Solar lights provide homeowners with a fantastic way to add charm and practicality to walkways, gardens, and patios while decreasing their energy bills. However, when winter rolls around with its shorter sunlight hours and frigid weather, how do homeowners keep their solar investments safe and functional? Continue reading to learn strategies about protecting your solar lights in the winter.
Tips for Storing Solar Lights Indoors
One of the best things you can do for your solar lights during the cold, harsh winter is to store them indoors. This strategy can extend the lifespan of the lights and their batteries.
However, it is important to be careful when doing so because you may inadvertently harm the lights during the process. Review these tips for keeping your solar lights indoors until the frigid weather blows over, so they perform well in the springtime.
Wipe Them Off After Removing Them
Before transferring your solar lights inside, take time to clean their surfaces thoroughly. Wipe away debris from the lights, such as dirt and dried leaves, as well as accumulated moisture.
Clean the light’s solar panels carefully with a gentle, damp cloth. Remove any residue that may have gathered on it over time. If you find you can’t easily remove dirt from the panels, try using a mix of mild soap and water.
Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or chemical cleaners since these could damage the protective coating on the panels. Once the panels look spotless, make sure the entire fixture dries completely before you put it into storage. This simple step prevents moisture from causing damage while your lights sit in storage during the winter.
Pick a Dry Environment
Once you have the solar lights clean and dry, you must choose a storage area with the right environmental conditions that will keep them in good condition. Prioritize storing the lights in a garage, shed, or closet with a low level of humidity.
Keeping your fixtures away from damp or humid environments will reduce the risk of electrical issues caused by water exposure. For example, storing the lights in basement corners and areas prone to condensation could cause corrosion on the lights, affecting the wiring or metal layers of the solar light casings.
In addition, you should aim to find an area where the temperature remains relatively stable. Overly cold spaces can sometimes take a toll on batteries, draining their energy even while they’re not in use.
Remove the Batteries and Keep Them Safe
The solar lights’ rechargeable batteries are essential components for their operation, so it is important to provide the batteries with as much care as you give the lights themselves. Before storing the fixtures, remove the battery from each light to prevent damage caused by leaking while inactive.
Afterward, place it in a small protective container or plastic wrap, which will prevent dust or debris from accumulating during storage. Try labeling each battery’s packaging if you plan to store multiple lights. This will allow you to pair the right battery with its solar light when you reinstall it.
Wrap Up the Solar Lights
Just as you wrapped the solar light’s battery, you will do the same for the fixture itself. Consider using fabric, bubble wrap, or packaging paper to provide it with a layer of protection before you place it into a storage box.
Make sure all of the lights fit snugly into the box to prevent any movement that could damage the lights or impair their appearance. This will help you minimize unnecessary risks during the off-season.
Recharge the Battery Before Reinstalling
Once winter passes and you’re ready to reinstall your solar lights, don’t head out the door without checking the batteries first. Use a charger to ensure that the battery is ready to deliver its usual level of brilliance during the nighttime hours.
Additionally, check for any visible corrosion or wear on the battery during this recharging process. If the battery shows signs of damage, replacing it with a fresh one will prevent performance issues. By starting the spring season with fully restored batteries, the solar lights will shine bright once they’re back on your lawn or in your garden.
Additional Solar Light Care Tips
Perhaps you prefer year-round illumination on your property. If you do decide to leave the solar lights out during the winter season, there are a couple of measures you can take to keep them in good condition.
Review the Manufacturer’s Instructions
When in doubt, always turn to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Products will include a manual with maintenance guidelines suited for the specific solar light model you own. These instructions may discuss whether the solar lights can withstand winter conditions and what extra steps are necessary to preserve their longevity.
Some models may feature weather resistance, which can influence how snow or cold temperatures affect their performance. Customizing your care routine based on these details could make all the difference in extending the usability of your solar lights.
Monitor the Lights’ Outdoor Performance
One last tip for protecting your solar lights in the winter is to monitor their performance if you decide to leave them outdoors. Brush off any accumulated snow or debris blocking the solar panel surface as soon as possible. A blocked panel won’t absorb the amount of sunlight it needs to recharge the battery efficiently.
In addition, pay attention to how well they appear to be charging. If they are not shining as bright as normal, you may need to reposition them in areas where they can absorb more sun. Another quick fix is to change the batteries. In addition, examine the lights regularly for any signs of damage, so that you can promptly prevent future issues.
By following these tips, you can keep your solar lights in strong condition during the winter season and ensure that they still provide your outdoor spaces with substantial illumination. Contact Outdoor Solar Store today so you can add these aesthetic items to your property. Our products include solar LED street lights that are weather-resistant and feature a wide range of wattage options. We have plenty of items that will help you receive the right level of lighting for your lawn.
