Ollny Solar Lights Outdoor Garden 30m Waterproof Festoon String Lights with Remote (45 G40 bulbs, USB charging, 3 modes)
Product description
If you want patio or garden lighting that doesn’t involve trailing extension leads, this Ollny solar festoon set is built around that idea. It’s a 30 m string light with a 3 m lead-in, designed to come on at dusk and switch off at dawn, plus it includes a remote for getting the mood right without having to walk up and adjust things.
On paper, it also leans practical: warm white output (2700K) for an inviting look, weather ratings for outdoor use, and a choice of 3 modes with adjustable brightness. Still, a couple of details are worth keeping in mind—solar charging and runtime are always a bit weather-dependent, and the USB option needs you to provide your own USB power plug.
The essentials
This is a solar-powered outdoor festoon light set intended for decking, pergolas, gazebos, fences, and other sheltered garden features. You get 45 G40 shatterproof LED bulbs spaced at 61 cm along the main run, with 2 spare bulbs included. The warm white glow is meant to look cosy rather than harsh, which is often the sweet spot for evening gatherings.
There’s a large-capacity solar panel approach here, and the lights can also be charged via USB when needed. The remote control is rated for up to 10 metres, so you’re not relying on reaching the switch box once it’s hung.
What you’ll notice day to day
The warm white (2700K) character is the headline feel. It’s designed to create ambience for outdoor evenings—think casual patio dinners, garden parties, or decorating a pergola for a weekend get-together. The bulbs are described as durable plastic LED bulbs that stay cool and resist breaking, which is exactly the kind of reassurance many people look for when lights are outdoors.
There are also 3 lighting modes, plus brightness adjustability from 25% to 100%. If you prefer starting at a softer level for the first hour and then turning it up later, the adjustable range makes that more realistic. There’s also a memory function and 5 timers, which can reduce the “where did I leave it?” problem.
And yes, it’s meant to be automated: it comes on at dusk and goes off at dawn.
Weather readiness (and its limits)
The set is pitched as weather-friendly, with an IP65 rating stated for the solar panel and IP45 for the string lights. In real life, that usually translates to being more comfortable in typical British garden conditions—light rain and outdoor exposure—without you treating it like something that needs constant protection.
Still, do note the distinction: IP45 isn’t the same as full submersion protection, so if you’re expecting persistent heavy wet weather, wind-driven rain, or you plan to leave it in harsh conditions all season, it’s worth thinking about how sheltered your mounting position will be.
Power and runtime: solar first, USB as backup
Charging can be done in two ways: - Solar charging by the built-in panel (described as 6-8 hours during the day) - USB charging (described as 4-5 hours), with the plug not included
The listing also mentions that when fully charged, it should provide 8-10 hours of lighting. That “8-10 hours” line is helpful, but take it as an estimate: UK sunlight and seasonality can change how quickly it charges and how long it lasts.
A useful buying mindset here is to see USB charging as your safety net. For example, if you’re setting up for a specific event and want the lights fully ready, topping up via USB can make the outcome more predictable.
Installation options that won’t fight you
Setup is designed to be flexible. The solar panel can be mounted on a wall, pushed into the ground, clamped to a fence, or laid flat. The lights can be hung using ties or hooks.
As a micro example: if you’ve got a pergola, you could attach the string along the beams with the ties, position the solar panel on the side that gets the most daylight, then use the remote once it’s all strung up—no climbing back down just to switch between modes.
It’s not perfect for every scenario—if you have very little daylight exposure for the solar panel location, the solar part may feel less reliable. But if you can give the panel a reasonable amount of sun, this style of festoon lighting tends to pay off.
Key specifications (at a glance)
- String length: 30 m span with a 3 m lead
- Bulbs: 45 G40 shatterproof bulbs plus 2 spare bulbs
- Bulb spacing: 61 cm
- Colour temperature: 2700K warm white
- Charging: solar (6-8 hours) or USB (4-5 hours, USB plug not included)
- Runtime when fully charged: 8-10 hours
- Brightness: 25%-100% adjustable
- Lighting modes: 3 modes
- Remote control range: up to 10 metres
- Timers: 5 timers
- Solar panel size: 236.5 x 156 mm
- Weather rating: IP65 for the solar panel, IP45 for the string lights
When it makes sense (and when it doesn’t)
It’s a good fit if you want decorative outdoor lighting for a pergola, gazebo, patio, or garden events, and you prefer a warm, cosy glow with remote control. It also makes sense if you’re looking for a solar-first setup but want USB charging as a practical backup for occasions.
It may not be a great match if your space is heavily shaded for much of the day, because solar charging depends on daylight. You may also want to skip it if you need something designed for tough, long-term exposure in very wet conditions where IP45 may not feel reassuring.
Also worth considering: compared with purely mains-powered strings, you’re accepting some dependency on charging and weather. If you’re the kind of buyer who wants the lights to perform identically every evening regardless of season, you might prefer a mains alternative instead.
Final verdict
A solid choice for outdoor ambience where you can give the solar panel decent daylight and you like the convenience of remote control. The warm white 2700K look, 3 modes, dimming range, and timer options are the sort of details that make these more than “just decoration”.
Should you buy it? Worth considering if you’re planning garden parties, weddings, camping, or patio décor and you want to keep installation simple. Better avoided if you can’t rely on charging conditions or you expect to leave it exposed to very heavy weather without shelter.
Mini FAQ
How long do the lights run on a full charge?
The listing states 8-10 hours when fully charged, with solar charge described as 6-8 hours in daylight (or 4-5 hours via USB).
Do I need a separate USB plug?
Yes—USB charging is mentioned as requiring USB, but the plug is not included.
What’s the remote range?
The RF remote is rated for up to 10 metres.
Are the bulbs shatterproof?
They’re described as shatterproof plastic LED bulbs designed to resist breaking.
Is it safe for outdoor weather?
The solar panel is rated IP65 and the string lights IP45, so it’s built for outdoor use, though IP45 is not the same as full water-proofing for every scenario.