Recently, however, I noticed that my solar garden lights were less bright than they used to be. The light seemed to dim after each night, and I was frustrated.
Then I explored how solar garden lights could provide more brightness for our patio.
If the existing solar light is placed in the shade, moving it to a spot that receives direct sunlight can make the light significantly brighter.
Hurry! My solar lights now give off a brighter, more colorful glow.
Here are some steps I’ve taken to make my solar garden lights brighter.
Essential tip before installing a light in the garden.
I first studied how solar energy works and what materials are required to build these lights.
After some searching, I learned that most solar garden lights use panels made of photovoltaic cells, which convert sunlight into electricity during the day and then store that energy in batteries so they can be used at night.
If I added more photovoltaic cells or bigger ones, the amount of stored power would increase and create a brighter light! Additionally, larger photovoltaic cells can be wired in series, which multiplies the voltage they produce, resulting in brighter lights.
Brighten My Solar Garden Lights With These 9 Simple Steps!
1) Proper Placement of Solar Lights
When placing solar lights, it is important to ensure that they are placed in direct sunlight or in an area that receives ample light during the day.
This will ensure that the solar panel can absorb enough energy to power the light at night.
For example, if the existing solar light is placed in the shade, moving it to a spot that receives direct sunlight can make the light significantly brighter.
2) Replace the batteries
The batteries in solar garden lights are the primary power source. Replacing them with new, higher-capacity batteries can make the lights brighter.
For example, replacing a AA rechargeable battery with an AAA rechargeable battery can make the light brighter.
3) Increase the solar panel’s wattage
The solar panel’s wattage determines how much energy is collected from the sun. Increasing the wattage of the solar panel can make the lights brighter.
For example, replacing a 2-watt solar panel with a 5-watt solar panel can make the lights significantly brighter.
4) Increase the number of LEDs
LEDs are light-emitting diodes that generate light. Increasing the number of LEDs can make the lights brighter.
For example, replacing a single LED with three LEDs can make the light significantly brighter.
5) Clean the solar panel:
Dirty solar panels will not be able to collect as much energy from the sun, which can reduce the brightness of the lights. Cleaning the solar panels regularly with a damp cloth can make the lights brighter.
6) Adjust the solar panel angle:
If you live in an area with no direct sunlight hitting your garden (especially during winter), adjusting your panels’ angle may help improve slightly. This slight adjustment may not seem like much, but it could just give you a little brightness.
For example, in the summer, the solar panel should be angled toward the sun, while in winter, it should be angled away from the sun.
7) Use a Reflector:
Utilizing a reflector around the solar garden light can make the light brighter by reflecting more of the light back towards the target area.
For example, if the existing light does not have a reflector, adding one can make the light brighter.
8) Upgrade LED Bulbs of Solar Light:
LEDs are more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, producing more light for the same amount of power.
For example, if the existing solar light has an incandescent bulb, replacing it with an LED bulb can make the light significantly brighter.
9) Call Tech Support:
If the existing light is not working as expected, tech support can troubleshoot the issue and advise how to make the light brighter.
For example, if the solar panel is not receiving enough light, tech support can advise on how to optimize the panel’s positioning to increase the amount of light absorbed.
Additional Tips To Try
-Check if other customers describe your model lights as dim in reviews. Some of those lights are intended to be softer. This will make your decision on whether to replace your current lights easier.
–Clean the top of the panel every week. Debris, fungi, or dirt, in general, can be the reason why your lights haven’t been working 100%.
-Changing your battery may be a simple solution to make more lasting and bright solar lights brighter.
FAQ
Q: Why are my solar lights not shining brightly?
The most common cause is the solar panel not receiving enough sunlight to charge the batteries. If the solar panel is not receiving enough sunlight, the batteries will not be able to store enough energy to power the lights.
Another possible cause is that the batteries are not fully charged or are old and need to be replaced.
Q: Can you use regular AA batteries in solar lights?
No, you should not use regular AA batteries in solar lights. Solar lights require rechargeable batteries that are specifically designed for solar lights.
Using regular AA batteries in solar lights can cause damage to the lights and may even be a fire hazard.
Conclusion
After going through all the tips given above, I am sure your solar garden lights will be much brighter than before.
You can also try these tips on different other outdoor lights to make them look more appealing.
Do let me know in the comments below which tip worked best for you. Also, don’t forget to share this article with others who might find it helpful.
Henry Jurk is an experienced architect with over 20 years of expertise in paving. He shares his knowledge and provides solutions through his blog posts at OkPatio.com. If you have any questions about patios, gardens, and outdoor spaces, you can find the correct answers from Henry. You can contact him via email at ar.henryjurk@gmail.com or through the website’s contact page.
