We've wanted to light up our patio for the last few years but I've been reluctant to get electric lights and run ugly cords from our sockets to lights and then have to plug them in/out every night (yes I could get a timer but still. ugly cables). I started looking into solar panels because we get a lot of sunlight in our garden in the summer. I looked at a few and chose them based on the number of bulbs per string compared to other bulbs of the same length (more bulbs = more brightness overall). Each bulb is 1 watt, so you get about 25 watts from the entire chain; The more strings you hang, the more light you have. One string is light enough for what we wanted; We also like to light candles outside so the light fits the atmosphere better. When the lights arrived I wiped down each bulb with rubbing alcohol to make sure there was no dust on it then made sure they were screwed on tightly as per other reviews. recommended. I also charged the panel via USB for the first use. As for the installation, I didn't want to staple or nail holes in our trim since our house is only a few years old, so I decided to try the outdoor command bars first. I cut a strip next to each bulb for extra stability (so every 1ft instead of the 2ft suggested in the control strip instructions) and then tucked the tab over the wire. It's been two weeks and they haven't moved despite heavy rain and Oklahoma winds! As for the solar panel, I installed it on a slide (it sits perfectly on it without falling off) so it's almost invisible, but it gets a lot of sun. Despite the rain we've had lately, we still had plenty of sun during the day, shining as bright as it could be every night. It's hard to say how long they stay as the sun just sets around 9pm but I know they stay well past midnight which should be enough for most people. I'm curious to see if they will hold up until next year but I think the price is good enough and I wouldn't mind buying a new set next year if I have to. I will say that I read a review where one person complained that the light works perfectly in the summer but doesn't burn as long in the winter. Let's be logical folks - there's not much sun on winter days and the ground is at a different angle, so don't be surprised if they don't charge in winter. 😉 Seriously, if in doubt, just try it. I went in with low expectations as they are sunny but quite satisfied so far. We've definitely spent more time on the patio since we installed it!
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