Solar Garden Lights: 7 Mistakes to Avoid

Solar outdoor lighting has a lot going for it: no cables to run, no electricity bill and a setup that takes minutes. Yet plenty of solar lights disappoint within the first few weeks, and the product is often not to blame. Here are the seven most common mistakes, and how to avoid them so you can enjoy your garden or balcony every evening.

Mistake 1: putting the panel in the shade

This is the most frequent reason solar lights fade too early. A solar panel needs direct light to recharge its battery. Aim for at least six hours of sunshine a day and point the panel south, or west if south is not an option. Watch out for shadows that move during the day: a tree, a wall or a parasol can block the panel for hours.

Tip: on solar string lights, the panel is connected by a cable. Make the most of it and put the panel in the sunniest spot, even if the lights themselves hang in the shade of a pergola.

Mistake 2: skipping the first charge

When they arrive, the batteries are rarely fully charged. Leave your lights in full sun for one to two whole days, with the switch off, before using them for the first time. That first full charge lets you get the full run time from day one.

Mistake 3: choosing the wrong light for the job

Each type of solar light is designed for a specific purpose:

• Solar string lights: for atmosphere on a patio, along a hedge or on a balcony
• Motion sensor wall lights: to light a front door, a path or a garage when someone walks by
• Stake and bollard lights: to mark out a path

Expecting string lights to light a driveway like a floodlight will only lead to disappointment.

Mistake 4: setting up the motion sensor badly

A solar motion sensor wall light mounted too high or too low will not detect properly. Fit it between 1.8 and 2.5 m off the ground, facing the area people walk through rather than the street, to avoid it triggering every time a car goes by. Then try out the different modes: motion-only saves battery, while night-light mode with a boost on movement gives you a softer light all evening.

Mistake 5: forgetting to clean the panel

Dust, pollen, leaves and bird droppings quickly build up into a layer that cuts charging. A quick wipe with a damp cloth every two or three weeks is enough to keep a panel working well. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface.

Mistake 6: expecting summer performance in winter

In winter, days are shorter and the sun sits lower, so the battery charges less. That is perfectly normal. To get through the season:

• switch to power-saving or motion mode
• cut back on flashing effects, which use more power
• bring decorative string lights indoors during long freezing spells if you are not using them

Mistake 7: forgetting that batteries wear out

Rechargeable batteries slowly lose capacity over the seasons. If your light runs for much less time than it used to, even with a clean, well-placed panel, replace the battery with one of the same type and voltage. On our 10 m solar string lights, that is usually a 600 mAh Ni-MH battery that is easy to find.

Our pre-installation checklist

1. Find the sunniest spot for the panel.
2. Give the lights a full first charge of 24 to 48 hours.
3. Pick the right type of light for each area.
4. Mount motion sensors at the right height.
5. Clean the panels regularly.

Follow these few rules and your solar lights will keep you company for many evenings, from the first warm night of summer right through to the festive season.