V-TAC VT-425 solar LED wall light 15 W with motion sensor, IP65, black

VT-425 is a solar-powered garden wall light. A conical shade of ribbed, light-transmitting plastic sits on a curved black arm, and above it a round photovoltaic panel 25.7 cm across doubles as a roof, throwing the light sideways and downwards.

Solar power and running time

The light is not wired into the mains — the panel on top charges a built-in lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery of 6000 mAh at 3.2 V. The maker states that seven hours of sunlight cover up to 80 hours of running, which is several nights in reserve for overcast weather.

Having no supply cable decides where it can go: on a garage wall, on a fence post, or by a gate, where running a cable would mean digging up the lawn. The one condition is that the panel sees open sky for most of the day.

Motion sensor and automatic switching

The light carries an infrared sensor reaching up to 8 metres with a 360° detection field, so it responds to movement all around it, not only in front. Switching is instant — the maker quotes 0.001 seconds to full output, without the slow ramp-up of older solar fittings.

Besides motion detection, the light turns itself on at dusk and off at daybreak, so once mounted it needs neither operation nor a wall switch.

How much light it gives and in what colour

The 15 W LED module produces 1900 lm, which is what a whole driveway or terrace needs rather than just a doorstep. The efficiency of 125 lm/W is what makes that brightness possible from a battery this size.

The colour is switchable: 4000 K is a neutral white, calmer over a seating area, while 6000 K is a cool white that gives more contrast at a driveway or on steps. A colour deviation under 6 SDCM means several units mounted side by side show the same tone.

Where to mount it

The housing is made of ABS and PC, and the IP65 rating allows mounting with no shelter — the fitting withstands rain and jets of water. The maker intends it for gardens, terraces and patios, by pools and ponds, along paths and driveways, and at a house entrance. It weighs 2.16 kg and fixes on a round plate screwed to a wall or post. It carries a three-year warranty.