Solar-powered string lights. You see those around porches, verandahs, walkways, gazebos and even your very own Christmas tree. You even see these string lights at events/parties/weddings. Why? Because it enhances the mood for celebration and that’s what people like to do, celebrate.
Solar lights don’t use electricity, which saves a lot of money/energy and is powered by the sun. You can get a guaranteed charge almost every day of the year (yes even when it’s cloudy) so you’ll never have to worry about if it’s going to stay lit at night. Solar string lights, of course, come on a long string, and they can be placed anywhere in your home (or even outdoors!)
Read on to see why solar lights should be on your radar, all your questions answered and some of the best solar-powered string lights on the market.
Top Picks
Best Overall: Brightech Ambience Pro – Waterproof, Solar Power Outdoor String Lights
These solar string lights are 48 feet, which means they can cover a lot of ground while giving off great lighting.
Best Price: The Holiday Fairy Solar String Lights
You get 30 string lights that are of high quality that won’t burn out on you while you are putting on your event.
Best Quality: The Holiday Aisle G40 Solar Powered String Lights
These bulbs, they look beautiful in any setting and they last longer due to their LED setting and solar capabilities.
Where to hang string lights
There are so many places where you can hang string lights around your house or outside or even at an event. Here are some places you can hang string lights:
Inside
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Event Halls
- Enclosed Patios
- On indoor Christmas trees
Outside
- Porches
- Verandahs,
- Outdoor Event Tents (this is technically indoors but still)
- Walkways
- Outdoor Christmas trees
- Around shrubs
- On tree branches
Outdoor Decor Solar String Lights Ideas
Balcony
A lot of people live in apartments. Many have balconies. So, dressing up the balcony with solar string lights is a great way to dress up your outdoor area while living in a small space.
Wooded Areas
Especially if you want to do a picnic or a romantic dinner in your wooded area backyard, you can put the solar string lights on tree branches to make it seem like an enchanting forest.
Outdoor Curtains
Hear us out. While these are popular inside, did you know that they’re just as appealing outside? They help ward off mosquitoes as well (you’ll have to put the lights in some form of netting for that to work).
Solar Power vs Regular Power
We will look at the benefits and disadvantages of both solar and regular power so that you will have a better understanding why people are often torn between the two.
Solar Power Advantages
Environmentally Friendly
Everyone knows that solar power means it’s really good for the environment. You’re also reducing your carbon print, which is crucial to help with global warming. It doesn’t release any greenhouse gases.
Off the grid
The fall in solar panel costs is a good illustration of why the use of solar power can grow. Conventional fossil fuels, such as carbon and coal, are the primary source of energy. They are not only harmful to the climate but have scarce resources This is a dynamic market where oil prices change all day long.
Free source of energy
The sun gives us more life than ever before, and nobody can try to control the sunshine. However, the benefits of renewable energy are best used in the long run, because your solar power plant saves money as soon as the system is switched on. The longer your solar energy system, the more advantages you reap and benefit the ecosystem from solar technology.
In addition to solar power, the second use is solar power. Solar energy is often combined with power, which is obtained through panels, but energy provided by the sun can also be consumed for heating purposes.
Solar Power Disadvantages
Cost
Getting anything solar is much more expensive than getting regular powered anything. Why? Because makers know it’s in high demand and they try to keep up with the times as solar technologies are constantly being developed.
Weather Dependent
While during gloomy and rainy days solar energy still can be obtained, solar efficiency decreases. Sunlight is based on solar panels to collect solar energy effectively. There is therefore a noticeable impact on the energy supply for cloudy, rainy days. Therefore, you may have lighting issues if it was cloudy out because for whichever to be fully “lit”, it needs direct sunlight.
Regular Power Advantages
Reliable
You know how you are paying a monthly bill, because you are relying on the company to give you power. This will always be reliable unless there’s a major rain/snowstorm or even windstorm. Even then the power would be super reliable.
No costs to install
There are no higher associated costs that come with installing electricity as it’s already in the power lines. All the power company has to do is turn the power on for you.
Out of sight, out of mind
You usually cannot tell if someone has electricity because it’s not obvious. Yes, there’s power lines involved but it’s truly “out of sight, out of mind” when it comes to using electricity.
Regular Power Disadvantages
Expensive
It’s clear that if you use too much electricity, then you will pay a huge bill. You have to be careful how much you use on a regular basis, so that it doesn’t eat into your budget.
Not so environmentally friendly
You know by now, that regular electricity is not exactly energy saving or environmentally friendly. While it’s super convenient, you should know that it pollutes the environment more than you know.
Weather outages
If you live in a hurricane area, you probably won’t have power for days while waiting for the power company to repair the power lines. That means you’ll have to end up spending money on a generator because you don’t want to be without electricity. The same applies if you live in an area that gets blizzards often, and there’s often no power.
You’ve seen the differences between solar and regular power. They both have benefits and disadvantages, but in the end, it really depends on what you need for your home/yard.
Top 6 Solar String Lights
G40 Solar Powered 18Ft Outdoor String Lights
These solar string lights by the Holiday Aisle are a pretty addition that is warm white so that means it will add a warm atmosphere. It also automatically goes on and off on its own, so you never have to worry about turning on the lights. A small solar panel is included which you’ll need to hook up to the string light (via cable) so that you can charge these lights up easily. These are IP65 certified for waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about getting it wet.
Pros:
- Looks pretty
- Waterproof
- Comes with solar panel
Cons:
- May not emit the bright light you’re looking for
Solar String Lights Outdoor 60 Led 35.6 Feet
The Brightown store solar string lights is another one that you should consider getting because you get 35.6 feet of lights, in a warm white color. There are other color options to choose from if you want something other than warm white. The built in NiMh battery ensures that the lights will last 8-10 hours at night and you get 8 lighting modes. The lighting modes you can change at any time, because they can vary from flashing, twinkling, gradual and more. This solar string light is also IP65 certified, so you don’t have to worry if it rains.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- NiMh battery
- 8 different lighting modes
Cons:
- Not as bright as some people would prefer
Brightech Ambience Pro – Waterproof, Solar Power Outdoor String Lights
This package of solar string lights from Brightech Ambience Pro has a waterproof feature that guarantees that the luminaires can last for a long time withstand rainy weather. Edison bulb retro looks trendy to provide your outdoor spaces with an unusual classic theme. They are ideal for parties, weddings and other occasions.
This package of outdoor string lights is available in a soft white hue, with a comfortable 27-foot-long strand, covering the whole porch and other outdoor areas. On these special occasions, you can also attach more strands for extra illumination.
Pros:
- Vintage design
- Waterproof
- LED
- Saves money on electricity/energy bills
Cons:
- The bulbs are very expensive to replace
Outdoor Waterproof Garden Path Yard LED 30 Solar String Lights
The solar lights by the Holiday Aisle are bright white in color, making them look cool for any event or outdoor landscape. It could almost be used for a winter theme because of the teardrop/icicle design. However, there are other color options that you can choose from, if you don’t want the cool white color. These lights are also multifunctional. It of course features a rechargeable battery which gets charged by solar power, that means no tinkering around with electricity and you’ll save money on electricity/energy bills. It helps that these string lights are IP65 waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about it being wet if it rains.
Pros:
- Other color options
- Icicle/teardrop look
- Waterproof
- LED
Cons:
- Bulbs may be expensive to replace
Wire Waterproof Outdoor Fairy Solar String Lights
Here is another cool-looking solar string light by The Holiday Aisle that would look cool at any event or party. It has a 600 mAh rechargeable battery which can be charged without any use of electricity or cords, thanks to the solar powering ability. You can expect the lights to last 8-10 hours at night. What’s great about these lights, is that they don’t have a particular design, except the bulbs are in the wire, so it gives off that fairy/magical look. These lights are also multi-functional, as they can twinkle, flash, fade etc. and you can choose from whichever you want it to look like. Also, as with other solar string lights, they are waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about the weather elements.
Pros
- Cool design
- Waterproof
- Durable
Cons:
- If one bulb goes out, it may be very hard to replace as it’s very small
Fairy 30 Light Solar String Lights
Finally, we have the fairy string lights (30 in total) by the Holiday Aisle that would also look cool in your home or event. The design is mostly small bulbs so it can definitely illuminate the area. With these lights you get a timer, so that you can control how often they can be turned on and off. What’s also great, is that they don’t get hot at all, so if you need to touch them, you can do so. This stretches out to 21 feet so plenty of space to make it look amazing. This is also waterproof, so you don’t have to worry if it gets wet and other weather elements.
Pros:
- Nice Design
- Waterproof
- Timer
Cons:
- Bulbs might be too expensive to replace
FAQ
Are solar string lights any good?
Yes, they are. Similar to rope lights, they use power from the sun to help being charged all night. Plus, it looks pretty.
How long do solar powered string lists last?
They can last years to come because most of them are LED, which means it saves energy. But if not LED, they may last just a few years. It really depends on the quality of the brand that you buy.
Can you turn off solar string lights?
Yes, you can, there is usually a switch on all string lights for the off and on.
Do solar powered lights work in the winter?
Yes, as they get the energy, they need from the sun to keep being lit at night.
The Bottom Line
You’ve seen all the reasons why you should get solar string lights. They are cool to have, and they save you a lot of money with electricity due to it using solar. You should, of course, research which ones you’d like for your space, but if you have enjoyed reading this guide today, please leave us a comment below!
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