Solar Lights Explained
With no power sockets, energy bills and great illumination, solar goes hand in hand with garden lighting. Read on, as we explain the most commonly asked questions about solar lights.
We’ll start with the basic ingredients: we’ve got the sun, the solar panel, and the solar seed lights and solar festoon lights. The sun gives out energy in the form of light, the solar panel gladly accepts this energy, and your fairy or festoon lights light up.
But why does my light have batteries in it?
Our solar lanterns and solar jars have a battery inside the panel. The panel soaks up the sun's rays which charges the solar battery inside. This energy is then stored in the battery to illuminate your lights.
How do the lights know when to illuminate?
Most solar lights have a daylight sensor (photoresistor). When darkness falls, the sensor will illuminate the lights. Try avoid being near street lighting or security lights otherwise they may not work as intended.
Is the solar panel weatherproof?
They are indeed completely weatherproof. Wipe your panel down with a clean cloth from time to time to make sure that it's absorbing the maximum amount of sunlight.
Do my solar lights need constant sunlight to charge?
Yes. We’re not saying you have to relocate to the Bahamas if you want solar lights in your garden but they do need direct sunlight to charge and at least not be hidden away under the leaves of trees. Help your lights by making sure the panel is not in a shady spot. During winter months it can be dark by 5pm until 7am the next morning, so ensure you're all set with all season solar lights.
If it is a grey day with no sun then unfortunately your lights most likely won't light up that night.
How long will my lights illuminate for?
In spring and summer after a full day's charge you can expect from 6-8 hours of shine time. The rest of the year the illumination time really depends on the amount of sunlight your solar panel can absorb.
How long will my Solar Lantern or Solar Jar last?
Every battery in our solar lanterns and jars will eventually need replacing. On average they last for up to 600 charges so you’ll find that usually within 2 years a replacement is needed. If your light has stopped working after 1-2 years most of the time changing the battery can be the simplest solution. To test if it's your battery or the light which needs replacing you can pop in a regular alkaline battery and see if your light illuminates.
Shop the range:
Shop all solar lights here
Find solar festoon light troubleshooting tips here
Find solar lantern and jar troubleshooting tips here
