Solarpuff FAQ's
What is the SolarPuff™ made of?
The SolarPuff™ is a U.S. patented product comprised of four (4) main components: (1) a solar panel that captures photons from sunlight; (2) a rechargeable internal lithium- ion battery that stores power; (3) LED bulbs that produce the light and (4) PET material that is specially architected to self-inflate into a cube.
Please note that our PET material is recyclable, and it is not made of toxic PVC like other inflatable solar lamps available in the market.
How long does the SolarPuff™ stay illuminated after one full charge?
After a full 8 hour charge of 8 hours in the bright clear sunlight, the SolarPuff™ provides up to 8 hours on the high setting and 12 hours on the low setting. If the Solarpuff™ is in the bright sun for only 7 hours, it will last for 7 hours on high setting and approximately 10 on low setting. If the Solarpuff™ is charged in the sun for 6 hours, it will last 6 hours on high setting and so on.
How big is a Solight Design light?
Solight Design lights vary in size. The best way to get a sense of the size is to look at the individual product images on the product pages. All our lights fold down to approximately 1/2" thick and pop open into different sized cube volumes. Check each product page under description and you can find the size of each product.
Solar Helix
Solar Twilight
Solar Qwnn™ with power bank
How bright are Solight Designs?
Solight Design lights vary in brightness and performance depending on which product you have. The standard unit of measurement for brightness is "lumens" and this is indicated on the individual product pages, or in a chart on the respective product page. We measure the lumens of our lanterns by 3rd party testing centers.
Solar Puff™ Lumens: Low (60 lumens), High (90 lumens), Blinking (90 lumens)
Solar Helix Lumens: Low (60 lumens), High (90 lumens), Blinking (90 lumens)
Solar Twilight Lumens:Red (25 lumens), Red SOS (25 lumens), White Low (25 lumens), White High (45 lumens)
Solar Qwnn™ Lumens:Candle (25 lumens), Low (80 lumens), Medium (300 lumens), High (600 lumens), Blinking (600 lumens)
Additional specifications by product:
Solar Helix
Solar Twilight
Solar Qwnn™ with power bank
What is the difference between the Solarpuff, Solar Helix and Solar Twilight?
The Solarpuff™ has a sail cloth diffuser which is a material commonly used on the sails of sail boats. It has a beautiful pattern that diffuses the light and the material itself is engineered for extreme weather. The Solarpuff™ has a Light sensor setting which can be toggled for automatic on/off when the light levels are low. You press the button for three seconds and it can toggle back and forth between manual setting and LS (light sensor setting)
Is the Solight Design waterproof? Can I submerge it?
Yes, our Solar Puff, Solar Helix and Solar Twilight lights are waterproof and dustproof! They can be submerged up to 1 meter (FL 1 STANDARD IP-67) which means it is protected against the effects of temporary immersion between 15cm and 1m. Duration of test 30 minutes.
Do I need to inflate my lights?
Solight Design's patented self inflating LED technology was designed to create a lightweight, portable lantern that could pack down flat for easy storage and charging. Pull open by pulling the handle and holding the solar panel and the cube will pop open and diffuse the bright LEDs, through the expandable bladder. The diffuse, glare-free lighting is great for lighting up a tent, reading at night, or taking on a walk to light up your path. The pull open component of the Solight Design invention avoids any oral inflation by mouth and protects against spreading germs. It’s flat packability also responds to the distribution challenges of humanitarian aid organizations. One carton of Solar Puffs™ consists of 120 lights and weighs just 28 lbs reducing shipping costs and improving portability for often hard-to-reach communities in need of light.
What is PVC and why is it important that our products are PVC-free?
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a type of halogenated plastic that contains two known human carcinogens: vinyl chloride and dioxin. These carcinogens are not only emitted in large quantities during production but on the plastic itself. Vinyl chloride is an essential component of PVC that is not used in any other plastic. Dioxin is a bio accumulative substance that builds up over time in human bodies and emissions from PVC are higher than other plastics. As Solight Design lights are meant to be safe for the entire family and pop open, Solight Design is happy to produce 100% PVC-free lights.
What is the difference between lumens and watts?
Lumens are a standard unit used for measuring brightness of lights, while watts are a unit for measuring the amount of electricity required to power an electrically-powered object. In light bulbs, watts are used to signify how much energy is required to power the bulb. Therefore, more energy-efficient lightbulbs may use fewer watts to produce the same number of Lumens (brightness).
As our Solight Design lights are solar-powered, and do not depend on an electrical grid, it is more relevant to provide the number of Lumens that our lights produce. That way, we may explain how bright the light they produce is, and how large of a space they can illuminate. Our SolarPuff™ and Solar Helix are our highest-performing lights, and can easily illuminate a 10 x 10 sq ft space at 90 lumens on its brightest setting. Many of our customers find it comparable with battery-powered lanterns, and easier to maintain.
*Did you know that 90 pounds of carbon emissions are saved per year if you use our Solar Puff™, Solar Helix or Solar Qwnn™ for 4 hours a day instead of a light bulb?*
Ordering FAQ's
I need help with my order!
We're sorry to hear that you're having difficulties with your order! Please contact us at info@Solight-design.com with any questions and we will do our best to respond within one business day.
Do I have to pay sales tax?
Because our headquarters is based in New York, customers living in New York State will have to pay New York state and city (when applicable) sales tax, but all other customers will not be charged sales tax.
If you are an international customer, please be aware that you are responsible for any applicable customs/duties upon receiving your package from the US.
Do you offer wholesale pricing for group orders?
Wholesale pricing is available for orders of 20+ lights. Please contact info@solight-design.com for more information.
Troubleshooting Your Solarpuff
How do I adjust settings or turn my light on/off?
Each of our lights has a green power button in the center or at the corner of the solar panel. Press this button firmly to turn your light ON, cycle through brightness settings, and turn it OFF. This button is slightly inset to ensure that your light will not be turned on by accident and lose charge.
How do I inflate my Solight Design light?
Solight Design lights do not require any oral inflation. Just pull the light open into a cube. They will hold their shape due to the excellent design, especially engineered materials and recyclable materials used.
Do the lights come charged?
The lights will arrive partially charged. We recommend that upon receipt, that you charge fully by following the steps below.
Instructions
To charge the lights:
1.Turn the light to the OFF setting.
- Place in direct sunlight with the solar panel facing the sun.
- Leave it in the sun for 8 hours for a full charge.
If you can only charge for 3 hours you will get 3 hours of light on the low setting, charge for 5 hours you get 5 hours of light, and so on.
My light isn't working. What do I do?
Our lights are the best solar lanterns on the market. We have a .04% defective rate.
If, for some reason, your light is not working please following these steps:
- Turn the light to the OFF setting.
- Remove from the package.
- Place in direct sunlight with the solar panel facing the sun.
- Leave it in the sun for 2 days for a full charge.
- After 2 days in direct sunlight, the light should work perfectly. These steps will work 99% of the time in correcting the problem.
Is the Solight Design waterproof? Can I submerge it?
Yes, Solight Design lights are all waterproof and dustproof! They can be submerged up to 1 meter (FL 1 STANDARD IPX-67) and can float.
What temperatures can my light operate under?
The Solight Design light has two temperature ranges: 1. Temperature range to recharge in the sun which is 32 degrees F to 113 degrees F and 2. Temperature range to turn on lanterns which is -4 degrees F to 140 degrees F. Temperatures lower or higher than that can damage the battery and reduce overall battery life. To increase longevity of the battery, it is best to avoid recharging your light in temperatures below freezing. If you do need to use your product in sub-zero temperatures, we recommend recharging it when it is warmer and using the Medium or Low setting when in sub-zero temperatures to get the most run time hours out of your light before needing to recharge it again. If you need to recharge it and only have sub-zero temperatures, we recommend placing it in a sunny window or for a few hours each day during peak sun hours outside. It will take a few days longer to fully charge.
Can I recycle my Solight Design light?
Solight Design lights are made from completely recyclable materials. You can recycle Solight Design products anywhere that cell phones, digital cameras, or iPods are accepted for recycling (ex: Home Depot).
OR you can return it to us for educational purposes and you will get a 40% discount on our store as a thank you! We use the recycled lights as part of the educational programs founded by Alice.
Did you know about our Give a Light program? Click here to learn more.
What happens if my light does not turn on?
There are a few possible reasons why it may not be turning on. The most likely reason is that it needs to be recharged. Below are a few steps to see if this may be the issue. After going through these steps, if it still is not working after recharging, please email us at info@Solight-design.com.
- Turn your light to the OFF position 2. Find a sunny spot outside and leave the product outside with the solar panel facing up in direct sunlight for a full 2 days (to top off the battery and completely recharge it). Windows block light, so it is important to put it outside and avoid shady areas. If the product still does not turn on after recharging, please email cinfos@Solight-design.com. We have a worry-free 1-year warranty and want to make sure all our customers are happy with their lights.
Do I need to inflate my lights?
Solight Design's patented inflatable self inflating LED technology was designed to create a lightweight, portable lantern that could pack down flat for easy storage and charging. , and then Pull open by pulling the handle and holding the solar panel and the cube will pop open and to diffuse the bright LEDs, through the expandable bladder. The diffuse, glare-free lighting is great for lighting up a tent, reading at night, or taking on a walk to light up your path. The pull open component of the Solight Design invention avoids any oral inflation by mouth and protects against spreading germs. It’s flat packability also responds to the distribution challenges of humanitarian aid organizations. One carton of SolarPuffs™ consists of 120 lights and weighs just 28 lbs reducing shipping costs and improving portability for often hard-to-reach communities in need of light.
How do I charge my light?
To recharge your light, turn to the OFF setting, place the light in direct, outdoor sunlight with the solar panel facing the sun (windows block light and can slow down charging). For optimum charging, place the light outside in an area away from shadows or shade. Charge times vary depending on time of year, location, and product.
How do I know if my Solight Design light is recharging?
While charging, the solar panel may get warm. It is the reaction from the sun to the solar panel. To ensure the solar panel is recharging the battery, place your Solight Design light outside in direct, outdoor sun away from shaded areas. You will be able to tell by the intensity of the light. The light will dim as it loses power.
Can I recharge it in a window or on cloudy days? What about the winter?
Windows block light and can slow down charging. For optimum charging, place the light outside in an area away from shadows or shade. Charge times vary depending on time of year, location, and product. In the winter, you will see slower run times because the sun is not as strong and there are fewer hours available for direct sun.
How long will my light last in the closet/ stored area?
The battery should be charged fully before putting away inn storage. Once you put in a drawer or closet, after 2 years your light should still work. The battery should be at 50% capacity, Just recharge in the sun. and it should last another 2-3 years after that.
Is the battery replaceable? (Let us review. response does not answer the question )
Our solar lantern’s batteries are not replaceable BUT don't forget they are recyclable ! We offer a 1 year replacement warranty and our lights are made to last many years!
We have customers that still use their undamaged solar puff purchased in 2015!
How long will a full charge last in my light?
Once fully charged, the battery will hold most of its charge and light up after over a year of being in storage. All Solight Design lights use a lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery, similar to the battery in most cell phones. Like all rechargeable batteries, it does lose a small percentage of charge over time when it is in storage and not being used. To ensure the product is fully charged when you need it, we recommend that you recharge the light in direct sun every 6-8 months.
How long does a Solight Design light hold a charge in storage?
Once fully charged, the battery will hold a majority of its charge and light up after over a year of being in storage. Solight Design lights use a lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery, similar to the battery in most cell phones Like all rechargeable batteries, it does lose a small percentage of charge over time (approximate 2% each month) when it is in storage and not being used. In order to ensure the product is fully charged when you need it, we recommend that you recharge the light in direct sun every few months.
Support Solight Design FAQ'S
How can I support Solight Design's Give Light Programs?
Our Give programs allow you to join our mission and get involved by helping sponsor safe, solar rechargeable lanterns for those in need. We have a few programs as making light accessible for all is what drives Solight Design forward. For each light you purchase, Solight Design will give a portion of the net sales to a non-profit organization who will distribute the lights to where they are needed most. We also work with several non-profit organizations around the world where you can buy and contribute lights directly to that organization. In addition, we have an option where you can choose a particular organization that you would prefer to support. Click here to donate.
Do you offer wholesale pricing for group orders?
Wholesale pricing is available for orders of 120+ lights. Please contact info@solight-design.com for more information.
Can I personalize or custom print my light?
Yes! We offer custom printing of corporate logos, designs, or instructions on all of our products. This option is available for orders of 120+ units, and you can learn more by emailing info@solight-design.com for pricing and further details.
How can I partner with Solight Design to give light?
If you have a registered 501c(3) non profit organization and you would like to partner with Solight Design to give light to those in need please contact info@solight-design.com
Shipping and Returns FAQ'S
For shipping and warranty information please see our Shipping and Warranty Policy, or email info@Solight-design.com.
I need help with my order!
We are sorry to hear that you're having difficulties with your order! Please contact us at info@Solight-design.com with any questions and we will do our best to respond within one business day.
How can I contact you via phone?
Our team works hard to respond to inquiries within 48 hours.Our contact form is the quickest and most efficient way for our team to provide you with the best service; however, if you prefer us to give you a call, feel free to call 800-601-6150.