Like all solar powered devices, PLAYBULB garden works best when exposed to direct sunlight and at least bright sky. Cloud cover, shade from buildings, trees, plants will all affect the ability for PLAYBULB garden to charge it's battery. Similar the seasons affect the length of the day and amount of sunshine. We recommend that PLAYBULB garden be placed to maximize it's exposure to the sun/sky over the daylight hours. Shade can reduce the solar panel performance and be insufficient to fully charge the battery - and that affects how long PLAYBULB garden will light up at night.