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Solar Lights frequently asked questions

How do solar garden lights work?

Solar lights gather energy from the sun via a solar panel, which converts the sun’s rays into a form of renewable energy. This power reserve is then stored in a re-chargeable lithium-ion battery built into the solar light. The solar lights automatically illuminate at dusk when the right level of darkness is reached and will work for as long as the battery is charged – if the solar panel receives at least six hours of full sunlight per day, then the light should last all night. The lights then automatically switch off again at dawn. In comparison to low-price solar lights with cheap, inferior batteries, Hoselink solar lights are manufactured with high-quality lithium-ion batteries to power your lights all night long. Hoselink solar lights are durable, built to last use after use, and are weatherproof.

Where should I use Hoselink Solar Outdoor Lighting?

If you have dark outdoor areas that receive sunlight during the day, solar garden lighting is the answer. Solar lights can be installed near pathways, driveways and stairs, making it safer to see where you’re walking whilst bringing ambience to previously dim spaces. Motion sensor lights are also ideal for deterring would-be thieves, possums and other unwanted visitors, alerting you to movement around your home. In addition to functional purposes, some solar lights are designed to emit pretty light patterns or change colours and are useful for creating a fun or evocative atmosphere. Whether you’re walking through the yard, enjoying a party or simply looking out from inside, outdoor garden lighting allows you to enjoy your outdoor space like never before.

How do I know which Solar Light to choose?

Hoselink has a range of solar lights suitable for any situation. You’ll find lights that range from one to 80 LED bulbs for various levels of brightness; lights with motion sensors and settings that go from dim to bright when motion is detected; lights that focus a spotlight on a feature area in the garden; lights that can be attached to walls or fences, and lights that can be staked into the ground.

Garage
If you’re coming home at night and parking the car, you’ll want a nice bright light so you can see what you’re doing when entering or exiting your vehicle, or retrieving goods from the boot. We suggest one of our wall-mounted lights with 30 or more LED bulbs. If it’s a large area, you may want to install two. Try the Wide Angle Solar Floodlight with Sensor 80LED or Long-lasting Solar Wall Light with Sensor 34LED.

Stairs
Sometimes you just need a little light to show the way in which case it is best to install multiple small lights. As lights with only 1-5 LED bulbs don’t require much energy, they are constantly on, bringing just enough light to ensure you don’t trip or fall. Try the Decorative Round Solar Wall Light 1LED.

Pathways
If your pathway is along the side of the house and you only want dim light most of the time with brighter light when someone walks past, then a motion-detect sensor light is the best option. Try Wide Angle Solar Wall Light with Sensor 18LED. If the side of the house is a place you access at night for garbage bins, compost, worm farms or anything else you need brightly lit, then we recommend selecting a motion-detected light with 30-70 or so LED bulbs for bright, functional lighting. Try Wide Angle Solar Wall Light with Sensor 62LED or Wide Angle Solar Floodlight with Sensor 80LED.

Entertaining Areas
In entertaining areas, you want to have lights that can be switched on and left on, as opposed to lights that detect motion. You might not want to attract too many bugs either, so for zones near outdoor tables where you want to see what you’re eating but not be overrun by mosquitoes, a mid-level number of LED bulbs is the answer. Try the Long-lasting Solar Wall Light with Sensor 34LED (can be set to full brightness via button at the bottom of the light).

If, instead, you want to create a party vibe or chill-out space, then a decorative light will bring atmosphere without blinding anyone. Try the Decorative Round Solar Wall Light 1LED or Colour Change Solar Wall Light 5LED.

Garden
Lighting in the garden is about creating focal points to highlight particularly interesting plants or garden beds. By lighting gardens at night, they often look vastly different to during the day, and where colourful flowers draw the eye under the sun, at night it’s all about drama and shape. Try a spotlight shining up under a tree or wrap a tree trunk in fairy lights for a fun approach. Try the Solar Garden Dual Head Spot Light or Warm White Solar Garden Fairy Party Lights 100LEDs.

How Much sunlight do solar lights need?

Some of the smaller lights don’t need as many hours as the bigger lights with more LED bulbs. In our testing, as long as they get a minimum of 3-4 hours of direct sunlight they’ll perform for the most crucial early hours of the evening. Whilst most of the lights will run throughout the night with 6-8 hours of sunlight, some of the motion sensor lights have a variety of settings so they’ll be dim to conserve power and brighten up only when motion is detected, turning back to a dim light after a set number of seconds. Lights that are set to full, constant brightness may not last throughout the entire night, depending on how much sun they receive through the day.

Are the solar lights waterproof?

The solar lights are 100% waterproof and weather-resistant. However, they should not be submerged in or under water.

How do I install Hoselink Solar Lights?

Hoselink wall lights can be installed using the supplied screws and plugs, or for even easier installation, try our Outdoor Acrylic Double-Sided Tape. This clear tape is strong and weatherproof and will adhere to any type of flat wall surface – brick, render, cladding, stone, timber and glass. To use the outdoor tape, you’ll need long strips on the back of the light to ensure a strong grip that can withstand the strongest winds and storms.

Why should I switch to outdoor solar garden lighting?

Although some solar lights may seem expensive to purchase, there are quite a few benefits over standard outdoor lighting. Solar lights are easily installed yourself and with no expensive electrician required. They’re not wired into mains power and recharge only from the sun, so you can light up your home as much as you like without worrying about how much it will cost you. The long-term benefit of saving on your power bill will be quickly reaped back. You’ll also be reducing your carbon footprint by reducing the generation of electrical power in your backyard.

How bright are the Hoselink Solar Garden Lights?

The brightness varies depending on the specific product. The more LEDs the brighter the light will be. We have a range of low and bright lighting for every purpose from decorative use to security.

Can I replace the batteries?

On some models, yes. Others, you may not be able to access or the battery is wired and can't be removed. Please call our customer service team on 1300 900 617 if you are unsure or require assistance.

If I want to use these somewhere the sun cannot reach, will they still work?

No, unfortunately, they need to be in direct sunlight for at least some of the day to work.