Solar devices come with a wide range of benefits in addition to being environment-friendly. Plus, they turn on automatically when it is dark and go off when there is light.
This particular feature makes your space easier to maintain and beautiful to look at. So, how does a solar light automatically turn on at night and go off in the daytime?
The solar lights come with sensors that can detect the presence of sunlight. They work like a gate between the LEDs and the batteries. So, when the sensor detects no sunlight, it connects the battery and the LEDs. This will allow the power to flow to the bulbs, and they light up.
To know more about how the solar-powered lights turn on up automatically, keep reading!
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How Do Outdoor Solar Lights Turn On Automatically At Night?
Solar lights have built-in photosensors to detect the presence or absence of direct sunlight. A photosensor is an electronic device that can sense visible light (along with ultraviolet and infrared) with the help of semiconductors.
The solar lights use this photosensor as a gateway between the LEDs and the system’s battery. When the solar lights do not receive direct sunlight, the sensor detects that there is no light.
As a result, it will open up the gates for the battery to transfer power to the light bulbs. Consequently, the solar yard lights will turn on and light up the space.
How Does A Solar Light Automatically Turn Off In The Day?
Similar to turning on automatically, solar lights use photosensors to detect the presence of sunlight. When it senses sunlight, the panels will block the path between the LEDs and the battery. This will prevent the battery from transferring power to the lights.
When the light goes off automatically in the morning, this will allow the solar light batteries to charge. The batteries receive solar energy through the solar panels during the day, so they will have enough energy to light up during the night.
Types Of Photosensors Used in Solar Lights
Solar lights use various types of light sensors. It ranges from a basic light sensor to sophisticated PIR sensors. Depending on the model of your solar-powered light, the varieties of sensors vary.
Now, take a look at some of the most common types of photosensors used in solar flood lights:
Light Sensor
A light sensor is a basic photosensor that makes the solar lights turn on during the night and go off during the day. It is a photoelectric device that converts light energy into electrical signals.
Lux Sensor
A lux sensor works similarly to a light sensor. However, it senses the intensity of light in addition to its presence of it. It will sense how dark the surrounding is to turn on the solar floodlight. You can adjust it to your desired settings.
PIR Sensor
PIR sensor or passive infra-red sensor is a more advanced device. It comes with a motion sensor, so it is usually used in most security solar lights. These detectors sense heat when someone is walking by and adjust the brightness of the outdoor solar lights.
What Should I Do If the Solar Lights Are Not Working At Night?
There are a lot of reasons why the solar lights might not be working. It can be because of faulty wires or a broken battery too. So, take a lot at some common problems and what you can do about them.
Solar Panel is Not Receiving Enough Sunlight
If the solar lights are in a place covered with shade from trees or other buildings, it may not get sufficient sunlight. Although they do not need direct solar light, they require adequate daylight to function. This will ensure the solar panels receive enough light to charge the batteries.
Typically, solar lights charge the batteries when exposed to six to eight hours of daylight. This will vary depending on the type of solar panel, the intensity of light, and the battery.
Solar Lights With a Faulty Battery
Most solar lights go off when the battery is faulty or dead. Therefore, it is advisable to check whether the battery is too old.
Solar Lights With a Faulty Sensor
If the sensor is faulty, the solar lights can not distinguish between daytime and night. Although the solar panel will charge during the day, it will not turn on at night.
How do you check if the sensors are not working?
Cover the sensor with a cloth or hand to block the sunlight. If it brings to light, they are working alright. On the other hand, if it does not illuminate, it’s time to replace the sensors.
Water Penetration into the Solar Panel
Most solar lights are resistant to water, yet sometimes even a little water can penetrate and damage the wiring. The faulty wiring will prevent the solar cells and the solar lights from functioning properly. Sometimes, dirt penetration can cause the same problem. Therefore, it is vital to check the IP ratings of the electronic components before buying them.
Nearby Light Sources
The sensors in solar lights can get confused if there are other brighter light sources around them. This problem is more common in poorly manufactured solar lights.
To avoid this issue, ensure to place the solar cell in the most appropriate positions. It should be away from other light sources, including street lights, neighbor lights, and garage lights. Alternatively, you can switch the other lights off or replace them with less bright options.
Solar Lights Stay On During The Day: What Should I Do?
If the solar lights do not automatically turn off during the day, the photosensors are not working. In such cases, the solar light will stay on during the day because it does not sense any light.
The circuit running between the battery and the bulbs stays open all the time. So, your solar light will stay on as if they are in darkness.
Final Words
Solar lights work by harnessing sunlight to brighten your yard or any outdoor space. It uses photosensors to automatically switch on when it’s dark and go off during dawn.
Depending on the type of solar light, it can have a basic light sensor, lux sensor, or PIR sensor. Sometimes, the sensors may not work correctly for a number of reasons. If you keep them in sunny areas and maintain them properly, you can make the best out of it.