Frequently Asked Questions - Vortex Solar Shed Light

Question:

I bought two of the solar shed lights about a year ago, but just before new years eve started to chime my shed was broken into and both of the lights was burnt out by vandals . This is most frustrating as its on my allotment patch so I'm unable to do any work now in the winter period after sunset. Do you sell just the lights rather than the Solar Panels . ? Many thanks Lee Evison Allotment holder .
By Lee Evison on Jan 5,2023

Answer:

I am sorry to hear this. Unfortunately, these lights can only be purchased as a whole unit.

Question:

Would this light be suitable to be used each night. IE as it gets dark, would it turn on to light up my garden room and how long would the battery last if it was fully charged. If this product is not suitable for this operation, which other product would you recommend?
By Richard on Jul 4,2021

Answer:

The light from a full charge should run up to 10 hours, however in winter, you might want to change the brightness level so that the product lasts longer throughout winter. You could probably expect up to 6 hours in wintertime. 

 

 

Question:

Hello Is it made in the UK or China?
By Yaz on Dec 7,2020

Answer:

Our products are designed and delivered in the UK but are manufactured in China.

Question:

Could you use this solar light hanging inside from a 9 ft x Army tent pole?. As I want to illuminate my tent. I am using it as a stable for my horse?.
By Anita Etheridge on Oct 8,2020

Answer:

I would not recommend this as the light needs to be fixed to the roof, there isn't a secure way we would recommend to attach it to a pole. 

Question:

I want to use one in a summerhouse. Do you make the shed light with warm white LEDs or is it only bright white?
By Mark Burrows on Sep 14,2020

Answer:

We do have the Beam  which is warm white but does not look like the Vortex. We also have the Richmond. 

Question:

I have 2 sheds so can I Connect 2 lights 2 the 1 Solar panel or do I have 2 by 2 complete sets of the solar lights for the 2 sheds ?
By Kevin Kennedy on Aug 29,2020

Answer:

This isn't possible I am afraid. 

Question:

Can I get heat lights for the solver panel
By Roger spencer on Oct 28,2019

Answer:

I am a little unsure of your question, but the panel can only be used with the Vortex and cannot be used for a heating system. 

Question:

You used to make a PIR version of this light, i have one, Why have you stopped? it is one of the best ligths i ever fitted! How v=can i get a PIR version?
By Stephen Walker on Oct 20,2017

Answer:

We have a much large range or motion sensor lights here  much upgraded and improved since discontinuing the old version. 

Question:

Hello, I'd like to position 2 of these lights in the centre of a high ceiling garage. From reading reviews, I think that I can position the centre on/off and light adjustment switch away from the light unit. Is this correct? How far from the light unit can I position the switch? If it's not enough to reach the pedestrian door, I'll have to purchase a pir alternative. Thank you.
By Mike Morrison on Sep 29,2017

Answer:

The light switch is built into the light head so it's sound like a PIR light would work better for you.

Question:

Can the solar panel be outside of the shed? I'd like to use the light inside as the windows are very small letting in little light. Also I don't want it on at dusk automatically. If I switch it off, will the solar panel still charge so that it will turn on when I physically switch it on?
By Gemma Thomson on Sep 27,2017

Answer:

 

This shed light has a switch on the light unit. The panel must be outside to receive sun light allowing it to charge. The Vortex will only work at night even when the switch is on. If you a light that works in the day and night please look at the beam solar shed light

 

Question:

Hi, I would like these to light a field shelter, as and when required. Would one of these light a 10 foot x 16 foot shelter or would I need to buy two of them. Also, can the light be wall mounted (rather than on the ceiling) so that I can reach to switch them on and off?
By Teresa Hawkin on Jun 26,2017

Answer:

It really depends on how much lights you need. 10x16" is a pretty large space, for me I'd use 2. The wire from the panel to the light is 5 meters so if you want to put the light on a wall you can but the light is unlikely to light the floor if it's not pointing down.

Question:

are batteries replaceable?- ad says yes, Q & A says no!
By tony kavanagh on Feb 12,2017

Answer:

Yes, they are replaceable, many thanks for pointing out the error that's now been corrected!

Question:

Hello, can the cable on this be detached/unplugged for feeding through a drilled hole? Also, does this automatically turn on at dusk? If it does, can that be stopped, as I don't want my garage window being lit up all night.
By Jarrod on Oct 24,2016

Answer:

Yes, the cable is easily detachable for feeding through a hole. If the switch is on it will come on at dusk however you can override this by turning it off.

Question:

Hi, was thinking about buying this product for my chicken shed. If I was to leave it on period, would it damage in any way as I see you have stated that as soon as the solar panel detects light it turns off and charges. In the winter months this will be very handy if I can use it it this way. Thank you Andrea
By Andrea on Sep 14,2016

Answer:

You can leave it on, the only possible downside is that the light will always start each day with flat batteries so if the weather is poor during that day the runtime the following evening will be reduced.

Question:

I have a Vortex Solar Shed Light (haven't unpacked it or installed it yet), I was planning to use this in my bird aviary. I am wondering whether you have a similar light to this Vortex shed light , which has an remote control for switching the light on and off, please? Many thanks, David
By David on Feb 25,2016

Answer:

The only remote controlled light we have currently is the Evo SMD Remote Controlled Solar Floodlight which may be too bright for your aviary. Sorry.

Question:

Just bought this and doesn't seem to work. How do u know if the button is in the off position in order to charge? Not sure if its faulty ?
By Kev on Jan 23,2016

Answer:

The light will charge with the button in the off and on position. The light will not turn on if the solar panel is receiving any kind of charge (from sun or streetlamp). To test this please unplug the light from the solar panel to check if it comes on.

Question:

I am a bit confused about whether the lights should be left on or off and what I should do with them in the summer when I shall never use them. It can't be be good for the rechargeable to be left charging all the time and never discharging.
By S Baker on Dec 6,2015

Answer:

The light should be left on so they can turn on automatically at dusk. It is okay for this unit to keep recharging as solar panel is only trickle charging the batteries and not like your mains in your house.

Question:

Hi, Is this similar to the Porch Light (code: SS7526) that you sold last year? If so is the solar panel bigger? I have the PIR activated porch light which although very good will not work for 4 months of the year due to the small solar panel. If this panel is bigger can I connect it to my porch light? I might buy it just for the bigger panel or do you have a better panel that I can use with my porch light? Thanks.
By David Hayhurst on Dec 4,2015

Answer:

The solar panel is bigger on the Vortex because it is meant to stay on for longer as a light. The Porch only activates when sensing movement so uses less energy. The original smaller solar panel should be more than adequate for the Porch. We would recommend checking the location of the solar panel to make sure it is receiving direct sunlight and is unobstructed during the day.

Question:

will the light come on automatically at dusk or will I have to switch it on and off all the time
By peter povey on Nov 5,2015

Answer:

It will come on automatically at dusk, yes.

Question:

Can I use this on a patio (under a balcony); or is it just for interior use?
By ross on Apr 12,2015

Answer:

This is for interior use in a shed. It is not water proof.

Question:

How bright will this light be compared to the Geo - I kit which you also sell?
By Elaine on Nov 1,2014

Answer:

The Vortex is slightly brighter than the Geo 1 kit when it is set to full brightness. However, the Vortex lacks the run-time and flexibility of the Geo 1 kit.

Question:

Can it be used with a timer? I want to illuminate my hen hut for a couple of hours in morning and again in evening - will it or something like it have timer facility?
By jacky frankland on Oct 13,2014

Answer:

You'll need a 12v kit like the Geo 1 to use with a 12v timer.

Question:

Can the lux sensor be turned off, so the light only comes on when I choose to turn it on? Thanks.
By Christy Evans on Aug 25,2014

Answer:

You cannot turn off the lux sensor however you can unplug the solar panel which will allow the light to work during the day. This means it will not be charging so you must remember to plug the solar panel back in.

Question:

When the light is set to automatically come on when it gets dark, how many lights come on: 12, 24, or 36. And if the batteries are fully charged, how many hours do the 12 lights, 24 lights, or 36 lights stay lit?
By Terry on Jun 24,2014

Answer:

This depends on the setting you have chosen. If you only want 12 to work then chose 12. The next night it will only automatically turn on 12 LEDs. The length of time it will run for depends on how many LEDs you chose to have on. We normally advise that it will go for 6 hours on a full charge.

Question:

Can the light be switched on and off
By P.egan on Feb 13,2014

Answer:

You can turn the light on and off using the button on the front of the unit. You have the the option to light all 36, 24, or 12 LEDs .. or none at all!

Question:

I need a shed light that will come on for 5 mins and is bright as a 60 watt bulb, which do you recommend?
By Debora on Jan 23,2014

Answer:

This light will do the job, it's the brightest shed light we do by some margin.

Question:

Will this light come on automatically when it gets dark and run until it's flat like the solar garden lights do, or do you need to switch it on?
By Tamsin on Jan 23,2014

Answer:

The Vortex has a lux sensor to come on automatically at dark. This was added after much consultation with customers.

Question:

Hi, can the solar panel be mounted on a vertical wall to gain the correct angle to the sun?
By Malcolm on Jan 23,2014

Answer:

Yes, the solar panel can be easily mounted to a wall.