Our obsession with Christmas lights started in 1895 when President Grover Cleveland decorated the White House Christmas tree with sparkling strings of bulbs.
We love them so much that we spend an average of 6.63 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year on Christmas light displays, which is an amount of electricity that many countries don’t spend for an entire year.
That’s a lot of electricity and a lot of carbon.
So, if you need a new set of Christmas lights, go solar this year.
Here’s our verdict on the 20 most popular solar Christmas lights this year.
10 Best Solar Christmas Lights You Can Consider
MPOWERD: Lights That Literally Empower
MPOWERD sets the gold standard in solar lighting with a mission-driven model that blends innovation with impact. Their solar Christmas lights follow the same ethos as their renowned Luci lights—clean, affordable energy for all. These products are not only solar-powered and rechargeable, but also built to last, reducing e-waste over time.
As a Certified B Corp, MPOWERD reinvests in communities lacking access to reliable electricity, which means your holiday lights can spark joy and support global energy equity. With recyclable packaging and durable design, MPOWERD leads the pack in ethical lighting.
Lalapao: Budget-Friendly and Light on the Planet
Lalapao delivers low-cost, solar-powered Christmas lights that make it easy for anyone to go green during the holidays. While the brand doesn’t heavily advertise eco-credentials, the core offering—solar string lights with long battery life—helps reduce power grid reliance.
The lights are built with weather-resistant materials and feature auto on/off timers, ensuring efficient use of stored solar energy. If you want sustainable sparkle without breaking the bank, Lalapao makes seasonal lighting more accessible and environmentally friendly.
Brightown: Lighting the Way to Greener Holidays
Brightown focuses on energy-efficient outdoor lighting with a touch of festive flair. Their solar LED Christmas lights are known for their extended runtime, versatile modes, and waterproof builds—reducing both energy waste and product turnover.
While they don’t wear a sustainability badge, Brightown’s solar-first approach and quality control speak to a quiet commitment to eco-conscious living. Their packaging is simple, and the lights are built for reuse, making them a great pick for long-term seasonal decor.
VMANOO: Built to Last, Designed to Waste Less
VMANOO specializes in durable solar lights that work year-round, including festive Christmas displays. Their products often feature thick copper wiring, IP65 waterproofing, and high-capacity solar panels, which extend the product life cycle and minimize replacements.
By producing long-lasting solar decorations, VMANOO contributes to reduced electronic waste. Although they don’t lead with green marketing, their rugged construction supports a low-waste, sustainable lifestyle, especially for outdoor lighting enthusiasts.
Semilits: Low-Profile, High-Efficiency Lighting
Semilits offers a range of solar string lights that are subtle in design but efficient in performance. With a focus on solar energy capture and long-hour illumination, their lights support lower electricity usage during energy-intensive months.
Many products include auto shut-off sensors and weatherproof materials that hold up over multiple seasons—keeping them out of landfills. Semilits is a great fit for those who value function-first sustainability without the frills.
Ehome: Tech-Driven Lights with Solar Smarts
Ehome merges smart design with energy efficiency in its line of solar-powered Christmas lights. Features like adjustable panels, memory settings, and light-sensing automation all work to conserve energy and reduce unnecessary lighting hours.
Although not marketed as an eco-brand, Ehome’s focus on efficiency, performance, and reuse aligns well with sustainable living values. They offer solid entry-level solar decor for conscious consumers who want tech-savvy, low-waste lighting.
Joomer: Minimal Energy, Maximum Glow
Joomer’s solar lights are all about reliable, minimalist holiday lighting that doesn’t draw from the grid. With durable construction, 8 lighting modes, and battery-saving timers, their lights extend the usability of each solar charge.
The brand may fly under the radar in sustainability circles, but their product design reflects solid eco-minded principles: long runtime, reusable year after year, and minimal packaging. Joomer is perfect for fuss-free decorators who want sustainable sparkle.
JMEXSUSS: Lighting with a Lean Toward Longevity
JMEXSUSS combines versatility and eco-conscious engineering in their wide range of solar LED Christmas lights. From fairy lights to icicle strands, the focus is on reusability and high-efficiency LED bulbs that reduce energy needs.
Their lights are built to withstand the elements, meaning fewer replacements and less plastic waste. JMEXSUSS may not scream “sustainable brand,” but their product durability and solar-first mindset say it for them.
Windpnn: Small Brand, Strong Impact
Windpnn may not be a major player, but their solar Christmas lights offer practical eco-benefits. Most products are IP65 waterproof, include long battery storage, and require zero electricity input—ideal for outdoor decorators seeking green solutions.
While branding is minimal, the emphasis on energy-saving lighting and reusable builds makes Windpnn a smart pick for sustainability-minded shoppers.
SOCO: Sleek Design Meets Solar Functionality
SOCO’s solar lights combine sleek aesthetics with impressive energy efficiency. These solar LED lights often feature upgraded solar panels and long-life batteries, reducing the need for seasonal replacements.
The brand offers weather-resistant and recyclable packaging, quietly promoting sustainability through product integrity. For those who want stylish yet responsible lighting, SOCO delivers holiday charm without compromise.
Things To Consider When Buying Solar Christmas Lights
Durability
Many Christmas lighting options are made of plastic. If you’re looking for lights for one holiday season, that is fine, but if you need something that is going to last, look for a product that has solar panels protected with tempered glass. They are guaranteed to work longer, especially if you mount them outside.
Replaceable Lights
Even the best solar Christmas lights have a service life, so you should look for a set that lets you replace individual bulbs easily. If you get a lighting kit that doesn’t allow you that, you may have to look for a new one each season.
Sunlight Requirements
Most solar LED lights require eight hours of sunshine a day to work decently after dark. Others can charge and store enough solar energy even when it’s cloudy. Make sure you know how much sunshine your yard gets on an average day before you choose solar holiday lights.
Price
This is something you can check easily in your browser. Knowing the price allows you to eliminate products that don’t meet your price range. There are pricier and more affordable options, but when considering the cost, you need to include other things, such as warranty, type of battery, users’ reviews, etc.
Warranty
A longer warranty not only indicates that you’re buying a quality product but also adds to the peace of mind that you are covered whatever happens. When comparing warranties, you should know that money back is one thing and a replacement warranty is the other.
Weatherproofing
An important consideration, especially if you’re planning to mount your Christmas lights outside. Light kits with IP65 protection should be able to handle dust, snow, and heavy rain. Still, make sure you read product reviews, as not all manufacturer ads are honest about waterproofing.
Easy Installation
Make sure the Christmas lights you buy come with an installation manual. Look for products that are easy to install and avoid those that get entangled easily. Some of the lights have bendable copper strings that allow you to make different shapes.
Quality And Performance
Quality solar LED lights have low consumption and once charged last for at least 8 hours. Also, you want a product that is going to last for several holiday seasons at least. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with electronic waste every time you take them down.
Solar Panel Type
Apart from choosing a kit with a solar panel that is protected with tempered glass, you need to consider the type of panel as well. Between polycrystalline solar panels, monocrystalline solar panels, amorphous silicon, and concentrated PV cells, keep in mind that monocrystalline and concentrated PV have the best efficiency and longer service life.
Automated Setting
Most solar-powered lights have a daylight sensor for automated turn on/off modes. Still, many of them lack the manual switch. Since these lights have several working modes, look for those that remember your last setting, so you don’t have to set them every time.
Charging Time & Battery Life
Another thing to consider is how long it takes for the lights to charge on direct sunlight. In most cases, leaving the panel outside all day should be enough for any light string. However, reviews show that in real life not many products meet the manufacturer’s claims.
String Length & Number Of Lights
Having a long string is a good thing, but you also need to consider the number and arrangement of individual bulbs. Most string light kits come in a single string configuration, but some have multiple strings, allowing you to make a “cascade effect”.
Functions
While some lights only have automated on/off option, others have advanced settings like fade, chase, blink, or any combination of these. If you plan to mount the lights on a sport that is hard to reach, look for those with a remote.
What Are Solar Christmas Lights?
Solar Christmas lights are lights that look and work just like other decorative holiday lights, except they are much more environmentally friendly, as they run on solar power.
With solar bulbs, you’ll be able to save on your electric bill. Since they come with rechargeable batteries, they can work at night as well and be fully independent of the grid.
They are ideal for users who like clean energy products and users who live off the grid. Another benefit is that they are easy to install — since they don’t need external power, you don’t have to worry about sockets and extension cords.
Types Of Solar Christmas Lights
Strands Of Mini Lights
For many users, this is a go-to option because it works well inside and outside. The strings come in 30-72ft length and typically have 100 or 200 mini LED lights that can be set to blink or glow.
Solar Rope Lights
These strings have miniature lights that seem to be in-line with the string, so you can wind them tight into a ball. They produce a warm white glow which makes them ideal for “warming-up” your patio or front door.
Snowflake Solar Lights
Many people can’t imagine a Christmas tree without snowflake details. These lights shave between 20-30 LED bulbs shaped like snowflakes that can be winter white or in multi-color variation.
Decorative Globes
These lights are ideal for users who want bigger bulbs that will make an impact. Shaped like crystal balls, these globes are typically sold in multicolor options and up to 8 different illumination modes.
Icicle Lights
Icicle lights are set in free-hanging plastic tubes and turn on and off in a programmed setting so they look like a romantic meteor shower. You can switch between several speed modes, depending on the mood you want to achieve.
Garden Stake Lights
Not all lights come on strings. Some of them consist of a single LED bulb and a stainless steel stake that goes into the ground. They are usually designed to shift through several colors and have bulbs shaped like angels, snowflakes, snowmen, or Santas.
Waterdrop Lights
These lights have bulbs designed to look like frozen drops of water. You can put them on the Christmas tree but they look much better in tree canopies. Although they are available in multicolor variants, these drop bulbs look much better in winter white.
How Do Solar Christmas Lights Work?
Solar Christmas lights don’t need wall sockets or extension cords because they only use solar power.
A typical set consists of a portable photovoltaic panel (which also acts as a control box) and a string with LED lights attached.
First, you need to pick the place for the panel. Solar lights that are suitable for the outdoors usually have a garden spike, which you can plant somewhere in your yard.
Otherwise, the spike comes in handy for fixing the panel to a tree or a fence post.
During the day, the panel collects energy from the sun and stores it in the battery that comes with it. At dusk, the daylight sensor automatically turns on the lights.
Instead of traditional incandescent lights, solar lighting kits come with LEDs, which are not only more energy-efficient but also last several times longer. This means the lights will stay on longer on the same amount of charging and won’t burn out as quickly as incandescent lights.
Benefits Of Solar Christmas Lights
Eco-Friendly
Solar-powered Christmas light kits are an environmentally-friendly alternative to standard electric lights that take power from the grid. The only energy they need is the one that comes from the sun.
By reducing the amount of energy you draw from the grid, you’re in a way helping electric power companies burn less fossil fuels and reduce harmful carbon emissions that add to the greenhouse effect.
Cost Less To Run
Although solar light kits can be a bit more expensive than standard lights up-front, mainly because of the panel assembly, once you set them up they work totally for free.
Stats show that the consumption of electrical power in the U.S. increases by 6% during the Christmas holidays. Sun’s power is a free and renewable source of electrical energy that does not add to your utility bill.
Easy To Use
Since they don’t need power strips or nearby outlets, you can use solar LED lights in your home or yard any way you want. You can twine them around trunks, braches, even mailboxes, or make a Christmas decoration in the most remote corner of your yard.
Once you position the panel so it gets the most sunshine during the day, arrange the lights in a matter you want and you’re good to go. The control box takes care of both charging and switching the lights on and off.
Functional
LED solar Christmas light kits are functional because you can use them for any festive occasion. Apart from decorating the Christmas tree, you can use them to make your garden retreat cozy and romantic.
Since they come in different shapes and themes, you can use them for parties, weddings, and anniversaries. On any given occasion, you’ll be able to lift the spirits of your guests by stringing a couple of solar fairy light sets.
More Durable
Unlike many of their electric-powered counterparts, solar light kits are designed for outdoor use. This means they are made with tougher materials that allow them to resist elements and weather changes.
On paper, this should give them the advantage over standard light kits, but tests and reviews show that even some of products that are advertised as weatherproof still have poor performance or service life.
Work Off-Grid
Since they don’t need external power, solar light kits are perfect for off-grid use, such as in mountain retreats, cabins, boats, and campsites.
Use them to bring the Christmas atmosphere to your off-grid place without fumbling what power generators or heavy batteries. Solar light kits create all the power they need by themselves.
Aesthetically Pleasing
These lights come in all shapes and designs. You can find snowflake lights, colorful stars, tube lights, globes, and even bees or flowers.
Apart from decorating your Christmas tree, you can use these lights to improve the aesthetics of your indoor space, outdoor room, pergola, or floral garden.
Disadvantages Of Solar Christmas Lights
Because of the compact solar panel, solar holiday light kits are a bit more expensive than regular electric lights. While you can always find $10 deals at Wal-Mart, if you want a quality product that is going to last for years, you’ll have to pay at least twice as much.
Solar light sets also need plenty of direct sunlight to charge. If you live in an apartment that faces west or northeast, your lights may not receive enough sunshine for proper charging. While most quality products will charge up on overcast days as well, the illumination won’t last nearly as long.
Also, tests have proven that some of the more affordable products in these reviews don’t shine as bright as regular electric lights in the same price range.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, solar Christmas lights really work. They’re just like regular string lights except they use solar power. Their performance and duration depend on the quality of the solar panel and how long you charge them during the day.
Yes, they work in winter as well. They are designed to perform outside, and if they have a waterproof rating, there’s no way water can get in and freeze inside the panel. Higher-end products can also withstand heavy rain and snow.
It largely depends on the quality of the individual items. The rechargeable battery can last at least 3-4 years, and quality LEDs can last up to 6 seasons if you use them reasonably. If you use them all-year-round, they will last significantly less.
Some solar lights can charge without direct sunshine. In that case, however, their performance will be considerably worse. If you’re not sure our lights will get enough sunshine, check out the specification on the label or user manual.
Yes, you can use normal AA batteries in solar lights to test if the LEDs are working. The solar panel won’t be able to charge normal, non-rechargeable batteries, so you shouldn’t try to use them.
Yes, for the best results you should turn solar lights off at night. When everyone is off to bed, there’s no reason to keep the lights on anymore. This way you can preserve the battery life as well as save some of the day’s charging for the next day.
Yes, they charge on cloudy days as well. Although the direct sun rays are blocked by the clouds, the solar panel is still receiving charge. The clouds are dispersing the sunlight, so even the best solar lights take longer to fully charge.
Shine Smarter This Holiday Season
You don’t need to sacrifice sparkle to stay sustainable. Solar Christmas lights are proof that you can enjoy the magic of the season while cutting down on electricity use and carbon emissions.
The brands above offer more than festive glow—they represent a shift toward eco-conscious decorating, with features like durable materials, LED efficiency, and zero grid dependency. Whether you’re going big with your lighting display or just adding a warm twinkle to the porch, going solar is a bright idea—literally.
So this year, light up your home and your conscience. Choose solar. Celebrate sustainably.
