Solar energy is one of the most abundant kinds of energy in the world and with the help, illuminating the outdoor spaces have become easier. These solar lights have made life hassle-free but when it comes to fixing them, it is pretty tricky. Solar lights are simple to install and they work by converting sunlight into electricity. With time, these lights lose their potential as they come with a few quirks. The most significant factor incorporated is a dirty panel, however, once you will get to know the ways to fix it, it will become a pretty easy task for you.
How To Fix Dead Outdoor Solar Lights?
For your feasibility, we have assembled the following ways to fix the dead outdoor solar lights.
Check the Landscape
Sometimes the solar spot lights quit working because plants in the area get grown such bigger that they block a large part of the sunlight. To fix outdoor solar spot lights that stop working, therefore, trim back any excess, or just move the light so its panel gets immediate daylight.
Also, freezing and thawing soil can likewise make the light dull or its panel sit at a point rather than directly exposing toward the sun. Reposition the light on a case to get more light. While you are busy, use a soft material to clear any residue and garbage off the solar lights.
Check the Battery
If you have cleared up each conspicuous issue and the solar lights actually do not work, it might require new batteries. The batteries are typically tucked under the panel array. Use a minuscule screwdriver to open the compartment to check the activities inside. Sometimes, there might be an AA battery inside. Supplant the battery with a new one of a similar kind.
Check the Sensor
A sensor responds to murkiness permitting the solar light to go off during the day and turn on around evening time. However, none of this will occur with an incapable sensor except if you do it physically by bypassing the sensors, and you likely don’t possess all the energy for that.
If the solar light has a defective sensor, it will not differ between day and night. However, how would you advise it is the reason for your solar lights not working? You can check during the evening by covering the sensor with your hand or material, and if it uncovers, it is turned out entirely great. Despite what is generally expected, it will show no light if it is inadequate.
Why Solar Lights Stop Working?
It can be due to many different reasons but the most common is because of plastic covering over the panel sheet becomes cloudy and it restricts the exposure of light to the solar panel. One more reason is because of dead solar batteries. When the solar batteries get too old, they stop to work efficiently. As solar lights are exposed to weather conditions, so the batteries can get eroded or damaged and stop working.
What Factors Can Enhance The Effectivity Of Solar Spot Lights?
There are some factors that make the best outdoor solar spot lights and increase longevity. Before buying the solar lights, you must consider brightness, type of bulb, charging and running time, light color temperature, construction design, light angle, motion sensor, adjustment levels, and budget. If you buy the best one, it will last longer and you would not have to worry about the fixation.
Brightness Level
The brightness level of solar spot lights is dependent on three factors that are as follows:
- The extent of sunlight exposure.
- The quality of the photovoltaic cells.
- The size of the LED bulb.
The brightness level of solar spotlights is gauged in the lumen (light output). for residential use, solar spotlights ranging from 120 to 600 lumen are recommended.
For industrial use, the brightness of solar lights must be above 1000 lumen.
To make the right choice, the following table will help you:
Solar Lights Type |
Lumen Range |
| Step Solar Lights | 12—100 |
| Landscape Solar Lights | 50—130 |
| Hardscape Solar Lights | 50—185 |
| Path Solar Lights | 100—200 |
| Pond/Pool Solar Lights | 200—400 |
| Motion Sensor Solar Lights | 300—900 |
| Flood Soar Lights | 700—1300 |
Note: For maximum brightness, the place of fixation must be appropriate and direct to the sunlight.
Type of Bulb
There are two common types of bulbs used in solar lights i.e., LEDs and CFLs.
LEDs: Light-emitting diode spot lights are the brightest ones. This type of solar light consumes less than 75% energy as compared to other alternatives and provides a compact fixture. LED solar bulbs are the most durable and can stand every weather condition. These lights offer a lifetime of around 50,000 hours.
CFLs: Compact fluorescent lights are four folds more efficient as compared to incandescent bulbs. CFLs are pricy but they long last. CFLs are advantageous because they help in reducing carbon emissions. These solar lights are cold temperature sensitive and so, not so suggested for enclosed fixtures.
Charging & Running Time
Charging time represents the time taken by the light to totally charge. Though, run time addresses the measure of time the light keeps going. Charging time and the runtime are altogether influenced by the climate conditions. Go for the model that charges effectively even on a stormy or shady day. An ideal charging time for outdoor solar spot lights is 6 to 7 hours. Though, the ideal run time is 10 to 12 hours.
Light Color Temperature
Color temperature is used to represent the light appearance given out by a light bulb. The temperature of solar lights is measured in degrees of Kelvin (K) ranging from 1,000 to 10,000. The temperature required for commercial and residential lights ranges from 2,000K to 6,500K.
Solar spot lights come in different color temperatures incorporating cool to warm tones. For lower temperatures, a soft warm amber light is produced. On the other hand, higher temperature lights produce white bright light.
Temperature Scale |
Light Color |
| Less than 2000 Kelvin | Dim light- close to candlelight |
| 2000—3000 Kelvin | Warm light with hints of yellow |
| 3100—4500 Kelvin | Bright white light |
| 4600—6500 Kelvin | Bright blue to white light |
| 6500 Kelvin and up | Bright bluish light |
For landscapes, entrances, and lawns, warmer tones are preferred. Whereas, for spotlights, cooler tones are the most appropriate.
Construction
The durable solar lights are constructed of materials like cast aluminum, stainless steel, and ABS plastic. These materials contribute to the sturdy and strong buildup of solar panels and lights and provide ultimate protection against harsh weather conditions.
Light Angle
The degree of luminance solar lights cover is termed as the light angle. It works like the higher the degree, the higher the coverage of light.
Motion Sensor
Some solar lights come with PIR motion sensors that can identify motion inside a specific area. These lights are an ideal hotspot for security purposes alongside your own accommodation and improved viewpoint of your outside space.
Adjustment Level
Solar lights accompany all the various settings, modes, and capacities according to their quality and brand. There are lights that offer many controls like color-changing modes and the power of the light from low to high. You can also change the color plan of the light from warm to cool and to diverse or single variable tones like green, red, yellow, and some more.
Price
The higher the quality, the greater the price! Your preference has a significant part in deciding the right item as top-notch brands offer more steady quality, progressed highlights, sturdy buildup quality, waterproof construction, and durable execution, in contrast to the less expensive items.
Conclusion
Solar lights worn out with time and need to be taken care of profoundly if you want them to last long. Also, durability comes when you buy a reliable product, so the above-mentioned guide will help you in buying the best outdoor solar spot lights and to fix your non-working lights.