The monsoon season can be a relief from the sweltering heat for a little while - but for those of us who rely on outdoor lighting its a completely different story. If yourย solar garden lights have gone dark after a good soakingย then you're not the only one to have had that experience . From a faint flicker to complete silence - these solar light monsoon issues are pretty common but usually (with a bit of TLC) pretty fixable.
This guide is meant to be a no-nonsense, step-by-step guide to getting your solar lights up and running again . No made-up tech jargon here - just real advice that you can put into action straight away
ย What's Going On With Your Solar Lights When the Monsoons Come?
Solar light have it tough because they spend their lives out in all weathers - so they have to put up with :ย
Heavy downpours and the resulting moisture, having to work in cloudy conditions with less sunlight,ย A constant build-up of dust, algae, and debris, Big temperature swings, and humidity changes
Even if you've got top-of-the-line solar flood lights, after a few weeks of rain, they will need a bit of tlc.
ย What's Going Wrong With Your Solar Lights After the Rain
1 Water Getting In Through The Seals
If your light seals are failing or have been compromised, water can sneak in and cause problems with the internal workings. Things to look out for: A light that flickers off and on or just won't work at all. Condensation on the panel or lens that just won't go away. Rust spots on your light casing and screws
2 Battery Drain
Batteries can go bad in no time if your light is being left out in humid conditions or just sitting around with a low charge on cloudy days.
Signs your battery is on the way out:
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The light comes on but just fizzles out
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Only lasts for about an hour or two
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Just can't seem to hold a charge
3ย Monsoon Damage to Your Solar Panel
After a monsoon, the panels on your light will inevitably get caked up with mud, leaves, bird poop, and algae which pretty much kills the charging efficiency.
Signs your solar panel isn't up to par:
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Light is incredibly dim at night
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The runtime is way shorter than you'd like
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The performance is all over the place
4 Corrosion on Contacts & Wiring
Moisture is a major problem and before you know it you'll have corrosion on your connectors, terminals and even switches.
Signs you have corrosion:
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The light flickers on and off
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It works when you tap or move the light
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You see that tell-tale green or white goo on your metal parts
Your Step-by-Step DIY Solar Light Diagnostic Guide
Here's how to identify the problem and get back to having a reliable solar light:
Step 1: Check the Switch
Make sure the thing is turned ON
You'd be surprised how often people accidentally flip the switch and forget about it
Step 2: Get That Panel Cleaned (its super important)
Get a soft cloth and some water and give it a good rinse
Remove all the dirt, mud and algae And for goodness sakes don't use any harsh chemicals
Sometimes this is all you need to do to fix your solar light
ย Step 3: Test the Charging
Leave it out in direct sunlight for a good 6 to 8 hours
Don't put it in a shaded area, If performance improves then chances are it was just a case of your solar panel not getting enough direct sunlight
ย Step 4: Check for Water Damage
Open it up and see if there is moisture inside or a foggy lens or if the battery compartment is all wet
ย If it is wet then just make sure you dry it out completely (leave it out in the sun or air dry, just not with a heat dryer)
ย Step 5: Check the Battery
If none of that worked and its still not working then: Take the battery out and have a look at it, If its all swollen or rusty or just plain weak then its probably time for a new one Replacing the battery usually fixes the whole problem
Step 6: Inspect Connections
Look for Rust: Gently clean with a soft cloth. If you have one, use a contact cleaning spray to apply a minimal amount of cleaner to the connection points of the lights.
Step 7: Test during the DARK
Cover the lights with 1 hand. If the light comes ON, then the electrical connection is good.
If it didn't turn ON, there is likely an issue with either the batteries/electronics.
When to fix or change,ย
When to Repair: If only the panel is dirty ,If the battery is weak, If there is moisture damage that is small and can be fixedย
When to Replace:
If the circuit board is damaged, If there is a lot of corrosion on the system , If there has been water damage for a long time , If the light is more than two or three years old
Sometimes replacement is less expensive than repairing multiple times. Before replacing the unit, it is worth checking your warranty.
Prevention Tips (How to avoid problems in the future)ย
1. Clean Panels at Regular Intervals Every 2-3 weeks during the monsoon season, toย avoid charging issuesย
2. Install at the Right Angle
Angle should be slightly out so that water can run off the surface of the light. Should not be placed completely flat.ย
3. Do Not Place in Low Spots Where Water Can Pool
Do not place in areas where water pooling is possible. It shouldย be mounted at a heightย
4. Check the Water Resistance Rating IP65 or IP67 is recommendedย
5. Make Sure There is Enough Direct Sunlightย
During the rainy season, even though it is cloudy, put your solar lights where there is maximum sunlight. Quality Matters โ Why Hardoll is Superior
Not all solar lights are created equal. Hardoll solar lights are manufactured to withstand the conditions of India during the monsoon season. IP65/IP67 Weather Resistant, Keeps out rain and dust,ย Keeps the inside of the lighting system dry.LiFePO4 Battery, More resistant to water and temperature,ย More than 2000 cycles of use,ย Will work better than other batteries when there has been extended cloudy weather.ย
Durable Construction
Heavy Duty Housing While Understanding Equipment. Component breakdown is less likely. Having the above mentioned features will help eliminate some of the most common issues with solar lights after it rains.ย
The Bottom Line: Basic Maintenance Is Required. Let me be clear, there is no such thing as no maintenance with solar lights.ย To keep your solar lights functioning
Final Thoughts
If a solar light stops working after a rainstorm, do not panic and think about replacing it right away. Generally, you can fix most types of solar light monsoon issues by simply using a few simple techniques such as cleaning, drying, or replacing the battery.
Key Takeaway
- Start by checking your panel's condition - cleaning if necessary
- Make sure the light is receiving proper amounts of charge to operate
- Look for moisture or corrosion issues inside of solar unit
- Use high-quality solar lights to have reliable long-term operation
