Atmosphere without a socket
The places where string lights work well, such as at the back of the garden, in a tree or along a fence, often have no power supply nearby. With a solar version, you do not need one: the panel charges the battery during the day and the string switches on automatically when it gets dark, thanks to the built-in light sensor. No cable to the house and no extension lead across your lawn.
Place the panel separately
This is the clever thing about a solar string light: the panel is usually connected by a cable. You can hang the string in the shade of a tree or under a canopy and place the panel somewhere it gets plenty of sunlight. Ideally, position the panel facing south and keep it clear of leaves.
How long does it stay on?
How long the string stays on depends on how much sunlight the panel receives during the day. In summer, it will therefore usually stay on considerably longer than in winter. That is simply how solar lighting works. For atmosphere on a summer evening, this can work perfectly well. If you want a string that stays on all evening, every evening, including in December, a mains-powered model is more reliable. Take a look at our string lights for outdoors.
Hanging
Drape the string loosely rather than pulling it tight: a gentle sag looks more natural and puts less strain on the cable. Around a tree, it works particularly well to wind the string around the trunk and larger branches. With solar models, the LED is already built in, so you do not need to choose a bulb yourself. You can find more solar options in our solar lighting range.
