Solar christmas lights

[caroline7758]

Has anyone used these and if so where did you buy them? I've been googling and they vary a lot in price, length of string and p&p so would like a recommendation if possible.
Thanks.

[caroline7758]

[OllieC]

If they're as good as solar powered garden lights I'd suggest you get some plug-in spares!!

[ACE]

I should try California, it is a bit sunnier there at Xmas. perhaps it has slipped your mind but xmas falls near the winter equinox which is not normally associated with long sunny days. ;)

[caroline7758]

Never mind that lot in Copenhagen-I'm doing my bit to tackle global warming this week. Got my "greener" car, and my little homegrown christmas tree (thanks to A4A) is bedecked with pretty solar powered lights.

Got them for £9.99 in Maplin's online sale so decided it was worth a try. Thought they weren't working at first but then realised they are triggered to work when it goes dark. :-[

[Poppy Mole]

Saw some in B&Q yesterday

[Levi]

I've finally treated myself to some this week. Bought them from Ecofreak, local to me, but they are solarcentre brand. They weren't as cheap as some but I was advised that some solar lights (in general), are less suitable for our winter weather. The guy at Ecofreak was really helpful advice-wise and I was dead impressed with their efficient delivery and service. The lights are really pretty and its sooo nice to think they aint costing anything after I recoup in ???? years!!

[OllieC]

Costs

Just looked at the ones on the tree beside me (normal ones) - they say 0.75W and I reckon there's about 40 bulbs. 0.75*40=30W. So about 1 unit of electric every 33 hours, i.e. at 10p a unit, it's 0.3p an hour. They are on for maybe 5 hours a day, so 1.5p a day.

If you keep them out for 6 weeks you will save about 45*1.5p=60p a year.

I think these cost about £10.

How long will it take until you get your money back and what will you spend the savings on?

Oh, should add, the 60p is turned into heat which warms the room so is not wasted at this time of year.

[PurpleHeather]

I just laughed when I saw the subject.

[caroline7758]

Yesterday was very sunny here and the lights stayed on all night,although they were pretty weak by this morning. Today it has been dull and wet and they are struggling this evening. Unfortunately my front door faces west so not the best place for them anyway.

Also, it's not just the energy-saving, it's not having to put an electric cable out of the window!

(Meanwhile my daughter left the indoor tree lights on all night! >:()

[grawrc]

I've seen a lot of them about when I'm walking the dog of an evening. They seem to be very good. I think I might put some over the pergola on a semi-permanent basis!!

[Levi]

Its more about the feelgood factor than the material gain. But when I eventually recoup!?! I'll save up for a wood burning boiler and solar roof tiles, after I've bought a sense of humour cos solar only makes me smile not laugh.