Solar Light Batteries
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 Solar Light Batteries are the main cause of failure in solar garden lights.
When you purchase solar yard lights , the rechargeable
batteries are always included in the fixture. It is absolutely normal after a year or two to see their performance
decline. Once you notice that the lighting time is significantly diminishing, it’s most probably time to replace
the solar garden light batteries. Rechargeable Batteries are the main cause of failure in solar garden
lights.
Another reason of reduced lighting time can also be that the solar light batteries are not
charging properly.
I always mention on this website that for optimum charging performances the solar panel needs to be cleaned on a
regular basis. Dust and other accumulated residues can dramatically affect the charging process. They form a layer
on the solar panel and block the sunlight.
An easy way to test if the batteries are dead is to briefly replace them
with normal ones, just to check if the light is working.
If you are testing the solar light during the day, don’t forget to cover it, or to darken the room where you are.
This will allow the photocell to trigger-on the light. If the solar light turns on with normal batteries … Sorry
guys, that means that most probably the rechargeable batteries are defective and you need to buy a new
set.
Replacing solar light batteries is not a difficult task, as long as you master the art of
screw driving… All you have to do is to locate the solar light battery cover, remove it, take out the faulty
batteries and replace them with a new set.
If no battery cover can be found, the solar light needs to be take apart. On most models you'll find the screws on
the top or bottom of the light. Once the unit is open you'll have access to the batteries.
If you need to store your garden solar lights for a long period of time, during winter for
example, it is better to take out the batteries. By doing so, the solar light batteries will have a longer life
span.
 Another important thing, don’t forget to pay particular attention to the location of the solar
lights. Batteries will not charge properly if the solar panel is in the shade, don’t forget, after all, they
are… Solar!
Another test you can do before replacing the solar light rechargeable batteries, is to place
the solar lights under direct sunshine for a day or two and see what happens. If after this the illumination time
is back to normal, it means that the solar panel was not getting enough light from the sun.
Most solar garden lights need between 1 to 4 batteries to
work and 2 types of batteries are usually used in garden solar lights:
 AA size - NiCad(Nickel Cadmium) 1.2 V / 500 to 900mA
AA size - NiMH (Nickel Metal Halide) 1.2 V /1000 to 2000mA
When it is time to change the solar light batteries, I strongly suggest replacing them with
NiMH batteries. They have more autonomy, better life span and are more reliable. Solar light replacement batteries
are standard and can be found easily.
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