirement.
- Extension Cords – The extension cords will help you to co-ordinate, conceal and ensure safety measures for hassle free lighting anywhere.
- Accessories – A few manufacturers provide some additional accessories like user guide, adaptor, receiver, remote along with battery, & thank you card.
8. Light Color & Temperature:
Solar Christmas lights are available in different styles, and colors. One has to choose either warm white lights or multi-color lights as per their choice. Also, they can decorate different rooms with different colors to enhance their room décor. The neutral LED light color is the widely used color of solar deck lights.
The color temperature of the light is measured in Kelvin (K) degrees, in which the low temperature of the light will produce a warmer amber light whereas the high temperature will result in cooler white light. Although, it’s the preference of user but here we are providing some suggestions.
- The colored lights are always fun and attractive that help you to create various designs to highlight your home, whereas the white Christmas lights are always trendy that provide a timeless look and have higher brightness than multicolored lights.
- To get a dramatic effect, you can simply go with single colored strands to color block large areas.
- Remember that not all white LED lights emit same glow. Some lights give warm yellow glow and others provide a cool bluer tint.
- Also, you can combine both white and colored lights to create a complex and attractive designs.
- Allow your kids to get involved and cover some specific area with their choice of lighting.
9. Material and Durability:
One has to check the durability of the solar Christmas lights before its purchase. Make sure to have a flexible and durable copper wire coated on the lights for protection when you’re using them outdoors whereas for indoors, it won’t be a big deal. Whether indoor or outdoor, the Christmas lights should withstand snow, cold, and wind.
So, the solar Christmas lights has to be made with durable metals with a special waterproof coating. In general, stainless steel, ABS plastic and cast aluminum are popular materials used in solar lights and protect the device used outdoors from various weather conditions. Also, the solar lights and solar panels are designed to rotate and adjustable completely, which allows you to point them in the direction, wherever you want.
10. Ease of Installation:
Always, look for the solar Christmas lights which are easy to install. For this, you have to place or hang the solar lights wherever you want to fix and then install the solar panels where it has a lot of sunlight, without planting the light in the ground.
11. Cost:
Depending on the unique features of solar Christmas lights, its price may vary. For instance, the automatic motion sensor activated Christmas lights are expensive than those lights which operated manually. All you need is to select the best one with your required features that comes within your budget range.
12. Warranty:
The durability and reliability of the solar Christmas lights will depend on their warranty. So, one has to choose this decoration-based string lights with solid warranty coverages. The Christmas lights comes with a minimum warranty of 1 year. A few manufacturers provide a longer warranty period of about 3 years. Also, one has to check the reviews and ratings along with various other factors while purchasing these lights to grab the best quality Christmas light.
Types of Solar Christmas Lights:
The Christmas lights are essential for good display of lights that enhance your happiness during the festival time, as they add extra layer to your design. There are various types of solar Christmas lights available in the market. Have a look on them before you’re going to purchase the lights.
- Solar Christmas String Lights – It is a global style with a single strand. It is designed for long distances, especially for decorating either single large areas or multiple small areas. It consists of lot of LEDs and has various decorative themes.
- Mini String Lights – These lights are popular for past few decades and they consist of smaller bulbs. For example, wide angle LED mini lights.
- Net Lights – These are easy to set up for various trees and bushes. They come in a variety of sizes to strung into forms and thereby provides uniform look when drape across the structures or shrubs easily.
- Icicle Lights – Provide whimsical & snow-covered appearance and available in normal white or multiple colors. You have to evenly space 1 – 10 light strands about 12-inches apart. Often these lights are used to line awnings and eaves.
- LED Rope Lights – These lights suit best for walkways, windows and outlining doorways and thereby creates intricate designs and shapes.
- LED Projection Spotlights – These won’t require any installation and thereby act as an alternative to ancient traditional string lights and thus saves your time. All you need is to plug them in any standard outlet and point these lights anywhere (outdoor trees, indoor Christmas trees, & dwelling). These lights provide vibrant patterns or colors in the project instantly.
- Solar Christmas Pathway Lights – These lights look similar to solar pathway lights but designed especially for Christmas decoration style. They come with an LED light and solar cell placed with plastic or steel stakes across the path.
What are the Benefits / Advantages of using Solar Christmas Lights?
Here are a few benefits of using solar Christmas lights. Have a look on them.
- Versatile – One can use this string Christmas lights in any place you want to illuminate. Simply wrap the lights on yard, tree, garden, patio, indoor furniture, lawn or any other place, as per your choice. These string lights are long and used to illuminate large place.
- Energy Efficient – These lights are powered by solar energy but not by electricity. The rechargeable batteries of the solar lights are long lasting and power up the lights at night time automatically.
- Won’t Require any Installation – It don’t require any installation to work efficiently. One can setup the solar panels easily to get recharge from sun light. These lights will illuminate automatically at night and charge at daytime.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The cloudy weather or short winter days will let your light unable to get charged fully. Thus, it results in won’t last the said runtime. In general, the batteries used in solar Christmas lights require at least 8 hours of sunlight to get fully charged. Simply, if the battery won’t get the complete charging time then it won’t result in complete runtime (less charging means less time lit up). So, at the end of this charge, the lights get dimmer and then eventually, turn off.
Just like other solar powered outdoor lights, this solar Christmas lights need some maintenance. Make sure to clean the solar panel regularly by using sponge or dry cloth with water and a little dishwashing soap. Thus, you can simply remove any dirt or debris from the panel / module. As it gets heated up while illuminating and melt the snow on its surface. If the snowfall is heavy then it covers the panel completely, then you have to remove the ice gently, which stuck to the module.
Coming to its storage, be sure to store the solar Christmas lights in a dry, cool place. After Christmas season, you have to take out the lights and store them properly. For best results, you have to take the lights out for at least once in every month, why because the batteries if left uncharged for a longer time, then it affects its performance and thereby reduces its capacity to even hold the charge.
The solar lights will power and lighten up properly due to Photovoltaic Electricity. Each and every photovoltaic cell is made with 1 thick and 1 thin slice of silicon and gets connected by wires. One slice make hold onto a large number of electrons whereas the other slice is to have less electrons. So, whenever the light hits these cells then it makes the electrons to jump forth and back in between the cells and thus creates electric current. This generated current will charge the in-built rechargeable batteries in solar panel to make the light run at night effectively, even without sun.
In general, the solar lights are good to use for about 2 years and after that, their rechargeable battery may wear out and they unable to hold a charge. These batteries are easy to replace in most of the models, as running time of solar panels upon single charge may vary from one model to another. The battery holding charge is measured in terms of mAh rating (milliamp-hours). For instance, a battery with 1200 mAh will produce a charge of 1200 milliamps per hour (OR) if the battery draws 150 mAh will lighten up the battery for 8 hours. So, a high mAh rating of a solar panel will store more energy suits best for places (northern climates) where there is a fewer sunlight.
The solar lights have to be considered as weather-proof to sustain and lighten up in any weather conditions. This solar powered device comes with an ingress protection (IP) rating by the international electrotechnical protected from water jets from any direction. For instance, a solar panel with a hose having an IP65 won’t survive not to place it at the bottom of the pool.
There are some set of common problems, people tend to face while setting up their solar lights. Have a look on what are those problems and how to resolve them to make your lights work properly.
Is it on? – The solar panels of a few models have some difficulty to switch on/off the underside of panel whereas some may not get charged when the device is set to off. So, all you need is to double check the tiny black switch to set the panel.
Remove the plastic film on battery – The plastic barrier will prevent the battery from charging before it is going to be sold. You have to remove/pull out that plastic film to make the panel useable.
Light-activated or not – The panel placed out in the sun should have to turn on the light (activate). Then the light sensor will turn on when its dark and gets charge in the day bright time. But make sure to test this by simply covering the panel with your hands to know whether the light is activated or not.
Does it get full charge? – A few devices require to get charge completely before illuminating these lights. So, prefer to give the panel at least 2 – 3 days of good sun light before lighting them.
Panel Facing Direction – You have to fix the panel in a place where you get enough sunlight. For instance, living in southwestern area, then prefer to stick the panel anywhere and in case living in northwestern / northeastern areas, then place this panel to capture the sunlight effectively.
Check Panel covered or not – Up on its regular usage, the protective cover of solar panel becomes grimy and thereby prevents battery from getting charge efficiently. While in winter season, make sure to brush off the panel’s top to clear the snowfall.
Working Hours – In case, if your lights worked over two years old and start not working then simply replace the rechargeable batteries in the solar panel of your light with a new one for efficient and effective working.
Conclusion
Of all the christmas lights mentioned in the list today, the Brightech Solar String Lights steal our top spot with their impeccable retro looks and elegance.
Furthermore, their bright light, 6 hours charge time for 6 hours glow, S15 Shatterproof built quality, weatherproof panels 20 feet long line with 20,000 hours lifespan and most importantly, 3 years of manufacturer’s warranty makes it one of the best christmas string lights to buy this year.
While those were our picks, which one did you like? If so why? If you have any questions for us about the products listed or about any electronic product in general, feel free to write to us in the comments section below. Our team will write back to you as soon as possible.
