does it charge when not in direct sunlight?
1542174
We haven't tried to charge it on an overcast day. I'm not sure if it will or not.
491374
Hard to say exactly because it depends on the intensity of the sun. I charged up mine totally in two full sun days.
737104
No. It is solar powered only, but you wouldn't need an alternate source to charge from unless you're staying in an underground bunker. Even a few hours being outside on a cloudy day is enough to run it through the night continuously.
382744
Mine does not charge while being used. I assume it is not supposed to do so.
1389240
No...It has to be direct sunlight. Also, the solar charger takes a long time to recharge the battery. I basically just used it as a secondary battery and charged it from the wall socket the night before. I think the solar charger would only help if you had several days to charge it. I left it on my dash once for a week and it barely charged half way.
1817089
No it will continue to charge even if you bring it to total darkness and then back to light. You can tell it is charging when the red led is glowing. Charging is very slow even in strong sunlight
1213419
I usually keep it charged when using it, so I'm not sure if it does or not.
851999
This unit does not charge via solar power for me. However, it is a very good portable charger when plugged in and left to charge. It will charge your devices very close to, if not at, 100% if plugged in.
409348
When motion is detected the light comes on steady. When charging the light will blink rapidly at then slowing to steady as battery is charged electrically. I don't know about the sun charging it.
202206
Julie, I would suggest you pass on this item. It does need direct sunlight to recharge and if the location on the porch is in the shade, it would never charge up. In addition, this unit is very cheaply made. It looks like metal but it is very thin plastic.
2144748
no it continues to charge itself when in the sun. I would not recommend this item though. It only charges your device to about 30% max.
1210256
Yes! it has dual charging options, it can be charged via the included solar panel and via any wall outlet.
1796004
I do not have mine installed with direct sunlight and they charge just fine. They are installed under a ledge of a stone wall it absorbs enough energy to stay lit all night without issue. Installed 8+ months. No problems.
2065938
Yes it will charge it , BUT it will not be at a rate to maintain day to day use.
877910
Yes, and the brighter the sunlight, the better the re-charging goes; so I pay attention to align it to direct sunlight as much as possible. Had the unit for quite a while now and still going strong.
2265493
Yes, just be sure it is turned on. It will charge whether turned on or off.
1822839
It does not unless you have the setting this way. However, when is had to remain lit continuous the charging rate was so slow it would not charge 100% at night. I do not recommend this item. It only works as a junior varsity speaker. I found a very good blue tooth speaker at Office Depot that is rechargeable and I use this, charge and have a speaker, and when I leave for the office I switch the charge to the speaker and both are 100%when I return home.