Both designs do the same job. The difference is where the solar panel lives, and that single decision changes how flexible the installation can be.
What each design actually is
All-in-one — panel, battery and LED are one sealed unit you mount in a single position. Split — the LED body and the solar panel are two units joined by a cable.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | All-in-one | Split |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Fastest — one bracket, one position | Two mounts, one cable run |
| Panel angle | Fixed with the lamp — compromises | Independent tilt, always faces the sun |
| Shaded mounting spot | Poor — light must sit in the sun | Excellent — panel on the roof, light under the eave |
| Panel size | Limited by lamp footprint | Can be much larger (faster charging) |
| Heat on the battery | Battery sits under a hot panel | Battery sits in the lamp body, cooler |
| Look | Slim, tidy | Slightly more visible hardware |
When all-in-one is the better buy
- Open sites with full sun all day and no shade: car parks, open yards, new roads.
- Projects where installation labour is the expensive part.
- Places where a visible panel would be knocked or stolen easily.
When split is the better buy
- Under an eave, veranda or carport. The panel goes on the roof, the light stays dry in the shade — the single most common reason customers choose split.
- Tall buildings and walls where the ideal light position faces away from the sun.
- Trees or neighbouring buildings casting shade for part of the day.
- High latitude winters, where a steeply tilted panel collects far more sun than a flat one.
What we sell and why
Every Vaelo Light flood light is a split unit, because most real sites are partly shaded. The street lights use the same split principle with the panel on its own tilt bracket above the lamp arm.
Frequently asked questions
Is a split solar light harder to install?
Only slightly. You mount two brackets instead of one and run the supplied cable between them. There is still no mains wiring and no electrician required.
How far can the panel be from the light?
The supplied cable is a few metres. If you need more, tell us before shipping and we can supply a longer run.
Do split lights charge better?
Usually yes, because the panel can be tilted toward the sun and kept out of shade, and it can be larger than a panel integrated into a lamp body.
Still not sure? Tell us the area you want to light and we will recommend a model and mounting height — free, usually answered the same day. WhatsApp +86 186 7539 5280 or email fangyuan12530@Hotmail.com.
Get a Quote for Your Project
Tell us the area you want to light and we will recommend a model and mounting height — free, usually answered the same day.