Skip to content

9 Tips to Fix Solar Deck Lights Not Working

Last updated on 17 Aug 2023

solar deck lights

Solar deck lights not working can be frustrating, as they play an important role in exterior design and atmosphere. Most often the reason why they are not working is simple. Follow the simple steps here to check why your solar lights are not working and how to get them working again.

How to Fix Solar Deck Lights Not Working

Why aren’t your solar deck lights working? This might be due to incorrect usage, issues with the battery, a faulty sensor, broken bulbs, or other reasons. Here are nine tips to solve solar deck lights not working. Make sure to try each of them.

1. Do these things before the first-time use

If you find your  solar deck lights not working, make sure you have carried out these important steps before using them for the first time.

Before using solar deck lights for the first time, be sure to carry out these steps. Firstly, check that all of the equipment is intact.

Then remember to take out the battery pull tab and turn on the switch. Otherwise, the deck lights won’t work.

Finally, use the lights until the battery is fully drained and allow it to charge the following day when the sun is out. Allow the battery to fully charge and drain a few times to make sure the battery can charge to its full capacity.

battery pull tab

2. Make sure the batteries work normally

Solar deck lights not working may be due to an issue with the solar panel battery. You can check if the batteries work normally by placing the panel in direct sunlight and allowing the battery to charge fully, about 8 hours . Then use the lights to see if they work. If the lights do not work after a full charge, there may be an issue with the battery. You can replace the battery by purchasing a rechargeable battery for solar lights.

3. Make sure the solar deck lights get enough sunlight

Solar deck lights will only charge if they receive adequate sunlight on a daily basis. If your solar deck lights are not working, the solar panels may not receive enough sunlight during the day. Make sure that you are in a region that receives adequate sunlight, and position the solar panel in the best place to face the sun.

Check MAXvolador solar deck lights (shown in the image) =>

solar deck lights face to sun

4. Stay away from intense light sources

Strong light sources will make the sensor on the solar deck lights think it is daytime, and will therefore keep the solar lights switched off. Move strong light sources away from your solar lights to ensure that they do not interfere with the daylight sensor. If the intense light sources cannot be moved, you may need to install the solar deck light elsewhere.

5. Make sure the solar panel is clean

Solar deck lights are not working may be due to dirt or grease on the solar panels.  Dirt or grease on the panels reduces the efficiency of the solar panels and can prevent the battery on your solar deck lights from charging. Be sure to keep the solar panel of your solar deck lights clean and free of grease or dirt.

Check MAXvolador solar deck lights (shown in the image) =>

clean solar deck lights

6. Ensure that there is no water intrusion

If water intrudes into the solar deck lights, it will cause internal parts to rust and short circuit. If you can see water inside the lights and they are not working, dry the lights out before using them again. If the water has damaged the insides of the lights, you may need to replace them.

7. Check the sensor of the solar deck lights

Solar-powered lights have a light sensor which activates the solar light when daylight reduces upon nightfall. If the light sensor is dirty or broken, the light won’t be able to switch on automatically.

If you find your solar deck lights not working, check the sensor on the solar lights for dirt or damage. Also check that the sensor of the solar lights is exposed to daylight so that it knows when to turn the light on and off.

8. Check the bulb

A common cause of  solar deck lights not working is a broken bulb. If you installed the bulbs into your solar lights yourself, you can check for a broken bulb by replacing it and seeing if the light starts to work. If the lights have bulbs preinstalled, a broken bulb will mean replacing the light.

Check MAXvolador solar deck lights =>

Check MAXvolador all solar lights =>

solar deck lights

9. Check the solar panel cables

A broken or damaged cable will almost certainly lead to solar deck lights not working. If you find your solar lights not working, check the cables for any exposed or broken wires.

FAQs about Solar Deck Lights

Here are two FAQs about solar deck lights.

1. How long do solar deck lights last?

Solar deck lights should last up to 10 hours per night depending on the size of the battery and how much the batteries are charged during the day. Treated properly, you can expect the lifespan of your solar deck lights to be four to seven years.

One of the most common causes of solar light failure is a worn-out battery. You can extend the battery's life by charging and draining it fully regularly so that it maintains its charging capacity.

2. Do solar deck lights need direct sunlight?

Solar deck lights charge best in direct sunlight, but will also charge on cloudy days. You will find that charging on sunny days will lead to the lights lasting longer during the night and will also prolong the life of the light’s battery.

Prev Post
Next Post

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Popular Products

MAXvolador 48FT RGB String Lights with Fairy Luminous Rope MAXvolador 48FT RGB String Lights with Fairy Luminous Rope
Add To Cart
Close
MAXvolador 48FT RGB String Lights with Fairy Luminous Rope
String and Rope Lights All in One The incredible RGB LED string lights are a stunning combination of fairy rope lights and multicolored RGB string lights, which create a dazzling starry effect and illuminate your surroundings with vibrant colors. 11 Dynamic Lighting Modes The...
Regular price
$69.99
Regular price
$85.99
Sale price
$69.99
Close
MAXvolador 99FT Outdoor LED Rope Lights With 18 Colors & 7 Lighting Modes
18 Colors and 7 Light Modes Our colorful rope lights provide 16 vibrant colors, including 1 multi-color/1 triple-color option, and 7 energetic and dynamic light modes (FADE/JUMP/ASYN FADE/ASYN JUMP/IN WAVES/STROBE/TWINKLE). Perfect for indoor and outdoor decoration, these LED rope lights are an ideal addition...
Regular price
$59.99
Regular price
$75.99
Sale price
$59.99
Maxvolador 20-Pack Solar Deck Lights, Solar Powered Step Light Waterproof, LED Outdoor Fence Lighting Bronze Finished for Decks Stairs Patio Path Yard Garden Decor, Warm White Maxvolador 20-Pack Solar Deck Lights, Solar Powered Step Light Waterproof, LED Outdoor Fence Lighting Bronze Finished for  Stairs Decks Patio Path Yard Garden Decor, Warm White
Add To Cart
Close
Notify me
Notify me
MAXvolador Solar Deck Lights, 20-Pack & Automatically ON/OFF
Automatic Working Mode The solar deck lights are equipped with dusk-to-dawn sensors that are highly responsive so that they can automatically turn on at night and turn off during the day. Just turn on the switch underneath the brown part. High-performance Solar Panel The...
Regular price
$49.99
Regular price
$62.99
Sale price
$49.99
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Mlambert 4 Pack Solar Hanging Mason Jar Lights Mlambert 4 Pack Solar Hanging Mason Jar Lights
Add To Cart
Close
Notify me
Mlambert 4 Pack Solar Hanging Mason Jar Lights
Auto ON/OFF with Energy Savings The solar jar lights are equipped with a more efficient 1.2V/600mAh rechargeable battery and a high photoelectric conversion efficiency solar panel. They require no wiring and can be charged for 6-8 hours under sunlight, providing 8-12 hours of lighting...
Regular price
$39.99
Regular price
$49.99
Sale price
$39.99
Close
Notify me

Choose Options

Recently Viewed

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items
0%