When you first get your solar lights, it’s important to charge them up completely before using them. This usually takes about 8 to 12 hours of sunlight. The best place to do this is outdoors where they can get unobstructed sunlight throughout the day.
Do you have a set of solar lights that you’ve been wanting to use but haven’t gotten around to charging yet? Do you need help charging solar lights first time without running into issues?
It’s actually very easy and only takes a few simple steps. So read on for instructions on how to get your solar lights up and running in no time!
4 Simple Steps on Charging Solar Lights First Time, every time!
Let’s get started with your new solar landscape lights! These simple steps will have them charging up in no time.
Step One: Gather Supplies
The first thing we need to do is gather up all of our supplies. This includes:
- A stand for your solar light. It may come with one or you can use a piece of wood if it doesn’t come with one.
- A stake or bracket, which will attach to the stand to hold up our solar light
- The cover that protects the battery from rain
- A hammer and nails, depending on what type of surface we’re putting them onto.
- Screwdriver
- The battery (or batteries) for your solar light
With these supplies in hand, let’s move on to the next step!
Step Two: Get Everything in Place
The second step is getting everything in place.
Find a sunny spot to place our solar light in. A solar light does not need direct sunlight but it does need to be in an area where it will get full sunlight for a good part of the day.
If you are using a stake or bracket, make sure to hammer it into the ground firmly so that it won’t move. Make sure the panel tilt angle is towards the sun if possible.
Then attach the plastic cover to the top of our solar light.
Step Three: Connect the Battery to Your Solar Light
The third step is to connect your rechargeable battery or batteries.
Take the cover off of your solar light and then connect the solar light batteries.
Check that there isn’t a little plastic tab that needs to be pulled to activate the battery.
Then put the cover back on top of your solar light so that it is protected from rain.
Make sure you follow the steps in the instructions booklet that came with your light because not every light has the same setup.
Step Four: Turn On The Solar Light And Charge It
The fourth step is to turn on your solar powered lights and charge them for 8 to 12 hours. Remember you can charge solar lights with artificial lighting, or even led lamps but it will take longer. When using artificial light sources you may have to charge for 72 hours instead!
Make sure to flip the on/off switch on the side or back of the light if your light has one.
With most solar lights you can tell it’s charging properly when the little green light on the front starts blinking. Once it’s been charged, that light will stay solid and you’re good to go!
Troubleshooting Tips to Fix Most Common Solar LED Light Issues
If you followed our steps above on charging solar lights the first time and your solar lights are still not working, there could be a number of causes. The most common causes are:
Not Enough Sun Exposure
The solar panel needs to be in a sunny location for the light to work correctly. This means it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day (more is better).
Do not keep the light’s solar panels directly underneath trees and other tall objects that could block the view of the sun.
The Battery Is Not Inserted Correctly or Is Defective
If you have a light with more than one battery, make sure either the rechargeable batteries are inserted in the correct direction and that they are all fully charged. The solar battery of newly installed solar lights must have a full charge to work at maximum capacity.
The Solar Panel Is Dirty or Blocked
Clean the solar panel regularly with a soft cloth and warm soapy water to ensure maximum sunlight exposure.
If there is dirt or dust covering parts of the panel, then it will not be able to absorb enough sunlight and generate less solar energy.
If there are trees or shrubs blocking direct exposure on some days, try moving your solar lights around until you find a better place for them to go where this isn’t an issue anymore.
The Light Is Too Far Away from The Panel
If you have a light with more than one battery, make sure all batteries are inserted in the correct direction and that they are all fully charged.
If you still have problems with your solar lights after trying these tips, try contacting the manufacturer for help or getting a battery replacement.
Can the Same Method for Charging Solar Lights be Used to Charge a Solar Watch Without Sun?
Yes, the same method for charging a solar watch indoors can be used to charge a solar watch without sun. Both solar lights and solar watches can be charged using artificial light sources, such as LED light bulbs or incandescent bulbs. This allows for convenient indoor charging without the need for direct sunlight.
Charging Solar Lights For The First Time – FAQ
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Is It Safe to Charge My Solar Lights in An Enclosed Space?
It is generally safe to charge solar lights in an enclosed space as long as the charging device does not generate heat.
It is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings before charging your solar lights to ensure that you are using them safely and correctly.
Do Solar Lights Need to Be Turned on To Charge?
Solar lights need to be turned on in order for them to charge otherwise the solar panel will not be able to absorb the sunlight.
How Long Do Solar Lights Need to Charge First Time?
We recommend that you charge your solar lights for at least eight hours the first time in direct sunlight.
How to Charge Solar Lights With An On/off Switch?
The best way to charge the rechargeable batteries using the solar panel of your solar light is with direct sunlight. You can also use incandescent bulbs or indirect sunlight but it is not ideal.
Remember, to charge solar lights you do not need much sunlight. You will charge the solar battery even on cloudy and rainy days but it will take a lot bit longer.
Why Is There an On/Off Switch on Solar Lights?
The reason there is usually an on off switch on solar lights is that not all solar lights are automatic.
There are some that will turn on and off automatically by detecting light with a sensor, but there are also many that need to be manually turned on and off. It all depends on the type of solar light you purchased.
Can I Put My Solar Light in The Shade?
Solar lights do not need direct sunlight to work however they do need to be in an area where they get sunlight for a good amount of the day.
If your light is not getting enough sun then it will not charge properly and therefore it won’t work as well at night time when you actually need them most!
Can You Overcharge Solar Lights?
You cannot overcharge solar lights because they have a charge controller which prevents your batteries from being damaged by excess charging.
This means that the battery will stop charging once it has reached its full capacity of power and can no longer hold any more electricity – even if there’s still sunshine out!
Do I Have to Wait Until The Battery Is Drained Before Recharging?
You don’t have to wait until the battery is drained before recharging it. It’s better if you don’t because that will damage the battery.
For best results, solar lights should be recharged every few days to ensure optimal performance.
This means that you can use it whenever you need it and then charge up again when necessary without having any problems with overcharging or draining!
Final Thoughts
Charging solar garden lights may seem a bit confusing at first, but with these simple instructions, it’s a breeze!
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Now get out there and start enjoying your new outdoor solar lighting.
