
Why Do My Solar Lights Not Last Long? (Troubleshooting Guide)
Itβs no secret that solar lights donβt last as long as traditional electric lights. One of the most common questions we get here is βwhy do my solar lights only last a few months?β
We’re going to go over different ways to help extend the life of your solar lights, as well as what might be causing them to fail prematurely.
Why Do My Solar Lights Not Last Long?
The most common reason solar lights don’t last long is because of the batteries. Solar lights need to rely on batteries to store energy so that they can work at night. Batteries, especially rechargeable ones, have a limited lifespan. They slowly lose their ability to hold a charge over time.
Here are some other reasons why solar lights might not last long.
- Solar lights are often used in warm weather, which causes the batteries to degrade even faster.
- The solar panel isn’t getting enough sunlight. Solar lights need direct sunlight to charge properly. If your solar panel is shaded by trees or buildings, it won’t be able to generate enough power to keep the batteries charged.
- The light is left on for too long. Leaving your solar lights on for extended periods will also shorten their lifespan. This is because the batteries will slowly drain even when the light is not in use.
How Can I Extend the Life of My Solar Lights?
There are a few things you can do to help extend the life of your solar lights.
Change the location
Make sure that the solar panel is in a location where it will get direct sunlight. If your solar panel is shaded, it won’t be able to generate enough power to keep the batteries charged.
Use the panels in cooler weather
Try to use your solar lights in cooler weather. The heat can cause the batteries to degrade faster.
Turn off your lights
Turn off your solar lights when you’re not using them. This will help prevent the batteries from draining unnecessarily.
Regular cleaning
Make sure to clean the solar panel regularly. Dust and dirt can build up on the panel and reduce its ability to absorb sunlight.
Replace batteries often
Replace the batteries regularly. This is the most important thing you can do to extend the life of your solar lights. Rechargeable batteries have a limited lifespan and will eventually need to be replaced.
Cover the wires
Cover your wires with PVC pipes or tape. This will help protect them from the elements and rodents as well as prevent them from shorting out.
Regular cleaning of solar panels
Solar panels are a great way to save on energy costs, but they require regular cleaning to maintain their efficiency. Dust, pollen, and bird droppings can all build up on the surface of panels, blocking sunlight and preventing the panels from working at their best.
Leaves and other debris can clog the panel’s electrical system, causing it to overheat. To keep your panels in top condition, we recommend that you clean them at least once a month.
A little soap and water will do the trick; just be sure to rinse the panels thoroughly afterwards. If you live in an area with a lot of dust or pollen, you may need to clean them more often.
How long should solar lights last?
The amount of time that solar lights last depends on a few different factors. This includes the type of solar light, the location of the light, and how often the light is used all play a role in how long the light will last.
Most solar lights will last for several years with proper care and maintenance.
Best way to fix a broken solar light
Let’s go over a few different ways to try and fix a broken solar light.
Checking A Faulty Or Damaged Sensor
A faulty or damaged sensor is a very common reason why solar lights stop working. The sensor is what tells the light when to turn on and off. If the sensor is damaged, it may not be able to properly detect when it’s dark outside.
To check if the sensor is the problem, you can try covering the light with your hand. If the light turns on, then the sensor is most likely the issue.
You can try to clean the sensor with a soft cloth. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the sensor entirely.
Cleaning a dirty solar panel
A dirty solar panel is another common reason why solar lights stop working. The solar panel needs to be able to absorb sunlight in order to generate power. If the panel is covered in dirt or debris, it won’t be able to do its job properly.
To clean the panel, you can use a soft cloth and some soapy water. Be careful not to scratch the panel. You can also use a garden hose to rinse off the panel.
Make sure you dry the panel completely before putting the light back together.
Battery replacement
Over time, batteries will lose their ability to hold a charge. This is especially true for NiCad batteries. If your solar lights are not holding a charge, the batteries likely need to be replaced.
You can buy replacement batteries at most hardware stores. Just make sure to get the right type of battery for your light.
Deep Charge Technique
If your batteries are not holding a charge, you can try the deep charge technique. This is a way of charging the batteries that can help revive them.
The deep charge technique involves fully charging the batteries and then letting them discharge completely. This process can be repeated a few times to try and get the batteries back to their original capacity.
Keep in mind that this technique will not work for all types of batteries. NiCad batteries are especially known for not being able to be revived with this method.
Check the discharge time
The discharge time is the amount of time that a solar light can stay on after being fully charged. Over time, the discharge time will decrease as the batteries lose their ability to hold a charge.
If you notice that your solar lights are not staying on as long as they used to, it’s likely due to the batteries needing to be replaced.
Adjusting the solar panel
The solar panel needs to be in direct sunlight in order to work properly. If the panel ist receiving enough sunlight, it won’t be able to generate enough power to keep the light going.
You can try to adjust the panel to see if that makes a difference. If not, you may need to move the light to a different location.
Replacing the entire light
If you’ve tried all of these things and the light still isn’t working, you may need to replace the entire light. This is usually only necessary if the light is very old or has been damaged.
Make sure to get one that is the same size and style as your original light.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions when it comes to solar lights not typically lasting a very long time.
How often should I clean my solar lights?
It’s a good idea to clean your solar lights at least once a month. This will help to keep the solar panel clean and allow it to work properly.
Why do my solar lights stop working in the winter?
In the winter, the days are shorter and the sunlight is not as strong. This can make it harder for the solar panel to generate enough power to keep the light going.
Can I use a regular battery in my solar light?
No, you should only use batteries that are specifically made for solar lights. Regular batteries will not work properly and could damage the light.
I tried the deep charge technique but it didn’t work. What should I do?
If the deep charge technique doesn’t work, it’s likely that the batteries are too old and need to be replaced.
Final Thoughts
Solar lights are a great way to add light to your home without having to worry about electrical wiring. However, solar lights can stop working for various reasons.
The most common reason why solar lights stop working is due to a dirty solar panel or batteries that need to be replaced. You can try cleaning the panel or replacing the batteries to see if that fixes the problem.
If the light is still not working, you may need to replace the entire light. Make sure to get one that is the same size and style as your original light.