Solar lights powered by the sun’s energy are quickly becoming a preferred option for most property owners. However, even the best solar lights can stop working or completely malfunction.
Common Reasons for Faulty Solar Lights
Insufficient Sunlight
Sunlight is the ultimate power source of all solar-powered electronics. If your solar lights are not producing enough light or have stopped working, the very first thing you should look into is their position.
Is your solar light placed and positioned in an area or angle where it gets enough sunlight? If not, ensure to position them strategically.
Moreover, your solar lights may not be getting enough sunlight due to a shade coming from a tree or a towering building or construction. In these instances, you might want to consider relocating it to an area where it can gather enough sunlight or eliminate any obstruction that causes shading, if possible.
Weak or Drained Batteries
Although solar lights utilize the energy from sunlight to work, these devices use batteries as well. Thus, when you notice that your solar lights aren’t working, you may want to check their batteries.
Batteries are vital components in all solar-powered devices, including Solar Lights. Top-grade solar light batteries typically last for up to three years. For this reason, most people forget to check them until their solar lights are no longer performing.
Moreover, if you need to replace your solar lights’ batteries, choosing Li-Ion or NiMH batteries is highly recommendable. These batteries are more durable and longer-lasting compared to other types of batteries.
Faulty Sensor
A solar light sensor is a component that allows the device to produce light whenever it detects darkness in its surroundings. A sensor is why solar lights automatically light up at night and turn off during the day. If your solar light has stopped working, you need to inspect its sensor for possible damage.
Checking if a sensor is faulty or perfectly fine is fairly easy. All you need to do is cover it with a cloth or your hand. If the solar light lights up, then it’s working completely fine. However, if it doesn’t, then the sensor is broken. You can check with the manufacturer to see if they offer sensor replacement services.
Dirty Panels
Apart from the shade coming from tall buildings, trees, or other hindrances, dirt build-up can also hinder solar light panels from getting enough sunlight. A layer of dirt, dust, or grime prevents the panels from gathering substantial sunlight, which results in insufficient power generation. Consequently, low sunlight may also lead to inadequate battery power.
Once you have installed your solar lights, make sure to set a regular cleaning schedule to remove dust and dirt build-up. You can use a water hose and soap to clean the solar panels gently.
Water Build-Up
Although most solar lights are weatherproof and waterproof, water residue can get trapped inside the panel. Subsequently, this damages the device’s internal circuitry and wiring. When your solar light has stopped working, consider checking its solar panel by detaching the panel head from the post or wall where it is mounted.
Get rid of any water build-up and allow it to dry first before putting it back in its place. Once you are certain that the solar panel is dry and free of any excess water, test your solar light by bringing it to a dark room and see if it works.
Proximity to Other Lighting Sources
Solar lights come with a sensor that detects both natural and artificial lights. If your solar light has stopped producing light, then it is probably due to its proximity to other light sources such as street lights, garage lights, and more. If this is the root of the problem, the best possible solution is to relocate your solar light from other light sources.
Tips for a Longer Lasting Solar Light
Here are some tips to extend the life of your Solar Lights.
Coat your Solar Lights with Clear Paint
Consider coating the lamps with high-gloss clear paint to keep your solar lights shining brighter for longer. Doing so will help protect it from accumulating dirt that will, later on, create a foggy cast on your solar lamps.
Keep your Solar Lights Indoors During Winter Season
Although solar lights are typically weatherproof, you essentially won’t get any use of them during the winter months since there isn’t enough sunlight. Therefore, it would be better to dismantle and store it indoors in the meantime to protect it.
Last Words
These are just some of the issues you are likely to encounter when you own solar lights. Now that you know the basic steps to troubleshoot a faulty solar light, you can now confidently fix yours by yourself.