Solar Christmas Lights

About Solar Lights

Solar Christmas lights operate on the same basic principle as the solar lights that are often used in gardens and to illuminate driveways or sidewalks throughout the year. The lights have a controller board that contains solar cells, a battery, and a light sensor. The solar cells use the energy from the sun to power the battery and operate the lights.

Some of the reasons to consider solar lights for your Christmas display include:

• Solar lights are environmentally friendly.
• Although they cost more initially, solar lights cost nothing to run throughout the holiday season. Since they are powered by the sun, you can enjoy your Christmas lights without worrying about a high electric bill in January!
• With solar lights, you don't need to worry about having your outlets placed correctly for your lighting display.
• Solar lights turn on and off by themselves, making them a very convenient and low-maintenance Christmas decorating choice.

Despite their many advantages, there is one potential drawback to using solar lights for your Christmas display. In most cases, the lights require at least eight hours of sunlight to power up properly. If your home receives minimal direct sunlight during November and December, you may find it difficult for your lights to work correctly.

Since sunlight does reflect off glass doors and windows, placing your solar lights in these areas can help give them an extra boost of power throughout the Christmas season.

Buying Solar Christmas Lights

Buying solar Christmas lights can be tricky. Since solar lights are not quite as popular as traditional lighting options, they're not yet widely available in discount and department stores. However, there are a number of retailers that allow you to purchase solar lights online. For example:

• My Solar Shop has several different lighting options for the Christmas season.
• Solar Santa sells garden stakes, string lights, wreaths, and paving stones for your holiday décor needs.
• Solar Illuminations sells Christmas lights as well as products suitable for year-round use.
• Ace Hardware sells Santa pathway markers that can add a fun and festive touch to your home.
• Amazon.com offers multicolored strings of solar lights.
• The Literacy Site offers color-changing solar snowflakes that would make a wonderful addition to your Christmas display. Additionally, you can feel good knowing your purchase will help to fund books for low-income children across the U.S.

When purchasing solar Christmas lights, you'll want to keep in mind that the selection tends to be somewhat limited. Round ball lights are the most popular shape, although oval and teardrop lights can be found if you're willing to pay more for your lighting display. Red, green, and yellow seem to be the most common colors for solar Christmas light displays. Many people have stated that solar lights tend to be less bright than traditional Christmas lighting options and have a slightly bluish haze when fully charged.

Having a Green Christmas

While solar lights are one way to make your Christmas celebration more environmentally friendly, they're not the only thing you can do to help protect the planet while still enjoying the holidays. Here are some other ideas to consider:

• Send out e-cards or postcards instead of traditional Christmas cards.
• Recycle children's artwork to make your own wrapping paper or sew reusable fabric gift bags.
• Shred newspaper to use as filler for packaging gifts.
• If you want a live tree, buy a potted Christmas tree that can be planted in your backyard at a later date.
• Give services such as free babysitting or experiences such as a trip to the zoo instead of presents that create more clutter and waste within the recipient's home.

You can learn more about ways to help the environment throughout the year at LoveToKnow Green Living.