Why Do My Solar Lights Only Last A Couple of Hours?

Solar lights are an attractive and environmentally-friendly choice for lighting both residential and commercial properties. Solar lights generate power from the energy of the sun and don’t require traditional electric energy to power on. While solar lights are becoming an increasingly popular choice among people looking for green energy, it can be difficult to troubleshoot issues when the lights don’t last aslong as expected. In this article, we will explore likely reasons why solar lights may only last a couple of hours and provide preventative measures to ensure optimal performance.

Introduction

At its most basic, a solar light is composed of multiple parts that include a solar panel, a battery, a lightbulb or set of LEDs, as well as welding points to keep all parts together. The solar panels take in energy from the sun and converts it into electricity. That power is then stored in the battery until it is needed to power the light. A typical solar light can operate for a few hours at night before the battery needs to be recharged by the sun. But there are many reasons why a solar light might only last for a couple of hours.

Impact of Under-Sized Batteries

Under-sized batteries are one of the most common causes of solar lights only lasting a couple of hours. To understand why under-sized batteries can be a problem, we first need to understand what an under-sized battery means. Generally, an under-sized battery does not meet the capacity required to power the solar light for the expected period of time. This means that the battery is unable to hold and sustain the charge needed to power the light and will quickly run out of power.

There are a few common reasons why a battery might not be properly sized, such as inadequate sunlight or wrong dimensions. For example, if the size of the utilized solar panel is too small, it won’t collect enough energy needed to charge the battery. The same thing can happen if the solar panel isn’t properly angled towards the sun or if the battery isn’t large enough.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent these issues. First, it is critical that the solar panel is installed on the correct angle to the sun in order to get the maximum energy from the solar panel. Secondly, it is important to purchase a battery that is rated to provide shelf life of at least five years. Additionally, it is recommended to only purchase solar lights with high-quality and durable components.

Effects of Poor Maintenance

Another common reason for solar lights only lasting a couple of hours could be due to poor maintenance. Poor maintenance means the equipment isn’t checked and cleaned regularly. This can lead to a number of issues, including rust, dust accumulation, and eventual failure of parts.

Negligence in properly maintaining a solar light can result from lack of knowledge or resources, such as not having the necessary cleaning supplies. Dust and dirt on the solar panel can reduce the effectiveness of the panel, thus reducing the overall capacity of the light. Additionally, rusty parts can cause a short circuit in the system, resulting in the light turning off before its expected life span.

To prevent these issues, it is recommended to properly clean the equipment on a regular basis, including wiping off the dust and dirt from the solar panel. Additionally, by regularly inspecting the area around the light, any potential damage or rust can be identified and addressed quickly. Lastly, it is recommended to use a high quality sealant on all electrical components, such as connectors and wiring, to prevent corrosion and rust.

Environmental Factors

The environment can play an important role in the life span of a solar light. For example, extreme temperatures can have a major impact on the battery’s lifespan, as well as the overall efficiency of the solar light. Additionally, the weather can have an impact on the solar panel itself, because rain and snow can reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches the solar panel.

In addition to environmental factors, the amount of sunlight can also affect the efficiency of the solar light. If the solar panel isn’t in a position that gets direct sunlight, then it won’t receive the maximum amount of energy needed to power the solar light properly.

Considerations in Purchasing Solar Lights

When purchasing solar lights, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind to ensure optimal performance. Firstly, it is important to invest in a high-quality battery that has a long shelf life and is properly sized for the application. Additionally, it is essential to purchase high-quality lights with durable components such as connectors, wiring, and lightbulbs. Lastly, it is important to install the solar light in an area that gets direct sunlight and is not exposed to extreme temperatures or inclement weather.

Conclusion

In sum, solar lights are becoming an increasingly popular option for lighting residential and commercial properties. Unfortunately, there are a few common reasons why solar lights may only last a couple of hours. Under-sized batteries, poor maintenance, and environmental factors can all contribute to shorter lighting life spans. To ensure maximum lighting output, it is important to invest in high-quality components, properly size the battery for the application, clean the components regularly, install the solar light in a place with adequate sunlight and not expose the solar light to extreme temperatures.

Additional Resources

Additional resources regarding the purchase and maintenance of solar lights are available from the following sources:

• Conserve Energy Future – Solar Panels: All You Need To Know
• Solar Lights Center – Solar Lights Guide
• Solar Power World – Solar Power Solutions and Technology
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory – Helpful Resources on Solar Power