Since solar lights use sunlight rather than conventional electrical sources, they are a popular eco-friendly option for outdoor lighting. But what happens during the rainy season? Many of us might wonder how to protect solar lights from rain. In this article, we will discuss the solutions and examine the impact of rain on their operation.
Does Rain Affect Solar Lights?
Yes, rain affects solar lights, but the type of damage also depends on your lights. Most of the solar outdoor lights won’t be damaged by rain because they were built to endure rainy conditions along with other weather fluctuations. You don’t need to rush to grab your lights every time you hear thunder because they are waterproof or water-resistant. However, heavy rainfall might physically harm your solar lights, which can have a negative impact on them.
Actually, rain helps your solar lights because it cleans the dirt and dust that have accumulated on your solar panel. As a result, the panels perform better since they can better absorb sunlight. But a lot of rain might cover the solar panels in water, which would decrease their capacity to collect sunlight and produce electricity. So, how to protect solar lights from rain? Let’s find it out in the next segment.
How to Protect Solar Lights from Rain
In the past few years, solar lights have gained popularity as a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly solution to lighting outdoor areas. These cutting-edge gadgets use the sun’s energy instead of batteries or electrical cables to produce light. However, whether these lights can resist exposure to rain is a recurring concern. Since weather conditions in outdoor settings are erratic, it’s critical to know if the solar lights will function when it starts to rain. Although rain cleans the solar plates which helps them to work efficiently, heavy rainfall could damage your solar lights potentially. However, there are several solutions to shield outdoor solar lights from rain.
Solutions to Protect Your Solar Lights from Rain
The easy steps you can follow to protect your solar lights from the rain are:
1. Confirm the quality of the solar light components. Be careful to get the items from a reputable manufacturer, since inferior products from unrecognized brands may have lower efficiency and a shorter lifespan. Additionally, as they could not have adequate waterproofing, rain damage is a possibility.
2. If solar lights stay out in the rain, ensure that nothing might fall on the lights, such as branches of trees.
3. Use IP65 waterproof outdoor solar lights, so you may endure rain and other damp conditions.
4. Select the ideal installation site. To prevent any water collection, ensure the area is clear of impediments and has enough room for good water flow. Keep your solar lights indoors if there is a danger of severe flooding.
6. Although rainproof solar lights may endure mild rain, it is best to take extra measures during extreme weather events like hurricanes or strong storms. To prevent potential damage from harsh weather, temporarily store the solar lights inside or in a protected place under such circumstances. (They may be used after being charged using household energy and an adaptor).
7. Rainwater may bring dirt, dust, and other particles, which may cling to the solar lamps’ surfaces. In order to eliminate any build-up that can impair their operation, regular cleaning is important. To maintain them clean and guarantee optimum solar absorption, wipe the solar panels and enclosures with a gentle cloth or sponge.
If interested, you can check out the Simple Effective Cleaning Hack: Cleaning Solar Lights With Toothpaste.
8. Regularly check your solar lights for any obvious indications of deterioration. Branch or other things may hit the lights as a result of heavy rain or severe winds, perhaps creating cracks or alignment errors. If you find any damage, fix it right away to avoid more problems.
Also See: Fixing Solar Lights with Nail Polish for a Sustainable Glow
Can Solar Lights Stay Out in the Rain?
Because they consume less energy and are simple to install, solar lights are frequently used for outdoor lighting. Rain might be advantageous for them since it can maintain the panels tidy and effective. So, it is ok to leave solar lights outside in the rain. They can also tolerate damp weather conditions without losing functionality because of their weather-resistant construction and waterproofing techniques.
Manufacturers are aware of how critical it is to make items that can withstand the unpredictable nature of the outdoors. So, most solar lights are made with waterproofing features to prevent rain from impairing their function. The lights come with either metal or plastic housings that serve as protective casings. These enclosures exclude water from penetrating inside and protect the sensitive interior components from rain.
Hence, these gadgets are designed to light up your outside space whether it’s raining or shining, whether they are path lighting, string lights, or other types of solar illumination. However, it’s crucial to make sure the solar lights you’re utilizing are made to survive inclement weather.
Also Read: Can You Charge Solar Lights Inside?
Do Solar Lights Work on Rainy Days?
A solar light’s effectiveness and lifespan tend to be impacted by rain. Sunlight provides the energy for solar lights. The amount of sunshine that solar lights receive will be reduced during cloudy days. Even though solar lights work on rainy days, they will operate with less brightness and for shorter periods of time since rainy conditions will result in less energy being produced by the panels. Moreover, some solar lights might not be weatherproof or be able to survive powerful winds and downpours. If you are doubtful about your solar lights’ ability to withstand the elements, it is recommended to review the manufacturer’s specs or get advice from an expert.
So, don’t worry about the solar lights the next time it rains. Instead, appreciate nature’s beauty and let the solar-powered lights create a compelling atmosphere even when it is raining. So, solar lights are a dependable lighting source for outdoor areas and it is ok to leave solar lights in the rain.
Cross-Reference: 6 Common Reasons Why Solar Lights Stop Working (Ways To Fix!)
How Long Does Solar Streetlights Work on Rainy Days?
The majority of solar streetlights have longer operational durations and can maintain battery charge for many days before needing to recharge your solar light batteries. On days when it’s raining, light can still be seen shining through the clouds, which the solar panels can collect and utilize accordingly. This will provide electricity for the solar street lighting but with decreased intensity and less production.
However, the larger solar panels used in integrated solar streetlights make them charge more quickly. Additionally, the solar streetlight’s motion sensor detects infrared wavelengths, increasing the light intensity. Moreover, on detecting motion, lights turn to 100% brightness for a short duration whereas, it dims back to 25% if no movement occurs. This reactivating with motion movement is an ongoing process that conserves charge for overcast evenings while providing light when needed.
Solar lights provide sustainable power options and are an excellent means to reduce energy costs as well. But, be mindful of the dangers presented by rain or other adverse weather conditions. If you reside in a location with extreme weather, make sure you read the warranty on the product to know what is covered. For more solar-related subjects, click here.
