Solar energy is the new revolution in the outdoor lighting world. Owing to the fact that solar power is not dependent on the power grid, solar-powered fixtures are the best way to save on your energy bill. Not only do they consume less power, but they also need very little maintenance apart from the periodical cleaning and often feature photocells, so you worry less about switching them on at night or forgetting to switch them off in the morning.
In order to get the most out of solar lights and get value for money, we must know how to use and maintain them properly.
How Long Does A Solar Light Last?
In the normal scenario, the standard batteries in outdoor solar lights are expected to decay and last maximum for 3-4 years, and if it is LED Solar light, then it may last for more than 10 years. The factors that affect the lifespan of your outdoor solar lights are the proper installation location of your solar lights, the cleaning of the solar panels, etc.
Seasons Affecting the Solar Power Efficiency
Pollution and Dust play a major role in reducing the efficiency of your solar lighting. During summer, the performance of solar lights is at its best due to long days and short nights. It’s a little tough during winter with shorter days to charge up and longer nights to power through. However, for a long life span, a little maintenance by clearing off the dust, debris, comes a long way. The best way to absorb more sunlight for your solar panels is by utilizing a mirror. If possible, during installation, attach a mirror parallel to the ground in front of the panel, which will allow the sunlight to hit the solar panel directly after bouncing off the mirror.
Points to Maintain Solar Lights Fixtures for Maximizing its Life Span.
1. Place Your Solar Lights Properly
The solar lights work best at night only when the panels receive enough sunlight for a full charge. In order to have the solar panels fully charged, we should place the solar lights in an outdoor space with direct sunlight for 6-8 hours a day. Never install them near trees, walls, or rooftops, which can shade solar panels and lower their output during the day. Also avoid installing them close to other artificial light sources, which will make the sensor useless, thereby reducing the lighting effect. Ensure the panels are facing south to get maximize energy from the sun. Because If they’re facing east or west, then half a day’s worth of energy is wasted as the sun passes behind the panel.
2. Charge the Batteries before Usage
The best way to maximize the life span of batteries is to first get them to expose the solar lights directly to the sun allowing them to be fully charged. Then the solar lights can come to their best performance by lasting for at least 8 hours during the night.
3. Replace Batteries Regularly
Never miss checking on the batteries charging and discharging at regular intervals, so as to check their usage and most importantly to maintain the lifespan and performance of your solar lights. If you feel, the batteries are wearing out in their performance with low brightness, then you can think of replacing the batteries every two years, although they may last longer than that.
4. Cleaning the Solar Panels is Essential
Cleaning the solar panels is not a choice. Most solar lights are usually placed outside so that their solar panels are completely exposed to sunlight for a long time, however, dust, leaves, bugs, and other debris also find a place to sit on them. We should always keep it clean using a warm soapy sponge or a dry cloth to clean the surface of the panels carefully at least once a week.
5.Turn off the Solar Lights on Rainy Days and Daytime
It is recommended to turn off the solar lights during the rainy season or moist weather, so as to extend the life of the batteries for a good performance in long run. Solar lights will continue to charge even when turned off. To ensure maximized energy output, it’s best to turn them off during the daytime.
If we follow the above rules, it’s pretty simple to maintain our solar lights, thereby increasing their lifespan and performance to a great extent.