5 Reasons Your Solar Lights May Not Be Working
Written by: Emily Kelsey
The sun has to go down at some point, but that doesn’t mean you have to retreat inside. Solar lights carry the spirit of the sunshine deep into the night, so you can continue making special memories in the garden, no matter the time.
Whilst they’re recognised for their convenience and energy-efficient appeal, they require proper maintenance and care for the best results. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to make solar lights work again. We’ll highlight some reasons why your solar lights aren't working and the hassle-free fixes that’ll brighten up your evening.
What are Common Problems with Solar Lights?
Solar lights are generally fuss-free. They’re low-maintenance and typically require very little attention once placed in your outside space. But if you find yourself asking, ‘Why are my solar lights not working?’, there are a number of minor issues that could be keeping your garden from glowing.
1. The Switch is Turned Off
If you’re new to solar lights or have had yours stored away during winter, it’s easy to forget that solar lights do, in fact, need turning on. If you’ve recently bought a new set from Lights4fun, also check for an activation tab that needs to be removed.
It sounds silly, but this is often the simplest and most straightforward reason why people struggle to bring their solar lights to life!
2. The Batteries Need Replacing
Whilst energised by sunlight, solar lights are reliant on batteries to function. These batteries often last up to around 2-3 years, so you may need to replace them if you’ve had your lights for a while. Lights4fun offers a wide range of rechargeable batteries, ideal for solar lights.
Simply identify and open the battery compartment, replace the battery, and return your garden lights to their original position in your outdoor space. Your garden should be back to shining in no time.
3. Your Panels Need to be Cleaned
Our outdoor lights are designed to withstand the elements, but we can’t help you with keeping them nice and clean. Mud, pollen, or dust can dirty your solar panels, blocking sunlight and reducing energy output. We recommend gently wiping your solar panels with a damp cloth, avoiding harsh chemicals that could damage them.
4. Lack of Sun Exposure
As tempting as it can be to focus on aesthetics and style, function is just as important. When placing your solar lights in the garden, make sure that they’re in full view of the sun. With proper exposure, solar lights should store up to 8 hours of energy.
If your solar lights are not working as well at different points in the year, they may need to be moved periodically to better capture sunlight. We’d also recommend keeping an eye on the surrounding greenery and checking whether it’s shading your solar panels.
Bear in mind that cloudier days will impact the amount of charge your battery receives. If your solar panel is equipped with a USB rechargeable cable, give it a boost on those darker days to keep your lights illuminated.
5. Your Solar Panels are Confused
Some solar lights are designed to turn on only in darkness. So, if your solar lights are placed too near other outdoor lights, they may mistake them for daylight. If you’re wondering, ‘Why are my solar lights not working?’ when they seem to be in perfect condition, this could be your issue.
We recommend simulating darkness by covering the panels and testing whether your light turns on. If they do, then they simply need to be moved to a darker space in your garden.
Shop Solar Lights at Lights4fun
Hopefully, we’ve given you a better understanding of how to make solar lights work again. If you’re looking to further elevate the ambience of your outside space, we offer a versatile selection of solar lights, guaranteed to add some sparkle to your garden. Whatever your aesthetic preference, consider styles including the following:
For more inspiration, take a look at the Journal or contact us for more information on our product range.
