{"title":"Solar LED string lights for patio","description":"\u003cp\u003eHang the string lights where the solar panel can see the sky, then check the protection rating before anything else: IP44 under a sheltered pergola, IP65 on an open terrace that gets watered. Length, spacing of the light points and light colour are decided next, once the hanging point is settled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#fonctionnement\"\u003eHow a solar string light works\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#installation\"\u003eWhere to install it\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#criteres\"\u003eThe criteria that matter\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#ip\"\u003eWhich IP rating\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#longueur\"\u003eLength and fixing\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#alimentation\"\u003eSolar, 220V or rechargeable\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#accord\"\u003eMatching it to the terrace\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#entretien\"\u003eCare and winter storage\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"fonctionnement\"\u003eWhat is a solar string light for a patio and how does it work?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA solar string light for a patio works without a socket: a photovoltaic panel recharges the battery during the day, a sensor switches the LEDs on as soon as light drops, and the stored energy takes over in the evening. No cable to run from the house, no connection to plan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOutdoor solar string light: from panel to bulb\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe panel captures daylight and turns it into current, stored in a small battery housed in the control box. At nightfall, the cell detects the drop in brightness and switches the power to the LEDs, with no intervention. The next day, the cycle starts again. A \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/guirlandes-led-solaires\"\u003esolar string light for a patio\u003c\/a\u003e therefore stays self-sufficient as long as the panel receives light, which is why its orientation matters so much.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat changes the runtime: sunshine, season, panel position\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA grey day recharges less than a clear one, and the short days of winter reduce the available reserve. A panel placed in the shade of a pergola canvas or foliage produces little, even if the patio is bright. To compare formats, also take a look at classic \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-lumineuses\"\u003estring lights\u003c\/a\u003e: length and the number of light points change consumption, and therefore how long they last in the evening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"installation\"\u003eWhere to install a solar patio string light so it lights well and recharges well?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe panel must see the sun, the bulbs must see the patio: that is the only rule. The string light is hung on a pergola, a railing, a wall or between two posts, keeping the panel clear of shadows from the railing, the canvas or a tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHanging points that hold on a patio\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA pergola offers the longest span: stretch from one upright to the other, in a slight zigzag to avoid too rigid a line. A railing calls for a flexible cable and regular clips. A patio wall or a facade accepts round bulbs, provided the panel is turned towards the sky rather than the wall. On a tree or a hedge, keep some slack. To widen the search beyond string lights, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003eall Designix light fittings\u003c\/a\u003e can be browsed by use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eBalcony without a socket: the solar solution\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a balcony, no cable can come out from inside: solar solves the problem. The sensitive point remains the panel, often masked by the railing or the neighbouring wall. Fix it high up, tilted towards the light, and check the cast shadow before running the cable. If the balcony stays dark, compare with rechargeable \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led\"\u003eLED string lights\u003c\/a\u003e, which are simpler to bring inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"criteres\"\u003eWhich outdoor solar string light to choose: the criteria that count?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst look at the protection rating according to rain exposure, then the useful length and spacing of the light points, then the light colour and bulb format. Style comes last, once these four points are validated for the intended outdoor space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eLength, spacing and number of light points\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo string lights of the same length do not give the same wash of light: closely spaced points make a continuous cord, widely spaced points draw a discreet line. Count the useful bulbs, not the total cable length, and check the part that actually lights between the box and the last LED.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSolar string lights for garden or covered patio: the right format\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe garden accepts long spans and thin cables, a covered patio prefers round bulbs near the wall, and a dining table calls for a short format, laid rather than stretched. The table below sums up the most common cases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eWhich type of solar string light depending on location\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLocation\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecommended format\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePoint to watch\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLight colour\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePergola or arbour\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLong string light with spaced points\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe panel must clear the shadow of the canvas\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWarm white\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRailing or balustrade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShort string light, flexible cable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFixing without drilling, cable left slack\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWarm white\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePatio wall or facade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eString light with round bulbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTurn the panel towards daylight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeutral white\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGarden, hedge, tree\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThin cable, long length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKeep away from automatic sprinklers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMulticolour for parties\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTable or dining corner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRechargeable string light, laid down\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBring the battery inside to recharge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWarm white\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDepending on the actual exposure, go for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-ip44\"\u003eIP44 LED string lights\u003c\/a\u003e for a sheltered spot, or for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-ip65\"\u003eIP65 LED string lights\u003c\/a\u003e for an open patio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"ip\"\u003eWhich IP protection rating to choose for an outdoor solar string light?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIP44 covers water splashes and suits under an awning or a sheltered pergola. IP65 withstands water jets and dust, so it is right for genuinely exposed patios and frequent watering. The rating tells you about the sealing of the box, not about light output.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIP44: covered patio, awning, sheltered pergola\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first digit concerns dust, the second water. An IP44 rating withstands oblique rain and splashes, which is enough when the string light stays under a roof, an awning or a closed arbour. The panel box and the connections must stay out of direct jets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIP65: exposed patio, watering, poolside\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn an open patio, near a water point or under a sprinkler, IP65 is the reference to remember: it holds up against jets and dust. Still check the condition of the panel seal and the connectors, because the rating describes a new, correctly closed box. The details of the ranges can be read on the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-ip65\"\u003emodels sealed against water jets\u003c\/a\u003e, and comparing them with the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-ip44\"\u003estring lights designed for water splashes\u003c\/a\u003e helps you decide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eIP44 or IP65: which rating for which use\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRating\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWithstands\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eInstall in\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCare\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP44\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater splashes, limited dust\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCovered patio, awning, sheltered pergola\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDamp cloth on the box\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIP65\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater jets, dust\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExposed patio, frequent watering, poolside\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCheck the condition of the panel seal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"longueur\"\u003eHow many metres of string light to plan for and how to fix it without drilling?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasure the linear run to cover, add the slack between two hanging points and the return to the solar panel. To fix without drilling, use clips that snap onto a gutter, cable ties on a railing or clips on a pergola, letting the cable stay slack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eMeasuring the length without getting it wrong\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollow the actual cable route with a piece of string, then measure it: a zigzag uses more than a straight line, and the solar box must reach its support. Add the reserve needed for the return to the panel and a little slack at the ends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFixing without drilling: clips, hooks, ties\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClips pinch onto a gutter or a tube, hooks screw onto a pergola upright when drilling is accepted, cable ties wrap around a railing. Avoid stretching it like a rope: at night the cable contracts and tears the fixings off. The choice of support dictates the rest, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-solaires\"\u003eall our solar string lights\u003c\/a\u003e should be read with that constraint in mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"alimentation\"\u003eSolar string light, 220V string light or rechargeable string light: which to choose?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSolar goes anywhere there is no socket and withstands direct exposure. 220V gives constant light but requires a connection. Rechargeable is brought inside to recharge and suits shaded balconies, tables and patios without sun. 24V remains a low-voltage supply to be wired in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSolar when there is no socket at all\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the case for most house patios: the garden is not wired, and running an outdoor line means building work. Solar removes the problem, provided you accept an intensity that varies with the day's weather. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-220v\"\u003e220V LED string lights\u003c\/a\u003e take over when an outdoor socket already exists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e220V, 24V and rechargeable: the cases where they take over\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA covered patio with an electrical supply gains consistency with the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-220v\"\u003eclassic mains version\u003c\/a\u003e. A pergola fitted with a supply accepts \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-24v\"\u003e24V LED string lights\u003c\/a\u003e, at low voltage. On a shaded balcony or for a table, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-rechargeables\"\u003erechargeable LED string lights\u003c\/a\u003e remain the simplest to live with.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"accord\"\u003eHow to match a solar string light with the patio decor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose the light colour before the shape: warm white warms wood and brick, neutral white suits grey facades and metal, multicolour is reserved for parties. The string light underlines a line of the patio, it does not cover it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWarm white, neutral white or multicolour: which light for which mood\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWarm white (around 2700 to 3000 K) gives an evening patio, close to indoor light. Neutral white (around 4000 K) makes a contemporary facade look sharper. Multicolour is only justified for an event, otherwise it tires the eye. This \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003eselection of light fittings\u003c\/a\u003e complements the string light for useful lighting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA patio that extends the kitchen: hanging without cluttering\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the patio serves as a summer kitchen, the wire stretched above the worktop plays a real decorative role for outdoor cooking: it lights without taking up the surface. A straight line, warm white, nothing hanging in the field of view, and you get the codes of modern kitchen decor applied outside. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-lumineuses\"\u003eAmbient string lights\u003c\/a\u003e complement this setup well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"entretien\"\u003eHow to care for and winter a solar string light?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA panel dusted with a damp cloth regains efficiency, and a slack cable avoids strain on the fixings. In winter, bring the string light and its battery inside to a dry place when the manufacturer provides for it, otherwise leave the panel clear of snow and leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCleaning the solar panel without damaging the box\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA soft, damp cloth is enough, with no abrasive product and no direct jet on the seal. A film of dust or pollen loses charge without being visible to the eye. Also check the fixings: a cable that slaps in the wind ends up wearing through its sheath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWintering the string light and its battery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBring the battery inside to a dry place if the instructions ask for it, because prolonged cold reduces its capacity. Otherwise, leave the string light in place, panel clear, and check after gales. To replace or complete your set, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003ethe full lighting catalogue\u003c\/a\u003e remains the reference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"designix\"\u003ePayment, delivery and returns at Designix\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePayment is secure, delivery is tracked and returns are handled according to the shop's conditions. Designix customer service answers fixing and selection questions both before and after ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore confirming, go back over the two points that decide everything: the protection rating according to actual exposure, and the useful length between the box and the last LED. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/guirlandes-led-solaires\"\u003eBrowse all our solar string lights\u003c\/a\u003e to compare the available formats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhich solar patio string light withstands rain?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn IP44 rating is enough under an awning or a sheltered pergola, because it covers water splashes. For an open patio, one that gets watered or is near a pool, an IP65 rating is more suitable since it withstands water jets and dust.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eDo solar string lights for the garden really light up at night?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, as long as the battery has stored enough energy during the day: a sensor detects the drop in light and switches the LEDs on. Runtime varies with sunshine, season and panel position, which must not stay in the shade of foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eCan a solar string light be installed without a socket on a balcony?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, that is precisely its point: no cable to run from inside. The thing to watch is the panel, which must receive daylight despite the railing or the wall. On a very shaded balcony, a rechargeable string light is often simpler.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eShould a solar string light be brought inside in winter?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the manufacturer provides for it, bring the string light and its battery inside to a dry place for the cold season. Otherwise, leave the panel clear of snow, leaves and dirt, and check that the cable has not been stretched by the wind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eDoes a solar string light give enough light to dine outside?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA solar string light creates ambient light: it outlines the patio and accompanies the meal, but it does not replace functional lighting for reading or cooking outside. To light a table, complete it with a dedicated source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"CollectionPage\",\"name\":\"Solar LED string lights for patio: the guide to choosing and installing\",\"description\":\"Solar LED string lights for patio: understand runtime, choose the IP44 or IP65 rating, fix without a socket and match the light to your outdoor space.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/guirlandes-led-solaires-pour-terrasse\",\"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\":\"String lights\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/guirlandes\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Solar LED string lights for patio: the guide to choosing and installing\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/guirlandes-led-solaires-pour-terrasse\"}]},{\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which solar string light for a patio?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"One whose panel stays exposed to the sun and whose protection rating matches the exposure: IP44 under a sheltered pergola, IP65 on an open patio that gets watered. 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