Sunforce Solar string lights from Costco

[@floridalife4]

Hello … I just purchased these today and hung on my patio. It’s not dark yet, but will they automatically just come on at dark? Do I need to leave the “on button” on at all times? If I just want them to automatically come on at night do I really need the remote?

[@philsekela3508]

Unfortunately, I've found that the "on switch" on the back of the solar panel will need to be reset every time the solar panel is drained, or you can use the remote. I don't think there is an automatic sensor when it gets dark. Not 100% sure though.

[@tiwarivikram]

thanks for the video! My string light only turns on with the help of remote. Is there anyway I can make it default turn on when there is dark outside. Right now even at night, it does not turn unless I press button on the remote. Thank you!

[@philsekela3508]

I'm pretty sure the only way the lights turn on is by the remote or the switch on the back of the solar panel.

[@ekaterinagasanova9075]

Does it turn automatically on when it’s getting dark outside or you should use the control to do it? I have older version of this light without remote and it is work automatically, but this one doesn’t. Maybe be I bought the defective one?

[@philsekela3508]

It does NOT turn on automatically when it gets dark. You either have to use the remote or on the solar panel, flip the switch off and then back on daily. I would have preferred it turns on automatically. Not sure why they would take that feature away.

[@michelelardieri440]

Helpful video. THank you. Just a question, does the solar panel have to be in the sun at all times and connected to the string of lights?

[@philsekela3508]

You can easily disconnect the solar panel from the string of lights and put it in direct sunlight. Then return the solar panel to the string of lights in the evening with a full charge.

[@DayZeroFWD]

Phil, the battery in my remote went out, I replaced it with same and now the remote won't work. Since I long ago threw the instructions out, any idea how to re-sync the lights and the remote?

[@olegpetrushak6754]

How is the solar power on the lights? Enough to fully power the lights, or do the batteries need replacing sometimes?

[@philsekela3508]

Hello, these are only solar power and last maybe 4-6 hours per solar charge. There is no way to power these thru a battery or wall outlet. The bulbs at full solar charge are similar to an Edison bulb brightness. They set a good evening mood lighting, but not bright enough to read a book under.

[@bryanturk4354]

How long do the lights last? Looks awesome!

[@philsekela3508]

I turned the lights on at 8pm, they were still bright at 11:30pm. But they were completely off by 6am.

[@pattygarcia9584]

Do they have to be connected to an outlet at all??

[@philsekela3508]

No, they are 100% solar. Connecting to an outlet is not an option.

[@echoseanty3680]

We stopped using ours cause of some renovations. when we installed it again the remote wont sync with the solar panel. The only way to turn it on is directly from the solar panel. What should we do??

[@philsekela3508]

Not sure, maybe try to replace the battery in the remote?

[@echoseanty3680]

@@philsekela3508 ill try again tommorow, but what i noticed is that this problem is pretty common to the product, i dont know why the company hasnt been able to address this well :/. Things aside...Thanks for the reply!

[@aaronerom]

Did you have any issues with yours not turning on? I bought multiple stands and they somehow synched up, not sure how that happened, but at times some stands won't come on. I tried cycling the power on each and it worked for a time but didn't last.

[@philsekela3508]

I did not sync multiple strings together, so I'm not sure. I use separate solar panels for each string of lights. Maybe I'll try to hook my 2 strands together and see what happens.

[@cindymelendez718]

I have left my solar pannel off and in the sun for 3 days and still nothing. What am i doing wrong?

[@jakez5227]

Ours too. They won't even turn on. Guess I'll have to go buy more🤔

[@hectorvargas6801]

I connected my lights and for some reason they won't turn on. I have the same lights that you have. Only one light bulb would turn on. I have tried turning them on and of but for some reason they just won't turn on. I had tried also turning them on with the remote but nothing. If you could help me I would really appreciate it.

[@MrSigars]

Hi Hector, had same problem as you. I thought I needed to fully charge for 3 days in order to see light turn on. It turns out, you have to make sure you tighten the each bulb in more secure. Give it couple more turns for each bulb. Just turn on and turn each bulb slowly till you see light turn on. Hope this helps! Good luck!

[@hectorvargas6801]

@@MrSigars Thank you

[@christopherly4908]

Is it possible to connect two sets of lights to each other?

[@philsekela3508]

No, unfortunately it doesn't look like there is a way to connect another strand so they charge off the same solar panel. However, there is a short extension on the end with a hole that I'm sure you could connect the end of another strand. But they would each need separate solar panels. Connecting 3 strands is definitely not an option that I can see.

[@altabandejesus]

I bought two of these but the remote controls will not work more than 3 ft. away! Problem is the same for both strings. Checked batteries and they are fully charged. Anyone with the same issue?

[@Room16Chase]

Yes. My batteries didn’t have a tab to pull to activate. Did yours? Does a light shine from the remote when you click it on? Mine doesn’t. Do you have to point the remote at the panel to work or somewhere else? Also where do you have the switch on the solar panel set to: on or auto? Thank you for your help.

[@ptowngsta]

Only sum of my bulbs work i jus installed them is that normal

[@philsekela3508]

Definitely not normal, maybe the bulbs are loose and need to be screwed in tighter? If that doesn't work, hopefully you can return the defective string of lights and get a new box.

[@ptowngsta]

@@philsekela3508 exactly my issue bulbs needs to be super tight. Thank you

[@joelgutierrez8951]

How long does the charge last?

[@philsekela3508]

When in direct sunlight all day, it might last 4-6 hours after dark.

[@noobiedooby26]

They wont turn on

[@reemalakhanpal9575]

Tighten the bulbs

[@philsekela3508]

I'd suggest unplugging the solar panel from the string of lights, position it somewhere in direct sunlight for a full day, then replug back in the string of lights in the evening and flip the switch on the back of the solar panel. If that doesn't work, they are probably defective.