How To Clean Solar Lights? A Guide to Effortless Cleaning

Sharline

Found your solar lights DIM and LACKLUSTER? You are not alone. Dimming solar lights is a REAL pain for most people.

But you can RESTORE the solar brilliance. Only when you know how to clean solar lights effectively.

Leeline Energy is your SUSTAINABLE energy partner. We have achieved a decade-long solar brilliance.

It ENABLES us to address your concerns about cleaning and maintaining solar lights. Trust us to shed light on BEST practices to ensure your lights SHINE bright for years.

Stay with us to LEARN about clean solar lights to brighten outdoor spaces. Guiding you through every step with precision.

How To Clean Solar Lights

How To Clean Solar Lights?

How to clean solar lights

Solar lights illuminate your outdoor spaces Without INCREASING your electricity cost. These lights turn on AUTOMATICALLY at night due to rechargeable batteries.

But with time, more dirt and other debris accumulate on solar panels, IMPACTING their PERFORMANCE.

Appropriate clean-up and MAINTENANCE are VITAL to keep their efficiency. Let’s enjoy their optimal condition by following the straightforward process of cleaning:

Step 1: Turn Off the Lights

From my experience turning off the solar lights while cleaning is essential. It helps to AVOID any damage or accident while cleaning them. LOCATE the power button and flip it off.

Step 2: Remove the Batteries

Next, remove the battery of the solar light. It is crucial to PREVENT any electrical ISSUES that may happen while cleaning. Remove the battery cover and take off the battery gently.

Step 3: Clean the Solar Panels

The solar panel is a FUNDAMENTAL component of solar outdoor lights as it charges the battery. The performance of dirty panels DECREASES.

Clean solar panels with a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Use a clean cloth to WIPE OFF the dirt or bird droppings.

Remain CAUTIOUS while cleaning to AVOID scratches or damage.

Step 4: Clean the Exterior of the Lights

Cleaning the exterior of solar outdoor lights is also CRUCIAL. Clean the exterior with a soft brush and then dry cloth.

A mild cleaner can detach residual stains. Don’t use HARSH CHEMICALS like isopropyl alcohol, as they can DAMAGE the lights.

Step 5: Reassemble the Lights

After cleaning the solar panel and exterior, put the light back on. Put the battery back to its PLACE and put the cover back. Press the power button and flip it on. Install them in the correct position.

Step 6: Test the Lights

After reinstalling the solar lights, it’s time to test them. It helps ENSURE they work like their last setup.

Place the lights in DIRECT sunlight HOURS and let the battery charge. Once the battery is charged, turn them on to SEE if they work CORRECTLY after cleaning. 

I recommend REPEATING the cleaning process once a month. It helps me ENJOY BETTER illumination and performance.

Maintenance Tips of Solar Lights

Maintenance Tips of Solar Lights

Clean Surrounding Vegetation

The plants, trees, or shrubs BLOCK the WAY of sunlight. So, it is essential to prune them to ensure the solar panel lights get total sun exposure.

The FUNCTIONING of these lights RELIES on sunlight. The light will not ILLUMINATE in the dark if it doesn’t reach them.

So, prune the trees and other plants depending on their growth.

Clean the Solar Panels

Cleaning solar panels is an essential step. It INFLUENCES the performance of these outdoor solar lights.

A panel’s accumulating dirt and debris will not let the battery charge. Even after full EXPOSURE to the sun.

The light will not be on in the dark if the battery doesn’t have STORED energy. It also SHORTENS the battery life. 

In my experience, using soapy water and a soft cloth helps lose debris. I clean solar panels ONCE A MONTH for proper FUNCTIONING.

Clean Globes and Fixtures

Examine and clean the fixtures and globe with soapy water and dry cloth to remove mud. Proper cleaning of all components will INCREASE solar lights’ lifespan and VISUAL APPEAL. Remove mud, dust, or debris as it RESTRICTS adequate illumination.

While cleaning, inspect for any DAMAGE, like cracks in plastic or glass. REPLACE the damaged part. If this is not possible, then replace all the fixtures.

Replace The Batteries

Sometimes, solar lights may not work. It happens due to an UNCHARGED battery or battery corrosion. You can REMOVE corrosion with a soft bristle brush or fine-grit sandpaper.

To prevent corrosion, place them in a dry climate. Clean solar panels before installing a new battery and TEST it.

Switch off the light and fully EXPOSE them to the sun for a few days. It ensures the battery will fully charge without using stored energy at night. If it doesn’t work, then CHANGE it for a new one.

Inspect Connections and Wire

One of the most significant BENEFITS of outdoor lights is that they save wiring costs. But still, they contain wires that need PROPER maintenance.

If your set has SEPARATE solar panels, they must CONTAIN wires that pets or other reasons may damage. Most solar outdoor lights have INTERNAL WIRES that connect them.

My observation, these wires are strictly protected. But sometimes it gets loose or damaged with time. So, I repair them!

Positioned them Carefully

Solar panels require sunlight for four to 6 hours per day to charge batteries.

Adjust fixture POSITIONS where solar panels on garden lights can CAPTURE MAXIMUM sunlight.

You may need to knock out DIFFERENT OBJECTS from the way to get full exposure to the sun. READJUST the position to ENSURE maximum illumination. So, keep the things ALIGNED with solar pathway lights and fully charge them.

Key Points to Extend Solar-Light Lifespan

Key Points to Extend Solar-Light Lifespan

Regular Cleaning

It is one of the most important things to increase the lifespan of solar outdoor lights. Dust, debris, and dirt ACCUMULATE on the solar panels on garden lights.

It blocks sunlight from REACHING solar cells and AFFECTS battery charging. Well-cleaned solar panels are best for IDEAL performance.

Use soapy water or a damp cloth to clean loose debris on solar panels. Over the years, I have found The BEST TIME TO CLEAN solar panels is early morning.

Keep the Batteries Charge

DON’T leave your solar lights for long WITHOUT charging batteries. Place them REGULARLY in direct sunlight if you want to store them for a long time.

The batteries will start DEGRADING if you leave them UNCHARGED for a long time. It not only IMPACTS the performance but also decreases their LIFESPAN.

The longer duration without charge also leads to ISSUES for light FIXTURES.

Turn Off Solar Lights on Rainy Days

Heavy rain can affect the electrical parts of solar garden lights. During rainy days, I usually turn them off. It helps me increase their lifespan and also PRESERVES the batteries.

Sometimes, you may not want to turn the solar light off. But do it whenever it is POSSIBLE to keep battery life.

Protect from Extreme Weather

Extreme weather conditions can damage the durability and LIFESPAN of solar lighting.

Thunderstorms, snowstorms, tornados, or heavy rain can physically damage the light. Excessive water can affect the inner parts.

So, turn them off or place them in a SAFE LOCATION during extreme weather conditions.

Protect Then from Risks

Remain cautious while MOUNTING solar outdoor lighting. Don’t place these units TOO CLOSE to walkways or in the route of lawnmowers.

Install them securely so they cannot be accidentally moved or damaged. Avoid positioning them to POTENTIAL hazards to SAFEGUARD the lights and their DURABILITY.

Conduct Regular Checks

Checking the solar lights regularly will help you KNOW their condition. Check for loose connections and damage to maintain their optimal performance.

It leads to proper and on-time maintenance, which INCREASES their lifespan. Pay attention to MINOR DETAILS and fix them to ENSURE more extended solar lighting.

People Also Ask About How To Clean Solar Lights

1. How do you clean cloudy plastic from solar light cells?

Water or soapy water may not clean the cloudy plastic from solar cells on garden lights. Use a mixture of water and vinegar to clean these garden lights. Mix water and vinegar equally and gently wipe the solar panel with a soft cloth. But don’t use too much vinegar!

2. Does vinegar clean solar lights?

Vinegar is effective on solar garden lights for stubborn debris accumulating with time. Mix eight parts of water, one part of vinegar, and a small dish soap. Mix them in a spray bottle. Spray on the areas with stubborn dust, and clean with a soft fabric or paper towel until cleaning.

3. Does rain ruin solar lights?

No rain doesn’t damage the solar lights if you install high-quality lights. These solar garden lights are usually waterproof. The outer case keeps the electrical components safe. However, rain for long periods may impact the service life of solar outdoor lights. Rainwater can flow into the inner parts during heavy rain, affecting their lifespan.

4. How long can solar street lights be used in rainy days?

Factors like battery capacity, maintenance, and solar panel efficiency affect rainy days’ performance. Solar outdoor lights may illuminate for 2 to 5 days during rainy days.

What’s Next

Enjoy a longer lifespan and brightness with these simple yet effective cleaning techniques. With regular MAINTENANCE, you can OPTIMIZE their performance.

Regular cleaning also contributes to a BRIGHTER and more SUSTAINABLE outdoor environment.

So, illuminate your surroundings with confidence. Only a little care HELPS you to preserve the brilliance of solar lighting investment. Shine on!

Visit the Leeline Energy website to get durable solar lights. We are RELIABLE suppliers of solar-powered products.

Contact us to get a sustainable and greener future with our quality solutions. Buy solar equipment and maintenance TIPS in one place.

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