Thanks to their energy-efficient LED bulbs and the flexibility of placing them anywhere without needing a power supply, these practical solar lamps have become an indispensable part of any garden or terrace. Solar panels are considered robust and reliable – yet it can happen that a solar lamp suddenly stops working. Find out here what causes this and what you can do about it!
Faulty solar lamp – Possible malfunctions
The following malfunctions can occur with solar lamps:
1. The solar lamp isn’t lighting up at all
If your solar lamp has stopped working completely, these could be the reasons:
- Is the solar lamp in the shade or is the sky overcast? Check whether the solar lamp is in a sunny spot and getting enough sunlight.
- Sometimes the solar module is so dirty or wet that it can no longer absorb light. Clean the solar module of moisture and dirt so that the lamp can absorb enough light.
- It may be that the solar lamp’s battery is old or faulty. In this case, the batteries can no longer absorb and store as much energy. You should therefore consider replacing the battery.
2. Solar lamp does not shine for a long time or shines dimly
If a solar lamp only shines briefly or dimly, this may indicate that the solar lamp is not sufficiently charged. Ensure that sunlight falls directly onto the solar panel – this allows the solar cells to charge the battery most efficiently.
The dim light or short duration does not necessarily indicate a faulty battery; however, it can still be a possible cause.
3. Solar lamp stays on continuously, even in daylight
These issues occur when the solar lamp stays on continuously, i.e. even during the day:
- The twilight sensor is faulty: A twilight sensor in the solar lamp ensures that the LED lighting is switched off during the day and only lights up in the evening, at dusk.
- The battery is faulty: If the battery is faulty, it cannot store sunlight and therefore emits light directly.
- Dirt or oxidised contacts: Gently clean the solar module with a brush or cloth, lukewarm water and a little washing-up liquid.
Our tip: Maintain your solar light regularly
To ensure the battery in your solar lamp lasts longer, you can take preventive measures and look after your battery.
In winter, the sun is usually very weak, meaning the battery cannot charge fully and is often deeply discharged at night. It is therefore advisable to remove the battery and charge it fully using a battery charger. This will help prevent damage to the battery and extend its lifespan.
Additional tip: even winter-proof solar lights should be brought indoors during frost. At sub-zero temperatures, the casing – which is usually made of plastic – can crack, meaning the battery is no longer adequately protected.
Faulty solar light: replacing the battery
If you wish to replace the battery yourself, we have put together a guide for you:
- Unscrew or unscrew the solar light: In many solar lamps, such as those with ground spikes, the battery is located under the solar panel.
- Remove the battery from the housing and carefully check whether it has leaked. Remove any battery residue if present in the lamp.
- The new battery should be the correct size and inserted with the correct polarity. Close the housing carefully to ensure the battery is well protected.
If replacing the battery does not solve the problem, you’ll need a new solar lamp! You’re sure to find the right solar light for your garden in our extensive range:
