As the nights start to draw in, the use of garden solar lights will only increase for homeowners who enjoy some fresh air in the early evenings.

If you have not checked them in a while and discover that one or more has stopped working, we are going to share some handy tips to get them working again better and for longer. 

What Should I Do If My Solar Lights Stop Working?

Firstly, it is important to check all the components of your solar lights to find out what specific part has stopped working. The solar panel on each light probably will need cleaning, as a layer of dirt can prevent sunlight from getting through. It is important to position your lights in the best direction to get the most sunlight, and if your solar lights tilt, try to get them tilting towards the sun. 

It is also a good idea to check the battery compartment and keep an eye out for signs of damage including broken wires, rust or water damage. Check your batteries are firmly connected and check for signs of corrosion. Every solar light has a circuit board or charge controller which acts as a sensor or switch. When the sun shines on the solar panel the circuit board sends the charge from the panel to the battery and once it is dark it recognises there is no light shining on the panel and stops charging the battery. Instead, it sends the power from the battery to light the LED bulb. Once garden solar lights are cleaned, dried out and left to recharge they will usually start to work again.  

If your light still is not working, it is time to check the LED or bulb. A simple way to check a solar light LED with AA or AAA batteries fitted, is by putting an ordinary non-rechargeable in the light, completely cover the panel (or take it to a dark room) and if the LED or bulb is fine it will light up. If the LED still does not work then it is probably time to get rid of the light. The final solution could be attempting to replace the solar light batteries. 

Who Do Solar Lights Come On In the Day?

If your solar light is coming on in the day, it means the sensor in the light is not working. Vapextech recommends cleaning the mini solar panel, which can often get covered in dirt. If the panel is dirty the solar light circuit board will work as though it is dark or nighttime all of the time. New batteries will not cause this issue as the batteries simply power the LED. If your lights are lighting up all the time this demonstrates that the batteries are working fine.

Why Do I Need to Replace Solar Light Batteries?

The most common reason that garden solar lights stop working is because the rechargeable batteries inside have worn out over time. Rechargeable batteries in your solar lights are required as the solar panel converts sunlight into power to charge the batteries and powers the light. 

It is good practice to replace your solar light batteries regularly, roughly every 1-2 years. Recently, solar lights will use 1.2V NiMH batteries, replacing the old-style NiCd version.

Get in Touch With Any Questions

If you have any questions about solar light batteries, please do not hesitate to contact Vapextech today. Our team of specialists are always happy to answer questions from customers.