The rechargable battery LED lamp Qua b< IP44.de scores with its compact size and high-quality lighting technology. A solar panel supplies the luminaire with energy and the optional Automatic mode allows it to run completely independently. The design is by Klaus Nolting.
Qua is very well suited for the glare-free illumination of balcony tables, as an accent light on window sills or on garden walls, stairs or even on the terrace floor. Since the lamp operates wirelessly, no power cable disturbs the ambience. With its small footprint, Qua can be placed on narrow tables, seemingly taking up even less space thanks to its airy construction.
The lamp has the shape of a cube, with the cuboid body embedded in the rectangular metal frame at the top. The solar panel is located on the upper side of the body and a mat polycarbonate diffuser on the underside. The frame and body are made of painted cast aluminium and are available in three colours.
The light is emitted downwards and illuminates the table surface absolutely glare-free. A control button on the side is used to turn the light on and off and to cycle through the three brightness levels. The battery life depends on the selected brightness and is approx. 7 hours at 100% (level 3), approx. 14 hours at 50% (level 2) and approx. 32 hours at 25% (level 1). Alternatively, one can switch from Manual mode to Automatic mode. Here, the lamp activates itself at dusk and switches off automatically after 5 hours.
The warm white light colour of the integrated LED not only has a particularly pleasant effect on people, but is also insect-friendly: since its light spectrum has a low blue content, it is perceived less strongly by nocturnal insects than cold white light sources and does not disturb their orientation. Because the light is directed downwards, light pollution is also limited, which has a generally positive effect on wildlife. All this makes Qua an environmentally friendly light source, even more so since it receives its energy from sunlight.
For charging, the solar panel must be exposed to direct sunlight during the day. A full charge takes 3-4 sunny days, each with about 10 hours of direct sunlight. Alternatively, Qua can also be charged via USB-C, taking around 7 hours for a full charge. A 2 m USB-C charging cable is included.
Protection IP65 is only given if the USB-C charging socket is closed with its cover. The charging process via USB must therefore take place indoors.