Christmas is a cherished time for many, but can result in heavy energy costs from holiday light displays. Typical 
holiday lights consist of a long powered string with light bulbs at equal length. Known as string lights, these systems require access to a wall outlet or extension cord for power. Routing these cords outdoors can be dangerous, especially around sprinklers and other water sources. Solar Christmas lights are far safer to use because they use a solar panel for power, not an outlet. And since they use the power of the sun, there are no energy costs. Multiple strings can be used to create an impressive display while staying easy on the pocket book and staying safe.
Types of Solar Powered Christmas Lights
Christmas solar lights come in several forms, the most common being string and net lights. The string lights are quite versatile in where they can be placed. Wrap them around a stair railing or support column for a splash of color. You can also put them in standard locations like on the shingles. Attaching them to surfaces can be done using special light clips, many of which are adhesive and require no nailing.
Net lights are great for covering bushes and trees because they have a large surface area. Using string lights to fill in a large area can be a paint because you have to route it back and forth in a pattern. Net lights can be draped over plants to provide a quick fill of cover. They can also be placed on the ground to simulate snow.
Solar Technology
Each set of solar Christmas lights uses a single solar panel for power. During the day, this panel soaks up light photons and turns them into electrical power. The electricity is stored inside a battery pack which holds the power until nightfall. Once it gets dark enough, a light sensor tells the Christmas lights to turn on. Not only are these lights energy efficient, but they turn on automatically. The solar panel is usually housed in a stake which must be placed into the ground. Always place the panel in a sunny location so it can absorb the most energy. They stay on for about 6-8 hours depending on the set.
Colors and Styles
You can find solar Christmas lights in a wide variety of colors, including both solid and multi-colored models. The amount of bulbs on these sets range from 25 or so to 150 or more. Solar lights are not quite as bright as ones that plug into the wall. Manufacturers often spread the lights thin on the string to maximize length.
