With no power sockets or any extra on your electricity bills, it's a no-brainer to incorporate them into your lighting display.

But how do solar lights work? What types are available to buy and does solar-powered lighting really work in the winter?

We understand there's lots to know before you deck your garden with sun-loving festoons and string lights. So, we've made this guide to answer all your burning questions about solar products, including how to hang and charge them even without the sun.

Whether you opt for charming little lanterns or simple path lights, all solar lights work in the same way. Each light needs four key components to turn on and glow: a solar panel, sun, batteries and light bulbs. Essentially, the solar panels absorb daylight and convert it into energy to charge batteries that power the light bulbs. Simple!

These solar batteries are the middlemen between the solar panels and the bulbs. They change the light energy into electrical output.

During the day, the lights will happily charge and then when the sun sets in the evening, they will turn on. This happens automatically due to a photoresistor (or darkness sensor) that lives within the lights and detects when light levels are low.

Our solar lights come in all shapes and sizes, suiting all budgets and aesthetics. Whether you're looking for whimsy or modern elegance, we've got you covered.

Fairy lights

Solar fairy lights are the perfect way to add a sparkly focal point to your garden. Whether you choose understated small bulbs or statement festoon bulbs, these will look excellent wrapped around trees, bushes and seating areas.

Lanterns

Hanging balloons, Chinese lanterns and traditional candle LEDs – solar lanterns add playful character with functionality to your outdoors. Dot them around your patio and under garden structures like pergolas and gazebos.

Security lights

You can illuminate your property and boost your home security without adding to your energy bill with solar security lights. You can keep it contemporary with sleek wall lights or go all out with lamp posts.

Animal lights

Install solar animal lights around your lawn, along your fencing or in trees and bushes. They come available in the shape of bees, flamingos, butterflies and more.

All solar lights need light in some form and direct sunlight will have them shining at their best. However, they don't necessarily need direct sunlight. Many of our solar products will still get fully charged on cloudy days and when positioned in partial shade. So, you can be sure that your lights will function properly even if they're not exposed to direct sunlight.

Of course! Our solar lights will work during the winter as long as they get enough daylight to power the batteries. This could present a problem during the darker months and their glow may not be as bright compared to the summer. Luckily, there are alternative ways to charge them if your garden is lacking in daylight during the winter, including LED lights and mains electricity.

Absolutely! Solar lighting is finding itself in our homes more and more, both inside and out. Here are just a few reasons why:

• They're cost-effective and green: Solar lights are great value for money because they don't need to be plugged into your mains electricity. They get their energy from the sun, which is not only environmentally friendly but free! You won't wrack up a high electricity bill and you get to be kind to the planet at the same time.
• Easily installed and maintained: It doesn't take much to get your lights up and running thanks to the lack of mains wiring. This increases the number of places you can hang them and once they're up, you can turn them on and let them work their magic.
• The variety: There are many different styles of solar lights to choose from at Festive Lights. You're guaranteed to find something that matches your vision, whatever that may be.

"Adding solar lights to your outdoors is a smart, practical choice that enhances the look and feel of your garden. These lights aren't just energy-efficient, they're also incredibly versatile and allow you to highlight the features of your garden without the need for complicated wiring or electricity costs. From stylish stake lights that outline garden paths to elegant hanging lanterns for your patio, solar lighting options cater to a wide range of design preferences and budgets. By choosing solar, you’re investing in a sustainable, low-maintenance solution that enhances the overall ambience of your outdoor space, making it more enjoyable well into the evening."

Laura Hargreaves, Purchasing Assistant, Festive Lights Ltd