{"title":"Solar lights","description":"\u003cp\u003eSolar lights install without cables: the photovoltaic panel charges the battery during the day and the LED switches on at dusk. Plan for an accent light, aimed at the ground or at a wall, and choose the location first, because sun exposure decides everything else.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"lumiere-et-fonctionnement\"\u003eWhat kind of light does a solar light give and how does it work?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA solar light works on its own: a photovoltaic panel charges a battery during the day, a twilight sensor switches the LED on at nightfall. The light produced remains an accent light, aimed at the ground or the wall, enough to mark a path, not to light a terrace like a mains-powered fixed point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSolar light: warm white or cool white, how to decide?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWarm white, around 2700 to 3000 K, gives a soft ambience, close to a candle: it is the choice for a relaxation corner, a terrace or a flower bed. Neutral white, around 4000 K, stays readable without yellowing and suits a driveway or an outdoor staircase. Cool white, around 6000 K, contrasts more and serves an area to be secured. On these solar lights, colour temperature is chosen before the shape of the fixture, because it sets the mood of the whole garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor solar lights: what the battery changes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe battery determines the real runtime. A grey day charges less than a clear day, and a light that shines for less time in winter is not necessarily faulty. Look at the stated technology and whether there is a motion sensor, which saves the reserve by switching on only on passage. The \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003eDesignix lighting catalogue\u003c\/a\u003e sorts models by use, which avoids comparing datasheets that do not play the same role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"ou-installer-jardin\"\u003eGarden solar lights: where to install them so they catch enough sun?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlace garden solar lights where the panel receives direct sun for a good part of the day: due south, with no shadow from a wall, hedge or foliage. Space the points along the path rather than crowding them, and keep them out of the lawnmower's path.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGarden solar lights: due south, without shadow\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA panel in the shade of a tree or under a deep awning barely recharges. Move the light a few tens of centimetres and the runtime changes: it is the most cost-effective adjustment. Modern \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaires-d-exterieur-moderne\"\u003eoutdoor lights\u003c\/a\u003e with a remote panel often solve this point, when the wall stays in shade and only the head can catch the sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eMarking a path or terrace without cables\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAllow one point every two to three metres along a path, with low, non-glaring light, to draw the route without lighting the back of the garden. A solar garden lamp sits on the ground or on a stake, with no trench or connection. For a terrace, look at \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaires-d-exterieur-sur-pied\"\u003eoutdoor post lights\u003c\/a\u003e near a relaxation corner, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaires-originaux\"\u003eunique design pieces\u003c\/a\u003e when the light must also look good by day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"indice-ip\"\u003eWhich IP rating to choose for an outdoor solar light?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor an outdoor solar light, aim for at least IP44 under an awning or a covered terrace, and IP65 for an open garden, a path or the edge of a pool. The rating protects against water and dust, not against impacts or theft: the mounting matters as much as the datasheet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eProtection rating and exposure\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIP rating\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eExposure\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTypical location\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP44\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eResists water splashes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnder an awning, near a door, covered terrace\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP54\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDust and light rain\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFacade wall, edge of a sheltered terrace\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP65\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater jets and sustained rain\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOpen garden, path, pool edge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP67\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrief immersion\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eArea heavily exposed to splashes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor solar lights: IP44 or IP65 depending on rain\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder an awning, water arrives as lateral splashes and IP44 holds. In an open garden, rain falls hard and runoff rises from the ground: move up to IP65. A light placed at lawn level receives more water than a wall light fixed a metre above the ground, for the same model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePlacing a solar light near a pool or a water point\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pool edge combines splashes, treatment products and barefoot traffic. Choose a high rating, fix the light outside the splash zone and keep the panel out of the bathing path. To go further, see \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaires-d-exterieur-pour-piscine\"\u003elighting around a pool\u003c\/a\u003e; in a damp room, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaires-ip44-pour-salle-de-bain\"\u003eIP44 bathroom lights\u003c\/a\u003e follow the same logic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"quel-modele\"\u003eSolar post light, wall light or bollard: which model for which area?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo choose, compare the lumens and the stated lighting duration according to use: marking a path, lighting an entrance or a flower bed, taking into account the exposure of the solar panel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe choice depends on the area, not the datasheet: a bollard lines a path, a wall light lights a door, a post light raises the light above the ground, a floodlight covers a wide passage. In every case, the panel must stay exposed to the sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eWhich type of solar light for which area\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eType of light\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eArea to light\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat it brings\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePoint to check\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBollard or low marker\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePath, terrace edge, flower bed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDraws the path without glare\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMounting height and panel orientation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSolar wall light\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFacade wall, under an awning, shed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLights a door or a passage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMounting and protection rating\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePost light\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEntrance, gate, relaxation corner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRaises the light above the ground\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBase stability and sun exposure\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFloodlight or spotlight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGate, garage, traffic area\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDirected lighting, often with a sensor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDetection settings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSolar string lights\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePergola, hedge, terrace\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmbience and decorative light\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCable durability and daytime recharge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSolar post light: for an entrance or a gate\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a post, the light illuminates the key area and visitors' faces, not their shoes. Check the stability of the base, especially if the panel overhangs the post, and place it on the side where the sun stays longest. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaires-encastrables\"\u003eRecessed ground spots\u003c\/a\u003e complete the setup to mark a step without glare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor solar wall lights: on a wall, under an awning\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA wall light frames a door, a shed or a gable, and is fixed without running cable from the consumer unit. Plan for the panel above the wall light, not below, otherwise the light recharges poorly. A \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaires-d-exterieur-coloris-blanc\"\u003ewhite outdoor light\u003c\/a\u003e disappears on a pale wall and lets the light alone take the stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"solaire-ou-filaire\"\u003eSolar lights or wired outdoor lights: which to choose depending on use?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA solar light is installed without cable or electrical work, which suits areas far from a socket; it depends on the sun and remains accent lighting. A wired outdoor light or a rechargeable model offers a more constant light where traffic is daily, an entrance or a busy staircase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor lights with motion sensors: what is the point?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sensor switches on only on passage and saves the reserve, which extends the useful runtime of a solar light. It is useful on a gate, a garage or a service area. Set the range and the delay to avoid triggering at every moving branch. On a very busy passage, a wired point with a sensor stays more consistent than a solar light after several grey days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen to prefer a rechargeable light?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA battery model recharges from the mains then installs without cable: useful in a rental, in a shed or on a terrace where running a line is impossible. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaires-rechargeables\"\u003eRechargeable models\u003c\/a\u003e keep a stable brightness for several evenings in a row. For the rest of the garden, compare with \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaires-d-exterieur-moderne\"\u003eoutdoor lights with a panel\u003c\/a\u003e: same freedom of installation, but recharging depends on the sky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"entretien\"\u003eHow to maintain a solar light so it lasts?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClean the panel with clear water as soon as it is covered in dust or leaves, without abrasive products, and check that the mounting has not moved. In winter, a light that shines for less time is not necessarily faulty: the charge drops with the short days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCleaning the panel and checking the mounting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dirty panel loses most of its input: a damp cloth every two months, more often under a tree, is enough. Use the opportunity to check the screws, the base of a post light and the seal of a wall light. A light that switches off early when the panel is clean often comes from a battery at the end of its life, not from the LED.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWinter care: what to watch\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn December and January, expect reduced runtime, which is normal. Move mobile models to the sunniest point and bring under shelter the movable pieces that fear prolonged frost. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaires-coloris-vert\"\u003eGreen lights\u003c\/a\u003e blend into foliage, which stays discreet when the garden is bare, provided the panel is cleared of dead leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"originaux\"\u003eDecorative original lights: how to choose a model that does not look like the others?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst look for a shape and a material that fit the landscape: a simple line, a colour that blends into foliage or marks a path. Low, well-aimed light matters more than an elaborate design. Then check the mounting and the panel orientation, less visible but decisive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDecorative original lights: play with shape rather than power\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA solar light is also seen in broad daylight: its silhouette and finish matter as much as the evening beam. A copper that takes on a patina, a matte resin, a dark colour near a hedge: choose what stays beautiful with the light off. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaires-en-cuivre\"\u003eCopper lights\u003c\/a\u003e take on a warm tone over time, and an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaires-de-luxe\"\u003eexceptional piece\u003c\/a\u003e is justified on a very visible entrance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eTrending lights reviews: read the user feedback\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA useful review talks about use, not a score: real lighting duration, how the mounting holds after a winter, ease of installation. Look especially at feedback on the panel location and orientation. On a solar light, the datasheet and the planned exposure weigh more than a trendy favourite, especially if your garden stays shaded at the end of the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"interieur-et-achat\"\u003eLights for WC, kitchen lights: what to choose indoors, and where to buy?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndoors, a solar light has no place: without daylight, the battery does not recharge. For a WC or a kitchen, choose a mains-powered light, suited to humidity and to the size of the room. The purchase is then made online, with secure payment and tracked delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLights for WC and kitchen lights: move away from solar\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a windowless WC, you need a fixed point connected to the mains, and an IP44 rating is enough in a small damp room. In a kitchen, light the worktop and not only the ceiling: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaires-moderne-pour-cuisine\"\u003ekitchen lights\u003c\/a\u003e are fitted as wall lights or on a rail under the wall units. For the toilet, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaires-pour-toilettes\"\u003eWC lights\u003c\/a\u003e are chosen in a short format, near the mirror. In the living room, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaires-design-pour-salon\"\u003edesign lights for the living room\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaires-suspendus\"\u003ependant lights\u003c\/a\u003e take over.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLighting store or online purchase: compare without getting it wrong\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are looking for a lighting store, a lighting clearance outlet in Lyon or a remote order, compare three points: protection rating, mounting method, panel orientation. The selection is made here online, with secure payment, tracked delivery, returns and Designix customer service. An outdoor solar light is judged on the datasheet and on the photo of the location, not on the atmosphere of a shop aisle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSecure payment, tracked delivery, returns and Designix customer service: the order can be followed from basket to installation. If you hesitate between two models, send us the photo of the planned location and the sun orientation, and we will decide with you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"faq\"\u003eFrequently asked questions about solar lights\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhat is the best high-end solar lamp?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe best is the one whose panel recharges the battery even on grey days, with a protection rating suited to the area and a light aimed at the passage to be lit. An expensive model guarantees nothing on its own: check the material, the mounting and the stated runtime.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhich lamp can replace the sun for plants?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo lamp replaces the sun: a grow lamp provides a light supplement, not solar power. In a garden, a solar light is used to light a path, not to grow plants. For an indoor plant, you need a dedicated horticultural lamp, outside the outdoor collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eOutdoor solar lights: what runtime to expect in winter?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn winter, short days and low light reduce the charge: the light shines for less time or less brightly, even with a correct battery. Aim the panel due south, without shadow, and clean it regularly. On a very busy passage, complete it with a fixed point.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eLighting store in Lyon or lighting clearance outlet in Lyon: how to buy?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Designix selection is made online: detailed datasheets, secure payment, tracked delivery, returns and customer service. Whether you are looking for a lighting store in Lyon or a lighting clearance outlet in Lyon, compare above all the protection rating, the mounting and the panel orientation before choosing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eCan a solar light be installed at the edge of a pool?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, provided you choose a high protection rating, resistant to water splashes, and place the panel outside the splash zones. Avoid the bathing path and prefer a fixed bollard or wall light. Regular maintenance of the panel determines the lighting duration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"CollectionPage\",\"name\":\"solar lights: choosing and installing your outdoor lighting\",\"description\":\"Solar lights for garden, terrace and path: how to choose the power, the IP rating and the type of installation, with our Designix advice.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/luminaires-solaires\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"name\":\"Designix\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\"},\"speakable\":{\"@type\":\"SpeakableSpecification\",\"cssSelector\":[\"h1\",\"h2\"]}},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Lighting\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/luminaire\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Lights\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/luminaires\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"solar lights: choosing and installing your outdoor lighting\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/luminaires-solaires\"}]},{\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the best high-end solar lamp?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The best high-end solar lamp is the one whose panel recharges the battery even on grey days, with a protection rating suited to the area and a light aimed at the passage to be lit. A high budget guarantees nothing: check the material, the mounting and the stated runtime.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which lamp can replace the sun for plants?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No lamp replaces the sun: a grow lamp provides a light supplement, not solar power. In a garden, a solar light is used to light a path, not to grow plants. To supplement an indoor plant's light, you need a dedicated horticultural lamp, outside the outdoor collection.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Outdoor solar lights: what runtime to expect in winter?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"In winter, short days and low light reduce the charge: a solar light shines for less time or less brightly, even with a correct battery. Aim the panel due south, without shadow, and clean it regularly. It is accent lighting, to be completed with a fixed point on a very busy passage.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Lighting store in Lyon or lighting clearance outlet in Lyon: how to buy?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The Designix selection is made online: detailed datasheets, secure payment, tracked delivery, returns and customer service. Whether you are looking for a lighting store in Lyon or a lighting clearance outlet in Lyon, compare above all the protection rating, the mounting and the panel orientation before choosing.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Trending lights reviews: should you trust reviews before buying?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A useful review talks about use, not a score: real lighting duration, how the mounting holds, behaviour after a winter. Look especially at feedback on the panel location and ease of installation. On a solar light, the datasheet and the planned exposure weigh more than a trendy favourite.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Lights for WC: is a solar model suitable indoors?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No: a solar light needs daylight to recharge its battery, which does not match a windowless WC. For these rooms, choose a mains-powered light, suited to humidity and to the size of the room. The solar collection stays dedicated to the garden, the terrace and the surroundings.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can a solar light be installed at the edge of a pool?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, provided you choose a high protection rating, resistant to water splashes, and place the panel outside the splash zones. Avoid placing it in the bathing path and prefer a fixed bollard or wall light. Regular maintenance of the panel determines the lighting duration.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Garden solar lights: how to light a path without cable?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Line up bollards or low markers on either side of the path, panel facing an open sky: that is enough to draw the route. Space them regularly rather than multiplying them, and keep a low, non-glaring light to preserve night vision. No electrical connection is needed.\"}}]}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","products":[],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0677\/8598\/2228\/collections\/designix-entete-luminaires-solaires-v1.jpg?v=1792791684","url":"https:\/\/designix-lighting.com\/collections\/solar-lights.oembed","provider":"Designix","version":"1.0","type":"link"}