The Infinite Basics Solar LED Address Sign has some good and bad features. My first issue is that there are no instructions. As near as I can tell, the user is supposed to just stick the numbers to the surface of the address sign. I assumed there must be some inner cover, so I took the back off to see what I was missing. However, what you see is what you get. You stick the numbers directly to the surface and assume the weather will not degrade them over time.
It would be helpful if there was some guide to help place the numbers. Being a perfectionist (or OCD), I cut a thin piece of cardboard that was the same size as surface where the address goes. I drew a baseline about a half inch or so from the bottom. I trimmed around each adhesive number with scissors and placed the numbers on the cardboard so I could decide on proper spacing. I then marked an outline where I would place each number, and then cut out that outline for each number using a razor knife. I then taped that template to the surface of the light, and then one-by-one removed the adhesive from each number and stuck it to the surface. I removed my template and it looked pretty good. I was able to peel off one number that was leaning drunkenly to one side and reaffix it, and it still seems to be stuck on pretty well. Larger numbers would have been better, but they are trying to make sure the address sign accommodates as many digits as it can while still being readable.
Once I had the numbers in place, I was still concerned about the rain and snow degrading the adhesive numbers, so I decided to make a cover. When I removed the back, I discovered that in addition to the back cover there are two “nested” front sections. I had a box of transparency film sheets from back in the days when teachers used overhead projectors, so I trimmed a sheet to create a cover to protect my numbers. I inserted the plastic sheet between the two front pieces, protecting the numbers from the weather. I have doubts about how well it will work, but it’s bound to be better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.
I do not know why they do not include a template for accurately placing the mounting screws. None is provided, so you’re on your own. If you removed the back plate, it’s easy enough to trace around it and mark the holes on a sheet of paper, but I’m guessing most buyers will not be disassembling the address sign.
Another review noted that it comes in one color – white! I’m guessing the surface is paintable, since it is made of ABS plastic and a search indicates that ABS plastic can be painted if you apply a thin coat of plastic primer and use acrylic, lacquer, or automotive paint. You could separate the layers and paint the outermost layer of the cover if desired.
This is a nice-looking solar LED address sign, even in white. It was a significant undertaking to get the numbers on and get it mounted out front, but much of that could be attributed to my pickiness. I like it, but I spent a lot more time “templating” than I should have. Infinite Basics could have provided templates to help buyers avoid all that, but I think this item is still a 5 star.
This is not the most durable piece, nor does it come with a wide array of options. But for the cost it works. The solar panel is large and collects ample sunlight, there's an option to charge with USB if there hasn't been enough sunlight to power it. It hangs easily and that's a plus since it has no instructions. Not that it really needs any, it's pretty self explanatory. I didn't care for the numbers that came with it - they seemed on the lower end - so instead I used the number set I got for my mailbox. They stick perfectly and when the light is illuminated the numbers really stand out. It's a great little piece for the price, and it's relatively attractive (although I would not have picked white if I had that option).
This does exactly what it sets out to do, however it is really hard (near impossible) to get the stickers to perfectly line up and center them. I wish it had some sort of tool that you could easily attached to ensure that you put your numbers on straight and they are lined up. The brightness is pretty good, and after charging it via USB C when i first got it, i have not had to charge it since, as the sun has provided plenty of power to keep it going. I really like that its just auto on and off, so i don't ever have to think about it. The size and readability are good, although a touch bigger wouldn't be a bad thing. They give you plenty of numbers and letters so if you mess up or rip one of the stickers you have backups. The quality seems to be a little on the lower end side as the plastic feels very thin and could break easily if it drops, however as this is a mounted device I'm not worried about it falling and cracking.
We've always had trouble keeping our brass address numbers polished up and visible at night. This solar re-charging unit lights up at dusk and the address is readily visible. And you don't have to run any wires to power it. So the product is a great idea. Three points to consider: Imitating the old Henry Ford line, "It is available in any color you like as long as it's white." White is just not the best color for some installations. Like on brick-- white stands out more than you might want. You want the numbers to be visible but you may not want to accentuate the whole unit so much. At least one other color choice would be welcome, possibly like a stone grey. Second, there are exactly zero instructions that come with it. There's a USB charging connector. Should the battery be charged this way to start instead of using sunlight? There's just a picture on the box that says "Type-C intelligent fast charging." There's another utterly incomprehensible picture on the box that's labeled "Increase solar panels". What? There are no guidelines to help get the numbers on straight. And third: the numbers are peel and stick, but now after a few days in the sun we see that a couple of the numbers are already peeling and curling up. A solar product should be sun tolerant. Maybe we will remove the stick-on numbers and try painting on numbers, but that's a lot of work. Once you open the box you are on your own to figure out how best to proceed. With a few revisions, it has the potential to become a convenient product.
I had high hopes for this unit, especially given the price point, but the quality left me disappointed. The main structure is made of plastic that feels inexpensive, both in the base and in the exterior surface where the letters are meant to be attached. The letters themselves are much thinner than the photos suggest, and aligning them is a real challenge since they must be placed by hand without any guide or tool. Because the surface is textured, the letters don’t adhere well, and in my case, they started peeling off quickly once exposed to dust and water.
The lighting feature also underperforms. It turns on at dusk, but the charge only lasts for a couple of hours. For a decorative piece, I expected it to remain illuminated at least through the night, which unfortunately it doesn’t.
While the concept has potential, the execution needs improvement in both materials and design. A smoother surface for better adhesion, sturdier letters, and a longer-lasting light would make this product much more practical and appealing. For now, I’ll repurpose it as a simple garden light rather than as a decorative piece for the front of my home.