Have you noticed that your solar lights are not working? Solar lights are a good way to provide beautiful outdoor lighting without worrying about energy consumption or running long cords around the yard. But they can be a little finicky and require some maintenance every now and then. That doesn’t mean you should give up using solar lights. We’ve got a few solutions that could help you get your solar lights back on track.
- Part 1. Common Solutions for Solar Lights Not Working
- Part 2. Brand New Solar Lights Not Working
- Part 3. Solar Lights Not Working After Rain
Part 1. Common Solutions for Solar Lights Not Working
If you have been using your solar lights for some time and they suddenly don’t work someday, don’t worry; you’re certainly not alone. In fact, it’s a common issue that can usually be fixed. Try these solutions to get your solar lights back up and running!
Adjust the direction and location of the solar panel
Oftentimes, the solar panel simply isn’t receiving enough sunlight. Make sure it’s facing direct sunlight, and remember to adjust the angle of the solar panel during the day so that it can absorb enough sunlight. Besides, you need to place it in an area where it won’t be blocked, for example, not shaded by trees or buildings.
Charge the solar light for more than 48h
This is especially important if there hasn’t been enough sunshine in your region recently. Leave it in direct sunlight for several days. Then switch on the solar light to see if the light turns on or not.
Test batteries
If the above solutions don’t work, then inspect and test the batteries to make sure they’re working correctly and that they aren’t worn out. Batteries for solar lights are specifically designed to last longer, but they can still wear out over time.Take out the batteries from your solar lights if you can and install them on a TV remote or other devices supporting rechargeable batteries. If the device works as usual, then there is no problem with the batteries. If the device doesn’t work, then it is the time to replace the old batteries.
Check other light sources
If there are strong light sources around your solar lights, they won’t work because the sensor can detect intense light and think it is daytime. A helpful trick here is to cover the solar panel with something like fabric or paper. This will test whether the light is actually turning on when you switch it on normally, and no more external light will reach it.
Try a different lighting mode if it has
Some solar lights come with different lighting modes. Try switching between these to see if any behave differently than others or are more reliable than others.
Check solar panel
To check the solar panel, start by looking for signs of damage on the panel’s body or wiring. You should also look at the connections and make sure they aren’t loose or corroded. If all looks good, take a multimeter and check for electrical current in the panel by setting it to DC voltage. If there is no voltage or a very low voltage reading, then your panel needs replacement.
Check bulbs
When thinking about why your solar lights are not working, don’t miss out on the bulbs. If your bulbs are loose, then they can’t make contact with the electrical current to stay operational. Just screw tight the bulbs. This is an easy fix that doesn’t require any special tools and can be done in a few seconds. If it is solar string lights, it is recommended to use a good bulb to replace each bulb on the string and see whether the entire strand of lights works or not. In this way, you can test out which bulb is faulty and just replace it.
Check the Sensor
The next troubleshooting solution for your solar lights is to check the sensor. The sensor detects the presence of darkness, so if it’s not working properly, the lights won’t either. Sensors are usually located at the very bottom of the light, but it depends on your specific type of solar light. If you can access it, make sure that it isn’t blocked by dirt or grime. You can use a cloth to wipe down the sensor and remove any dirt or grime that has accumulated on it. If the sensor is still not working after this, then you may need to replace it with a new one.
Brand New Solar Lights Not Working
If you have just bought brand new solar lights, and the lights aren’t working, don’t panic; it’s likely that the battery pull tab is still inserted. What is it? Well, there are benefits of having a battery pull tab in place: it stops any excess power draining from the solar light, which means your product will last much longer. If you do forget to take it out before using the product, your light won’t be able to charge. Therefore simply take it out.
If that doesn’t solve the problem, make sure to turn on the solar light itself. Many solar light models these days come with a switch that needs to be turned on in order for the light to work. Make sure you check that as well!
If you have checked both settings and your solar lights are still not working, it is a good idea to contact the retailer you purchased from because it might be a fault with either the lights or components within them. They will likely be more than happy to help you out with a replacement or exchange for a working product.
Solar Lights Not Working After Rain
Sometimes, after rain or other wet weather, your solar lights just won’t turn on anymore! This is also a problem that can be fixed yourself.
The first step to fixing your solar lights is checking for water buildup. Water seeping into the electrical will certainly stop it from working. You can check by opening the casing and ensuring that all of the components are dry and unscathed. If necessary, use a small towel to drain the water off and leave it there to dry.
Next, make sure to clean the surface of your solar panel. Dust and dirt buildup can prevent it from absorbing energy from sunlight, particularly if there are particles covering more than half of the panel surface area. You can simply use a cloth to wipe away any dirt or dust on top of the panel for optimal functionality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, solar lights are a great way to add a low-maintenance source of light to your home with minimal effort. However, solar lights can experience problems if they are not installed properly or maintained well. A lack of sunlight, exposure to harsh weather conditions, corroded cables, and an out-of-date battery can all be to blame.
Fortunately, there are a variety of steps you can take to troubleshoot the issues you might have with your solar lights, from proper care and maintenance to replacing the battery and bulbs. As long as you take the time to diagnose and address any issues your solar lights might have, they will work to their full potential.
