This product is designed to the highest technical specifications and standards. It will supply years of maintenance-free use. During the day your solar panel will convert the sun's light and/or UV rays into electrical power that will charge the rechargeable battery. When it becomes dark, the solar light will turn on using the power stored on the rechargeable battery as it will detect no daylight. The units light output strength and time depends on how many hours and how much sunlight and/or UV rays your panel absorbs throughout the day. For maximum output place the solar panel in an area where there is direct sunlight for at least 8 hr in a given day. Do not install your solar light in a shaded area. The selected location should not be near night time light sources such as porch lights, street lights or pool lights as these may cause the solar light to turn off prematurely.