Having solar lights not work properly on fence posts can be frustrating. There are a few key reasons why solar fence lights may not be turning on or staying lit throughout the night.
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Battery or Solar Panel Issues
The most common culprit for solar lights not working is an issue with the battery or solar panel. Here are some things to check:
- Battery died – Most solar lights have a rechargeable battery inside that stores power from the solar panel. If the battery is several years old, it may simply have reached the end of its lifespan and can no longer hold a charge.
- Battery won’t hold a charge – Even a newer battery may have issues holding a charge if it has been damaged from weather elements or has faulty cells. Check that the battery is actually charging during the day.
- Solar panel is dirty – Dust, dirt, pollen or bird droppings on the solar panel can block sunlight from charging the battery. Clean the panel with a soft cloth and mild soap and water.
- Solar panel is faulty – While rare, it’s possible for the solar panel to malfunction and stop charging the battery. Try a new panel if cleaning doesn’t work.
- Battery isn’t making good contact – The battery may not be seated properly in the light housing. Check that both ends are making a solid connection.
Troubleshoot the battery and solar panel first before moving on to other issues. Replace the battery every 2-3 years for best performance.
Positioning of the Solar Light
In order for the solar panel to collect enough sunlight during the day, the light needs to be positioned correctly:
- Face south – Pointing the solar panel south (in the northern hemisphere) optimizes sun exposure and charging. North facing will cause issues.
- No shade – Ensure no buildings, trees or other objects are shading the solar panel during peak daylight hours.
- Angle toward sun – Tilting the solar panel 30-60 degrees toward the sun helps maximize exposure.
Consider the specific location and angle of sun when placing fence post lights to avoid shade. You may need to periodically adjust the direction as the sun’s path changes throughout the seasons.
Insufficient Sunlight
Even when positioned optimally, the solar lights may not get enough direct sunlight during the day to fully charge. Some reasons this could occur:
- Short winter days – Less daylight in winter can result in weaker battery charging. Supplement with occasional indoor charging.
- Foggy or overcast weather – Solar panels don’t charge well on cloudy or foggy days that block sunlight. The battery may drain faster than it can charge.
- Shady conditions – Trees or buildings that shade the solar panel for much of the day will limit charging capability.
- Pollution/dust – Heavy air pollution or dirt on the solar panel will reduce light absorption for charging.
Consider the climate and environment where the solar lights are installed. Supplementing with occasional indoor charging can help offset issues from limited sunlight.
Problems with the Light Performance
Issues with the lights themselves can also prevent the solar lights from working properly:
- Bulb burnt out – The LED bulb may have reached the end of its lifespan. Try replacing it with a new bulb.
- Faulty circuitry – Internal issues with the printed circuit board, switch or wiring can lead to failure.
- Moisture damage – Water getting inside the housing can corrode contacts and cause short circuiting.
- Bug infestation – Spiders or insects inside the housing may block or eat through wires.
Opening up the light housing to check for issues inside may be necessary. Retrofit kits are available to replace just the LED bulb, battery and solar panel if needed.
Tips for Improving Solar Fence Light Performance
Here are some additional tips to help ensure solar fence lights work reliably:
- Use lithium-ion batteries – They charge faster, last longer and work better in cold than NiCd batteries.
- Choose lights with larger solar panels – More panel surface area means faster charging.
- Get lights with adjustable angles – Allows optimizing direction for sun exposure.
- Install on sunny south facing locations – North sides of the fence will be shaded.
- Clean panels regularly – Remove dirt and debris monthly for best sunlight absorption.
- Keep an eye on battery life – Plan to replace batteries every 2-3 years.
- Bring lights in during winter – Supplement charging indoors when sunlight is limited.
- Check lights nightly – Catch issues early before problems compound.
- Use weather resistant housing – Prevents moisture damage to components.
Taking some simple preventative steps can go a long way in ensuring solar fence lights work properly and effectively. Position them in optimal sun locations, perform regular maintenance, and don’t hesitate to replace parts like batteries when needed.
When to Consider Hiring an Electrician
If you’ve tried troubleshooting the solar lights and replacing components but the lights still won’t operate properly, it may be time to call in a professional. An electrician can help diagnose and fix issues such as:
- Damaged solar panel
- Faulty circuit board
- Wiring problems
- Issues inside the light housing
- Installing a supplemental charging option
- Hardwiring panel lights as a permanent solution
Electricians have the expertise to test components with multimeters, check for shorts or loose connections, and determine if parts need to be replaced or the entire solar light system should be rewired. They can also install standalone panel lights as a more durable lighting solution.
Cost to Hire an Electrician
The cost to hire an electrician to repair solar fence lights may range from $100 to $300 depending on the specific issues and what needs to be done. Extra charges may apply for things like:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic testing | $75 – $150 |
| Solar panel replacement | $50 – $100 per panel |
| Light unit replacement | $30 – $60 per light |
| Wiring repair | $3 – $8 per foot |
| Installing hardwired lights | $100 – $300 per light |
Get a detailed quote upfront so you understand the full charges. It’s typically cheaper to replace solar fence post lights vs trying to repair chronic issues.
Conclusion
Solar lights not turning on or staying lit at night on fence posts is usually due to an issue with the solar panel, battery, or unit placement. Start troubleshooting by checking the simple things like cleaning the solar panels and batteries. For persistent problems, replacement parts like new batteries or LED bulbs can help get the lights working again. If you’ve tried everything, calling an electrician to diagnose and repair any internal issues is the next best step. Installing new standalone solar panel lights may be the right solution if your current lights are too old and damaged to salvage. With some diligent troubleshooting and maintenance, you can get your solar fence lights back to properly lighting up your yard and garden at night.