Solar Lights Guide

SOLAR LIGHTS TIPS AND TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE:

We hope you are enjoying your solar lights. Most of our lights will work right out of the box. Just place your lights in a sunny location, then enjoy the soothing glow each night. If your lights are not functioning properly, the solutions are usually fairly simple. Scroll down for the troubleshooting steps.

Outdoor lights are an essential part of any outdoor area, providing both style and functionality. But outdoor solar lights don’t have to be expensive or difficult to install—solar lights offer the perfect outdoor lighting solution. Outdoor lights provide natural, energy-efficient illumination that can easily be placed wherever you desire – no wiring or complicated installation required! They are a great option for outdoor lights. With outdoor solar lights available in a variety of styles and sizes, it's easy to find the perfect outdoor solar lighting for your space.

THE BENEFITS OF SOLAR LIGHTS ARE:

• Easy to install, add to, replace and move
• No wiring or electrical bills
• Low maintenance

Motion sensor solar lights are an excellent way to bring both beauty and security to your outdoor solar area. Not only do motion sensor solar lights provide natural, energy-efficient illumination that can help transform any garden into an inviting oasis, but they also add an extra layer of safety as they will light up at the slightest movement nearby.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLAR LIGHTS:

• Place in a sunny location (where the solar panels can receive direct sunlight)
• Place away from very bright lights at night
• Replace batteries as needed

Once fully charged will turn on automatically at dusk and will stay on for at 6-10 hours each night. Many of our lights will stay on till dawn. The more time and intensity of sunlight the solar panel receives, will ensure maximum brightness and run time. Time of year, weather conditions, and location will affect the brightness and run time. For best results, place your unit in a sunny location during the day (where it can receive direct sunlight) and away from other bright light sources at night.

Sunlight is the most efficient way to power your outdoor lighting system. Solar batteries work best when placed in the sunlight and will provide long-lasting illumination with minimal energy costs.

Solar lighting is the perfect way to bring life, beauty, and illumination to your outdoor space. Not only are solar lights eco-friendly and energy-efficient, but they also require no complicated wiring or installation – just place them wherever you desire! With solar lighting technology advancing all the time, solar lighting now comes in a range of shapes, sizes and styles – from spotlights to string lights – making it easy to create any atmosphere imaginable. Invest in solar lighting today for an enchanting outdoor area that will last for years to come!

HOW DO SOLAR LIGHTS WORK?

Solar lights are designed with a built-in or connected solar panel, LED lights, and rechargeable batteries. During the day, the solar panel (also known as the solar collector), harnesses the power of the sun to charge the rechargeable batteries that are included with your lights. At dusk, a built-in sensor detects the level of light and turns on the LED lights. At dawn, the lights will automatically turn off and the cycle begins again.

When it comes to solar powered energy solutions, solar powered energy the obvious choice. Solar powered energy provides natural, energy-efficient illumination that can easily be placed wherever you desire – no wiring or complicated installation required! So why not make the switch to solar powered today? solar powered is the best way to go when it comes to efficient outdoor lighting solutions. Investing in solar powered energy is an excellent way to reduce your household’s carbon footprint while also saving you money on electricity costs. Lights that are solar powered are the best option because solar powered energy is more efficient as well as sustainable.

When it comes to lighting solutions, warm light is the best. Warm light provides natural, energy-efficient illumination that can easily be placed wherever you desire.

CAN SOLAR LIGHTS BE PLACED IN THE SHADE?

If the solar light comes with a connected or detachable solar panel, then as long as the solar panel is placed in bright sunlight, the lights themselves can be placed in a shady or indoor area. The solar panel, whether built-in or connected by wires, must be placed where it can receive direct sunlight. We recommend at least 6 hours of bright sunlight for best results. Otherwise, your lights may be dim, flicker, or only stay on for a few hours.

HOW LONG WILL SOLAR LIGHTS LAST?

Solar light can last many years with little to no maintenance because it is solar powered. Included rechargeable batteries can last 1-2 years before needing replacement. Many models with higher capacity batteries can last 3-5 years before needing battery replacement. LED solar lights will last up to 100,000 hours. Most of our solar lights will stay on for 6-10 hours after sunset. Some will even stay on till dawn. 

When it comes to solar powered lighting solutions, solar lanterns are the best of the best. Solar lanterns provide bright and natural illumination that is energy-efficient and low maintenance. Additionally, it's easy to find the perfect soft glow lighting solution for your space. Investing in soft glow lighting provides a soft, ambient light to your space.

HOW LONG WILL SOLAR LIGHTS STAY ON AT NIGHT?

Solar lights are very convenient and easy to use, move, maintain and replace. They are an easy way to add lighting to your outdoor spaces. They work best in areas that receive plenty of sunshine. They can stay on for 6-10 hours at night. Many solar powered lights will turn on at dusk and off at dawn. For maximum run time and the brightest lights, solar lights require bright sunlight to fully charge the battery or batteries. This means the sun's rays must actually touch the solar panels.

• Keep in mind many factors can affect the solar component's ability to fully charge the solar light batteries: Amount of sunlight, time of year, weather conditions, shade, age of battery, and the size of solar panels.
  
  
• They work best during the summer months because there is more sunshine and the sun is more intense. We recommend at least 4-6 hours of exposure during the summer months to fully charge the batteries. At other times of the year, solar powered lights may require more sun exposure.
  
  
• Solar lights will still work in spring, fall and winter, as long as there is enough sunshine to charge the batteries. But run time will most likely decrease.
  
  
• Your region also affects the solar components ability to charge the batteries. For example, outdoor solar lights work best in southern states that experience very sunny weather. In other parts of the US, solar lights can still work very well, even dusk to dawn operation in the summertime, but this will vary.
  
  
• Most outdoor solar lights can still charge in cloudy conditions, but charging time will decrease, meaning less run time.
  
  
• Solar powered lights cannot charge in rain or snow.
  
  
• Solar powered lights cannot charge in the shade. Also keep in mind, the location of shade can shift at different times of the year, which will affect the performance of your lights.
  
  
• The size of the solar panels also affects the amount of sunshine they can absorb to charge the batteries. Outdoor solar lights are designed with the largest solar panels possible, while still maintaining an attractive appearance.
  
  
• Unlike wired lighting that can easily be switched on and off, because many factors can affect the solar components' ability to charge the battery coupled with the photo sensor's ability to detect the amount of light, all the solar powered lights will most likely not turn on and off at the same time each night.

FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE:

The rechargeable batteries will need to fully charge and discharge to reach their maximum performance. This means your solar powered light will reach its maximum brightness and run time. Your solar lights come pre-installed with rechargeable NiCad, Ni-MH, or Lithium batteries.

Typically the battery or batteries will arrive partially charged so the lights will turn on right away and should turn on the first night you install it or turn it on. Sometimes batteries can drain. We recommend placing your lights in a sunny location as soon as you receive them so they are all fully charged before installation. Note: Only use the manufacturer's recommended rechargeable batteries in your lights. *Do not use alkaline batteries. Alkaline batteries can damage your lights and void the warranty.

1. Make sure your lights are placed in bright sunlight in a sunny outdoor location. We recommend at least 6 hours of sunlight for best results.
   
   
2. Some units have an ON/OFF, ON/AUTO/OFF, or AUTO/OFF switch. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when charging the lights.
   
   
3. Turn the switch (if any) in the ON or AUTO position. (The lights will not turn on if the switch is in the OFF position. Some units may not charge if the switch is in the OFF position. *Follow the manufacturer's charging instructions for the best results.
   
   
4. In the first few days, some units may not turn on at all, maybe dim, may flicker, or may only stay on for a short period. Be patient, batteries are charging.
   
   
5. Flickering lights usually mean the batteries have not received enough sunlight to charge, or the sensor is not able to determine if it is nighttime. (Example: if under trees or shrubbery--at dusk, the amount of light is not constant, therefore light may turn on and off).
   
   
6. Batteries usually arrive partially charged. Some higher-capacity batteries can take 3-10 days of direct sunlight to reach a full initial charge. After, that they should be fine.
   
   
7. Check the location of your lights at night. If the solar panel is too close to bright lights, (such as street lights, spotlights, or porch lights), they may not turn on, maybe dim, or may turn on and off intermittently.
   
   
8. Turning the switch to “OFF” can disrupt the charging-discharging cycle. Give your lights a full day to reset.
   
   
9. Advance solar powered lights may still charge on partly cloudy or cloudy days, however, these conditions may limit the charging times and affect your lights' brightness and/or run time. Give your lights time to reset to the full charging/discharging process.
   
   
10. Solar lights may not charge in shade or in rainy or snowy days.

IF LIGHTS DO NOT TURN ON:

The battery is the most common problem with solar lighting and the easiest to fix. When testing the battery, make sure to cover the solar panel completely or test it in a dark room so the unit will turn on. 

1. If your lights have an on/off switch, make sure it is in the “ON” position. Switch it to the “OFF” position, then back to the “ON” position, and leave it in the “ON” position. (Follow manufacturer instructions, for the best results).
   
   
2. Make sure your lights are placed in full sun for at least 3 full days. Some lights with higher-capacity batteries can take up to 10 days to fully charge. After the full initial charge, they will work normally every night.
   
   
3. Open the battery compartment carefully and check to make sure the batteries are seated correctly or plugged in. (Batteries may come loose during shipping or installation.)
   
   
4. Make sure batteries are installed tightly and in the correct direction. Verify the (+) and (-) markings on the unit with the direction of the batteries. 
   
   
5. Activate batteries per manufacturer instructions. Remove any separator paper or plug-in battery, as needed.
   
   
6. TO TEST: Replace the batteries with new, regular alkaline batteries for a few minutes only. Cover the solar panels. If the lights turn on and stay on—then your unit needs a new set of rechargeable batteries or may need more time to charge under sunlight. (Note: This test work may not work on units using Lithium batteries. DO NOT leave alkaline batteries in your lights. This is for testing purposes only.)
   
   
7. Swap batteries between a functioning unit and a non-functioning unit to test if it is a battery issue or something else.

• Let charge for at least 2 full sunny days. This will allow the battery to drain at night, then recharge during the day, allowing you to test both the battery and the solar components.
  
  
• Day 2: If the working light does NOT turn on but the non-working light now works, replace the battery.
  
  
• Day 2: If the working light turns on, but the non-working light still does NOT work, then the solar components are not able to charge the batteries.

Check your weather. Keep in mind, the time of year and amount of sunlight each day will also affect the charging time of the batteries.

Check the amount of shade throughout the year as it tends to change naturally.

If replacing batteries, ensure you are using the correct rechargeable batteries. See battery requirements below for more information. For the best results, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and battery recommendations.

IF LIGHTS DO NOT STAY ON:

Once your lights have received a full charge, they will turn on and off automatically until the batteries need to be replaced. Most pre-installed rechargeable batteries will last 1-2 years before needing replacement. (Some higher-end models have long-life rechargeable batteries that will last 2-5 years before needing replacement.)

• Follow the steps above to check for battery issues.
  
  
• Make sure your light is not installed in a shady area. Check shade from trees, foliage, and structures. Keep in mind shade can vary throughout the year.
  
  
• Make sure the solar panel is receiving enough sunlight. (Cloudy or rainy days, shady areas, and the time of year may affect the performance of the solar unit.) To test if the unit is receiving enough sunlight. Move it from its current location and place it temporarily in a sunny location for 2-3 days.
  
  
• Make sure your lights are not near other bright light sources such as porch lights, street lights, spotlights, etc. (If the area is too bright, the sensor on the solar light may think it is daytime and not turn on.) 
  
  
• Make sure the solar panel is clean and free from dirt, debris, or other materials that can prevent sunlight from charging the units.

 
BATTERY REQUIREMENTS & INFORMATION

Make sure to use the correct rechargeable batteries for your lights to maintain maximum performance and many years of use. All rechargeable batteries are not the same and cannot be interchangeable. Check the manufacturer's requirements for the best results and to prevent damaging your units. *Do not use alkaline batteries. They are not rechargeable and can leak or burst, causing damage to your solar powered light and may void the manufacturer's warranty.

• NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) rechargeable battery is similar to NiCad, but with 2-3 times the capacity. 
  
  
• Li-Ion (lithium-ion) batteries are not interchangeable with NiCad (nickel-cadmium) or NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) rechargeable batteries.
  
  
• Voltage is also important. (Example: a 1.2V Lithium Battery will not work on a unit requiring a 3.2V Lithium Battery. Using the wrong voltage can damage the solar components.)
  
  
• The mAh rating (milliamps per hour) determines much energy a battery can store which affects how long the batteries will run on a full charge. A higher number is usually better as long as your lights are receiving enough sunlight to charge the battery to its full capacity. 
  
  
• NOTE: If testing your lights with alkaline batteries, DO NOT leave the alkaline batteries in the unit permanently or for extended periods. This may damage the unit and void the warranty.

Hope that helps. Enjoy your lights. If you have more questions about solar lights please contact our helpful team.