How To Clean Solar Lights

Are your solar lights not shining as brightly as they used to? Does the surface of the solar panel seem cloudy? It’s probably time to take a closer look at them.

Although solar panels and lights don’t require frequent touch-up, occasionally cleaning the solar lights will maintain their illumination.

For this, you need to clean the solar lights, panel, cover, and batteries to get back the brightness. A damp cloth, a soft brush, and dish soap will be enough to remove the dirt covering the lighting system.

That’s why we’ve broken down all the steps needed to clean your solar lights in this article. Have a look!

Why do Solar Lights Need Maintenance?

Solar lights and panels are excellent eco-friendly devices that are usually hassle-free. But you have to remember that they’re out in the open and exposed to various elements in your environment. So, dirt, dust, and grime accumulate on their surface, making the lights cloudy.

This layer of dust will get deeper and prevent your solar panels from absorbing sunlight properly. As a result, they won’t perform well or shine brightly at night.

As time passes, these dirt particles keep blocking the sunlight from reaching the solar panel. The garden lights get dimmer. Moreover, the layer of debris might also seep in and damage the battery and wires.

Keeping the solar lights clean and maintaining them will improve their lifespan. You’ll also spend less time repairing them.

Solar Light Cleanup Checklist

Instead of grabbing anything at hand and getting down to the cleanup, it’s better to prepare a list of essential items you’ll need. Check out the list we made for you –

• A soft fabric or paper towel
• A screwdriver
• Dish soap or mild detergent
• A sponge
• Nail polish or lacquer
• Fine grit sandpaper
• Gloves
• A toothbrush or any soft brush

These are the basic items you’ll need, but you might require extra towels or fabrics while cleaning the solar lights and panels. In addition, you might require a manual for disassembling the solar panel. You can ask someone to help you during the process.

Steps to Clean Solar Lights

To get your beloved solar lights to keep shining, you need to clean its three main components – the solar panel, glass or plastic cover, and the batteries.

So, gather your essentials and follow the steps mentioned below to tidy them up properly.

Cleaning the Light Bulbs

You can start by cleaning your solar light bulbs, which is the easiest part of the process. As its surface is very smooth, it accumulates a lot of dust particles. So, you’ll need to dampen a soft fabric to get all those dust particles off the surface.

Take the damp cloth and wipe the bulb’s surface gently. Try not to scrub with too much pressure, as it can damage or break the bulbs.

However, if the dirt layer is too thick, you might need some dishwashing soap or detergent. Just dip the cloth or soft towel in the soap water and wipe the bulb’s surface.

After cleaning all that dirt, you need to wipe off the soap residue too. You’ll need a fresh and dry towel to do this efficiently. Always keep the bulbs dry and ensure no water seeps inside.

Cleaning the Solar Panels

You have to clean your solar panels now similarly to complement the clean bulbs!

For this process, take a fresh cloth or soft towel and gently wipe down the solar panel to remove the loose dirt particles. Doing this will make cleaning easier for you later on.

After removing all the dust and grime, it’s time for a thorough cleanup. Take another fresh cloth and dip it in soapy water or a mild detergent. Then, clean the solar panel surface properly to remove the remaining dust and any deposits.

Always make sure to do all this very gently, as the solar panels have a sensitive surface like the light bulbs.

Once you’re done, pick up a fresh cloth and wipe off the soapy residue on the panel. It must remain dry to work properly.

Cleaning the Batteries

You cannot forget the batteries while cleaning up your lights. It’s because any damage to the batteries will affect the light’s performance.

As the temperature inside the battery compartment can get a little humid, corrosion may occur.

So, if you don’t check the batteries regularly, the corrosion may increase and damage the solar fixture and the battery. Here are the steps to keep your batteries clean –

• Open up the battery compartment and check for signs of corrosion. Please take out the batteries and examine them, especially the lower portion.
• The most common sign of battery corrosion is a white residue on the metal surface.
• If you see this, remove the battery from the compartment. Take a soft brush and wipe the residue off.
• In case the rust is old, it might not come off easily. You’ll need something a bit more abrasive, like fine-grit sandpaper, to remove the corrosion forcefully.
• If the corrosion has gone out of hand, then you need to replace the battery
• Before placing the new battery, check whether the battery housing is completely dry. It will prevent further damage.
• You also need to ensure no white powder is left inside the compartment as well.
• Have a look at the solar light’s manual to buy batteries compatible with the device.

Vinegar is also an excellent solution to remove battery corrosion and leftover residue in the compartment. Always use a dry cloth to clean the compartment before you replace the batteries.

Tidying Up the Light Covers

Your solar lights have some protective covering made of glass or plastic, which can get dirty too. Debris or dirt particles can accumulate on the cover or inside it. It diminishes the brightness of the solar lighting and can also damage the internal components.

So, it would be best if you cleaned the covers using a soft and dry fabric or paper towel. Gently wipe the surface to collect all the loose dust particles. Don’t rush the process and take it slow.

Try not to clean too much and use lesser strokes on the solar lighting. It will protect the covering and prevent any scratches.

How to Clean a Cloudy Solar Panel?

Sometimes, the solar panels might collect too much dust and dirt on the surface. It happens when you fail to maintain it and the dust layer gets thicker. Then, the solar panel will become cloudy, and the bulb’s brightness will decrease.

Here are the steps to fix such a cloudy solar panel.

Cover the Panel’s Plastic Part

You can use painting or masking tape to cover the plastic area of the panel. First, tape the border of your panel and then the remaining area. Don’t use sticky tape, as it can be tricky to remove it later.

It will protect the plastic from getting stained or damaged while cleaning. In addition, it will also prevent any water drops from entering the fixture.

Remove the Dirt

You can now clean your solar panels using a dry cloth, but a sponge will be the best option. Dip the sponge in soapy water and clean the solar panels gently.

Also, you need to make sure that all the dirt particles are removed. It’s important as leftover debris can get inside and damage the panel.

Do this a couple of times until it doesn’t look dirty anymore. Clean solar lights will no longer seem cloudy or dim!

Add Finishing Touches

After so much cleaning and washing, the solar panels might seem faded. It’s because their paint coating might have been washed away a little. So, it’s your responsibility to get their shine back!

• Get a lacquer can from a hardware store and shake it well
• Hold it at a distance of 15cm from the solar light panel and spray a thin coat on it
• If you feel the panel is too faded, apply a second coat, but don’t overdo it
• Try to spray evenly on the lighting panel
• Don’t focus on an area too much, which can make the layer thick
• Let the coat dry for around 30 to 35 minutes and remove the tapes

Maintenance Tips for Solar Garden Lights

As your outdoor lights or garden lights are always out in the open, you need to take good care of them frequently. This way, you’ll save time and money spent on cleaning solar lights. Take a look at these tips to get a headstart.

Trim Nearby Plants

You can’t expect the solar lights to efficiently absorb sunlight with just a little cleaning and maintenance. Its environment needs to be monitored as well.

That’s why you need to check if any trees or shrubs are blocking your solar lights from receiving sufficient exposure. So, you need to prune trees and plants growing nearby.

You might do this trimming daily or weekly, depending upon the growth of the plants.

Position the Solar Lights Properly

Your solar light needs around 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight to keep the batteries charged. Therefore, you need to adjust its position for maximum sunlight exposure. You can also change their position to receive the best illumination for your garden or driveway.

You also have to keep an eye out for pets or naughty kids knocking the garden lights down! If they’re down indeed, it can damage the light’s components. So, check them from time to time.

Check the Connections

Most garden lights and solar panels don’t have complicated wiring or cables. But if your lights are a bit separated from the solar panels, there will be external wiring. And, your pets or neighboring squirrels can enjoy these wires for lunch!

So, you need to keep tabs on your pets and nearby wildlife. Playing detective might save your garden lights and solar panels if all else fails.

Don’t Forget the Batteries

If your lights are going dim and their longevity has reduced, the batteries may be the culprit. You might have to open the compartment and check whether the batteries are corroded. There may be corrosion residue on the housing too.

To power up your garden lights, you might need to replace or clean the batteries. You can consult an electrician to determine whether the batteries are okay.

Case Study: Maintaining Optimal Performance of Residential Solar Lights

Background

At Solar Panels Network USA, we understand that the longevity and efficiency of solar lights depend significantly on regular maintenance. This case study focuses on our approach to maintaining the optimal performance of residential solar lights through effective cleaning practices.

Project Overview

Our project involved providing a comprehensive cleaning and maintenance service for a client’s solar lighting system. The client had noticed a decline in the brightness of their solar lights, prompting a detailed inspection and cleaning process.

Implementation

Site Assessment
We began by assessing the condition of the solar lights and panels. The lights had accumulated a significant amount of dust and grime, particularly on the solar panels, affecting their efficiency.

Preparation and Tool Checklist
We gathered essential cleaning materials, including soft cloths, mild detergent, fine-grit sandpaper, and soft brushes. This preparation ensured that we had all the necessary tools to perform a thorough cleaning without causing any damage to the lights or panels.

Cleaning the Light Bulbs
We started by cleaning the light bulbs. Using a damp cloth, we gently wiped the bulb surfaces to remove dust and dirt. For thicker layers of grime, we used a soft cloth dipped in soapy water, ensuring that we did not apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the bulbs.

Cleaning the Solar Panels
Next, we focused on the solar panels. We used a fresh cloth to wipe off loose dirt and then cleaned the panels with a cloth dipped in mild detergent. This step was performed gently to avoid scratching the sensitive surface of the panels. After cleaning, we used a dry cloth to remove any soapy residue, ensuring the panels were dry and ready to absorb sunlight effectively.

Cleaning the Batteries
We inspected the battery compartments for signs of corrosion. Finding some corrosion, we used a soft brush to clean the white residue from the batteries and compartments. For tougher corrosion, we applied fine-grit sandpaper gently. We ensured the battery housing was completely dry before replacing the batteries to prevent further damage.

Tidying Up the Light Covers
The protective covers of the lights were cleaned using a soft cloth to remove dust and debris. We took care to clean slowly and gently to avoid scratching the covers, ensuring they remained clear and did not impede the light’s brightness.

Results

The cleaning process significantly improved the performance of the solar lights. Post-maintenance, the lights shone brightly, and the solar panels were able to absorb sunlight more effectively, leading to better energy storage and illumination.

Performance Improvement
The brightness of the solar lights increased noticeably, demonstrating the effectiveness of the cleaning process. The solar panels were now clear of dust and grime, allowing them to function at optimal efficiency.

Extended Lifespan
Regular maintenance and cleaning helped extend the lifespan of the solar lights. By preventing corrosion and keeping the panels and covers clean, we reduced the need for frequent replacements and repairs.

Summary

This case study highlights the importance of regular maintenance for residential solar lights. By implementing a thorough cleaning routine, we ensured that the solar lights operated efficiently and had an extended lifespan. At Solar Panels Network USA, we emphasize the importance of proper maintenance to our clients, ensuring they get the best performance from their solar lighting systems.

Expert Insights From Our Solar Panel Installers About How To Clean Solar Lights

Regular cleaning of solar lights is crucial to maintain their efficiency. Dust and grime can significantly reduce the amount of sunlight the panels absorb, affecting the overall performance.

Senior Solar Technician

Corrosion in the battery compartment is a common issue that can lead to performance degradation. Regular checks and cleaning can prevent long-term damage and ensure the lights stay bright.

Lead Installer

Using the right cleaning materials, like a soft cloth and mild detergent, can help avoid scratches on the solar panels and light covers, ensuring they last longer and perform better.

Solar Energy Consultant

Our Expertise in Solar Lights

At Solar Panels Network USA, we’re here to provide you with valuable information and support regarding solar lighting. With our experience and understanding of the solar lighting industry, our team of experts is prepared to assist you in finding the right lighting solution for your needs. Whether you’re interested in improving your outdoor spaces, conserving energy, or adopting a more sustainable approach, we’re well-equipped to help. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or inquiries.

Summing Up

As solar lights work day and night out in the open to offer you excellent illumination, you need to look after them. You can fix a time every once or twice a week to examine your garden lights. Always make sure to keep the surface of the solar light clean.

You can cover the solar panels at night for their protection. For batteries, you can keep them in the sun for 2-3 days to restore their power.