How Solar Power Can Offset Your Christmas Light Costs

Every year, millions of households adorn their homes with dazzling Christmas lights. While these decorations create a festive atmosphere, they also lead to a significant increase in energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, holiday lighting can account for up to 6% of a household's monthly energy bill during December. This surge in energy usage not only impacts your wallet but also increases your carbon footprint.

That stat may hit closer to home now that you've taken down your holiday lights and received your December electric bill. The good news is that you could avoid those high costs with solar energy.

Keep reading to find out why you should be proactive now to potentially save on your electric bills next holiday season using solar energy to power your Christmas lights.

How much electricity do Christmas lights use?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, incandescent Christmas tree lights cost $10.00 to run for 40 days at 12 hours per day. However, electricity usage is different for everyone. The amount of electricity that your Christmas lights use depends on the following factors:

• Type of light bulb: Any Christmas lights that contain halogen or incandescent light bulbs will typically use more energy than LED light bulbs. Incandescent light bulbs release 90 percent of their energy as heat, while LED lights use up to 80 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs.
• Amount of lights: If you cover your entire house with Christmas lights like Clark Griswold instead of lighting one or two places, then you're more likely to see an above-average electric bill. Also, the larger your lights are, the more energy they use. If you want to save money, we recommend purchasing lights with smaller bulbs.
• Duration of time your lights shine: Your lights use more energy the longer you leave them on, which can cause your electric bill to skyrocket. To prevent this, try hooking your lights up to an electric timer to save money & energy without lifting a finger!

Takeaway: Christmas lights increase your energy consumption no matter what. The good news is that solar power could offset those costs. Welcome to Powerhome to buy solar products.

How does solar energy power your Christmas lights?

You can use solar energy to power your Christmas lights by generating enough electricity during the daytime and storing the excess energy in a solar battery for nighttime. If the outlet where you plug in your lights is one of the protected loads that can draw upon the stored battery energy, you can have lights powered by solar energy.

5 reasons to power your Christmas lights with solar energy

Here are three good reasons to use solar energy for your Christmas lights:

1. Save money on your electric bill: In the midst of buying gifts and planning holiday festivities, we could all use a little extra cash. When you go solar, you could save money on your electric bill and have a little more money in your pocket to buy gifts. One of the most compelling reasons to switch to solar-powered Christmas lights is the potential for cost savings. Once installed, solar panels generate electricity at no additional cost. This means you can enjoy beautifully lit decorations throughout the holiday season without worrying about a spike in your energy bill. Over time, the savings on your electricity bill can offset the initial investment in solar panels and solar-powered lights.
2. Go green: One string of incandescent Christmas lights can use 175 watts of electricity when they're on during the holiday season. Solar panels let you generate electricity without having to worry about harming the environment or draining the earth's natural resources. Go green today and reduce your carbon footprint. Solar power is a clean and renewable energy source, making it an environmentally friendly choice for powering your holiday lights. By using solar energy, you reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to a more sustainable future. This aligns perfectly with the spirit of giving and caring that defines the holiday season.
3. Stand out from your neighbors: While solar is becoming more common all the time, the industry is still in its infancy. Having your home and Christmas lights powered by solar energy puts you in a select group of energy-conscious homeowners who stand out in a crowd.
4. Energy Independence: Utilizing solar power for your Christmas lights gives you greater energy independence. Even during peak usage times, when demand for electricity is high, your solar-powered lights will continue to shine brightly. This ensures that your holiday decorations remain unaffected by potential power outages or energy shortages.
5. Low Maintenance: Solar-powered Christmas lights are designed to be low maintenance. Most solar lights are equipped with LED bulbs, which are long-lasting and energy-efficient. Additionally, solar plate require minimal upkeep, making them a hassle-free option for holiday lighting.

Power your holiday cheer with solar energy

Don't let this past December's electric bills stop you from letting your lights shine next holiday season. Request a free quote to see your potential savings today or learn more about the cost of going solar!