Solar deck lights not working can be frustrating, as they play an important role in exterior design and atmosphere. Most often, the reason why they are not working is simple. Follow the simple steps here to check why your solar lights are not working and how to get them working again.
How to Fix Solar Deck Lights Not Working
Why aren’t your solar deck lights working? This might be due to incorrect usage, issues with the battery, a faulty sensor, broken bulbs, or other reasons. Here are nine tips to solve solar deck lights not working. Make sure to try each of them.
1. Do these things before the first-time use
If you find your solar deck lights not working, make sure you have carried out these important steps before using them for the first time.
Firstly, check that all of the equipment is intact.
Then remember to take out the battery pull tab and turn on the switch. Otherwise, the deck lights won’t work.
Finally, use the lights until the battery is fully drained and allow it to charge the following day when the sun is out. Allow the battery to fully charge and drain a few times to make sure the battery can charge to its full capacity.
2. Make sure the batteries work normally
Solar deck lights not working may be due to an issue with the solar panel battery. You can check if the batteries work normally by placing the panel in direct sunlight and allowing the battery to charge fully, about 8 hours. Then use the lights to see if they work. If the lights do not work after a full charge, there may be an issue with the battery. You can replace the battery by purchasing a rechargeable battery for solar lights.
3. Make sure the solar deck lights get enough sunlight
Solar deck lights will only charge if they receive adequate sunlight on a daily basis. If your solar deck lights are not working, the solar panels may not receive enough sunlight during the day. Make sure that you are in a region that receives adequate sunlight, and position the solar panel in the best place to face the sun.
4. Stay away from intense light sources
Strong light sources will make the sensor on the solar deck lights think it is daytime, and will therefore keep the solar lights switched off. Move strong light sources away from your solar lights to ensure that they do not interfere with the daylight sensor. If the intense light sources cannot be moved, you may need to install the solar deck light elsewhere.
5. Make sure the solar panel is clean
Solar deck lights are not working may be due to dirt or grease on the solar panels. Dirt or grease on the panels reduces the efficiency of the solar panels and can prevent the battery on your solar deck lights from charging. Be sure to keep the solar panel of your solar deck lights clean and free of grease or dirt.
6. Ensure that there is no water intrusion
If water intrudes into the solar deck lights, it will cause internal parts to rust and short circuit. If you can see water inside the lights and they are not working, dry the lights out before using them again. If the water has damaged the insides of the lights, you may need to replace them.
7. Check the sensor of the solar deck lights
Solar-powered lights have a light sensor which activates the solar light when daylight reduces upon nightfall. If the light sensor is dirty or broken, the light won’t be able to switch on automatically.
If you find your solar deck lights not working, check the sensor on the solar lights for dirt or damage. Also, check that the sensor of the solar lights is exposed to daylight so that it knows when to turn the light on and off.
8. Check the bulb
A common cause of solar deck lights not working is a broken bulb. If you installed the bulbs into your solar lights yourself, you can check for a broken bulb by replacing it and seeing if the light starts to work. If the lights have bulbs preinstalled, a broken bulb will mean replacing the light.
9. Check the solar panel cables
A broken or damaged cable will almost certainly lead to solar deck lights not working. If you find your solar lights not working, check the cables for any exposed or broken wires.
FAQs about Solar Deck Lights
How long do solar deck lights last?
Solar deck lights should last up to 10 hours per night depending on the size of the battery and how much the batteries are charged during the day. Treated properly, you can expect the lifespan of your solar deck lights to be four to seven years.
One of the most common causes of solar light failure is a worn-out battery. You can extend the battery’s life by charging and draining it fully regularly so that it maintains its charging capacity.
Do solar deck lights need direct sunlight?
Solar deck lights charge best in direct sunlight, but will also charge on cloudy days. You will find that charging on sunny days will lead to the lights lasting longer during the night and will also prolong the life of the light’s battery.
