Do solar Christmas lights require direct sunlight?
In truth, a solar panel of any size can only absorb significant solar energy when the sun is directly shining on its surface. Whether you are powering a string of Christmas lights or an entire household system using solar energy, you must ensure that sunlight directly hits your panels during the day in order to have power. This means that solar Christmas lights will not operate very effectively in regions of the country that experience mostly cloudy days in wintertime. In sunny climates, solar Christmas lights are a much more viable concept as long as your panel is positioned in such as way as to optimize solar collection during short winter days. Be sure there are no obstructions to direct sunlight, and that no trees or nearby structures will cast shadows on your panels during the day. This should allow your system to collect enough energy to light your Christmas display for a few hours each night.
