Ollny Solar Festoon Lights (12m) with Remote, Hemp Rope Effect & 24 Shatterproof Bulbs

The essentials

If you want an outdoor look that feels a bit more considered than plain fairy lights, these Ollny solar festoon lights are set up for that. They come as a 12m string with a hemp-rope style outer cord, 24 plastic shatterproof bulbs, and a remote to switch modes without having to get up every time. On paper, they’re aimed at garden evenings where you want a warm white glow and an easy, “fit it and forget it” approach.

The big selling points here are the combination of solar charging plus multiple lighting modes (with memory), and the fact the bulbs are described as ES shatterproof. That makes them a sensible choice if kids, pets, or just typical outdoor bumps are part of your reality. Of course, solar lights can be a bit variable depending on how much sun they get—so it’s worth thinking about your location and whether the panel will get decent daylight.

What you’ll notice day to day

Once it’s installed, the lights are designed to switch on automatically at dusk. The package also leans into convenience: the remote is said to have a maximum range of 5 to 8 metres, and the memory function is there so the lights keep your last setting.

In use, this matters more than you might expect. For example, if you’re hosting in the evening and want a steady warm glow rather than a blink or chase effect, you can pick your preferred mode once, then just reach for the remote later. It’s not perfect—outdoor lighting routines still depend on when the solar panel charges—but the mode memory reduces the “reset dance”.

Modes, brightness and timers

Ollny lists 8 lighting modes, plus additional brightness levels and timers. The remote controls are described as supporting 8 modes, 4 brightness levels, and 3 timer options (4H/6H/8H). That gives you a decent amount of control for different occasions—quiet garden time, a dinner moment, or a party where you want a bit more visual energy.

One nuance to keep in mind: different modes will change how long the lights last, even if they’re fully charged. If you tend to run the brightest or most decorative effects, the runtime may not match the headline you see for a fully charged battery.

Solar charging and runtime

The solar panel is rated IP65 (water-resistant), and Ollny states the battery capacity is 1800 mAh. They claim up to 10 hours of brightness when fully charged, with charging times described as 8 hours during the day (solar) or 5 hours via USB.

That USB option can be useful if you’re setting up for an event and want to top up beforehand. Just note the input is USB and the plug is not included, so you’ll need a suitable USB power adapter/cable setup already to hand.

Weather resistance and bulb design

Outdoor durability is one area where these make more sense than very flimsy “event-only” strings. The solar panel is IP65, while the festoon lights are listed as IP45. The bulbs are described as plastic and perforated to avoid water pooling inside, helping them stay cooler and resist breakage.

In British weather, that’s the right kind of thinking: you’re not promising they’ll be fine in a storm, but you are getting a design that’s specifically intended to cope better with damp conditions.

Installation and setup options

Installation is described as straightforward. The solar panel can be mounted on a wall, pushed into the ground, or laid flat, and Ollny mentions “tools included”. There’s also a wall-mount/stand approach described as available.

It’s also a 12m string “including a cable of 2m”, with the hemp rope effect wrapping around the cable for a more traditional festoon look. If your goal is to run lights between a gazebo, along a fence line, or around a patio perimeter, the length and style are more likely to fit the plan than shorter, purely decorative strands.

Where it shines (and where it may fall short)

These lights are a strong fit if you want: - an outdoor solar solution with remote control - a warm white glow for garden evenings and parties - shatter-resistant-style bulbs for day-to-day outdoor use - multiple modes, timers, and memory so you don’t constantly reconfigure

They may not be the best choice if: - your garden only gets very limited sunlight where the panel can be placed - you need consistently long runtime regardless of weather - you’re after a high-end “premium light output” look, as these are positioned more as a practical outdoor decorative system than something designed to overpower dark spaces

Final verdict

Should you buy it? It’s worth considering if you’re planning outdoor hosting—patio, gazebo, fencing or garden decor—where solar charging, remote modes, and weather-resistant build matter. The hemp rope styling and 24 bulbs should help it look fuller than basic solar strands, and the memory + timers reduce fuss.

You may want to skip it if your solar setup is likely to be unreliable (shaded spot, limited daylight), or if you expect the brightest settings to deliver maximum runtime every night. In those cases, you could end up disappointed—not because the lights are “bad”, but because solar performance is always tied to where and how the panel is positioned.

Mini FAQ

How many bulbs are included and how long is the string?

The set includes 24 shatterproof bulbs and a 12m festoon light run, including a 2m cable.

Does it come on automatically at night?

Yes—Ollny describes automatic lighting at dusk.

Can I control it without walking over to the lights?

Yes, a remote is included, with a stated maximum range of 5 to 8 metres.

Is it suitable for rainy UK weather?

It’s rated as water-resistant: the solar panel is IP65 and the lights are IP45, with perforated bulbs intended to prevent water pooling.

Is USB charging supported?

USB charging is mentioned, with a stated charging time of 5 hours via USB, however, the plug is not included.