General & Getting Started
What kind of lighting does Stellar Lighting sell?
Stellar Lighting is a South African outdoor and lifestyle lighting brand based in Cape Town. We specialise in string lights, festoon lights, solar garden lights, fairy lights, plug-in connectable lighting, and ceiling fans, all designed for real homes, outdoor spaces, events, and hospitality venues across South Africa.
Where is Stellar Lighting based, and do you ship nationwide?
We're based in Cape Town, with a showroom in Ndabeni and a shop in Somerset West. We ship across South Africa, with delivery typically taking 1–3 business days.
Can I visit a showroom to see the lights in person?
Yes! We have 2 locations, our shop at the DSD Centre at Croydon in Somerset West (1st Floor), or our showroom is at Shop 10, 22 Old Mill Road, Ndabeni, Cape Town. You'll be able to see the lights switched on and get a feel for the warmth and glow before you buy, something no product photo can fully capture.
What's the difference between solar and plug-in string lights?
Solar string lights run off a built-in solar panel, no plug, no electricity costs, just place them in a sunny spot and they charge during the day and glow at night. Plug-in string lights connect to a standard wall socket and give you consistent, reliable brightness regardless of the weather. Solar is ideal for gardens, pathways, and areas far from a plug. Plug-in is ideal for patios, entertainment areas, and anywhere you want guaranteed glow every evening. If you'd like to know some more, read our blog on exactly this topic!
Are your lights suitable for South African weather and load-shedding?
Absolutely. Our solar lights are a popular choice specifically because they work independently of the grid, no load-shedding interruptions. Our rechargeable range also keeps glowing during outages. All outdoor lights are weather-resistant and designed to handle South African conditions, from summer heat to winter rain.
What is the Stellar Lighting Ultimate Collection?
The Ultimate Collection is our premium range of outdoor string lights, available in both plug-in and solar festoon options. It's built for customers who want lighting that lasts, with an IP66 weather rating for full outdoor exposure, a 2-year warranty for peace of mind, and a 2m extension cable included with every string so you have more flexibility in how and where you install it. If you want to set it up once and enjoy it for years, the Ultimate Collection is the one.
Plug-in & String Lights
How do connectable string lights work?
Our connectable plug-in string lights are designed to link together, you plug the first set into the wall, and additional sets connect end-to-end, letting you cover longer distances without needing extra plugs. They're perfect for large patios, restaurant terraces, and event spaces.
How many string lights do I need for my patio or outdoor area?
A good rule of thumb: for a 5m x 5m patio, a single 10m string draped in a zigzag, or 2 x 10m strings hung along the perimeter, creates a warm, full glow. For larger areas, our connectable sets let you extend the run as far as you need. If you're unsure, send us your measurements and we'll help you work it out.
Can I leave plug-in string lights outside permanently?
Our outdoor plug-in lights carry an IP44 weather-resistance rating, meaning they handle light rain and general outdoor conditions well, ideal for covered patios, pergolas, and afdaks. If you're planning a fully exposed or permanent installation, our Ultimate Collection is worth considering, it carries an IP66 rating and a 2-year warranty, built specifically for that purpose. For standard IP44 lights, we recommend avoiding prolonged exposure to heavy rain or submerging them in water, and placing them under cover where possible to extend their life. See our full IP rating breakdown below.
What do IP ratings mean, and which rating do I need?
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings tell you how well a light is protected against dust and water. The two numbers each mean something different, the first refers to dust and solid particle protection, the second to water resistance. Here's a plain-English breakdown of the ratings you'll encounter with our lights:
- IP20 - Indoor use only. No protection against moisture. Suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, and dry covered spaces.
- IP44 - Splash-resistant. Handles light rain and general outdoor conditions. Suitable for covered patios, pergolas, and afdaks where the lights aren't directly exposed to rain.
- IP65 - Fully dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction. Suitable for open outdoor use, including areas exposed to rain.
- IP66 - Fully dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets. Our Ultimate Collection carries this rating, making it suitable for permanent outdoor installations even in exposed or high-rainfall areas.
As a general guide: if your lights are under cover, IP44 is sufficient. If they're fully exposed to the elements year-round, go for IP65 or higher. Our Ultimate Collection at IP66 is our most weather-durable range and ideal for anyone wanting a permanent, low-maintenance outdoor lighting solution.
What's the difference between warm white, neutral white, and multicolour string lights?
Warm white (2700K–3000K) gives that golden, cosy glow, ideal for patios, bomas, restaurants, and romantic settings. Neutral white is crisper and brighter, better for task lighting or modern aesthetics. Multicolour is festive and fun, popular for events, holiday decorating, and children's spaces. If you're going for atmosphere, warm white is almost always the answer.
Are your string lights safe to leave on overnight?
Yes. Our LED string lights are energy-efficient, run cool, and are safe for extended use. They won't overheat and can safely be left on through the night.
Do your plug-in lights work with a timer or smart plug?
Yes, we sell plug-in dimmers and timers separately, both of which connect directly at the plug between your string lights and the wall socket. No wiring or special setup needed. A timer lets you automate when your lights switch on and off each evening, while a dimmer lets you adjust the brightness to suit the mood. Both are available in our accessories range.
Solar Lights
How long do solar string lights stay on after a full charge?
On a full day's charge in direct sunlight (6–8 hours), most of our solar lights will glow for up to 8 hours, enough to carry you through dinner and well into the evening.
What if it's been cloudy for a few days, will my solar lights still work?
Our solar festoon lights include a USB-C charging port so you can top them up via a power bank or wall adapter on overcast days. This makes them genuinely practical year-round, not just in perfect summer weather.
How do I know if my solar panel is charged?
Cover the panel completely to mimic darkness, if the lights turn on, it's charged. If they don't, place the panel in direct sunlight for a full 6–8 hours. Make sure the panel is angled toward the sun and isn't shaded by leaves, gutters, or furniture. If the solar panel is too close to a bright light source, it will turn it off and cause an on/off loop.
Do I need to remove solar lights during heavy rain or winter?
Our solar lights are weather-resistant for general outdoor use. We recommend bringing them in during severe storms and not leaving them submerged or in standing water. During winter months with less sunlight, using the USB-C top-up option ensures consistent performance.
What makes Stellar Lighting's solar festoon lights different?
Our bestselling solar festoon lights feature the largest solar panel in their category on the South African market, which means faster charging and longer glow time. They also include a remote control for easy on/off and mode switching, no need to walk to the panel every evening.
Fairy Lights
What are fairy lights best used for?
Fairy lights are delicate, fine-wire lights ideal for indoor and outdoor decorative use, think bedroom canopies, wedding décor, winding through pot plants, draping along shelves, or adding sparkle to event tablescapes. They create a soft, magical glow rather than practical illumination.
Are Stellar Lighting's fairy lights suitable for outdoor use?
Our outdoor fairy lights are weather-resistant and suitable for covered outdoor spaces like patios and pergolas. For fully exposed areas, we recommend bringing them in during heavy rain. Indoor fairy lights are designed for interior use only, always check the product listing for the specific IP rating.
Can fairy lights be used for weddings and events?
Absolutely, fairy lights are one of the most popular choices for weddings, garden parties, and corporate events. They're lightweight, easy to drape and style, and create an instantly romantic or festive atmosphere. We offer bulk pricing for event orders, contact us at info@stellarlighting.co.za to discuss your requirements.
Ceiling Fans
Do your ceiling fans come with lights built in?
All of our ceiling fans include an integrated light fitting. Each product listing specifies what's included. If you're looking for a fan-light combo to replace a standard ceiling light, filter by our lit fan range.
Do I need an electrician to install a ceiling fan?
We recommend professional installation, as ceiling fans connect to your home's existing electrical wiring. That said, if you have two people and a solid working knowledge of home electrics, it's a manageable DIY project, the process involves connecting a few wires and securing the mounting bracket. If you're at all unsure, it's worth getting a qualified electrician in; the installation is straightforward and typically takes under an hour for a professional.
Are your ceiling fans suitable for outdoor covered areas like a lapa or covered patio?
Some of our ceiling fans are rated for covered outdoor use. Check the individual product listing for the outdoor suitability rating. A ceiling fan on a lapa or covered entertainment area makes a significant difference to comfort during South African summers.
What ceiling fan size do I need for my room?
As a general guide: for rooms up to 15m², a fan with a blade span of around 105cm works well. For rooms between 15–30m², look at 120–132cm. For large open-plan spaces or lapas, go for 140cm or larger. We're happy to help you choose, just send us your room dimensions.
For Hospitality & Restaurants
Do you supply lighting to restaurants, hotels, and venues?
Yes, we work with hospitality venues across South Africa, from farm stalls and restaurants to glamping sites and boutique hotels. We've supplied lighting to Peregrine Farm Stall, Galileo Open-Air Cinema, Kam'Bati River Resort, and more. We offer bulk pricing and can assist with layout planning for larger spaces.
Can I get help planning the lighting layout for my venue?
Absolutely. Share your floor plan or outdoor area dimensions and we'll help you figure out what you need, how many strings to connect, and what effect to create. Email us at info@stellarlighting.co.za or pop into our Cape Town showroom.
Do you offer bulk or trade discounts?
Yes. Whether you're fitting out a restaurant terrace, setting up a wedding venue, or equipping a series of glamping pods, we offer discounts on bulk orders. Get in touch and let's work out what makes sense for your project.
Orders, Delivery & Returns
How long does delivery take?
We deliver to most major centres across South Africa within 1–3 business days. Remote areas may take slightly longer.
Can I return a product if I change my mind?
Yes, we offer a 30-day return window, provided the item is unused and in its original packaging. Return shipping costs are covered by the customer. For faulty or damaged items, contact us at info@stellarlighting.co.za and we'll sort it out quickly.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, PayFast, Zapper, Payflex, Float, and Mobicred, so you can pay upfront or spread the cost.