Solar wall light

Allow for an IP65 rating on a wall exposed to rain, an IP20 for a sheltered wall, then check that the sensor receives daylight. A solar wall light is installed without wiring: a photovoltaic panel recharges a built-in battery, the LED restores the light in the evening.

• How a solar wall light works
• Which outdoor solar wall light to choose
• Which waterproof outdoor wall light
• Where to install a solar wall light indoors
• Which LED wall light for a living room
• How to match style and finishes
• The drawbacks of solar lamps
• Maintaining an outdoor solar wall light

How does a solar wall light work?

A solar wall light captures daylight through a small photovoltaic panel, stores it in a built-in battery and restores it in the evening via an LED. No connection to the grid is required, which allows it to be installed on a facade, a terrace wall or a pillar without a cable.

It is the solution when no cable reaches the wall: a facade corner, a gate pillar, an outdoor staircase. The Wally light in its compact format in white plastic illustrates this principle in 12 cm or 18 cm. The Greta 5-in-1 lamp for outdoors uses the same solar LED technology across 16 x 80 cm.

Does a solar wall light shine all night?

It shines as long as the reserve lasts. After a fully sunny day, the lighting covers a good part of the night; a grey day or partial exposure reduces that reserve. The sensor needs direct daylight to recharge.

Where to place the solar panel of a wall light?

Point the panel south when possible, fairly high, away from the shade of an awning, a tree or a gutter. A north facade or a dark corner rules out recharging, even if the fixture is perfectly waterproof.

Which outdoor solar wall light to choose for a facade or a terrace?

For a facade, a terrace or a garden, choose an IP65 LED model, such as the Wally light in white plastic for a wall or the Greta 5-in-1 lamp for outdoors. The IP65 rating indicates protection against dust and water jets.

Both models share the same plastic material and the same built-in LED. Everything comes down to format and installation: the Wally is screwed high up on a facade wall, the Greta stretches out lengthwise on a terrace wall. To see more, browse the selection of solar wall lights, then the whole range of all our lighting fixtures.

Outdoor solar wall light: which one for a facade?

On a facade, the Wally takes up little space and wipes clean with a sponge. Fix it about two metres from the ground to light the passage without glare, and within reach if you need to access the sensor.

Powerful outdoor solar wall light: which criterion to look at?

Look at the protection rating and the LED technology noted on the product sheet, not the most flattering claim on the packaging. An IP65 that withstands dust and water jets matters more for an outdoor solar lamp than a promise of power.

Which waterproof outdoor wall light to install near an exposed entrance?

Near an entrance exposed to rain, screw on an IP65 wall light: the Eior in metal, glass and iron diffuses a warm white light and accepts a dimmer, the Wally stays in white plastic. An IP20 model such as the MODO 1 GX53 is reserved for sheltered walls, indoors.

Waterproof outdoor wall light: what does IP65 mean?

The first digit concerns solids, the second water: IP65 announces a housing sealed against dust and protected against water jets, which corresponds to a facade or terrace wall. It does not allow immersion or cleaning with a high-pressure jet.

When is an IP20 model enough?

An IP20 is content with a sheltered wall, in an indoor entrance, a hallway or a bedroom, where no water spray reaches the fixture. If the wall runs alongside a damp area, prefer the references intended for wet rooms.

Where to install a solar wall light indoors?

Indoors, a solar wall light suits the hallway, the staircase, the toilet, the bedroom and the living room, provided the panel receives daylight. The Wally is specified for these rooms, the MODO 1 GX53 for the living room, the bedroom, the kitchen and the entrance.

If your indoor wall never sees the sun, a mains-connected model is better: indoor wall lighting and LED wall lights need no recharging.

Staircase wall light: where to fix it?

On a staircase, place it at hand height on the end wall, about one metre from the floor, to light the step without shining into your eyes. Repeat the same model on each landing, as in a hallway treated as a series.

Toilet wall light: which format?

For a toilet, a small format is enough: the Wally comes in 12 cm and 18 cm. A white finish in plastic wipes clean quickly, and a warm light avoids the clinical effect in a room where you do not stay long.

Which powerful LED wall light for a living room or an entrance?

The stated power is read in watts: the MODO 1 GX53 and the Eior, two comparable references in this selection. For a living room, favour a model that lights the wall broadly and sits at eye level, without glare.

The MODO 1 GX53 in aluminium adopts a minimalist style and a GX53 socket. The Eior and its warm white light relies on a frame in metal, glass and iron, with a dimmer possible depending on compatibility.

Reading the power of an LED wall light

A watt is not a lumen: at equal power, the result depends on diffusion and distance from the wall. In a living room, two 9 to 10 W points placed facing each other light better than a single stronger model in the centre.

At what height to place a living room wall light?

Around 1.60 m to 1.80 m from the floor, at seated eye level, to light the wall without glare. Fix it directly above a piece of furniture or a picture, and cross the light bounces for a well-distributed living room wall light.

Compare the formats on the product sheet, then add the chosen model to the cart: secure payment, tracked delivery, returns and Designix customer service.

How to match an original, boho or country chic wall light?

On the style side, the collection covers contemporary, minimalist and modern: square or round shapes, colours white, black, brown, beige, taupe or gold, materials aluminium, metal, iron and glass. A country chic wall light pairs with wood and natural fabrics, a boho chic version with warm tones.

The simplest approach is to start from the shape and the material: a square metal frame for a sober interior, a glass wall light for a softer result, or round shapes to break up a very angular room.

Boho chic wall light: which colours?

Go for warm tones and gold details, combined with raw wood, rattan or crumpled linen. A discreet gold holds up better over time than a very yellow brass, which turns over the years.

A country chic wall light in a contemporary interior?

Yes, provided you choose it sober: a black version or an off-white, a thin frame, a simple line. The contemporary wall light then matches light wood furniture as well as white walls.

What are the drawbacks of solar lamps?

A solar lamp depends on its exposure: in the shade or in winter, the battery recharges less and the runtime drops. Its brightness remains modest compared with a mains-connected model, and the battery eventually wears out. It does not replace main lighting in a large room.

These limits can be managed: reserve solar for an entrance, a pillar, a staircase or a bright hallway, and keep a mains model for the living room. The catalogue of designer wall lights also mixes both families, including affordable models for a first try.

How to maintain an outdoor solar wall light so it lasts?

Clean the solar panel and the diffuser with clear water and a soft cloth, without abrasive product, to keep the yield. In winter, let the battery recharge as soon as possible and avoid covering the sensor.

How to clean the solar panel?

A damp cloth is enough to remove dust and insect marks. Do not use alcohol, a scouring sponge or a high-pressure jet: the sensor surface scratches easily and then loses efficiency.

What warranty on a solar wall light?

Most references are covered for 2 years by the manufacturer, some up to 5 years. Keep the invoice and check the period on the sheet of the chosen model, for example on a bedroom wall lamp fitted with a sensor.

Before ordering, compare the format, the material and the protection rating: a modern style living room wall light is not installed like a facade light. Secure payment, tracked delivery, easy returns and Designix customer service support you through to installation.

Frequently asked questions