Frequently asked questions
Are these washable ? I live in the North of RpEngland and we get a lot of rain. If these get algae on them, can I wash them?
Asked by Lesley KIRKHAM on 28 Nov 2025
Hi, Yes you can wash them with some light washing up liquid and a soft cloth
Can these float on a swimming pool? thx
Asked by nargess gharani on 23 Nov 2025
Hello, Yes, they can float but they cannot be submerged in water.
Hi Are these heavy,if put outside on patio will they blow away in wind Thanks
Asked by Lesley barr on 30 Jun 2024
Hi there, the light weighs about 1.8 kg and there is stake included which can hold it in place. There are small feet on the bottom of the light that will keep it stabilised and prevent it from being blown away.
Hi, I want to put these on top of the piers in an outside wall, were is the solar panel please?
Asked by Pete on 2 Jun 2024
The solar panel is within the unit, located in the base.
How long do you get light with one full charge , for indoor use . Thank you
Asked by colleen lynott on 1 Jan 2024
Thank you for your question. The light will automatically turn off after 7 hours to save the battery. Shapelights will work for 7 nights from a full USB charge without any help from the sun. If you are plugging in your light to work from the mains it will just stay on until it is switched off.
Hi I have charged up first with USB - put in the garden but it is not lighting up in the dark - I don't understand the rubber switch to alter indoor or outdoor mode - please advise
Asked by louise on 12 Nov 2023
Hi Louise, after charging the light via USB and placing it in the outdoor mode (sun mode) please hold the on and off button down for 6 seconds for the light to actually switch on when it detects darkness
charged batterys as instructed switch lights on worked fine tested light sencer.in darkend room
Asked by J THOMAS on 30 Aug 2023
Hello. Please email our customer support centre for help at info@thesolarcentre.co.uk, one of our advisors will be able to help you.
I live high up and there's a lot of wind, which is strong. I want to put these on the decking up there but worried the wind will move them, any suggestions on how I could stabilise them to avoid this Tks
Asked by Anne on 26 Aug 2023
I would reconsider the location, as you can stake them into the ground with the stake provided, however the legs provided (whilst they may offer stability for it to not roll off) will not be able to secure the light to the surface.
How do I set the light to stay on one particular colour?
Asked by Lee Ferguson on 16 Aug 2023
Hi Lee, You simply press the circular button on the base until you find the colour you like, and leave it. You do not have to "set" the colour per se, just switch to it. The order is as follows: Red Green Blue Pink Lime Green Purple Light Blue Lilac Blue (the light will continually cycle through the different colours). Bright Warm White (brighter setting with shorter run-times unless plugged in indoors) Bright White (brighter setting with shorter run-times unless plugged in indoors)
Charged sphere balls by usb for the first time as instructed when new. Put outside and double checked they are switched to outdoor, however, lights not automatically coming on. I have to switch on manually. If they are charged, switched to outdoor mode why will they not automatically come on. Do they need to have so much sunlight when they have been fully charged by usb for the first time. Please could you advise as will need more in the future but now not sure. Thanks.
Asked by Janice Oram on 16 Jul 2023
Hi Janice, If the Spheres detect any artificial or natural light on the panel, they will not switch on. This is because solar lights are designed to charge from daylight and work in the absence of it. You can test them in an indoor, dark space, just to see if they'll switch on every night.
Hi ,how are they. Maim so powered , what is lumpen ratting , and K of the white light ?
Asked by Don moore on 19 Feb 2023
These lights come with the option to be charged by mains via the USB port. They do not have a lumen rating, as they are classed as decorative lights. These lights have the following colours, red, green, blue, green, purple, pink, light blue, white & warm white.
Is there a hand control?
Asked by Jon Davies on 2 Feb 2023
You would need to manually turn them on by the switch before they automatically come on.
Hi there I have bought three of these from you but lost the lead to charge them , do you have any replacement leads you could send me at all . Kind regards Sarah
Asked by Sarah yates on 2 Jan 2023
Hi There, Im sorry to hear that, You can purchase them on our website: If you click here .
is there any possibility you sell the charger for this separate.
Asked by shannon on 22 Dec 2022
We do indeed , if you click here .
Would the light be sufficient to read by in the evening?
Asked by Christine Panks on 30 Aug 2022
Hi Christine. These lights do not have a lumen rating. However, they should be bright enough to use as a reading light.
Do you think it feasible that these could be solar charged outside during the day and then brought inside for a few hours mood lighting at night during winter?
Asked by Rebecca Graves on 27 Aug 2022
Hi Rebecca. Yes, you can charge this light up outside and bring the light indoors to use. Make sure your light is switched to the sun icon on the bottom, then when you bring it inside switch it to the house icon.
I can't seem to get my light to change through the range of colours?
Asked by Ian Betts on 12 Aug 2022
Hi Ian. The button on the bottom can be clicked and the colours can be circled through. I would suggest doing this when you have the house icon switched on.
I bought a solar shape light for my daughter in February or March this year. She charged it once and kept it indoors . We have tried to charge it again and put it on home settting. The light is red but will not charge. Can you advise? Thank you. Catherine Fearon
Asked by Catherine Fearon on 10 Jun 2022
Hi Catherine. To switch the light on indoors, please make sure that the switch is on the house icon. The button must also be held down for the light to come on. Should your issues continues, please contact our support team.
Hi, I know the warranty is for 12 months but how long is the predicted lifespan for the shape lights? We got one and think it's great so thinking of buying another but want to know how long we can expect them to last. Thanks
Asked by Sophie on 31 May 2022
Hi Sophie. We base the life of the light on the battery. The battery life is around 2-3 years depending on usage. The batteries in these lights can also be replaced.
Hi i have been trying to charge my pebble light outside and bring it in to use in the living room but it doesn't light up when it's dark
Asked by Victoria Manning on 2 May 2022
Hi Victoria. Please make sure when you are charging your light outside that the light is switched to the sun icon on the base. Then when you bright your light indoors you have it switched to the house icon.
Hi once it's set on outdoor setting and put on required colour do you leave it on and it will come on every night , or do u have to turn on and off every night pls?
Asked by Wendyhopkins on 25 Mar 2022
Hi Wendy. If you are using your light outdoors, you will be able to leave the light switched to the sun icon and leave it in position. Your light will then come on as soon as the solar panel detects darkness and stay on throughout the night.
Hi If I just want to use these while I am on the patio but not at other times so when I come indoors I can turn them off ? Also can they be on a timer ie from dusk for 3 hours for example. Thank you
Asked by Alan on 10 Mar 2022
Hi Alan. These lights do come with an on/off switch. You can also use them as an outdoor dusk till dawn light, you would just need to switch to the sun icon on the base and place your light outside.
Can you tell me how you select the colours. I.e. are there seven separate colours that are static or can you wait for the whole range to cycle through and effectively freeze the colour on the shade that you like? I know this sounds like a unnecessary question I just would like something that is a sort of sunset orange colour and I can't tell from your video if I can have that selected in static mode.
Asked by Sally on 3 Mar 2022
Hi Sally. Yes, you can select a static colour with these lights as well as have them run through a cycle.
How long should it take to get the light fully charged.?
Asked by Debbie on 6 Feb 2022
Hi Debbie. For a full USB charge, it will take 5-6 hours of charge. A full charge via the solar panel can take 3-5 days.
can i have these permanently connected to a power source via the usb so that they can remain in place
Asked by mark hemsworth on 16 Jan 2022
Hi Mark. Yes, please remove the battery from these lights and then you can have the light continuously plugged into a USB source.
Hello, I want to use this on a cobbled driveway, can it be fixed without the spike at all?
Asked by Avril Coe on 29 Dec 2021
Hi Avril. These lights come with a ground spike, there will be no way to be fixed your light to a cobbled driveway.
Hi, Can these be used on a pond as a floating light? Thanks
Asked by Richard Chilvers on 4 Oct 2021
I am afraid not.
Can i install these directly connected to a switch supply in the garden Neil
Asked by Neil on 2 Sep 2021
I am afraid not, it won't be possible.
The light goes through all the different colours, but how do i get it to stay on 1 speciific colour?
Asked by Angela Steele on 28 Jul 2021
You have to click on the circular button to change a colour/mode.
Hi I have just bought 4 of the large pebble lights and they are not changing colour. I have tried all the advice from the questions already asked.
Asked by Karen Maddock on 11 Jul 2021
Please click on this video: https://youtu.be/AkMIRcmZBsc
I have 6 Kodiax mini lights on my fence but I wish a recommendation for my new Astro turf to full enhance it but don't wish to spike it any suggestions I am awaiting another mini light
Asked by John Kean on 6 Jul 2021
Please look into the spotlights or post lights.
Usb charging for the first time. How many hours should it be charged for?
Asked by Barrie Waugh on 15 Jun 2021
You should charge this unit until the light goes green.
Does the shape light automatically change colour on its own
Asked by Jean Pearson on 19 Mar 2021
You will need to put them on the colour stated in the instructions under 'operating your Shapelight' it will then automatically colour change.
Hi, can I have these turned on permanently when outdoors connected to mains?
Asked by Jacob Lee on 17 Mar 2021
Hi, if you leave them on the indoor mode, the lights will stay on permanently unless you switch them off manually. The run time is 60 hours once the light has been fully charged, via a USB cable.
We live on the East coast of Scotland. Our garden does not get a lot of sun. How long would I expect to get from the lights? And, how dark does it have to be for them to work? We have street lights beside us which shine into the garden, would that stop the lights coming on? Thank you.
Asked by joyce moyes on 21 Jan 2021
The Shapelights have the USB function so if you find they are struggling weather wise you can bring it in and charge it and be up and running gain. The streetlights may affect the light if it is on solar mode, but using indoor mode will help the Shapelight ignore any lights outside.
We've lost the mains charger! Can you supply us a new one? We hope so as we love our large Shapelight!
Asked by Andy Rees on 10 Dec 2020
Yes we sell our USB chargers on the website if you look at https://www.thesolarcentre.co.uk/products/Shapelights_USB_Charging_Cable-893-5.html this should lead you to the cable.
I had it on a colour changing setting (that went through all the colours) but somehow lost it. I thought it was five quick clicks, but now I can't find it. Can you help?
Asked by Camilla Yavas on 22 Oct 2020
Please refer to the instructions, it will be the light blue colour.
How well do these work in the winter?
Asked by Sarah Hobson on 4 Oct 2020
All our lights are designed to work in winter, as this is a USB light it can be charged via the USB cable to provide consistant brightness throughout the winter. If just charging via solar power, run time or brightness can be reduced.
Should we switch our Shapelight solar lights to the off position if storing in shed over winter? Thank you. They are wonderful by the way.
Asked by Penny Phillips on 25 Sep 2020
Glad you love the lights. You do not need to store them away, you can continue to use them all year round. If you do wish to store them please remove the battery.
How many Lumens?
Asked by Ben on 19 Sep 2020
This is a decorative light and so doesn't have a lumen rating
I've got three of these balls and one has stopped lighting up but I can't find the usb lead. Am I able to just purchase a new lead to charge it? Thank you
Asked by Joanne Hawker on 15 Sep 2020
Yes, they can be purchased here
Do they withstand freezing / sub zero temps?
Asked by Sammy KENDALL on 2 Sep 2020
Our lights are made to withstand UK weather conditions
If I bought more than 1 light, as thinking of buying 10: Can I operate all 10 with the one remote or do I need to set the colours individually?
Asked by Trevor on 30 Aug 2020
The Shapelight does not come with remote control, so once you have got all your setting sorted they will just work automatically for you. Our shimmer range have the remote control.
Do you have to buy any other accessories if you want to rely solely on solar charging the batteries?
Asked by Alex Fuller on 19 Aug 2020
No. There is a solar panel inside this unit and can be charged through the daylight/sunlight.
Can this be used as part of a water feature, where the lights are part submerged in water?
Asked by Sophie on 17 Aug 2020
I love the idea but sadly the light is not designed to be submerged.
Can you please tell me the sizes? If I "add to basket" I have no idea what size I'm ordering.
Asked by Colin Leach on 9 Aug 2020
Shapelights Sphere: 35cm diameter Shapelights Mini Sphere: 16cm high, 20cm wide
Can the orb be hung in a tree? Thank you.
Asked by Stuart on 30 Jul 2020
The light is designed to sit on the floor or table and comes with a ground spike. You could try using ropes with the spike but again it's not been designed to be hung.
Is the white light a warm white or a cold white. ? What is the K rating?
Asked by Charles Carey-Morgan on 26 Jul 2020
Can be set on bright white or bright warm white.
Were can i bye the usb lead from bought the light did not have a lead many thanks
Asked by Maz on 7 Jul 2020
please click on the link https://www.thesolarcentre.co.uk/products/Shapelights_USB_Charging_Cable-893-5.html
How do I replace the battery. 1 of my 3 lights isn't working.
Asked by Lori Farrugia on 27 Jun 2020
To replace the battery remove the base from your Shapelight and place it on a stable flat surface with the solar panel facing up. Unscrew the 6 screws that surround the solar panel and gently lift off the piece that holds the solar panel. Remove the battery and replace it with a new 18650 3.7V rechargeable Lithium Ion battery. For more information, please refer to the instructions.
How do you get the light to cycle to the ditferent colours, if we set it on a colour it doesn't,t move on. We don,t want just one colour please advise how to get it to go from colour to colour.
Asked by Mrs E Hubbard on 16 Jun 2020
Press the power button nine times till it gets to the second time going blue (not light blue) and then it wil cycle automatically through from there
we bought a spherical mood light its not doing an automatic cycle its having to be changed manually ? thanks kim
Asked by kim on 13 Jun 2020
Press the power button nine times to cycle through the colours to another blue thats on the ninth time of pressing the power button and will cycle trhough automatically from then.
If switched off will it still be gathering solar charge?
Asked by Sue Dancey on 7 Jun 2020
Shapelights will still charge outside even if switched off.
Can the lights stay out in the rain or do they need to be brought indoors?
Asked by Tracey on 21 May 2020
They can both be indoor and outdoor and are waterproof and designed for the rain.
Are they entirely waterproof? If so, how long is the guarantee if left in the garden in a bright spot indefinitely? Thanks
Asked by Scott Hewer on 13 May 2020
Yes they are and light has a standard 12 month warranty.
Is it waterproof for rain?
Asked by David on 12 May 2020
Yes it is fine with rain and has an IP67 rating.
Hi, how big is the spike please . We have a hard pavement on our terrace. It's quite expose and can be windy so need to be secured to the ground. I'm thinking if it is possible to put the spike into the junction of the 4 square hard pavement..
Asked by vanessa on 9 May 2020
The length of the spike is 7.5 inches.
I own the mini sphere and it's great, thinking of getting a larger light or two, are they brighter than the mini? Thank you.
Asked by Dan on 7 May 2020
Yes they are brighter, however given the increase in the size of the sphere, they both appear to have the same brightness.
Can the mood Light sphere be mounted on a brick gate collumns cusing scews and plugs. The Mood lights are intended for gate lights.
Asked by Leo oerlemans on 3 Mar 2020
Not really as you would need to screw the base down and if you ever wanted to USB charge them again you would need to undo the screws, so it is not really recomended.
How much does the light weigh? Our garden is quite exposed and it can get very windy so I would be worried about it being blown around and getting damaged.
Asked by Elaine on 29 Jan 2020
They are 1.85 kg and if you use the spike to secure them into the ground you should not have a problem. We have not had any reports of these being blow around at all.
Does the spherical solar mood light come with a spike on which to mount it? If not what diameter stake would best fit it?
Asked by Veronica Brewer on 29 Nov 2019
This comes with a spike so it can be pushed into soil.
Do you deliver to mainland Spain?
Asked by GAIL on 22 Nov 2019
Yes we do!
Does the light need to be on any particular setting to solar charge? I've been trying to get it to charge for several days but it's not working .
Asked by Corinne Mason on 3 Sep 2019
Yes, outdoor mode will allow the light to charge.
can these be linked to a solar panel if placed under some bushes
Asked by andy on 14 Aug 2019
The solar panel is within the light so it's not ideal to place them in shaded areas. You could test the location and just top up via USB once a week or so.
Hi, I am looking to use this in a commercial setting outdoors. I would prefer to have them permanently plugged in to mains, is this possible and will it affect it's life span? Is the light still completely waterproof if plugged in to mains? Thanks
Asked by Lyn on 6 Aug 2019
Having them on charge all the time will not limit the life span but USB charging is designed indoor or fairweather charging outdoor. A full charge will result in up to 50hrs or about 7days and will last longer with solar charging on top.
Hi, how do you care for these to keep them clean, can you use household cleaners or should you use soapy water only? Thanks
Asked by Steve on 3 Aug 2019
We would recommend warm soapy water.
How do you set the light so that it cycles through the colours?
Asked by Sallyanne Tyler on 28 Jul 2019
Press the power button until the light turns Blue (the light will continually cycle through the different colours)
How do you get the light to morph into different colours? Or does it just work as one colour at any one time ??
Asked by Sarah Davis on 1 Jul 2019
They can be set to gently cycle through red, green, blue, green, purple, pink and light blue or you can set them to stay on your favourite colour.
Hi how do you get the shape light to change colours? Do you have to press the button so many times.
Asked by Gina Aneke on 19 Jun 2019
The order of button presses is then as follows: Red Green Blue Pink Lime Green Purple Light Blue Lylac Blue (the light will continually cycle through the different colours). Bright Warm White (brighter setting with shorter run-times unless plugged in indoors) Bright White (brighter setting with shorter run-times unless plugged in indoors) To turn your Shapelight off, simply press and hold the Power/Mode button.
Hi. Can the sphere be switched off manually if you don,t want it on all night?
Asked by Chrissie Drew on 8 Jun 2019
Yes, To turn your Shapelight off, simply press and hold the Power/Mode button.
Hi bought 2 of these but lost the instructions can you tell me how to put them on cycle please
Asked by Mark Chillcott on 30 May 2019
Please find a full copy of the instructions here
Hello What is the base wrench for ?
Asked by David on 8 May 2019
It's to open the base if you wish to install the ground spike.
How do I remove the base, mine does not twist at all
Asked by Marilyn Robertson on 17 Apr 2019
The light comes with a wrench for removing the bass.
What is the size of this please ?
Asked by Michael on 8 Apr 2019
Shapelights Sphere : 35cm diameter