Hello! If you place these lanterns underneath trees and patios. How does the sun recharge them during the day if they are not direct sunlight? Thx.
1038680
We placed them on our Rain Tree in the early spring when there were no leaves. We placed them more along the outer edges of the tree. They stayed lit all season. No problem. They took a few days to completely unfold. Well made.
1038681
We have always placed them in the sun during the day and hung them up at night. Can't answer your question.
1038682
Mine are on my patio and do not receive direct sunlight, but they must get enough diffused light because they work great and I have had them almost a year. My only complain is the colors fade after a while, but that doesnt matter as much when the lights are on, and for the price they are great!
617238
We let our sky lanterns go at our farm. They sailed away over the pastures and tree tops. It is an exciting, yet slightly scary thing to watch. They take off quick. The heat and fire keeps them floating until the flame goes out. I would be sure to avoid any close trees and if it is drought conditions, I would be worried. We have set them off twice and it was a big success. Be sure to have one person be the lighter, have two people per lantern, and follow the directions....they are beautiful! :)
2095440
Like I said, I have not charged mine by USB. Just plug it in and see, it won't hurt it. It will probably take longer to fully charge by USB than by direct sunlight, so just leave it charging overnight and check it the next morning. I found that they only way to make the light go out is by covering the solar screen, or putting the lantern in the dark. It seems to glow otherwise because any light seems to charge it in some manner.
2080082
I have them IN lanterns as well but under a roofed area. I don't recommend leaving them out where they can get wet. The bottom (where the batteries go) is not water proof.
1065090
I bought them in the summer and put them up to light my porch, but they are not in direct sunlight though. I've been very happy with them so far though.
480602
The solar panel is right on top of the lantern. These lights are bright and the lanterns look so pretty on the tree on my front lawn. These are the best solar lights I've ever bought. Hope this helps.
276955
I put them in solar lights with rechargeable capabilities. So far, after 10 months, They still go strong. Sorry, my application is not as yours.
1597574
It depends on how often the light is triggered, and how much sun the solar panel receives when it's not rainy. If it's light, but overcast (or rainy) the panel will charge the light, but not as much as the panel in full sunlight.My panel and light are mounted in a location that does not get much traffic, and the light is not often triggered. I imagine that the batteries remain pretty charged, but I couldn't say what would happen if the light was triggered often, and the panel didn't receive full sunlight for a long period of time.
330433
My friend has some in her planters but they have to get direct sunlight in order to charge. These are wonderful! The best ones we have found.
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.
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.
634537
Agree with Todd & Kate. It is what it is, a "solar" panel depending totally on UV rays to generate a charge. The panel will not generate a charge at night nor on dark overcast days.
298765
We have used lanterns a number of times. As long as it isn't windy I see no problem using them over a wooded area. They will not come down until the flame goes out and they actually go quite high in the sky. They really are fun and neat to watch.
1288784
As long as they get a lot of sun light, I see no issue. Use Velcro, you may want to be able replace the cheapo rechargeable batteries.
596929
Did you pull out the little plastic strip blocking the battery inside the top part of the torch? Once that plastic strip is removed the torch will function on its own, glowing/flickering all night and re-charging in the sunlight all day. I have six of them on my deck. They come on at dusk and burn until about 5 a.m. Love them!
346204
Once they take lift and are rising, the burn out far up in the sky. Once out, they drift down extinguished with no fire. The key to not causing a fire is the LIFT OFF and that is dependent of wind, and temp differences. I have had better lanterns than these but I would give them 4 of 5 stars.
334170
You are right it drains more then charges, that's why I wouldn't buy one. When the sun is shining bright it charges but when the sun changes angles and the light is less it discharges so if you do not disconnect it approaching evening it will discharge and in the morning it will be low or dead.