You’ve probably heard this so many times – always charge the solar lights properly before using them.
But what does it mean and involve?
How long should you charge them for? When do you know that they are fully charged?
It is easy to gloss over these seemingly trivial questions, ignoring the details yet they usually determine how long the solar light lasts.
So, this post outlines what you need to know to properly charge your solar light batteries the first time to save you the frustration of getting them working.
You’ll also you avoid the pitfalls that befall many whose lights fail prematurely!
Read on to learn the recommended charging process for your solar lights.
How to Properly Charge Solar Lights The First Time
Always charge the solar lights fully before first use
Now, your solar light may be shipped to you with some charge. You can tell by flicking the ON/OFF switch to ON momentarily – the light will come on.
But it is only partially charged (precharged)!
Many solar light manufacturers recommend that they are charged in direct sunlight first before being used.
And so, make sure to charge it fully. To tell if the solar light is fully charged, you may have to rely on exposing it to direct sunlight for (usually 6- 8 hours)- this applies to many models.
Or, the light has a battery level indicator, check that it indicates full charge (select models).
Use the manufacturer’s guidelines to determine whether the solar light battery is fully charged.
For the solar light to charge fully:
Remove the plastic film covering the solar panel (if any) so that the panel receives as much light as possible without any obstruction.
This film is used to guard the solar panel against scratches during packaging and installation.
Install the solar light where its solar panel is not shaded – no shadows are cast on it and it receives as much sunlight as possible during the day.
Confirm that the solar light battery is properly installed and that there’s no plastic wrapping covering the battery terminals.
Turn the On/OFF switch to the OFF position and aim for the solar light to charge fully.
Should You Charge the Solar Light Indoors?
While the solar panel may generate some electricity to charge the battery when indoors and or when it is exposed to artificial light, the power generated is extremely low and is not a recommended way to charge solar lights.
Always charge them outdoors instead.
Using the Solar light
Once the battery is fully charged, you can use the solar light.
Turn the On/OFF switch to ON or AUTO depending on the solar light model for the light to automatically light at dusk and go off at dawn.
Some solar lights support several lighting modes such as:
- staying on during the light,
- lighting only on detecting motion, and
- lighting at only 30% brightness until motion is detected when it lights at full brightness.
Using the Solar light During Winter
If you’re experiencing fewer sunlight hours, consider modes such as:
- lighting at only 30% brightness until motion is detected, or
- only when there’s motion to provide more light hours than when the light is at maximum brightness.
Related Questions
How Long Do Solar Lights Take to Charge First Time
Solar light manufacturers usually recommend between 6-8 hours before first use.
But don’t take my word for it. Always consult the solar light owner manual.
Note. You may have to charge the solar lights over several days (for them to charge fully) if your location only receives say 3-4 hours of sunlight when you buy the lights.
How Do You Know if a Solar Light Is Fully Charged?
This depends on the solar light model. Some lights have a battery full indicator while others do not and you can only tell that they are fully charged by placing its solar panel for at least 6-8 hours under direct sunlight.
Should I Turn Off Solar Lights When They Are Charging?
Before first use, switch them OFF to charge fully.
Why? When In the OFF position, the internal electronics do not drain the battery power allowing the battery to fully charge in the shortest time possible.
Once fully charged
Turn the ON/OFF switch to the ON or AUTO position (some models)for the light to automatically light at dusk and go off at dawn.
Signs That Solar Light is Charging Properly
Unfortunately, there’s no one standard way to show if a solar light is charging or not.
Charge indicator lights
Some solar lights have a LED indicator that lights when the inbuilt battery is charging.
Many solar garden light fixtures do not have a visual way to tell if it is lighting or not.
In this case, your only way of telling that solar light is not charging properly is if the solar light duration (hours) or the brightness of the light gradually reduces before the light stops working completely.
What Causes the Solar Light to Stop Working
The solar Light solar panel may not receive enough sunlight, the battery may not be properly installed or may be damaged, or there may be a fault with the light circuit.
Consult the user manual or the solar light seller for support.
What to Do if the Solar Light stops working
As a first step, confirm that the light’s solar panels receive sunlight and that there are no shadows cast on them. Switch off the O/OFF switch and let the light receive sunlight for about 8 hours.
If it still does not work, the battery may be faulty and needs to be replaced.
Final Word
For the solar lights to last, switch them off and place them where there are 6-8 hours of sunshine so that they can charge fully before the first use.
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