Solar energy is seeing a boom as people are becoming more welcoming towards renewable energy sources. The market of solar-powered devices is also ever-expanding. People are investing in solar panels, solar lights, etc. These devices are reliable and also lower your grid dependency. The solar sensor wall light is another widely used solar device and like any other electrical device, it’s also very common for solar sensor wall lights to ts face various technical and non-technical errors. In this article, you will learn everything about solar sensor wall light, from the reason behind your solar light sensor not working to the process to solve your solar sensor wall light not working. You will also learn about solar light sensor replacement.
Why is Solar Sensor Wall Light Not Working?
Solar sensor wall lights are resilient and sturdy. They can withstand a variety of weather conditions. This reason has made them one of the fastest-growing alternative lighting mechanisms for offices as well as homes. These lights are quite beneficial as well. They don’t harm the environment and are pocket-friendly as well. If these lights stop working then the following can be reasons behind your solar sensor wall light not working-
1. Not Receiving Enough Sunlight
If your solar sensor wall lights are placed in a covered or shaded area, then it’s a given that they aren’t receiving enough sunlight. This makes their change of working minimal. Although you don’t need to place your solar lights into direct sunlight to function they do however need a sufficient amount of light to be fully charged.
Usually, outdoor solar lights need close to 6 hours of exposure to direct sunlight daily to charge their batteries. However, this time can vary depending on the type of solar panel, type of battery, or the sun’s intensity. If your house or trees envelop the solar panels in the dark, especially during peak sunlight house, the solar lights might not work well.
2. Faulty Sensor
Another major sensor behind your solar sensor wall light not working can be that it has a faulty sensor. The job of the sensor is to react to darkness and allow the solar light to turn on during the night and go off during the day. But if the solar light has an ineffective sensor, it won’t be able to turn on and off on time. You will have to manually switch on and off lights and you probably would not want to waste your time on that.
If your solar wall light has a defective sensor, it won’t differentiate between day and night. You check if the sensor is working fine during the nighttime by covering the sensor with a cloth or your hand, and if it turns on the light, it is working just fine. However, if it shows no light, it is defective.
3. Batteries’ Lifespan has Ended
In most cases, the solar sensor wall light not working can be associated with dead, worn out, or too old batteries. Though there are long-lasting batteries like Nickel Metal Hydride batteries (NiMH), over time they also see a drop in their performances.
Worn-out batteries may start eroding and this can lead to acid leakage. This could also cause permanent damage to the solar lamp’s electrical components. These batteries are also unable to hold an adequate charge to light up solar lamps. If dead batteries are causing issues for your solar light then you can just replace them.
4. Solar Panels Are Covered With Dirt
Just like not getting adequate sunlight could result in your solar sensor wall light not working, dirty solar panels can also be a hindrance to your solar lights. Solar panels aren’t able to effectively absorb sunlight if they are covered with dust or dirt. Even if some amount of sunlight is able to pass through this dust or dirt, it still may not be enough to charge your batteries properly.
After some time, the dirt could get so thick that no sunlight reaches the panels. This can result in the batteries not charging at all. Before assuming that your batteries are dead, always check if the panels are clean enough for the sunlight to pass through them. If your solar panel has fallen tree leaves on it, always clear them off as they can completely block the sun’s rays.
5. Water Build-Up in the Solar Panel
Although solar lights are water as well as weather-resistant, sometimes water or residue may build up inside the solar panel. It can damage internal circuitry and wiring. To ensure that the solar panel is filled with water, you can detach the solar panel head from either the wall, pier, or post mount to check. Ōvertime, the sealant of the solar lights gets old and less effective. This is how the water gets inside the panel.
6. Too Close to Other Light Sources
The solar wall lights are equipped with a sensor that consists of photovoltaic cells. These cells detect any light, even artificial ones. Your solar wall lights will not work properly if they are in close proximity to other light sources such as street lights, garage/house lights, etc. To solve this problem, analyze your solar panel’s location and see if it’s too close to another source of light.
Also See: How Long Do Solar Generators Last?
What is a Solar Light Sensor?
A solar light sensor is a device that uses light to deactivate as well as activate a switch. A photoresistor is the most common type of solar light sensor. It’s used in solar lights and streetlights. When this photoresistor is exposed to direct solar lights, it decreases resistance and allows current to flow through the circuit. It activates the switch which in turn turns on the solar light. On the contrary, when the photoresistor isn’t exposed to direct light sources, it increases resistance. This stops the current from flowing, deactivating the switch. Solar light sensors are used in many devices like automated home appliances, lighting controls, etc.
Also Read: Can Portable Solar Panels Get Wet and Still Work?
What to Do if My Solar Light Sensor Not Working?
A major reason for your solar sensor wall light not working can be that your solar light sensor is not working efficiently. These are a few things you can do in case of your solar light sensor not working-
1. Check the Batteries: The first thing you should do is check the batteries, whether they are worn out or old. If it’s the case then they may not be able to hold a charge. Replacing the batteries will fix this problem. The new batteries won’t be very costly but it will be tricky to replace the old batteries.
2. Clean the Sensors: Over time, dirt and grime can build up on the sensors, preventing them from working effectively. To clean the sensors wipe them down on a damp cloth. After cleaning the sensor, your solar wall light will work just fine.
3. Adjust the Angle of the Sensor: In order to work properly, the sensor must be positioned correctly. Check the manual for your solar wall light to see where the sensor should be positioned. After this, use a screwdriver to adjust the angle of the sensor accordingly.
4. Pull the Tab: Almost all the solar lights come with a tab that must be pulled before the solar lights start working. Usually, this tab is at the back of the solar light. It’s normally a small plastic that can be easily missed. If your solar light is not working, look for this tag and pull it.
5. Contact Customer Service: If you have tried all these steps to fix a solar sensor not working and it’s still not fixed then you should contact customer service. They may be able to fix this problem efficiently or they may do solar light sensor replacement.
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