Introduction
Christmas was the time to enjoy the twinkling lights, warm homes and a flurry of activities that bring joy and togetherness. However, that magical time of the year comes with an often-overlooked cost: a spike in electricity usage. From elaborate Christmas light displays to cosy electric blankets and energy-guzzling kitchen appliances, the holidays can significantly impact both our pockets and the planet.
Whether your New Year’s resolution is to embrace greener living or simply cut back on soaring winter energy costs, solar energy is a great solution for households looking to make positive changes. Throughout this blog, we’ll explore just how big of an impact solar energy had during Christmas and how it can transform the way you celebrate this year.
The Christmas Energy Crunch
Christmas was a period of indulgence, and this is reflected in our energy consumption.
- In the United Kingdom, electricity usage increases significantly in December due to Christmas lights, heating systems and extended time spent at home.
- A typical household’s Christmas festivities, including lighting, cooking and heating, can generate up to 650 kg of CO2 emissions per person over just three days. This is equivalent to the weight of 1,000 Christmas puddings!
- Christmas light displays alone added an additional £20-50 to energy bills over the season, depending on the size of the display and the type of bulbs used.
By harnessing solar energy, these financial and environmental costs can be mitigated. Solar panels reduce reliance on traditional energy sources, paving the way for a more sustainable and cost-effective Christmas.
- Energy efficiency
The environmental impact of Christmas celebrations is significant and it’s important to reflect on how our choices contribute to carbon emissions. Adopting solar energy offers a powerful means of reducing a household’s carbon footprint during the festive period.
Solar panels generate clean, renewable energy that diminishes the need for fossil fuels. Over the lifetime of a solar panel system, the average UK household can save approximately 1.3 to 1.6 tonnes of CO2 annually. Switching to solar this Christmas is not merely a personal benefit but also a contribution to the broader goal of protecting the environment, ensuring your celebrations are both sustainable and joyful.
- Reducing energy bills
The Christmas season is often accompanied by a significant increase in energy bills. This can be attributed to:
- Christmas Lights: Operating outdoor lights for six hours daily over the festive period can add £18-30 per month to a household’s electricity bill. In contrast, LED lights powered by solar panels have no operational costs.
- Heating Costs: Colder temperatures lead many households to rely on electric heaters or blankets, which substantially increase energy consumption.
- Gaming Consoles and Gadgets: At Christmas, we can expect to see a spike in consoles, such as PlayStations, as Christmas presents, which contribute to a noticeable increase in energy use, costing around £73.37 per year to power.
Installing solar panels allows households to generate their own electricity, alleviating the financial burden of these seasonal demands. A typical 4kW solar panel system can save a household up to £600 annually on energy bills. Even during the winter’s shorter daylight hours, solar panels continue to generate electricity, reducing reliance on the grid and curbing costs.
- Selling energy back to the grid
A lesser-known advantage of solar energy is the opportunity to sell surplus electricity back to the grid through the UK’s Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme. During the winter months, households may not utilise all the solar power generated by their systems, especially when spending time away visiting family. Exporting unused energy can yield earnings of 5p to 15p per kWh, depending on the energy provider. This additional income can offset the costs of Christmas gifts or festive meals, providing financial relief during a period of heightened expenses.
- Solar-powered Christmas lights
Outdoor Christmas lights are an essential feature of the festive season but can be a significant source of energy consumption. Luckily, solar-panelled outdoor lights exist. Not only does this provide a straightforward and effective means of saving money, but it also reduces your carbon footprint. Solar lights are equipped with photovoltaic cells that charge during daylight hours and illuminate decorations at night. As an added bonus, there’s no need for extension cords or proximity to power outlets, making them even more convenient.
Conclusion
In Christmas 2025, consider opting for the gift that keeps on giving—solar energy. By transitioning to solar power, you can reduce energy bills, decrease carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future. The financial benefits, coupled with the opportunity to sell surplus energy back to the grid, make solar an invaluable investment during the festive season and beyond. Solar energy represents a practical and meaningful step toward a sustainable world, ensuring that each Christmas can be celebrated with both responsibility and joy.
Looking to sustainably light up your decorations in 2025? Contact Project Solar today and join us in the solar revolution.