how many hours of DIRECT exposure would be enough to charge these lights? Can it work just as well without direct exposure to sunlight?
289990
That's a good question. Being on the water, I have a lot of direct sun. So, I don't know the answer to your question specifically. I see other solar lights that are placed on sidewalks under a canopy of trees and they still work. How long and how well, though, I don't know. Perhaps going to a local lighting store and asking them might provide a knowledgeable answer.
289991
These were very disappointing on many levels. Only half of the ones I got worked at all, and none of them are weather proof. There is no customer service, they don't even answer questions. The few that worked will work only with direct sunlight, but generally these are a over-priced even if they did work, and a waste of money. Maybe you can get some to work if they don't get wet, but it rains here, and they quickly fill with water.
289992
We have them mounted where they only get indirect sun light and have had no problem with them other than filling with rain water.
289993
8 hours will charge them, but it will heat it up so hot that it will warp and bend causing it to leak when it rains.
289994
It doesn't matter. They aren't weather proof and they are a complete waste of money. DO NOT BUY!!!
289995
i have seen them installed on the side of walls and still seem to hold a good charge
1376686
The time the lights remain lighted is determined by how much direct sunlight they receive. We get nearly 8 hrs of illumination from our lamps which are in direct sunlight all day long and four hours illumination from those lamps which are partially shaded. Using alternate batteries is possible, but you would have to acquire a battery holder and solder its wires to internal connection on the lamps electric module. This requires opening up the module to add remote battery wires - this would be a high risk modification and would require finesse. I recommend against this modification.
1862577
No, it isn't....I don't think there is anything in the LED that could hold a residual charge, so I would suspect the timer isn't completely disrupting the current. Just make sure (in a dark room) that they are actually illuminating while "off" and not just reflecting some other light source. The eyes can play tricks on us...:)
619889
I have never needed to charge the by plugging them in. I think they work off of both, bu I am not certain on that. I just place the lights in direct sunlight or if it is cloudy just set them outside to recharge them. This always works for me. Hope this helps.
133162
I've left them on for several hours before and haven't had any major issues. It was for photography rather than video. The overhead light did short but I think it had to do with the power source, not the light itself.
96417
Hi, I've been using these lights (I have 16) for almost 3 years with way better than expected results. I have 4 or 5 in an area without direct sun and they take a great charge. In the summer those few lights will stay lite until 3 - 4 AM. The ones sold today are a little more powerful. The fit & finish, even after more then 2 years is excellent! I live in Southern California in a very hot environment. The real determining factor in how the lights will stay lite is seasonal. My lights won't make it through the night in Winter. In Summer I have a few that only turn off because the sun is coming up! I have not had a single dud! 5 STARS + Hi, I've been using these lights (I have 16) for almost 3 years with way better than expected results. I have 4 or 5 in an area without direct sun and they take a great charge. In the summer those few lights will stay lite until 3 - 4 AM. The ones sold today are a little more powerful. The fit & finish, even after more then 2 years is excellent! I live in Southern California in a very hot environment. The real determining factor in how the lights will stay lite is seasonal. My lights won't make it through the night in Winter. In Summer I have a few that only turn off because the sun is... » Read More Hi, I've been using these lights (I have 16) for almost 3 years with way better than expected results. I have 4 or 5 in an area without direct sun and they take a great charge. In the summer those few lights will stay lite until 3 - 4 AM. The ones sold today are a little more powerful. The fit & finish, even after more then 2 years is excellent! I live in Southern California in a very hot environment. The real determining factor in how the lights will stay lite is seasonal. My lights won't make it through the night in Winter. In Summer I have a few that only turn off because the sun is coming up! I have not had a single dud! 5 STARS + « Show Less
1132062
Approximately 6 hours in direct, full sunlight. Try to keep the panels at the proper angle by adjusting panels in relationship to the sun for maximum charging of the battery.
397508
i think that really depends on the quality of the battery you use. i use the amazon brand "AA" batteries and have used the lite with both down and up lights on for about 5 hours consecutive use and they did start to dim slightly. but as i find you don't really need more time than that for an evening on the patio. you need to keep in mind this a temporary lite source for your patio table and is not meant for long burn duration's. with that in mind, it's a good investment for the money. it's also good to have around in case of a power outage!!
717654
I can't say. We live in Missouri and have owned these since early July and they have worked well. Now that we are having cooler weather and more clouds and rain they still work but we've noticed they turn off after midnight and they used to stay on till dawn. So my guess would be that if they get enough sunlight they would turn on in the evening and stay lit till midnight or so, but I am not sure, they seem to recharge when cloudy but not enough to last all night. They look really nice whether on or off.
593138
I tried charging it under fluorescent and LED bulbs and it does charge, if held close to the source, however I do not know how long it takes to a full charge. Sunlight is much quicker, I am sure.
701
They charge daily and then last til about 3am. But they are not bright at all. Hope this helps.
2154518
Should work fine!, its a 12 amp hour battery, so if the light is 1 amp (i doubt it for a LED) then theoretically you would have 12 hr.
309508
Depends on the sunlight during the day. Sunny days they stay on about 8 hours, cloudy days can be much less. Also make sure the solar chips on the tops of the lights isn't covered or shaded by folage.
233575
I've had them in my backyard for over a year. Average 9-12 hours a night. All still working great. No failures so far. I'm very impressed with them. I averaged changing the old Halogen bulbs about every 6 months.
1309873
Explain More.. I mean this is the best one I am using . You have to charge it in straight sunlight because it has solar cells . The straight dunlight should be must for 3 to 4 hours so it can charge properly. Right Now I am having 24 count of this solar lights
2065755
We have them on the steps on the side of our house. They last about four to five hours if they receive a lot of direct sunlight (like in the summer). However, now in the winter months they are useless. I live in LA where the sun usually shines and they still don't charge in the winter. I would not purchase again.
319406
With the included 1500ma batteries fully charged on a smart charger I get about three hours of very bright light ( by solar light standards). A full day of bright sun (November in MN) will charge the batteries to less than half charge. Very over price for what they are. Only taxes give less bang for your buck.