How to check the reason if solar lights aren't working

It is very frustrating to find out that your new solar lights are not working. But did you know you can fix it with simple tricks?

Solar lights are trending these days. Not only they are cost-efficient but also help you in doing your part in saving and conserving Mother Nature.

But we do know that at times the solar lights may not work as they should and depending on the time of day they fail, could cause you a lot of inconveniences. The good thing is, these issues can be solved even if you are not a tech-savvy person. We will take you through some tips and tricks that may come in handy if your new solar lights are not working.

1. Check that they’re turned on

Many times, the simplest things are the ones that go unnoticed. So, if your solar lights are not working, ensure it is switched on. However, not every solar light has an on/off switch. In that case, it should automatically switch on when it is dark. If it doesn’t, let us move on to the next tip.

2. Check that there’s not a pull tab on the battery

This will apply to newly purchased lights only. Sometimes there is a pull tab on the battery that needs to be removed before the light will function. If your new light doesn’t work, definitely check on this.

3. Cover the panel to test the light

Generally speaking, solar powered lights do not work during the day. In order to test if the light is working, you will need to completely cover the solar panel to simulate darkness.

4. Ensure the solar panel is clean

Solar panels absorb the sun’s rays and charge the batteries that power up the lights. So, if the panel is covered in dust and dirt, it makes a huge impact on the amount of charge the battery receives, which in turn affects the lighting. Therefore, the solar panel must be cleaned on a weekly basis. You can use a damp cloth to wipe your solar panel clean.

5. Make sure the solar panel is positioned correctly

The panel should be positioned to receive sunlight all (or at least most of the) day, or else it might not be receiving sufficient charge.

6. Test with regular batteries if possible

In most instances of solar powered lights not working, it is the batteries at fault. Either they are not receiving charge or they are not holding it. If the lights work using normal batteries then it is clear that the problem is with either the rechargeable batteries or the solar panel.

7. Switch off and leave to charge for 72 hours

So if none of the above tricks works for you, then you can try the “deep charge” technique. All you need to do is to switch off the solar light and let it charge for a couple of days or up to 72 hours. The light will charge even if it’s turned off. It is recommended to follow this technique regularly even if your solar lights are working fine. This is because it helps the light gets a full charge since the panel absorbs sun rays for several days.

8. Contact the retailer

This is the last resort. You can call your retailer over the phone and ask them for help. Each brand has a specific function that can be looked at only by the manufacturer. They can look into the product and decipher the problem and find a way to fix it quickly.

At any moment you feel you are not doing it right you can always consider seeking the help of a professional to make things work faster. Ensure that you check the warranty for the solar lights while purchasing them. Most reputed brands will provide you with a 12-month warranty.