FAQ

The SOMO (included with the 1000 ml Sun Jar) can shine for up to 100 hours, while the SOMO Mini (included with the 250 ml Sun Jar) can light up for up to 60 hours on a full charge. The lighting duration depends on the brightness level:

Sonnenglas® SOMO: 5–100 hours

• up to 100 h at minimum brightness
• up to 28 hohurs at medium brightness

Sonnenglas® SOMO Mini: 5–60 hours

• up to 60 h at minimum brightness
• up to 18 h at medium brightness.

We have deliberately formulated our specifications carefully. In fact, the lighting time can easily exceed 5 hours. If you reach this time, everything works perfectly and you can adjust the brightness as required.

Absolutely! At maximum brightness the Sonnenglas® SOMO and SOMO Mini shine for around 5 hours. The time varies depending on your chosen setting.

Sure! By reducing the brightness, you can extend the operating time. For instance, if you dim the solar light to the medium brightness level, you will get an average of 28 hours of light with the SOMO (included in the 1000 ml Sun Jar) or 18 hours of light with the SOMO Mini (included in the 250 ml Sun Jar).

Over time, the maximum light capacity may be minimally reduced. A two-year-old model could only reach 4:45 hours at the highest level instead of 5 hours.

If your Sonnenglas® SOMO or SOMO Mini does not reach the full 5 hours of maximum brightness, this could indicate battery wear. In this case, our warranty service will be happy to help.

The solar light (included in the Sun Jars) is equipped with 6 LEDs that provide warm white, flicker-free light (3000 K). The brightness can be continuously adjusted using the control button on the underside.

• SOMO: 5-100 lumens
• SOMO Mini: 5-70 lumens

Yes! In bright surroundings, it activates energy-saving mode. If the battery level drops below 30 %, it dims the luminosity. In addition, the intensity is automatically reduced after one hour at the highest level.

Whether you are using the SOMO (included in the 1000 ml Sun Jar) or the SOMO Mini (included in the 250 ml Sun Jar), the solar light can be dimmed continuously. To do this, you can unscrew the solar light from the Sun Jar. By pressing and holding the control button on the underside while in the on mode, the solar light can be dimmed continuously. If you then want to screw the SOMO back into the Sun Jar, please ensure that the magnetic handle is NOT engaged, otherwise, the automatic light mode will be reactivated.

Yes, your Sonnenglas® SOMO is smart! When the SOMO solar light is screwed into the Sun Jar and the magnetic switch rests on the contact point of the SOMO, the day-night automation is activated. Depending on the ambient brightness, the light will automatically turn on at dusk and turn off again when the sun rises. The same functionality works when using the SOMO with the Light Carafe, when the SOMO is aligned with the metal point in the neck of the Light Carafe.

Whether a full charge over the course of a day is possible depends on the amount of sunlight. As a rule of thumb, on a beautiful, cloudless summer day, 1 hour of direct sunlight provides about 2 hours of lighting time. You can optimize charging by adjusting the angle of the SOMOs solar cell to match the sun’s position, remove the solar module from the Sun Jar and aliging it directly toward the sun.

• Summer day at approximately 100,000 lux: 2 hours of light for every 1 hour of charging
• Cloudy at approximately 20,000 lux: 1 hour of light for every 2 hours of charging

Especially during winter, solar energy is very weak in most parts of the world. As the Sonnenglas® is a solar product, it finds ideal charging conditions outdoors in direct sunlight. However, please note that window panes can filter out up to 75% of the sun's rays, which reduces the charging efficiency behind a window.

Note that charging does not take place when the sky is cloudy. The efficiency of charging depends heavily on the current weather conditions.

Although the Sonnenglas® Sun Jar is cold-resistant, the performance of the battery of the SOMO is reduced at low temperatures. It is recommended to keep your Sun Jar indoors during the cold season, ideally on a windowsill, so that it continues to be exposed to sunlight.

A discharged battery is often indicated by a brief flash of the LEDs when the magnetic clip of the Sun Jar is placed on the grey dot on the surface of the SOMO. The current charge status of the battery is indicated by the LED light ring on the module surface, from red (empty) to green (full). Details can be found in the instructions for use on page 14.

Charge the SOMO solar module for about 2.5 hours via the USB-C port (under the black silicone cover). The LED light ring should then be green. If the light remains off, check the magnet on the bracket of the Sun Jar. Test the solar module in a functioning Sun Jar or place a household magnet on the grey dot on the surface of the module. If the light works again, charging by natural sunlight should also be possible. Ideally, carry out the test outdoors to check the functionality of the solar panel.

If the sun isn't shining, you can charge the SOMO via the integrated USB-C port (for generation 6 models, previous models have a micro-USB port). You'll need a standard cable and about 6 hours to fully charge the SOMO module. The port is located on the underside of the solar light.

You will find the micro USB port or USB-C port on the underside of the SOMO solar module, which is screwed in the lid of the Sonnenglas® Sun Jar.

This connection was specially designed for times with little sunlight, when there is not enough natural light to charge your SOMO Solar Light. It is also used to give your SOMO an intensive energy charge if it has completely discharged and to give the battery a "kick-start".

To charge, you will need a micro-USB cable or a USB-C cable (depending on the generation of the SOMO) and a plug adapter for the power outlet, or you can connect the cable to a laptop or computer. A micro-USB or USB-C connector is often already available in households and can also be purchased wherever electronic devices or accessories are sold. For SOMO and Sun Jar of generation 6, a USB-C cable is required.

A micro USB connection is available on previous Generation 6 models. You will need a micro USB cable for this. SOMO Generation 6 models require a USB-C cable, which you can purchase from any regular electronics shop. The USB ports are located on the underside of the SOMO Solar Light.

It is recommended to leave your SOMO connected to the cable for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight. After this, it should be fully charged and ready to light up.

Thanks to the new fast-charging feature, the Sonnenglas® SOMO Gen6 achieves a lighting duration of up to 10 hours after just 10 minutes of charging from a power outlet, and more than 1 hour of lighting after just a few minutes of charging.

Yes, this differs depending on the version of your SOMO. Previous models before Generation 6 have a green LED next to the USB port that indicates the charge level during the USB charging process. For Generation 6 models, the charge level is indicated through colors.

Color Charge Indicator (Generation 6):

• Green means: Fully charged
• Yellow means: Half charged
• Red means: Low/empty

Blink Signals (Previous Models):

• 1x flash: 0-25% charged.
• 2x flashing: 25-50% charged.
• 3x flashing: 50-75% charged.
• 4x flashing: 75-98% charged.
• Permanently lit: 100% charged. The LED is located on the inside of the lid.

If the illuminated ring is green but the light is off, you should check the magnet on the bracket. Here are some possible solutions:

• Test the SOMO solar module in a functioning Sun Jar
• Place a household magnet on the grey spot on the surface of the SOMO module
• Test the magnet on a magnetic surface

If your Sun Jar or the SOMO solar light contained within it hasn't been charged for an extended period, it needs a strong energy boost. You can either charge it through direct sunlight or via the USB-C port located on the underside of the solar module. This port has been integrated into all models since November 2015. After a long pause, we recommend charging the SOMO overnight with a cable; afterwards, the solar charging should also function properly again.

No, the SOMO solar light can be ordered separately. As many customers already own a Sonnenglas® SOMO and because the Light Carafe is a complete product even without the SOMO (a cork is included to cover it), the SOMO must be ordered as an optional extra. We also offer attractive set offers with special discounts including the SOMO solar light for each model.

The Light Carafe is always offered as standard together with the SOMO solar light. If you already own a SOMO Gen6 (sales launch 2022), for example from a Sun Jar, the Light Carafe is fully compatible with it and can also be purchased without an additional SOMO.

In this case, it is possible to order the light carafe on its own. Please send an email to info@sonnenglas.net, so that we can process the order manually for you.

Scope of delivery:

• Light Carafe
• SOMO Gen6
• Cork

Yes, the Light Carafe can be cleaned in the dishwasher on a gentle wash cycle (glass program) at a maximum of 45°C. The cork and the SOMO solar light are of course not dishwasher safe.

The SOMO solar light is available in two sizes:

• SOMO fits all 1000ml Light Carafes (models C1 and C2)
• ⁠SOMO Mini fits all 750ml Light Carafes (models M1 and M2)

The Light Carafes are compatible with the SOMO solar modules since generation 6 (sales start in 2022).

The Light Carafe is compatible with Generation 6 SOMO solar lights, which have been on the market since spring 2022. So if your Sonnenglas® Sun Jar is the 6th generation, you can also use the SOMO module on the Light Carafe. You can recognize Generation 6 by the 6 LEDs arranged in a circle and the QR code with a 6-digit serial number.

If you have an older model, you can use our Upgrade programme or purchase a SOMO solar light at a special price with our set offers.

Yes, every Light Carafe is made from 100% recycled packaging glass and is food safe. Glass is one of the safest materials and the raw material is regularly tested in the laboratory.

As with all Sonnenglas® products, operating the Light Carafe is very easy and ingenious at the same time:

The SOMO solar light can be placed on the Light Carafe as a cover. To switch on the light, the SOMO module is aligned with the metal point on the neck of the Light Carafe: This makes the Light Carafe glow. To switch off, simply turn the SOMO module at least 2 cm away from the metal point. The metal point also activates the day/night sensor of the SOMO and the Light Carafe switches on and off automatically depending on the light conditions.

Alternatively, the SOMO module can also be switched on using the integrated control button on the module itself. However, this does not activate the automatic day/night function.

Both the SOMO solar light and the cork supplied completely cover the mouth of the Light Carafe and thus protect the drinks from dust or mosquitoes. To pour, simply remove the SOMO or the cork briefly.

No, the LEDs of a Sonnenglas® SOMO are so efficient that they do not generate any significant heat or warmth.

Model C1 (1000 ml): Dimensions: 141 mm x 147 mm x 217 mm, weight: 610 g

Model C2 (1000 ml): Dimensions: 141 mm x 147 mm x 217 mm, weight: 589 g

Model M1 (750 ml): Dimensions: 127 mm x 127 mm x 183 mm, weight: 513 g

Model M2 (750 ml): Dimensions: 127 mm x 127 mm x 183 mm, weight: 544 g

The Light Carafe should not be left outside unattended and should not be left out in the rain, for example. Compared to our Sun Jars, which also work with the same SOMO solar light, the Light Carafes are not garden lights.

No, the SOMO solar light can be ordered separately. As many customers already own a Sonnenglas® SOMO (as part of the Sun Jars), this can be ordered as an option. We also offer attractive set offers for Adventure Mounts incl. SOMO for every model.

Just like the SOMO module, the Adventure Mount is available in two sizes. The Adventure Mount fits on the SOMO. The Adventure Mount Mini fits on the SOMO Mini.

The Adventure Mounts are compatible with all SOMOs since generation 6 (sales start in 2022).

The Adventure Mounts are compatible with the SOMO Generation 6 modules, which have been on the market since spring 2022. You can recognize them by the 6 LEDs arranged in a circle and the QR code with a 6-digit serial number. So if your Sun Jar is from the 6th generation, you can remove the SOMO by unscrewing the metal ring and inserting it into the Adventure Mount.

If you have an older model, you can use our Upgrade programme or purchase a SOMO solar light at a special price with our set offers.

The Adventure Mount is a practical clip-on adapter for the SOMO solar light (both available in two sizes). Make sure that your SOMO solar light is correctly aligned before you insert it into the matching Adventure Mount. The round metal dot on the surface of the SOMO must be at the top end of the mount (at the “Align” symbol), whereas the opposite USB port is at the bottom of the mount. The SOMO can then be snapped into place with a simple click.

The Adventure Mount adds five versatile mounting and carrying options to your SOMO solar light, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

1. Magnetic attachment: Practically attach to metal
2. Hand-knotted carrying strap: For hanging or tying up
3. Attachment straps: Two fastening straps allow mounting
4. Tripod thread: Works with any ¼ tripod
5. Set up vertically: Simply stand upright

You can leave the Adventure Mounts themselves outside without hesitation and have them outside in wind, weather and rain, for example. However, you should then remove the SOMO solar light. Although the module is protected against splashing water, it is not designed to be left outside permanently.

Manuals and data sheets for all Sonnenglas® products are available for download on our website. You can access them through the following link: Download Manuals and Data Sheets. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

The serial number can be found in different places depending on the version of the Sonnenglas® SOMO and Sun Jar:

• On the white sticker on the underside of the solar module.
• On the white sticker on the side of the solar module, next to the QR code.
• Directly under the QR code on the underside of the solar module.

If the battery capacity of your Sonnenglas® SOMO solar light falls below 15 %, the LEDs switch off automatically after a short time. This feature is important to prevent the battery from discharging completely and to extend its service life.

What shipping to your country costs, and from which order value it is free, is listed in the prices and shipping overview and shown right in the cart once you pick your delivery country. We are also happy to answer your questions personally and are available by e-mail, telephone and through our contact form.

The South African sister of the Sonnenglas® lantern is labelled "Consol" instead of "Sonnenglas" and has a function that is not available outside South Africa. Its light switches on automatically for 30 seconds when it suddenly gets dark (e.g. in the event of a power cut). If it is not dark enough, it switches off again after 4 seconds. This means that it only lights up in complete darkness. We have deliberately dispensed with these functions in the Sonnenglas® Sun Jars.

Consol is a brand of the Ardagh Glass Packing Group. The Consol Solar Jar therefore consists of a Consol glass and a Sonnenglas® SOMO solar light.

We offer you a one-year warranty and optional extension. Extend your warranty free of charge within 2 months of purchase.

Your advantages with the SOMO Generation 6

• Infinitely dimmable: You can adjust the brightness as you wish
• Increased luminosity: Up to 5 times brighter than before.
• Longer lighting time: Enjoy up to 100 hours of light on a full charge.
• Increased efficiency: Improved light duration and solar charging efficiency.
• Charge level indicator: Integrated light ring in the solar panel.
• USB-C charging: More modern and practical.
• Stand-alone use: Can be used directly on the glass without a magnetic switch.
• Integrated bracket: For easy hanging.

New light for your favourite jar. If you have a Sun Jar, a Light Carafe, an Adventure Mount or a SOMO from us, you get an upgrade voucher on a new SOMO solar light. Enter the serial number of your module (QR code) or an old order number on the Upgrade programme page and you get the code right away. One voucher per order, not combinable with other vouchers.

Not sure which module you have? The row of all modules, from the first version to SOMO Gen 6, helps you spot it: every one counts.

Repurpose, optional: You may send us your old module, but you don't have to. We reuse it or recycle it properly:

• Return address Germany: Sonnenglas GmbH Department: Upgrade & Repurpose Programme c/o Stiftung Mensch, Marschstraße 94 - Halle 2, 25704 Meldorf, Germany
• Return address Austria: SONNENGLAS Upgrade & Repurpose Programme c/o Michael Fohringer, Sonnau 12, 8940 Liezen
• Return address Switzerland: Speedmax.li Establishment, "SONNENGLAS Upgrade & Repurpose Programme", Palduinstrasse 52, 9496 Balzers,Liechtenstein

€5 in Germany, Austria and France, CHF 5 in Switzerland and $5 in the US – on a new SOMO or SOMO Mini, once per order. Returning your old module is not a condition.

Thank you for your interest in becoming part of the Sonnenglas® family! To discuss special conditions for resellers, please contact our B2B support team. In this e-mail you can briefly present your sales ideas and your company.

Yes, we have created a short form to find out more about your company and your plans to sell our Fair Trade products. You can access the form via the following link: B2B Contact Form. It will only take a few minutes of your time. We at Sonnenglas® appreciate the commitment and creativity of our partners. Our products stand for sustainability and fair trade, values that we are happy to share with like-minded companies. We look forward to learning more about your ideas and exploring collaboration opportunities together.

Yes. We always like to support organisations and projects that want to do good. Tell us through the contact form what the lights are for and how many you need, and we'll see together what we can do.

It's that simple:

1. Send us your order for your new SOMO Generation 6 by e-mail.

1. Give us the following information: Serial number of the old module, your delivery/billing address, whether you are returning the old module and whether you need a new screw cap.

1. You will receive a proforma invoice with all payment details within 1-2 working days.

1. Payment methods: Bank transfer, credit card, PayPal. Shipping against prepayment.

1. Your Sonnenglas® sun module is usually dispatched by GLS within one working day of receipt of payment.

The Light Carafe comes in beautiful packaging that immediately catches the eye. The high-quality cardboard box is decorated with a stylish photograph and a lovingly designed animal drawing - a real eye-catcher. On the outside, you will also find a short manual with illustrations explaining how to use the Light Carafe with the SOMO solar light. A detailed manual is included inside. Thanks to the elegant design, the packaging is perfect as a gift.

The cork for our Light Carafes comes from Portugal, the world's leading country in cork production. Portugal produces over 100,000 tons of cork every year, which accounts for almost half of the world's cork production. Since the Middle Ages, cork oaks have been protected by strict legal regulations that apply at both local and national level. The more than 736,000 hectares of cork oak forests are not only an important economic resource, but also an ecological treasure. They help to regulate water resources and play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity. Our cork stoppers come from these sustainably managed forests, which have been classified as particularly worthy of protection under the Natura 2000 program.

Simply provide your email address during checkout. Within a few minutes, you’ll receive an email with the PDF voucher, which you can either forward or print.

Only a few minutes! After completing your order, the voucher will be sent directly via email.

Depending on the website’s language and country settings, the voucher will be issued in German or English and will be available in euros or CHF.

The voucher is valid for the entire Sonnenglas® range – including sale items and special editions. Only the purchase of additional vouchers is excluded.

Only in our online shop. Simply enter the code in the voucher / gift card field of the shopping cart.

Yes, just follow this link and scroll to the bottom of the page to check your balance.

No, cash redemption is unfortunately not possible.

Basically, yes, the SOMO Gen6 fits all Sun Jars. However, with older models, some pressure may be required to screw it on. Therefore, we recommend ordering a new screw ring for all solar lanterns purchased before 2018 to make the installation easier.

The Sonnenglas® Lightshade is an innovative, solar-powered reimagining of a classic lampshade. Thanks to an integrated, clever cork base, you can place the Lightshade onto almost any bottle neck (e.g., old wine bottles, water bottles, or slender vases), instantly transforming it into a stylish, unique lamp.

Operating it is incredibly simple: you just place the SOMO solar light onto the top mount. Switching it on works exactly the way you know it from our Sun Jars via the integrated magnetic bracket, which is wrapped in premium cactus leather and simply flipped to turn on.

Swapcover Edition: The standard version of the Lightshade comes with an interchangeable Swapcover. These feature traditional South African Shweshwe fabrics that you can easily pull over the frame. The design can be flexibly changed at any time to match your style, decor, or the season.

Artisan Edition: A true masterpiece of craftsmanship. Here, an exquisite cotton covering is meticulously wrapped directly around the stainless steel wire frame in a sophisticated, multi-hour process by hand. This makes every Lightshade an unmistakable, unique piece.

You can customize your Lightshade experience exactly the way it suits you, depending on what you might already have at home. All individual parts are available separately or combined as sets:

• The Complete Set: If you choose the complete set consisting of the Lightshade including the SOMO, you get everything you need for your new lampshade all at once and you save money too.
• The Artisan Edition: With this exclusive variant, the handwoven cotton covering is already permanently attached to the stainless steel frame. This means you are buying the finished, artfully covered frame (you can optionally add the SOMO in a set or use your own).
• The Swapcover Edition: Here, we separate the frame and the look. By default, you receive the frame together with a Swapcover of your choice. However, if you already own a Lightshade frame, you can purchase the cotton fabric covers individually at any time to change the look of your lamp.

In short: For a fully functional bottle light, you always need the Lightshade frame (consisting of the frame and cork base), a cover (fabric Swapcover or Artisan covering), and the SOMO solar light.

The Lightshade is compatible with the SOMO solar light from Generation 6 onwards (launched in 2022). If you already own a Gen6 Sun Jar (1000 ml), you can simply unscrew the SOMO module from its lid and use it for the Lightshade.

Important to know: For the launch, we are initially offering the Lightshade only in one size for the large SOMO. But we have great news for all fans of the smaller version: there will also be Lightshades for the SOMO Mini in the future. However, a little bit of patience is still required here. Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter, where we will keep you updated.

As soon as you flip the magnetic toggle switch wrapped in cactus leather, the integrated day-night sensor becomes active. This controls the brightness of the lamp completely automatically, adjusting it to the current ambient light levels and the battery charge of the SOMO.

Shweshwe is a traditional South African fabric made of 100% cotton, world-famous for its vibrant colors and highly detailed patterns. Originally worn by the Sotho tribes, it today bridges traditional history with modern African culture. Every pattern tells its very own story.

Yes! For all crafting enthusiasts and DIY fans, we provide a sewing pattern available for download. This allows you to sew a completely custom cover using a fabric of your choice that perfectly matches your personal style.

No, you should not leave the Sun Jar (Beadwork Edition) outside in all weather conditions. Here are the key details regarding the protection of your lamp:

• Protection against water & moisture (IP65): The solar lantern itself is tightly screwed closed and weather- as well as splash-resistant according to the IP65 standard. As long as the lid is securely fastened, rain will not damage the glass body or the electronics.
• Sensitive Beadwork handle: The delicate handle is handcrafted from fine beads. To prevent damage or wear caused by moisture, the handle should NOT be left outside in the rain or stormy weather.
• Cold & winter: Although the glass is frost-resistant, the battery performance of the solar module (SOMO) decreases at low temperatures. It is recommended to keep your Sun Jar indoors during the cold season, ideally on a windowsill facing the sun so the module can continue to absorb daylight.