Why does my solar light keep flashing? 5 reasons

ByGriffin Updated on

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If you have solar lights installed at your residence or outdoor garden, but you solar lights are constantly flashing, then this is a sign of a problem.

In this post, I have braked down all the reasons of why does my solar light keep flashing?

Key takeaway: Solar lights keep flashing because of low battery power, dirt /debris on solar light’s panel, faulty wiring, faulty light sensor, shadow on lights.

Why are my solar lights blinking?

Solar lights are a great way to add security and ambiance to your home or yard. However, if your solar lights keep flashing, it can be a nuisance. There are a few reasons why solar lights might flash, and most of them are easy to fix.

Let’s read about the reasons one by one.

1. Low battery

The most common reason why solar lights flash is because the battery is low. Solar lights use rechargeable batteries to provide electricity to LED bulbs of solar powered lights.

Solar lights collect energy from the sun during the day and store it in a battery. At night, the battery powers the lights. If the battery is low, the lights may flash on and off.

To fix this problem, simply replace the battery. You can usually find replacement batteries at most hardware stores or online.

2. Dirt or debris on the light’s solar panel

Another common reason why solar lights blink is because the solar panel of light is dirty or covered in debris.

Since, solar panel collects energy from the sun, so if it’s dirty or blocked, enough electrical charge will not be produced.

And when enough electric charge will not be produced, the batteries will charge less and eventually the lights won’t have enough power to stay on.

To fix this problem, clean the solar panel with a soft cloth. You can also use a mild soap and water solution. Be sure to dry the solar panel completely before putting it back in place.

3. Faulty wiring

In rare cases, the wiring in a solar light may be faulty. This can cause the lights to flash or not work at all. If you’ve checked the battery and the solar panel and the lights are still flashing, it’s possible that the wiring is the problem.

faulty wiring in solar powered lights

If you’re not comfortable troubleshooting electrical wiring, you can contact a solar light technician for help.

4. Problem with light sensor

Solar lights use light sensors to detect light and turn on and off. If the light sensor is not working properly, the lights may blink.

5. Shadows

This reason is similar to the dirt or debris problem, I mentioned above. If your solar lights are located in an area that is often shaded, they may flash.

This is because the solar panel needs direct sunlight to collect energy. If the solar panel is shaded, it won’t have enough power to keep the lights on.

To fix this problem, try moving the solar lights away from shadow to a location that receives more direct sunlight.

Other Possible Reasons

In addition to the reasons mentioned above, there are a few other possible reasons why your solar lights might flash. These include:

  • A problem with the controller. The controller is the part of the solar light that regulates the flow of electricity. If the controller is not working properly, it can cause the lights to flash.
  • A problem with the manufacturing. In rare cases, solar lights may flash due to a problem with the manufacturing process. If you’ve checked all of the other possible reasons and your solar lights are still flashing, it’s possible that there is a problem with the manufacturing.

Conclusion

Solar lights are a great option to light our outdoor and indoors. But sometimes they become faulty and starts flashing.

The reasons and fixes I mentioned above will surely help in fixing the blinking problem of solar powered lights.

Here are some tips to prevent your solar lights from flashing:

  • Place the solar panel in a location that receives direct sunlight for most of the day.
  • Keep the solar panel clean and free of debris.
  • Check the battery regularly and replace it when it’s low.
  • Avoid placing the solar lights in an area that is often shaded.
  • If you live in an area with cold winters, bring the solar lights indoors during the winter months.

By following these tips, you can help keep your solar lights working properly and prevent them from blinking.

For more such content on solar powered lights, check out this page: solar enabled lights.