V-TAC VT-120W LED solar floodlight 15 W, 1200 lm, 4000 K, IP65, remote, black

The V-TAC VT-120W is a solar LED floodlight that needs no mains wiring at all. It comes in two parts joined by a three-metre cable: an aluminium body measuring 23.5 x 18 x 5.5 cm and a photovoltaic panel of 23.5 x 35 cm. The fitting delivers 1200 lm in a neutral 4000 K, spreads light over 120° and is rated IP65.

Three metres of cable — which is why this works

The biggest weakness of cheap solar lights is a panel bonded to the fitting: you then have to choose between the spot that lights well and the spot that catches the sun. Here the panel is separate and joined by a 3 m cable, so the floodlight can go under an eave or above a door while the panel goes higher, onto a ridge or a sunlit roof slope. The manufacturer recommends mounting the light at 3.5–4 m.

A 12,000 mAh battery and a night's running

The built-in battery holds 12,000 mAh at 3.2 V, roughly 38 Wh. The manufacturer quotes a charging time of 4–6 hours of full sun and a working time of up to 12 hours — the real figure depends on the brightness mode you pick and on the season. The manual adds an important note: charge the battery fully before first use, and expect shorter running after 3–5 overcast days. The battery is replaceable — after a few seasons you change the cell, not the whole lamp.

The remote: dusk mode, two brightness levels and a timer

A wireless remote with an 8–15 m range is included, and it gives real control over the light:

• optically controlled mode — the light comes on by itself at dusk;
• force on and force off, overriding the dusk sensor;
• two brightness levels, High and Low;
• a time switch: run for 3, 5 or 8 hours from dusk.

The 3-hour mode is how you get through winter: with a short day the battery will not fill, and capping the burn time means the lamp works every evening instead of dying in the middle of the night.

Build and operating conditions

The body is aluminium in black; the IP65 rating means a dust-tight enclosure that also withstands water jets. The working range is −20 to +60 °C. Start-up is instant (0.001 s). The manufacturer states that the light source is not replaceable: when the diode reaches the end of its life, the whole luminaire is replaced. In winter, remember to clear snow off the panel — a covered panel means a lamp that will not light.

Specification

• Manufacturer and model: V-TAC, VT-120W (order code 7826)
• EAN: 3800170200524
• Type: solar LED floodlight with a separate panel
• Power: 15 W
• Luminous flux: 1200 lm
• Colour temperature: 4000 K, neutral white
• Beam angle: 120°
• Light source: SMD LED, built in, not replaceable
• Battery: 12,000 mAh, 3.2 V, replaceable
• Charging: 4–6 h; run time up to 12 h
• Solar panel: 23.5 x 35 cm, 3 m cable
• Control: wireless remote, 8–15 m range; High/Low, dusk mode, 3/5/8 h timer
• Recommended mounting height: 3.5–4 m
• Fitting dimensions: 23.5 x 5.5 x 18 cm
• Ingress protection: IP65; working range −20 to +60 °C
• Material: aluminium, black
• Weight: 2.12 kg
• Certification: CE, EMC, RoHS; 2-year warranty