Can Solar Garden Lights Catch Fire? (4 Causes and Prevention!)

Solar garden lights can catch fire. There are a number of common causes of solar lights catching fire, usually due to a faulty battery or wiring. It’s important to inspect your solar garden lights regularly for any signs of damage so that you can catch any potential problems early.

Solar garden lights are a popular addition to any home. They’re attractive, environmentally friendly, and can add some extra security to your property. However, did you know that solar garden lights can also catch fire?

In this blog post, we will discuss the three main causes of solar light fires, as well as how to prevent them from happening!

How Can Solar Lights Catch Fire? 4 Common Causes.

While solar powered lights are a great way to add a touch of ambient lighting to your yard or garden, they can also pose a fire hazard.

Battery

One of the most common ways that solar lights can catch fire is when the battery is damaged or leaking. If the batteries come into contact with flammable materials, such as dead leaves or grass, they can easily ignite. One or more batteries can also short circuit and cause a fire.

To prevent this, always check the batteries in your solar powered lights and make sure they are free of any damage. If you notice any leaking or damage, replace the batteries immediately.

It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the voltage of your batteries. Over time, the voltage of batteries can drop, which can cause them to overheat and catch fire.

Solar Panel

Another way that solar powered lights can catch fire is if the glass panel becomes cracked or broken. This can allow sunlight to directly hit the wiring, which can create a short circuit and cause a fire.

The solar panel is made of tempered glass, which is designed to withstand high temperatures, but it can still crack if it is hit by a hard object.

We recommend adding a layer of clear nail polish which will rejuvenate older lights and make them shine brighter again and also adds a tiny layer of protection that binds the glass if it does crack.

Be sure to inspect your solar lights regularly and look for any cracks or damage to the panel. If you notice any damage, replace the light immediately.

Faulty Wiring

The wiring in solar lights is also a potential fire hazard. If the wires become frayed or damaged, they can easily short circuit and cause a fire. Solar lights should be inspected regularly to make sure that the wiring is in good condition.

Cheap Material

The main risk comes from cheaper, low quality solar lights that are not made with fire-resistant materials. These lights are more likely to overheat and catch fire. Higher quality solar lights are more expensive but are made with safer materials and good quality components which are less likely to cause a fire.

Preventing Solar Lights From Catching Fire

Now that you know how solar powered lights can catch fire, what can you do to prevent your solar lights from catching fire?

Only buy solar lights from reputable retailers or manufacturers. Make sure to check the reviews before purchasing and look for any red flags.

Be sure to properly install your solar lights, following the instructions carefully. This will help to ensure that they are not in danger of coming into contact with power lines or other electrical sources.

It’s important to regularly check the batteries and replace them if they are damaged or leaking. You should also inspect the solar panel for any cracks or breaks, and replace it if necessary.

Keep your solar powered lights clean, wiping away any dirt, dust, or debris that could accumulate on them. This will help to prevent overheating.

By taking some of these simple precautions, you can prevent your solar lights from becoming a fire hazard.

If you have any concerns about your solar lights, or if they show signs of damage, be sure to replace or repair them immediately.

Are Solar Lights Dangerous?

Solar lights are generally safe as long as you take some basic precautions. Using solar lights indoors can create a fire hazard, so be sure to use them only in well-ventilated areas.

What makes solar lights dangerous is the lithium ion batteries inside. Most of the time, these batteries are safe. But if they’re damaged, they can start a fire.

What makes li ion batteries so dangerous is that they’re highly reactive. If the battery is damaged, it can start a fire.

The liquid inside of lithium ion batteries is flammable, and if it comes into contact with the right materials, it can ignite.

The electrolyte is a liquid that helps to conduct electricity between the anode and cathode. This liquid is made of lithium salts and can be flammable.

When the battery is damaged, the electrolyte can leak out and come into contact with other materials, like metal. This can create a short circuit and cause a fire.

Lithium ion batteries can also overheat and catch on fire. This usually happens when the battery is damaged or defective.

When a lithium ion battery overheats, it can ignite the flammable electrolyte inside of it. This can cause a fire that’s difficult to put out.

Solar lights can be bad for plants if they’re not placed properly. Read more about it in our guide.

How Do I Stop a Solar Light Fire?

If your solar light has caught fire, it’s important to act quickly.

First, try to disconnect the solar light from its power source. If you have fire resistant gloves available, put them on and remove the batteries if it is safe to do so.

Then, try to smother the fire with a blanket or piece of clothing. Do not use water, as this can cause the fire to spread. This is classified as an electrical fire, so using water can be dangerous.

If the fire is large, evacuate the area and call the fire department. Do not try to put out the fire yourself.

If the fire is small and contained, you may be able to extinguish it with a fire extinguisher. But if the fire is out of control, you should always call 911 for your safety.

When using a fire extinguisher, aim for the base of the flames. Do not touch the solar light or batteries with your bare hands, as they will be extremely hot.

Can You Leave Solar Lights on All the Time without Catching Fire?

Yes, you can safely leave solar lights on all the time without worrying about them catching fire. Solar lights are designed to withstand extended exposure to the elements, and they don’t generate heat as traditional bulbs do.

Solar lights are designed to automatically turn on at night and turn off during the day. However, you can turn off the light completely if you are leaving them unattended for an extended period of time using the on off switch.

So feel free to take advantage of their super convenient placement by leaving them on day and night! Just don’t place them too close to plants during the dry season as the heat from the solar light can start a fire.

Just be sure to regularly check the batteries and solar panels to make sure they’re in good condition. And if you notice any damage, be sure to repair or replace the light immediately.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

So, can solar garden lights catch fire? The answer is yes. However, there are ways to prevent this from happening. Make sure you use quality solar lights and follow the safety instructions.

If you do this, your solar lights should be safe and provide years of beautiful light.