Solar LED Strips

Solar LED strips for outdoors: a continuous line of light with no cables

Solar LED strips are the simplest way to take a line of light into an outdoor space with no power point nearby. Unlike a conventional strip, this solar LED tape is not connected to the mains: it has its own photovoltaic panel and battery, takes in light during the day and comes on as the evening falls. At FactorLED we offer it in one specific format, a 5m solar strip kit with 2700K warm light and IP66 protection, ready to live out in the weather.

What a solar LED strip kit includes

It is a self-contained kit, and that is what makes it convenient: one package holds the three elements the system needs.

• The LED strip, 5 metres long, the part that lights up and is fixed along whatever line you want to mark out.
• The photovoltaic panel, positioned where it gets direct light for as much of the day as possible.
• The battery, which stores the energy captured and gives it back as light when night falls.

Because it comes sized from the factory, there is no consumption to calculate and no power supply to choose: you install it, aim the panel and it works on its own.

What IP66 means out in the weather

The IP66 rating describes two things: the first 6 means total protection against dust and the second, resistance to pressurised water jets. Translated to a garden, it copes with rain, sprinkler irrigation and the terrace hose. It is the level you ask of a solar strip light that is going to stay outside permanently.

2700K: what warm light is for outdoors

2700K corresponds to warm white light, with a yellowish tone, similar to that of a classic incandescent bulb. In a domestic outdoor space it has a clear job: to accompany without dazzling. It is not a light for working, but for creating atmosphere, giving depth to materials such as wood or stone and making a terrace still usable after dinner.

Where to put a solar strip in the garden or on the terrace

Because of its linear format, this garden solar strip light performs well wherever there is an edge, a lip or a border to follow:

• The perimeter of a terrace or a porch, marking out the edge of the floor.
• The inner face of a railing, so you see the light and not the source.
• Under a bench or a planter, with the light bouncing off the paving.
• The edge of a porch eave, as a line of light up above.
• The nosing of an outdoor step or a decking board, marking the change of level.

The rule of thumb is simple: the more hidden the strip and the more visible its reflection, the better the result looks.

How to get the choice right

Check three things before installing: that the 5 metres of run cover the stretch you have in mind, curves included; that the spot chosen for the panel gets direct light and is not shaded; and that the warm 2700K tone is the one you want in that area.

Want to put light in that corner of the garden a cable never reached? Add the 5 metre solar LED strip kit to your order and, if you are unsure about the route or the orientation of the panel, write to us: at FactorLED we will help you plan the installation.

Frequently asked questions

Can the solar LED strip be cut or extended to gain metres?

No. The kit comes sized as a 5 metre set in which strip, panel and battery work together, so it is best to plan the route around that length.

Does it need an electrical installation or a socket nearby?

No. The system is self-contained: the panel captures the energy and the battery stores it, so no power point is required.

Can it stay installed all year round?

Yes. With an IP66 rating it is protected against dust and water jets, so it stands up to rain and garden irrigation.

When does the strip come on?

When daylight fades: it detects the darkness and starts using the energy stored during the day.