How do you rejuvenate solar lights?

Solar lights are an increasingly popular choice for outdoor and landscape lighting – not only is it energy efficient, but it’s also environmentally friendly. With proper care and maintenance, your solar lights will last you a long time; however, over time the sun and weather conditions can affect the batteries in your solar lights making them less effective or no longer working at all. If you find that this is happening to your beloved outside lighting fixtures, don’t worry! In this post we will help walk you through exactly how to rejuvenate solar lights so they work as if they were brand-new again.

1. Check the lights for any damage, such as cracked or missing parts

Before installing solar lights, it’s essential to inspect them for any damage to ensure optimal performance and safety. Here are some steps to follow when checking your solar lights for damage:

• Examine the solar panel: Inspect the solar panel for any cracks, scratches, or other damage that may impact its ability to absorb sunlight and charge the battery efficiently.
• Inspect the light fixture: Look for any signs of damage to the light fixture, such as cracked or broken lenses, damaged or loose LED bulbs, or issues with the housing. Damaged fixtures can affect the light output and compromise the weather resistance of the solar light.
• Check the battery compartment: Open the battery compartment and examine it for any signs of corrosion, leaks, or damage. Ensure the battery contacts are clean and secure. Check that the battery is installed correctly and is the appropriate type and capacity recommended by the manufacturer.
• Look for missing or damaged parts: Make sure all components, such as mounting brackets, screws, ground stakes, and any additional accessories, are included and in good condition. Missing or damaged parts can affect the stability and proper functioning of the solar light.
• Test the solar light: Before installing, place the solar light in direct sunlight for several hours to charge the battery. After charging, test the solar light by covering the solar panel or photocell (light sensor) to simulate darkness. The light should turn on automatically. If the light doesn’t turn on or has a weak output, there may be an issue with the battery or the LED bulb.

2.Clean off dirt or debris from the solar panels and lens of the lights

Cleaning Solar Panels:

• Turn off the solar light: Before cleaning, switch off the solar light if it has an on/off button. This step ensures safety during the cleaning process.
• Use a soft brush or cloth: Gently remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris from the solar panel using a soft brush or cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the surface of the panel.
• Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle or bucket. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents that could damage the solar panel’s surface.
• Clean the solar panel: Spray the cleaning solution onto the solar panel or dampen a soft cloth with the solution. Gently wipe the panel’s surface in a circular motion to remove any dirt or grime. Be careful not to apply excessive pressure, which could cause damage.
• Rinse and dry: Use clean water to rinse off the soap residue from the solar panel. If possible, use distilled water to prevent mineral deposits. Gently dry the solar panel with a clean, soft cloth or let it air dry.

Cleaning the Lens:

• Remove loose debris: Use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove any loose dirt or dust from the lens.
• Clean the lens: Dampen a soft cloth or microfiber cloth with a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. Gently clean the lens in a circular motion, being cautious not to scratch or damage the surface.
• Rinse and dry: Rinse the lens with clean water to remove any soap residue. Dry the lens gently using a clean, soft cloth or let it air dry.

3.Examine the wiring and replace any corroded connections

• Turn off the solar light: Before examining the wiring, switch off the solar light if it has an on/off button or disconnect it from the battery to ensure safety during the inspection.
• Inspect the wiring: Carefully check the wires for any signs of damage, such as fraying, cuts, or exposed copper. Look for any loose or disconnected wires that may impact the functioning of the solar light.
• Examine connections: Pay close attention to the connections between wires, the solar panel, the battery, and the light fixture. Look for any signs of corrosion, rust, or oxidation, which can compromise the electrical conductivity and performance of the solar light.
• Replace corroded connections: If you find corroded connections, disconnect the affected wires and clean the terminals using a wire brush or sandpaper. Apply a corrosion inhibitor or dielectric grease to the terminals before reconnecting the wires. If the corrosion is severe, consider replacing the connectors with new, corrosion-resistant ones.
• Address damaged wiring: If you discover damaged wiring, it may be necessary to replace the affected section or the entire wire. Consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or seek professional assistance if you’re unsure about handling electrical components.
• Secure loose wires: Ensure that all wires are securely connected and fastened to avoid any accidental disconnections or damage. Use cable ties or clips to keep the wires organized and prevent them from getting tangled or caught on surrounding objects.

4.Make sure all screws are tightened properly and securely

• Turn off the solar light: Before checking the screws, switch off the solar light if it has an on/off button or disconnect it from the battery to ensure safety during the inspection.
• Inspect the screws: Examine all screws and fasteners on the solar light, including those on the mounting brackets, light fixture, battery compartment, and solar panel. Look for any loose or missing screws that may affect the stability or functioning of the solar light.
• Tighten loose screws: Using a screwdriver or wrench, tighten any loose screws until they are secure, but avoid over-tightening, which can damage the components or strip the screw threads. Ensure that the screws are tightened evenly to maintain proper alignment and balance.
• Replace missing or damaged screws: If you find any missing or damaged screws, replace them with new ones of the appropriate size and type, as specified by the manufacturer. Ensure that the replacement screws fit correctly and securely.
• Check for wear or corrosion: Inspect the screws and fasteners for any signs of wear or corrosion, which may weaken their ability to hold the components securely. Replace any corroded or worn screws with new, corrosion-resistant ones to prevent future issues.

5.Replace any batteries that aren’t working correctly

• Turn off the solar light: Before replacing the batteries, switch off the solar light if it has an on/off button or disconnect it from the solar panel to ensure safety during the process.
• Locate the battery compartment: Find the battery compartment on your solar light, which is typically located on the backside of the solar panel, within the light fixture, or at the base of the light.
• Remove the cover: Unscrew or unclip the battery compartment cover, depending on the design of your solar light. Be cautious not to damage any components while opening the compartment.
• Remove the old batteries: Carefully remove the old batteries from the compartment, taking note of their type and capacity. Some solar lights use rechargeable AA or AAA NiMH, NiCd, or lithium-ion batteries.
• Dispose of the old batteries responsibly: Used batteries should be disposed of according to your local regulations for battery recycling. Do not throw them in regular trash, as they contain hazardous materials that can harm the environment.
• Insert new batteries: Purchase new rechargeable batteries of the same type and capacity recommended by the manufacturer. Insert the new batteries into the compartment, ensuring the correct orientation of the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals.
• Close the battery compartment: Replace the battery compartment cover and secure it with screws or clips, as appropriate for your solar light model.
• Test the solar light: Place the solar light in direct sunlight for several hours to charge the new batteries. After charging, test the solar light by covering the solar panel or photocell (light sensor) to simulate darkness. The light should turn on automatically.

6.Place the lights in a sunny spot to charge up before use

• Turn on the solar light: If your solar light has an on/off switch, make sure it is in the “on” position before placing it in the sun. Some solar lights have a protective film or sticker on the solar panel hat needs to be removed before charging.
• Choose a sunny location: Find a spot that receives direct sunlight for most of the day, preferably without obstructions like trees, buildings, or other structures that could cast shadows on the solar panel. Consider the angle and orientation of the solar panel to maximize sun exposure.
• Allow sufficient charging time: Place the solar lights in the sunny spot for several hours to charge the batteries adequately. The charging time may vary depending on the battery capacity, solar panel efficiency, and weather conditions. Most solar lights require at least 6-8 hours of sunlight for a full charge.
• Monitor battery charge: Check the battery charge level periodically to ensure it is charging as expected. Some solar lights have an indicator light that shows the charging status.
• Test the solar light: After the solar light has been charged, test its functionality by covering the solar panel or photocell (light sensor) to simulate darkness. The light should turn on automatically. If the light doesn’t turn on or has a weak output, it may need more time to charge or have an issue with the battery or LED bulb.

We hope this blog post helps make your experience with solar lights a smooth one! If you’re looking for more professional sourcing solutions or have any other questions feel free to contact our product managers. We’re more than happy to help! Thank you so much for reading!