9 Things to Do When Solar Lights are Not Working

solar lights

Solar lights are a new technology, and many people do not know how to use them properly. If you are struggling with this product, try the following suggestions to check if you can get them working again.

Check If They are Turned on

Sometimes people forget to turn on the solar powered outdoor lights while they are charging. Most of the products come with on and off switches which help you to disable the power manually. It helps you to save energy when not in use.

Tab on the Battery

New batteries come with a tab that needs to be pulled out to make the item work properly. It is only applicable for new products. Please remember that you have to remove the tab on the battery for charging. Otherwise, it will not work.

Cover Panel to Check Light

If you want to check the light in the daytime, you will need to cover the solar panel. Stimulate darkness and check its effect on the bulbs in the surrounding area. It is important when you are buying a new solar lamp from your local store. Request the shop owner to check the light. 

Clean the Solar Panel

Sometimes the solar system cannot charge properly due to dirty panels. Please clean the panel properly so that it can receive the intensity of the Sun and charge the battery.

Position the Panel Properly

Position it properly so that it can receive sunlight. Generally, you should set the panel on the East side of your house so that it gets direct sunlight during the daytime. If the Eastside is not open in your home, you can place it in the North. 

Check with Regular Batteries

You can use regular batteries to check the system. It helps you to find the fault of the solar rechargeable batteries. If the system is working with regular batteries but not with solar batteries, it is a problem with your battery, and you should replace it. Solar batteries are not costly; you can easily buy them online and replace them.

Let It Charge for Two Days

Many solar lights may not work properly if they are not charged. That is why you should leave the solar lights under the Sun at least for 72 hours to get a full charge. After that, you can check the product.

Check the Wires

You need to check the wires that connect the solar panel with the system. You can use a needle to twist the wires. If all the above methods fail, it can be a problem with solar lights. Even if this method fails, then you should follow the last method.

Contact with the Brand Manufacturer

Your product comes with a warranty; you should contact the brand manufacturer. Generally, solar lights last up to 10 years, and it saves money in the long run. Indeed, technology is changing, so you have to research the market to find the best one for your family. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Solar Lamps Take to Charge?

It is a highly effective and energy-saving product. Many people use it in their commercial and residential premises.
Solar lamps take 8 hours to 72 hours to charge properly. 
It depends on several factors such as the power Backup of the battery, the quality of solar panels, wires, temperature, and atmosphere.
In the eastern part of the world, it takes 8 hours to 24 hours.
In the western part of the world, it takes 24 hours to 48 hours. 
In some difficult situations, especially on cloudy or rainy days, a solar panel takes a maximum of 72 hours to charge a solar battery.

Do Solar Lamps Need Direct Sunlight?

Solar lights use photovoltaic methods to charge the system with the help of solar panels.
Yes, solar lamps need direct sunlight for at least 8 hours for a full charge. 
You can also use other alternatives such as flashlights, incandescent bulbs, LED lights, mirrors, and many others. I have several articles on this; you can check them out.

Do Solar Lights Work under Trees?

In many Commercial premises, you can see solar lights under trees or plants. If you have a garden and you want to decorate it with solar lights, then you have made the right decision.
The trees should not be a barrier to the solar panel. Solar lights work under the Sun. Be careful about the solar panel. If it gets sunlight, it will charge, and it will work in darkness. 
If you want to decorate your garden, you should buy animal-faced solar lamps. They will look wonderful in your garden.

Do Solar Lights Charge on Cloudy Days?

Solar lights need direct sunlight; it will depend on the cloudy days. If the solar panel gets minimum sunlight on cloudy days, it will charge its system.
In short solar lights charge on cloudy days if it gets minimum sunlight; otherwise, you need other alternatives such as LED lights, mirrors, and incandescent bulbs to charge the item.

Can You Charge Solar Lights with a Flashlight?

During winter and cloudy days, you need some alternatives to direct sunlight. A flashlight would be an ideal alternative. I have successfully tested it.
Yes, flashlights can charge solar lights in the absence of the Sun. It will take a maximum of a couple of days to get the system charged fully.
Please remember that you should charge solar light under the Sun. A flashlight is an alternative. Generally, solar lights are made to work with the intensity of the Sun.

I hope I have solved many of your queries and if you have any queries related to this, please comment down below. I am ready to answer this as early as possible.

Matt Hardy

Aim for Solar is an online platform for solar products. Matt has extensive experience in solar industries with an online certificate affiliated to The State University of New York. He aims to encourage others to enjoy the blessing of solar products. Read unbiased product reviews and other blogs. Please feel free to contact us at support@aimforsolar.com

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