FAQs: Truro Solar Motion Light
Frequently asked questions
We have a nearby led street light. Will this prevent the dusk sensor from working?
Asked by David Ward on 17 Jan 2024
This may prevent the dusk sensor from working, it does depend on how close the light is. The only way to really test this would be to purchase one and place it in the area you want to place the light (without fully installing so you can return it) or alternatively find a different place for the light so it will not be near the street light.
Does the light have to be switched ON or OFF to charge for the 1st 3 days ? Having a problem getting it to work.
Asked by Ellie on 31 Dec 2023
Hello, Please charge your light in the off posistion for 3 - 5 days before installing your light.
How long does the light stay on when activated as we have one which has now stopped working and are looking for one that stays on more than a few seconds
Asked by Christine Stackhouse on 20 Dec 2023
Once activated this light stays on for 30 seconds after a single trigger. We do have others which stay on longer, such as our EVO SMD
Hello, Could you conform the lumens for this light please, and also would I need to purchased the mentioned batteries separately for the light to function ? Many Thanks
Asked by Robert on 2 Nov 2023
Hi Robert, The lumens on this light is 80 the battery come with this light so only after a few years if the battery runs flat you may need to replace it.
Hello, does this come with a battery which is charged by the solar panel or do we have to buy a battery alongside this purchase? How often do you have to re-charge the battery?
Asked by Katherine on 30 Oct 2023
Hi Katherine, the light come with a rechargable battery in it. We would suggestto place the light in a sunny position in the switched off position for 3 to 5 days let the battery gather a charge and then turn it on should work nicely. The light will only need to be switched off left to charge when we have those dark gloomy winted days.
Hi my light has a Lithium battery do you stock it and can i buy from you Many thanks
Asked by Steve Kelly on 11 Sep 2023
Hello. Here is the link for the bettery for this light: https://www.thesolarcentre.co.uk/products/SolarCentre_18650_2600mAh_Lithium_Ion_Rechargeable_Battery-857-5.html
Hi. Can you tell me how long the light stays on when activated and can it be adjusted? Thanks
Asked by David Haywood on 10 Sep 2023
This light stays on for 30 seconds after a single trigger.
Hi do you stock the batteries for the Truro solar motion Light. Many thanks
Asked by Steve Kelly on 9 Sep 2023
Hello, Thank you for your question. We do yes, https://www.thesolarcentre.co.uk/products/SolarCentre_18650_2600mAh_Lithium_Ion_Rechargeable_Battery-857-5.html
Hello there, How long do these stay on for once activated? And are they likely to come on and off repeatedly on a windy night if near a bush that is moving?
Asked by conor on 6 Sep 2023
Hi, This light stays on for 30 seconds after a single trigger. If the bush that is moving is within the motion dection zone then yes there is a chance it will continue to trigger this.
What is the IP rating? Thanks.
Asked by Angus on 27 Aug 2023
Hello. The Ip rating for the Truro is IP44.
My Solar Motion Light has stopped working.. It has been in use for some years so I suspect the battery needs replacing. Is there a particular type of 18650 battery that it needs? They seem to have different mAh
Asked by Richard Peters on 24 Aug 2023
It should be an 18650 battery, 2000mAh
Can the batteries be replaced and how many run this unit?
Asked by Karen on 7 May 2023
Hi, The battery in the Truro can be replaced by unscrewing the cap on the underside of the unit, removing the screws, and simply removing the battery to replace it. The step-by-step instructions can be viewed here: https://www.thesolarcentre.co.uk/PDF/instructions/Truro-Solar-Motion-Light-Instructions.pdf
Is the light solar panel on the top of the light?
Asked by Nick on 14 Feb 2023
Hi Nick, Yes, the whole flat surface top of the light is the solar panel
To be absolutely certain: These lights are OFF when there is no movement? Not dim! (I want them OFF)
Asked by Steve on 15 Nov 2021
Correct, the light is off when no motion is detected.
Can the sensor be adjusted/turned so that it picks up motion at an angle?
Asked by Barry Turnbull on 14 Nov 2021
It cannot unfortunately
What battery do I need to replace it.?
Asked by Don Kirk on 18 Oct 2021
Please open the unit and double-check as the type of battery that this unit uses was changed. You will either need AA batteries or a Lithium battery.
Hi Is there an option to turn the light off so it does Not pick up motion if you are entertaining
Asked by Alison on 20 Jun 2021
There is an on/off switch button on this light.
is there a setting to turn them on so they are constantly illuminated? or is it only periodically with motion detection? and is it only motion activated at night or all day? and roughly how long is it illuminated before it times out?
Asked by terry on 8 Jun 2021
This light will only illuminate every time it detects motion and it will stay on for approximately 30 seconds. It works only when is dark.
how long does the light stay on once it detects motion?
Asked by Richard Harriman on 3 Jun 2021
The light will stay on for 30 seconds after a single trigger.
can the motion detection range be reduced
Asked by thomas williams on 9 May 2021
I am afraid not, it cannot be adjusted.
Can the detectors angle be changed?
Asked by Maisie on 17 Apr 2021
I am afraid not, the range of the PIR sensor cannot be changed.
Hi. Can you please advise if these lights are suitable for attaching to fence?
Asked by Lee on 8 Mar 2021
Yes, these lights can be installed on a fence.
How much sunlight does it need? Can it be placed in a shady area under trees? Many thanks
Asked by Julie Bartlett on 25 Feb 2021
I am afraid not. The light needs to receive some direct daylight without any shadows and obstructions.
Hi, please can you tell me if this it fitted to a wall by slotting the light down on a plate, like a clip that slots behind a small raised plate?
Asked by Jamie Wyatt on 25 Jan 2021
The backplate screws onto the wall and then the light is attached.
Will this only light up once motion detected? Will it give a solid light, may be dimmed to display the house no. and bright up once motion detected?
Asked by SMJ on 6 Jan 2021
This light does not come on dimly, once motion has ceased the light will turn off.
What bulbs are used? I've just ordered the lights.
Asked by Rebekah on 28 Nov 2020
The light comes with a bulb installed.
How long does the light stay on once motion is detected?
Asked by Caroline on 8 Oct 2020
The light will stay on for 30 seconds after a single trigger.
Where can I get replacement battery for this model, it doesn't seem to come up in the search results (description copied from the back of the light)???
Asked by S Doyle on 28 Aug 2020
The batteries can be found here
Do you have backplates for a corner fixing of this light
Asked by Mungo Ferguson on 13 Jul 2020
No sorry, this can only be fixed onto flat surfaces.
Do you supply the batteries for the Truro wall solar light my lights are a Gray colour where can I get them from
Asked by Janet on 29 Jun 2020
Yes we do supply the batteries, please do check before purchasing as the batterires recently changed. They were these however they recently changed to these
Hi, looking to put one of these lights down the side alley of our house. Will the sensor pick up a puppy and light up the alley way?
Asked by Brad on 7 May 2020
Please do make sure that the alley is not north facing and covered by anything at all or heavily shaded. There might be trial and error as to how high it goes to find the pup.
will this light work if placed under a porch
Asked by peter stanley on 27 Apr 2020
No, it will not work and we do not recommend this.
Can this light be fixed to wooden fence posts
Asked by Paul on 15 Mar 2020
Yes you are able to fix these to fencing posts/panels.
Will these lights operate at night when the street lights come on? . Does it have a photoreceptor that detects night and daylight. My challenge is that the streetlights seem to prevent my lights working.
Asked by Mike Ogilvie on 12 Mar 2020
If there is any artificial light getting onto the panel in the evening it will assume it is daytime and will not come on in the evening, so please make sure it is clear of any lamps.
How do you adjust the detection range, I have a public footpath in front of my house and would like to stop the light coming on unless somebody steps in the direction of my door?
Asked by Brendan Kelly on 4 Mar 2020
The Truro Motion cannot be adjusted. The lights that can be adjusted are in the SMD range.
Is the range adjustable? How is that done? What are the limits of adjustment?
Asked by Michael Reid on 29 Feb 2020
The range is 6m, this cannot be adjusted on the Truro Motion. There are other security lights such as EVO SMD Range which you can adjust the range.
Hi, do you do this light in a black finish?
Asked by Amy on 23 Feb 2020
Currently, have no plans for a black version
How long does it stay on once activated? Is this adjustable?
Asked by Louise on 11 Jan 2020
It comes on for 30 seconds, this is not adjustable. You can adjust our SMD Range.
Can you please let me know the IP rating of this light fitting.
Asked by David Edwards on 25 Nov 2019
The rating would be IP44
I have taken a picture of my porch. If I purchase the Truro Solar Motion light I need to know where best to put it. If you email me I'll send you a picture and perhaps you could advise? Thank-you, Andrew
Asked by Andrew Harrington on 23 Nov 2019
We would be happy to help! Drop us an email to suzie@thesolarcentre.co.uk and we will have a look at the best place. Before sending the photo, please be mindful that if your porch is north facing we would not recommend the Truro, so please if it is north facing we would recommend another light.
Hi I have just received the Truro motion light, do I need to change the battery before I install it and do I need to turn it in to charge?
Asked by Mj Olaguera on 13 Oct 2019
The Truro Motion battery will not need changing, we just recommend leaving it in the 'off' position outside and charging for 3 days. Please do not charge behind glass or situate the light in a north facing location.
Does the solar panel on the Truro Solar Motion light need occasional CLEANING? If so, with what eg a cloth and warm water?
Asked by Robin Howells on 24 Jul 2019
Warm soapy water is perfect for cleaning solar panels.
Will a car pulling on the drive trigger the PIR?
Asked by Paul on 3 Jul 2019
Yes, a car would trigger the light is within range.
Does the field of detection include going straight down? So, if this light was placed directly above a door would someone taking one step out of the door be enough to trigger the light so they can then see to lock the door?
Asked by Alison on 14 Jan 2019
The PIR is positioned at the front of the light so will not be able to pick up movement directly below it but will be able to approximately 2-3 steps in front.
Are these units suitable for fixing above head height?
Asked by James Ostler on 10 Jan 2019
Yes.
As the detection distance cannot be adjusted on the unit, would it be possible to reduce the distance by placing a home-made shield over the sensor to reduce the detection radius? Has anyone at your company tried this?
Asked by EdcA on 31 Dec 2018
Yes. that would work, electric tape works to block the detection.
Do these lights light up dimly after dusk and again brighten more when they detect motion? Can you please explain the mechanism?
Asked by Teknas on 19 Dec 2018
No, these are just motion activated.
Can the range be reduced - 6m will mean that passers by will activate it. I need it to activate at about 2m.
Asked by Val on 12 Nov 2018
Unfortunately, the range is not adjustable.
Is there a battery that can be replaced, as mine has stopped working despite being in direct sunlight
Asked by JOhn Bishop on 6 Nov 2018
You can buy a replacement battery here
How is this fixed to the wall / fence? It looks like there is a back plate attachment? Just wondering if I'm going to have to penetrate through my fence panel to the neighbour's side!
Asked by Philip on 30 Oct 2018
Most people install them on fence posts vs the fence itself, the light has a back plate that you screw to a wall or post then attach the light onto the plate.
Please can you tell me what the lumens are for the Truro PIR solar wall light, thank you
Asked by Julie Brean on 16 Oct 2018
80Lumens.
Can you set amount of time the light stays on once it has detected movement ?
Asked by Alan Weatherley on 6 Oct 2018
The Truro Motion stays on for approximately 30 seconds after it stops detecting motion. Our SMD range offers adjustable timings.
Hi, Is the Truro light available in white to match my UPVC door and windows. Thanks.
Asked by shaun Langham on 23 Jul 2018
No sorry, only in the metal/stainless steel finish.
I have been a long term fan of solar. I have 2 large panels can i link these panels in a sunnier spot to keep the light ok during winter. They are internal panels only. Thaknyou jonathan. I am a bit of a techie.
Asked by Jonathan Vincent on 20 May 2018
The panel is part of the light for the Truro Motion Light.
Hi My front door is under a porch so there would be no direct sunlight. Would it be possible to bypass the solar panel on this light and use an external panel to charge the battery? If so, which of your solar panels would be suitable? Thanks
Asked by Franz on 30 Jan 2018
All solar lights will charge even without direct sunlight, so it really depends on how much light would get to the panel along with the usage of the light. The solar panel is built into the light and can not remove. Our remote panel range can be found here
Can you turn the light on constantly if you want to have it on for an evening outside or is it only motion sensor? Also how long does the light stay on after the motion sensor has been set off? Thanks
Asked by Rachael on 30 Dec 2017
The Truro Motion is only triggered via motion. The Truro Motion stays on for approximately 30 seconds after it stops detecting motion.
What size is the battery? AA or AAA ? Thanks
Asked by Peter on 26 Nov 2017
The Truro Motion has a Litihium Ion 18650 battery.
Hi. I'm looking to install this to the side of my porch to illuminate the door when unlocking it, but it will be approx 1.5m to the right of the door. Do you think it will provide sufficient light to see keys and the lock? Thanks.
Asked by Phil on 20 Nov 2017
It's hard to say, the higher the light the greater the spread of light. I would recommend testing the location with the light before fully install it.
Hi, I've noticed in the FAQ's of the non motion light that that the panel is protected by a film is this the case with the motion ones too? Thanks
Asked by Craig Barber-Ball on 8 Nov 2017
The Truro Motion doesn't have a film on the panel so you can remove it from plastic protection bag and install.
I was just wondering how effective the panel would be because the soffits under the roof overhang the wall. To me,this would block daylight from reaching the panel and would therefore not charge sufficiently.
Asked by Pat on 29 Oct 2017
It sounds like it could be a problem, the more direct sunlight the better. This light uses a PIR and only comes on when movement is picked up so it would depend on how often the light is likely to trigger vs how much charge you will need.
Is this a warm white light? I notice the spec for the non pir version states a lumen rating of 4000. Some websites suggest this is more like a neutral white colour? Bit confused!
Asked by K Ellerbrook on 28 Sep 2017
The LED colour temperature is 4000K making it a warm white light output and the same and the non motion Truro.
How long will the battery last - is there a warranty on the battery life - is the battery replaceable?
Asked by Mr Simmonds on 8 Sep 2017
We would expect the battery to last a least 2-3 years. The warranty is 12months. The battery is easily replaceable
What height should I install solar light on front wall of a bungalow.
Asked by eddie hughes on 1 Aug 2017
Between 1.5 -2m off the ground. The higher off the ground the more spread of light. We always suggest testing the lights position before permanently installing.
when charging for first 3 days , should the unit be off? Ian
Asked by Ian Orr on 28 Jul 2017
For the best results allow to charge for 3 days with the light switched off.
When activated, how long does the light stay on. Need it on new porch to light while we unlock the door and if anyone comes to the door, but not all night.
Asked by Mrs C A Molloy on 6 May 2017
The Truro Motion should be perfect for this job as it stays on for approximately 30 seconds after it stops detecting motion.
Good afternoon,can you advise how many seconds/minutes the light stays on for once activated before it goes off again ? Many Thnks.
Asked by Jason Cannon on 4 May 2017
The Truro Motion will stay activated for approximately 30 seconds after it stops detecting motion.
hello what is the range of the truro solar motion light?
Asked by Danny on 20 Mar 2017
It has an up to 6m detection range, there's a diagram that forms part of the image gallery that may help further.
hello can u adjust the detection range on the truro solar motion light?
Asked by Danny on 18 Mar 2017
You can't, the first light in the range that has adjustments is the Evo SMD .
My front door is too close to a public cut way so the 6m range is too far and will constantly be on and off, drawing attention to the door. I also do not like the style of the Evo SMD. Do you have a solar light that can be operated by a switch in the house when light is required there. I have no electricity points by the door thus solar is ideal.
Asked by Paul Cooper on 26 Feb 2017
The only remote control light we have is the Evo SMD, we do have the Shield which is adjustable. See it here
Hi, will the light still work as I have a street lamppost just in front of the driveway, the distance is about 4 and a half meters roughly. But the area where I'm going to put the light is still dark, but there is a tiny bit of spill from the lamp.
Asked by Zak Hussain on 26 Feb 2017
Hi Zak, it sounds likely it would work but just depends on how much light would hit the sensor which in built into the panel. It would be best to test the location before installing.
Does the light switch off during daylight? Ie is it a dusk to dawn function?
Asked by Deb on 6 Dec 2016
Yes, the light will only detect motion and activate after dusk.
How long does the light stay on for after being tripped by motion? I need more than 30 seconds ideally.
Asked by Jules on 1 Dec 2016
The Truro Motion activates for approximately 30 seconds after motion ceases. You may be better of going with the Evo SMD which has adjustable PIR options.
Does it use batteries, if so do you sell them
Asked by Bernadette Farrell on 23 Nov 2016
Yes, it uses 1 x 3.7v Li-ion battery, we don't sell these at present however we have plans to add them to the range in the future.
What is the approx range of the sensor?
Asked by David on 11 Nov 2016
The Truro Motion has a range of up to 6m.
Is the range of the PIR adjustable?
Asked by Andy on 28 Oct 2016
The Evo SMD is the first security light in our range with adjustable detection settings.
Should my light come on when I turn the switch to "on" or do I have to wait the 3 days for it to charge? Another stupid question I know!!
Asked by James on 15 Oct 2016
There's probably some charge in the battery from new however we always recommend the 3 day charge to top the battery up. It should only activate after dark with the switch in the on position.
Just bought 4 with motion sensor ... how long do they need to charge the first time ? And will they charge in cloudy weather
Asked by Thomas on 14 Oct 2016
At this time of year it's worth giving them 3 days to fully top the battery up. After this they should see you through winter as they'll have plenty of spare in the battery. As with all lights they do charge on cloudy days, the amount just varies with the thickness of the cloud.
Can you tell me the range of the motion sensor please
Asked by David. Hewett on 11 Oct 2016
We've added a diagram to the site showing the full dimensions.
Hi, Can you tell me if you can supply this light in Black?
Asked by Michael on 5 Oct 2016
I am sorry but this is not available in black and there are no plans to release a black version.
Hi, in order to charge my new Truro motion light for the first time should the switch be on or off ? Stupid question I know.
Asked by Simon on 24 Sep 2016
This is not a stupid question as a number of solar products will not charge in the off position however we have designed the Truro motion so that it will charge in the off position.
Hi. Is this just controlled via motion or is there also a photocell in there to hold off the light during daytime? Cheers.
Asked by David Evans on 18 Aug 2016
Yes, the Truro Motion light will only activate when motion is detected at night.
Hi is the lower white circle clear or frosted same question for underneath the light and does it have 4 lights thanks
Asked by R cox on 6 Jun 2016
It is frosted glass. It has 1 SMD bulb.
Hi, My front door faces north. Which solar light is most suitable? Also, how do they work in winter? Thank you.
Asked by J Doran on 16 Mar 2016
This light would not be suitable for the mentioned location. We would recommend a light/security light which has a separate (connected via cable) solar panel so that you can position the solar panel where it will get direct sunlight.