5. Make sure the solar panel is positioned correctly – The panel should be positioned to receive sunlight all (or at least most of the) day, or else it might not be receiving sufficient charge.
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Why won’t my solar lights turn on?
6. Test with regular batteries if possible – In most instances of not working, it is the batteries at fault. Either they are not receiving charge or they are not holding it. If the lights work using normal batteries then it is clear that the problem is with either the rechargeable batteries or the solar panel.
How do I fix my solar lights not working?
How to Fix your Solar Lights not Working Issue? – While we have already mentioned some of the most common possible issues for your solar lights not working and how you fix such issues, you might want to know even more possible fixes. In that case, you can consider checking the following with your solar lights and see if it works then:
It is highly important to ensure that your solar lights get enough sunlight to ensure that it is being powered probably. You need to install your solar lights in the right location in such a way that the angle is correct and it is getting enough sunlight. You need to regularly clean the solar panel of your solar light since dust and other junk can get collected on it. This can stop the sunlight from hitting the solar panel which can stop your solar lights from working. If there is any other light source near your solar light, then you need to place your solar light away from it. This is due to the reason that solar lights have a light sensor that will turn off the light if there is any other light source near it. In case your solar light does not stay on for long, then it is most likely due to degraded batteries which are not performing well after being used for a long time. You can fix this issue by getting new batteries for your solar lights. The sensors of your solar light can be tested quite easily by putting your hand on top of your solar light. If the light turns on, then the sensor is working fine. If not, then the solar panel is not working properly which is the reason that your solar light is not working.
How long do solar garden lights Last?
So how long do solar lights last? – Generally speaking, the batteries in outdoor solar lights can be expected to last about 3-4 years before they will need to be replaced. The LEDs themselves can last ten years or more. You will know that it is time to change parts when the lights are unable to maintain charge to illuminate the area during the night.
- There are a few adjustable factors that can also affect the lifespan of your outdoor solar lights.
- For one, their placement in relation to other artificial lighting can diminish or enhance their longevity.
- Make sure that your outdoor solar lights are placed in direct sunlight at a distance from street lighting or house lighting, as too close of a proximity can throw off the sensors that cause them to kick on in low lighting.
Apart from their location, the cleanliness of the solar panels can also be a factor in solar light upkeep. Especially if you have your lights located near a garden or other typically dirty area, be sure to wipe off the panels every other week so that they get sufficient sunlight.
Do solar light batteries need to be replaced?
How Often Do I Need to Replace Solar Light Batteries? – For optimum illumination, you should replace your solar light batteries at least once a year, If you use Ni-Cd batteries, then it is recommended that your batteries are replaced once every 6 months for best results.
On average, a rechargeable solar battery will last between 1 and 2 years. This will depend considerably on the brand, quality, and the type of battery that you use in your solar lights. You can also expect to see a decline in the brightness and performance of your lights during that time frame. Consequently, if you notice that your solar lights have considerably diminished in brightness and overall performance, it probably means that you need to replace your solar light batteries.
This is commonly the case during Winter, On the picture above, you can see OutdoorLights’ color changing solar decking lights, Similarly to other solar decking lights, it is recommended that the batteries for these lights are replaced every 6 months for optimal brightness and lasting performance.
How do I know if my solar lights are charging?
How do I know when my lights are charged? – Once they have been charging for a couple of hours in direct sunlight, you should see some green or blue LED lights turn on. This lets you know that the battery has started to charge! For best results, make sure there is plenty of sun shining on them while they’re charging.
Why are my outdoor lights not working?
Lexington Outdoor Lighting Are your outdoor landscape lights not working after a strong storm or a heavy rainfall? This is a common problem that often has a simple solution. There are three major problems that cause your outdoor lighting system to malfunction after one of these weather events: power outage, tripped GFCI and tripped breaker.
- Power Outage: In Kentucky we experience severe storms throughout the year inevitably lead to power outages.
- If you have an astronomical timer it will switch over to battery mode to keep your system on its current time schedule.
- The batteries in your astronomical timer will only last for a few hours.
- Once the batteries run out the timer can no longer keep the correct time which means that your lights will not go on and off at the previously set times once your power comes back on.
To fix this problem you need to reset your outdoor lighting timer. For instructions on how to re-program your outdoor lighting timer see our previous blog post, ” How to Adjust Your Outdoor Lighting Timer for Daylight Savings (Spring)”. Tripped GFCI: When there is a strong storm, or a heavy rainfall water can work its way into your electrical outlets.
As we know, water is electricity’s worst nightmare! Your GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) plug has a fail-safe built into it that will cause your outlet to pop as soon as water enters it to keep more serious problems from happening. When the GFCI’s fail-safe kicks in it prevents electricity from going to your outdoor lighting system.
All you have to do to fix this problem is to locate your GFCI outlet and hit the reset button. If you experience this problem often you should consider purchasing a bubble cover that will shield your outlet from water in the future. Tripped Breaker: If you have already checked to make sure that your timer is set properly, reset your GFCI outlet and your outdoor landscape lighting is still not coming on your next step is to check and see if a breaker has tripped in your electrical panel.
Often during these storms lighting can hit your home. This will cause a breaker(s) to trip on your electrical panel. To fix this problem you will first need to locate your electrical panel. These are often located in your garage, basement or utility room/closet. Once you locate the panel you will need to open the door and see if any of the breakers are tripped.
Then all you need to do is flip the breaker back to the on position. Now your outdoor landscape lighting should come on! If you have tried all of these steps and your outdoor lighting is still not coming on, then you may have a bigger issue. Your next step should be to call your lighting company and let them come out and diagnose the problem.
If you would rather not deal with these issues yourself, you can call us anytime at 859-552-6575! Outdoor Lighting is all we do! Our experienced outdoor lighting team provides the expertise that you need to add value, safety and a luxury effect to your home. Our goal at Lexington Outdoor Lighting is to provide you with the highest quality fixtures and service in the Central Kentucky area.
: Lexington Outdoor Lighting
Can you use normal batteries in solar lights?
Takeaway – Solar lights are typically designed to work with rechargeable batteries. However, when NiMH or NiCd rechargeable batteries are out of reach, you can temporarily use regular batteries to illuminate the LEDs. As a rule of thumb, be sure to use regular batteries only for a short time, basically less than a week.
Do you have to turn on solar lights?
Should you leave solar lights on all of the time? – As maintenance-free devices, it is okay to leave solar lights on all of the time. Most smart solar lights automatically toggle on and off at sundown and sunrise without any manual operation. To maximize the lifespan of your solar lights, you may want to bring them inside or turn them off when not in use for long periods of time.
How long does it take for solar lights to start working?
Conclusion – It is stated that solar lights can be charged without the presence of sunlight. the best way to charge sunlight is in the presence of sunlight but still, solar lights can get a charge even when there’s no presence of sunlight. it can be done with the help of incandescent light bulbs, LED lights, etc.
