How to Make Outdoor Christmas Lights Into Solar

Solar panels are the only way to turn ordinary Christmas lights into solar lights.

Turning ordinary Christmas lights into solar lights can be done in less than a day. Solar Christmas lights can help save on electricity costs, and the solar panel system can be used throughout the year for other purposes. Pre-made solar Christmas lights can be purchased online and in some retailers for between $10 and $50 per string of lights. Turning conventional Christmas lights into solar lights, however, can be slightly more expensive.

Things You'll Need

• LED Christmas lights
• Solar panels
• Battery
• Inverter
• Stand or mounting pole (if necessary)
• Wires (if necessary)

Instructions

1. Purchase LED (light-emitting diode) Christmas lights. LED lights last longer than traditional lights and use up to 98 percent less electricity. LED Christmas lights cost between $10 and $30 per string of lights, and price depends primarily on design and number of lights (LEDs). Typically, LED light strings consume 4 to 5 watts per string. Arrange the lights according to the desired final decoration.

2. Purchase solar panels. The number of solar panels needed will depend on the number of lights the panel (s) need to power. For example 10 strings of lights at 5 watts each would require a 50-watt solar panel. According to Solarhome.org, a 50-watt panel will cost between $150 and $300. The price depends on the brand and options of the solar panel.

3. Arrange the solar panels. If the home is in a climate that receives snow, the roof may not be the best place for the solar panels. Snow may cover them and render them useless. Attach the solar panels to the side of the house in an area where they will receive maximum sun. If it is not possible to attach the panel to the side of the house, use a stand or mounting pole and position the panel where it will receive the maximum amount of light.

4. Purchase a battery and inverter. A battery is needed to store power during the day when the sun is out and the lights are off and deliver power at night when the sun has set and the lights are on. A battery for a 50-watt setup typically costs between $20 and $100, with an average model costing around $40. A power inverter is necessary to transform the DC (direct current) power from the solar panels to AC (alternating current) power that the lights need. A 50-watt inverter converts costs between $20 and $50.

5. Connect the system. Connect the solar panels to the battery, connect the battery to the inverter and connect the inverter to the Christmas lights. Most of the these items come with the necessary cables and cords to connect to other equipment. If the wires are not long enough, longer ones may need to be purchased. Store the battery and inverter in a safe place away from the elements. Monitor the solar panel in snowstorms and clean off any built-up ice or snow to ensure maximum power production.

References

• Solarhome.org: Solar Panels
• ChristmasLightsEtc.com: LED Christmas lights
• SolarLightStore.com: Solar Christmas Lights