How to Store Solar Lights Over the Winter

Solar-powered lights are cost-effective, practical solutions to do your part for the environment without guilt and hefty electricity bills. However, the efficiency of solar lights highly depends on the weather conditions.

Although solar lights can collect and store sunlight even on cloudy days, their efficiency drops significantly. Knowing why and how you should store these outdoor solar lights in cold weather is essential.

Check out this detailed article on how to store solar lights in winter weather.

Key Takeaways

• Solar lights’ efficiency is significantly affected by winter weather conditions, including reduced sunlight and frost accumulation, making storing them in colder months essential.
• Extreme cold can harm solar lights’ battery life and performance, particularly if they don’t receive sufficient direct sunlight.
• Properly storing solar lights involves turning them off, protecting sensitive parts, storing them in a dry place, removing batteries, occasionally exposing them to sunlight, and considering indoor storage for decorative solar lights.

Why Store Your Solar Lights

Solar lights’ efficiency depends on direct sunlight. These lights don’t last their best hours during grey days as their charging ability gets significantly affected with no sun in the sky.

Dust, debris, water, and frost accumulation significantly affect efficiency and potential damage. This is all the more so in locations with freezing temperatures. On top of the decreased efficiency, frost accumulates and penetrates the sensitive part of solar lights.

Hence, storing solar lights is imperative in cold temperatures, even if they are designed with IP technology.

Should All Solar Lights Be Stored During Winter?

You can leave solar lights outside all year round, but a few things need to be considered before you do so.

The Weather Conditions

Extreme cold can significantly affect solar lights’ battery life and half lifespan. Winters and extreme weather conditions stress the solar panel and solar light battery. This might affect the performance of the lights when needed.

Using solar lights with no direct sunlight will affect these solar products’ power generation capacity. Solar lights depend on direct sunlight for functioning.

If the direct sunlight received is less than 2 hours a day, the solar panel won’t gather enough power for proper functioning. It’s also possible for the solar panel to not have enough energy to power the light for even a few minutes.

IP Rating Of the Solar Lighting Device

Most solar lights are anti-corrosive and have at least an IPX4 rating, even the cheapest ones in the market. However, the sealing of the solar lights deteriorates over time.

This results in water penetration, causing short circuits and damaging the internals of the solar lighting, reducing its lifespan.

Therefore, storing solar lights in harsh weather conditions ( snow and freezing temperatures) is recommended. Hence, storing the solar lights in the winter is only sensible.

How to Store Solar Lights in Winters

Solar lights last long, don’t require electricity from the grid, and look classic! However, they don’t perform well during cloudy days and winter conditions. Therefore, it’s a must to store outdoor solar lights in winter.

Below are a few tips that you can refer to store your solar lighting in colder winter months!

Make Sure The Solar Light is OFF

Before you are off to shelf the solar lights to your winter storage cabin, make sure that these lights are switched OFF. Many solar lights come with an automatic activation feature. Due to this feature, many forget to switch the light OFF.

This might damage the rechargeable batteries and cause a deterioration of the integrated light sensor in the device. Hence, mindfully switch the solar lights OFF to avoid any possible damage.

Wrap The Lamp Heads Or Solar Panels

The head of the solar lights is the most sensitive and fragile part of these solar articles. The head of solar lamps is made of glass, where the solar panels are fixed. To avoid any possible damage to the solar panels, make sure to wrap them in either bubble wrap or packing paper.

You can also use spare blankets if you don’t have access to bubble wrap or packing paper. After wrapping them properly, place them carefully in a cardboard box. This will prevent the glass and solar panels from any possible damage while stored away.

Suitable Dry Places

Solar lights are made of metal and thus are always susceptible to corrosion and rust. Therefore, storing these lights in a dry and cool place is vital.

Hence, avoid storing solar lights in the basement, storage shack, or shed. Instead, if possible, store them in your garage or a well-insulated attic.

Remove Solar Lights From the Ground

Solar lights function outdoors, particularly garden solar lights, placed in the ground to illuminate walkways and pathways. Although these garden solar lights work even in cold temperatures, storing them during winter is advisable.

They can always be damaged beyond repair if hit by shovels, snowblowers, and other tools. This is especially true if they are covered in snow and are not visible, increasing the risk probability.

Remove the Battery

Most solar lights come with rechargeable batteries, which must be removed before storing. Failing to remove the batteries increases corrosion risks, damaging the solar lights.

Hence, it is advisable to remove them during winter and store them for the summer.

A Bit of Sunlight is a Must

Solar lights thrive on how much sunlight they receive, even if stored away. That’s right. You must take them out in a month at least once and expose them to some sunlight whenever possible. This will sustain their functioning capacity and prolong their lifespan.

It might sound like a bit of a hassle, but doing this trick will save you from any possible maintenance bills or damage in the future.

The Decorative Solar Powered Lights

Solar lights are usually durable and will probably do fine outdoors during winter. However, the same cannot be said for decorative solar-powered lights.

Decorative solar lights are fragile and highly susceptible to damage. These lights cannot withstand the harsh winter, ice, and snow conditions. Hence, if you have such decorative solar lighting, ensure they are stored inside.

Consider Using A Storage Unit

Solar lights do add a classic ambiance to their surroundings. Hence, if you have multiple solar lights to store, consider using a storage unit.

Using a storage unit will allow you to place them together. Furthermore, you’ll have to invest less maintenance effort when basking these dozens of lights in sunlight.

Case Study: Effective Winter Storage of Solar Lights for a Residential Property

Background

At Solar Panels Network USA, we assist homeowners in optimizing their solar energy solutions, including best practices for seasonal maintenance. This case study showcases our approach to helping a homeowner store their solar lights effectively during the winter months, ensuring longevity and efficiency.

Project Overview

A homeowner reached out to us for guidance on storing their extensive collection of outdoor solar lights during the harsh winter months. The primary goal was to protect the lights from potential damage caused by freezing temperatures and reduced sunlight, ensuring they remained functional for the following season.

Initial Consultation and Assessment

Understanding the Homeowner’s Collection

We began by evaluating the homeowner’s solar light collection, which included various types such as path lights, decorative lights, and solar spotlights. Understanding the diversity and specific needs of each type was crucial for recommending appropriate storage solutions.

Site Survey and Environmental Analysis

A site survey was conducted to assess the environmental conditions of the property, including potential storage areas. We identified locations that offered protection from moisture, extreme cold, and physical damage.

Implementation

Switching Off and Cleaning the Lights

The first step involved instructing the homeowner to turn off all the solar lights to prevent any drain on the batteries during storage. We guided them through cleaning each light, removing dust, debris, and moisture that could cause damage over time.

Removing and Storing Batteries

We recommended removing the rechargeable batteries from each solar light to prevent corrosion and leakage. The batteries were stored separately in a cool, dry place, ensuring they remained in good condition for future use.

Wrapping and Packing the Lights

To protect the sensitive components of the solar lights, particularly the panels and lamp heads, we advised the homeowner to wrap them in bubble wrap or packing paper. Each wrapped light was then placed carefully in sturdy cardboard boxes.

Selecting the Storage Location

Given the homeowner’s property layout, we suggested storing the solar lights in the garage, which offered a dry and insulated environment. This choice helped avoid the basement or outdoor sheds, which were prone to moisture and temperature fluctuations.

Results

Protection from Winter Elements

By following our recommended storage procedures, the homeowner effectively protected their solar lights from the adverse effects of winter weather, such as frost and moisture damage. This preventive measure ensured the lights’ longevity and optimal performance.

Maintenance of Battery Health

Removing the batteries and storing them correctly prevented corrosion and extended their lifespan. The homeowner reported that the batteries remained in good condition and were ready for use when reinstalled in the spring.

Ease of Reinstallation

The organized storage method, including wrapping and proper placement, made it easy for the homeowner to reinstall the lights when the weather improved. This reduced the hassle and potential damage during the reinstallation process.

Summary

Our expertise in solar energy solutions enabled us to provide the homeowner with effective strategies for storing their solar lights during winter. By ensuring the lights were turned off, cleaned, properly wrapped, and stored in a suitable location, we helped maintain their efficiency and extend their lifespan. This case study highlights the importance of seasonal maintenance and careful storage in preserving the functionality of solar lighting systems.

Expert Insights From Our Solar Panel Installers About Storing Solar Lights Over the Winter

Properly storing your solar lights during winter is essential to maintain their efficiency and longevity. Ensure they are turned off, protected, and stored in a dry place to prevent any damage.

Lead Solar Engineer

Removing the batteries from your solar lights before storing them can significantly reduce the risk of corrosion and ensure they function optimally when you reinstall them.

Senior Solar Technician

Exposure to occasional sunlight even during storage can help maintain the functionality of your solar lights’ batteries and components, extending their lifespan.

Renewable Energy Specialist

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.

Endnotes

Solar lights last longer, are multi-functional, and provide good illumination at night. They are an excellent way to light up your garden or add a bit of charm to the surroundings. The solar panels attached to these lights use direct sunlight to store energy.

However, the efficiency of these lights drops during winter. With less sunlight in winter, these do not display their best performance and are more susceptible to potential damage.

Follow this guide on storing solar lights in winter, and you’ll be able to prevent any possible maintenance bills.