Can Solar Lights Catch Fire? Here’s What You Need to Know

Installing a set of solar lights can be a low-cost way to add color to your yard during the night. In addition to the beauty they add, they light up dark areas making our homes safe.

So, those are some of the main benefits.

You may have concerns too, for example, can they catch fire? Is there a risk of being electrocuted? After all, they have been exposed to both the sun and rain for several years, right?

If this is you then read on.

This post explores the risk of fires when using solar lights plus the precautions you need to take for your safety to avoid fires and explosions.

Can Solar Lights Catch Fire?

Many solar lights use low heat emitting LED bulbs and are usually low-power making the likelihood of the solar slights themselves catching a fire low on their own.

In fact, I was not able to find any online concrete cases of documented incidents of solar light bulbs catching fire, though I wouldn’t rule it out.

Tips to Avoid Fires (From Misuse)

While using solar lights is generally safe, make sure to refer to the tips below to minimize the risk of an accidental fire.

  • Make sure that you buy good quality lights that have the Electrical Testing Laboratory Testing (ETL) label for your peace of mind.
  • Follow recommended safety precautions when installing and working with solar light batteries as a short in the battery pack can lead to heating and a fire.
  • When working with solar string lights, make sure to run the strings around smooth surfaces that do not heat or fray the wires to avoid breaking the insulation which can lead to short-circuits too!

Solar String Lights, Solar Garden Lights, and Fires

A set of good quality string lights, solar garden, and solar outdoor lights in general (ETL certified) should be able to work safely outdoors day and night for several years until the batteries need to be replaced.

Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how and where to install them, which surfaces to avoid, and do not expose them to higher temperatures than they are built to handle.

Leave the Solar Lights On All Night

A set of good-quality string lights (ETL certified) should be able to light up your yard safely all night without causing a fire.

Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how and where to install them, which surfaces to avoid, and do not expose them to higher temperatures than they are built to handle.

Solar Light Enclosures Melt

Beware – there are several incidents of solar light enclosures, deforming and melting from the hot sun.

This is a real risk. Confirm that your set of solar lights is able to withstand the hot outdoor temperatures especially if you experience extremely hot summers!

Can You Be Electrocuted by Solar Lights?

Most consumer-grade solar lights including solar pathway lights, solar flood or solar string, and even solar street lights use low-voltage rechargeable batteries, usually 10 VDC or less.

This is not usually high enough to cause an electric shock when touched.

Solar Lights and Burns

A short circuit of the batteries generates a lot of heat that can cause severe burns, injury, and a risk of fire.

Solar Lights Explosions

A short in the solar light battery pack can lead to an explosion of the battery.

Do not make any modifications to the solar lights or use metallic screwdrivers when installing batteries that can cause an accidental short-circuit.

Only Use the Recommended Battery Types

Pay attention to the battery type used in a solar light whether NiMH, NiCd, or Lithium-iron phosphate.

Replace only with a genuine battery of the type and capacity recommended by the manufacturer to minimize the risk of explosions and so that the light works as well as designed.

Related Questions

How to Fix Overheating Outdoor Solar Lights?

A good quality outdoor-rated solar light should be able to withstand the summer temperatures.

It is normal if it feels hot to the touch.

If the battery compartment is overheating, then you need to discontinue using the light and return it to the supplier if it is still under warranty.

Are Solar Lights Safe to Use Indoors?

Solar lights can be used safely indoors to provide lighting in an emergency.

Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for where to store and use them to avoid damage to the light.

Remember the light will need to be put out in the sun to charge unless it has a provision to extend the solar panel to the outside.

Final Word

Good quality solar lights can work reliably for several years without posing any danger to the user or the property where they are installed.

The more common dangers include battery explosions and severe burns when the batteries are accidentally shorted.

These can be minimized by using proper tools and following manufacturer instructions when removing and installing batteries and by aiming to buy quality solar lights always.

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