Why do my solar lights turn Off at night? 5 reasons

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If you have solar lights in your outdoors or inside the home which automatically turns off at night, then it is a sign of a problem.

In this post, I have braked down the possible reasons about why do my solar lights turn off at night?

Key takeaway: Solar lights turn off at night because of dirty solar panels, obstructed solar panels, faulty light sensor, low battery power, defective solar lights.

Why solar powered lights going off at night?

Solar lights are a great way to save energy and money, but they can be frustrating when they don’t work properly. One common problem that is seen in solar lights is that solar powered lights may turn off at night.

There are a few reasons why this might happen, and it’s important to troubleshoot the issue to find the cause.

1. Dirty Solar Panels

One of the most common reasons why solar lights turn off at night is because the solar panels are dirty. Solar panels need sunlight to charge the batteries that power the lights, so if the panels are covered in dirt, dust, or leaves, they won’t be able to generate enough power.

It is recommended to clean solar lights solar panels at regular short intervals to get uninterrupted output.

To clean your solar panels, simply wipe them down with a soft cloth or sponge. You can also use a mild soap and water solution, but be sure to rinse the panels thoroughly afterwards.

2. Obstructed Solar Panels

Another reason why solar lights might turn off at night is because the solar panels are obstructed.

If the panels are blocked by trees, buildings, or other objects, they won’t be able to receive enough sunlight to charge the batteries.

Here is a article I wrote about solar lights under trees. You can check that for better understanding about shades and positioning of solar lights.

How to fix: To fix this problem, you’ll need to move the solar powered lights to a location where they won’t be obstructed. If you can’t move the lights, you may need to trim back trees or shrubs that are blocking the sunlight.

3. Faulty Light Sensor

This is also a major reason for turning Off of solar powered lights in the night.

Solar lights also have a light sensor that detects darkness and turns the lights On at night. If the light sensor is faulty, it may not turn the lights On at all, or it may turn them ON during the day.

To test the light sensor, you can cover it with your hand. If the lights turn off, then the sensor is working properly. If the lights don’t turn off, then the sensor may be faulty and will need to be replaced.

4. Low Battery Power

If your solar lights have been working properly for a while and suddenly start turning off at night, it’s possible that the batteries are low on power. Solar lights typically use rechargeable batteries that need to be replaced every few years.

To test the batteries, you can remove them from the lights and take them to a local hardware store to have them tested. If the batteries are low on power, you’ll need to replace them.

A low capacity battery will also prevent the solar lights to stay ON longer in the night.

Most of the solar powered lights are either of NiCd or NiMH type. They both have different capacity. Here is a guide I wrote on NiCd or NiMH which is better for solar lights?

5. Defective Solar Lights

In rare cases, solar lights may turn off at night because they are defective. If you’ve tried all of the troubleshooting tips above and your solar lights are still not working, then it’s possible that they are defective and will need to be replaced.

If you’re not sure how to troubleshoot your solar lights, you can always contact the manufacturer or a solar lights technician for help.

Conclusion

Solar lights are a great way to add security and ambiance to your home or yard, but they can be frustrating when they don’t work properly.

If your solar lights are turning off at night, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. By following the tips above, you should be able to get your solar lights working again in no time.

For more such content on solar lights check this link: http://upcleanenergy.org/solar-lights/