Luci Solar String Lights Review
Reviewed by Alex Wilde
Last weekend, I received my ‘Luci Solar String Lights’ manufactured by MPOWERD. I am reviewing this item as a possible Christmas gift.
We have used solar powered string lights in the past (usually with the solar panel on a stake), but after they have spent a British Spring and Summer in the garden then stored in the shed for the remainder of the year I’ve found they are not particularly reliable the following year. Also, how to neatly tidy them away without damaging the fine cables and solar panel is often an issue.
The Luci Lights arrived well packed in bubble wrap. The product box itself is a simple and sleek Apple-esque cube in white and mint, with grey text, that clearly markets the item. On the reverse of the box are simply organised stats and concise instructions for use. The box is made entirely from recyclable card and there is a material strap too for what I assume is for shop hanging. I was pleased to see there is no plastic and the absolute minimum about of packaging was used. There is a small note on the base encouraging you to recycle – it would have been nicer to the see this larger.
The box folds open to a reveal a cut-out showing the device and a blurb on the American company’s ‘Light Up Life’ campaign: ‘Your Luci purchase helps us provide clean, reliable light to those living without access to electricity around the world’. I followed the attached weblink and read up on their mission, and partnership working, to put an end to energy inequality in the developing world. This definitely should have been celebrated on the outer packaging – if I was comparing this to similar products online or in stores, I’d definitely want to buy a product which was socially conscientious. Also, inside was a double-sided, circular, succinct user guide.
The unit is a black cylinder, measuring h5cm x d12.7cm, with a square solar panel, LED light and charge indicator on the top. On the side you will find a mint green rubberised power button and battery life button, a USB charging port with a rubberised cover, and a 17cm green strap for hanging.
The unique feature of this product is that all 18ft of the string lights are stored inside the cylinder. When you turn the base, it extends revealing a reel of strong, mint green nylon cord punctuated with 10 splash resistant LED capsules. At the end of the generous length cord is a USB for charging.
You can charge the lights by solar, but as it was a miserable day I opted for mains – I used the USB plug from my iPhone (I later tested the USB in my computer and car – worked perfectly). What I didn’t notice on first inspection were the four small dim (great if charging at night) battery indicator lights on the top. These cycle to show charging and indicate battery life when the button on the side is pressed. As advertised, the lights were fully charged in less than three hours. This equates to approximately 20 hours of use. I cannot currently comment on solar charging time – but 12-13 hours is advised for a full charge.
All light functions do work whilst the product is charging. There are four light modes: firstly, a bright light on the unit itself which I think would be very practical for hanging inside a tent or in a shed. Importantly, the unit light works with or without the string lights ejected.
Next, the string lights themselves with three brightness settings. Brightened using the single power button, the LEDs are a pleasant warm white which radiate a maximum 100 lumens. The uses for these are numerous – strung outside tents, on awnings, wrapped around garden furniture/shrubs, hung in branches/between trees, in camper vans… I think these will be a great addition to our outdoor lifestyle next Summer!
The cord can be repositioned so the base can be screwed back in place when the lights are uncoiled. Another handy feature are the two moulded black hooks spaced on the cord itself, they are the perfect size for attaching to guide ropes or existing strung items such as lanterns (which instead I suppose you could make yourself and hang on the lights if you were feeling arty!)
I wouldn’t use these lights for indoor decor, however I’m thinking they’ll come in handy for Halloween decorating – the mint cord and LED enclosed capsule will easily handle some craft pumpkins, ghouls or the like stuck on!
The lights also include a snug USB port for charging other devices. I tested it to charge an iPad. This port won’t charge items quickly, but would be very useful if necessary. The port is powered when the lights are on or off, and even when the lights are on charge themselves.
Why you should consider the Luci Solar String Lights as a Christmas gift: A well-made, portable, versatile and energy efficient gift for anyone that enjoys spending time outdoors – either at home or travelling. It is easily stored and reusable year on year from a manufacturer that values sustainability.
This item does come with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
I will be buying these as gift this year. Light up someone’s Christmas with these superb set of lights!
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £35.99
Available to buy from www.firstascent.co.uk.
