There’s no denying that solar lights are a big money saver when lighting up your garden or walkway. But, if you are about to get one or have one already, you may be wondering whether your solar lights can be left out in the winter.
Yes, you can leave your solar light out all winter if it is rated for outdoor use and comes with an IP65 rating or above. This ensures it is suitable for outdoor use and resistant to elements such as water, dust, and snow and will work during cloudy days. However, outdoor solar lights with a rating below IP65 should not be left out in the winter.
So it is important to read the label on the package before making your purchase to ensure you are getting the right. Below, we highlight some of the best outdoor lights for different areas like the wall, decks, walkways, and more.
No one wants broken solar lights because they were left out in freezing weather. So, we’ve thought this through and brought together everything you need to know about leaving solar lights outside when it’s cold outside.
Can solar lights be left out in the winter?
Yes, you can leave your solar lights out in the winter. The fact that they run on solar energy means that as long as there is some light, they will continue to work. One thing that will happen is that they won’t charge as well, but they’ll still work.
However, it is important to note that there are some factors to consider before doing so.
First, you need to make sure that the lights are rated to be used outdoor. If the lights aren’t made for outdoor use, they may not be able to withstand extreme temperatures or moisture.
Second, you need to check whether or not your lights have an automatic shutoff feature. If they don’t, you should turn them off manually when it rains or snows. The same goes for when it gets really cold outside.
Suppose there isn’t an automatic shutoff feature. You’ll want to make sure that you remove them from their spot before temperatures drop below freezing so that they don’t become damaged by frostbite or other issues associated with exposure (like corrosion).
However, you should remember that solar panels are less efficient in cold weather, so your lights might not last as long or shine quite as bright as they would in warmer months.
How to store outdoor solar lights for the winter
There are many reasons to store outdoor solar lights for the winter. It also helps your lights last longer and stays in better condition. Below are some tips for storing outdoor solar lights for the winter, so you can get them ready for next summer!
- First, make sure your solar lights are off and remove the batteries. This will prevent any damage from occurring while they’re not being used.
- Securely wrap each light with a protective covering like newspaper or bubble wrap to prevent damage during storage, and then wrap them again in plastic bags to keep moisture out.
- Store these containers somewhere that won’t get too cold or too hot. Ideally, somewhere around 50 degrees Fahrenheit and away from sunlight. Ensure it’s not too humid either (or mould may start growing on your stored items).
Do solar lights charge on cloudy days.
Solar lights charge on cloudy days, but not as well as they do when sunny. However, the clouds reflect the sun’s rays and can make the solar panel effective.
The sun’s rays are very strong, and even when it is cloudy, the sunlight can still reach you. However, if it is raining or snowing and there is no sun in sight, then your solar lights will not be able to charge.
The best way to ensure that your solar lights charge effectively is to place them in an area that gets plenty of direct sunlight.
Best solar lights for winter
Best for railings: SOLPEX Solar Deck Lights Outdoor
SOLPEX Solar Deck Lights Outdoor are perfect for illuminating your home’s outdoor living spaces. Featuring a sleek and modern design, these deck lights are easy to install and will help add a touch of elegance to any outdoor area.
SOLPEX Solar Deck Lights Outdoor brings outdoor safety and decor to your house. Able to light up your pathway at night, it can also be used as decorative lights to complement the house’s architecture. The built-in photo-voltaic cell absorbs sunlight during the day and converts it into electricity at night, providing long hours of powerful lighting.
Best for Garden: InnoGear Solar Outdoor Lights
Light up your yard with the InnoGear solar ground lights. This product is an excellent replacement for conventional outdoor lights since no electric and wire installation is required.
Stake this light into the ground along your walkway or garden to light up the area during the dark hour of the day. It comes with a sensor that automatically puts it on at night, making it convenient.
In addition, these solar landscape lights are built with sturdy, waterproof and shockproof ABS plastic, making them indestructible to all weather conditions.
The built-in rechargeable battery makes it possible to work all night long, even though a cloudy day. Yet, with just a few hours exposure of to direct sunlight during the day, it can provide over 10 hours of bright LED light for your home decorating projects.
Best for Pathway: XMCOSY Solar Pathway Lights
XMCOSY Solar Pathway Lights are solar-powered pathway lights that create a beautiful display on the ground and make pathways safer at night. This convenient product can be used in driveways, walkways, decks, and patios, anywhere you want a little light after dark.
Easily installed in just minutes and rechargeable via solar, these lights are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as snow and ice, rain, high winds and temperatures from -40°F to 120°F. In addition, these lights come with an auto and off feature making it easy to use.
Best for Wall: Aootek New Solar Lights
Aootek New Solar Lights combine the latest LED technology and solar energy to provide bright, efficient light in any location. With a sensor that can detect people up to 26 feet within an angle of 120 degrees to enhance the security of your home.
This light is completely waterproof with an IP65 rating to ensure it stan the test of time. It comes with 120 LED lights to illuminate your home and comes with three light modes: security, permanent and smart bright control mode. This new version will give your home the right security it needs.
How to charge solar lights in winter
The sun is lower in the sky in winter, which means it’s less powerful. This can make it difficult to charge your solar lights. However, you can try these tips:
- Ensure that the lights are facing south and nothing is blocking them from direct sunlight.
- Clean the panel’s surface every day to allow direct sunlight to hit the panel.
- Try moving them to a different location if they’re not getting enough sun.
- Use a solar panel adapter to increase the output of your solar panel.
How to fix outdoor solar lights that stop working
It’s frustrating to see your solar lights stop working, but there are a few things you can do to ensure they’re running smoothly. Here are some of the most common issues and how to fix them:
- Ensure it is receiving adequate sunlight
Make sure that all of your outdoor solar lights are receiving adequate sunlight during daylight hours so that they can charge fully before going into night mode. If this is not happening, it may be time for new batteries or a replacement charger.
- Check the batteries first.
Also, check the batteries if your solar lights aren’t turning on at all. If they’re low, or if they’ve been sitting in storage for several months, you may need to replace them.
- Clean the panels
If your solar lights are turning on but not staying on after a while, it’s possible that dust has collected on the panels and is blocking the light from reaching them. Cleaning with a soft cloth is usually enough.
- Replace any broken parts
If your solar lights stop working after only a few days or weeks of use, it could mean that something has broken inside the mechanism. If this is the case, it’s time to replace those parts!
How to protect solar lights from rain
If you are using outdoor-rated solar lights, there is no need to protect them from the rain. These lights are made to withstand weather elements without getting damaged.
However, if you are not using outdoor-rated solar light, you need to protect them from the rain to prevent being damaged by water.
Solar lights are a great way to light up your yard, but rain can damage them. If you’re looking for ways to protect your solar lights from rain, here are some tips.
- Use Outdoor-rated solar lights. These lights are made of durable and weather-resistant materials to ensure they are suitable for outdoor use. These lights do not need to be protected from rain and can be left outdoor all year.
- Cover them with a plastic bag or tarp if it might rain. It may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t do this step. It’s easy enough to do, and it’ll keep your lights working for years to come.
- Use an outdoor rated cover or box over the lights to protect them from rain, wind, dust and dirt. You can find these online or at most hardware stores. This works especially well if you have a lot of solar lights that need protection from the elements.
- If you have an overhang on your house or garage, place the solar lights under it when they are not in use. This will keep them protected from rain or snow that may fall off trees or roofs during storms.
Should you turn off solar lights in winter
It’s a good question because there are so many factors to consider. First of all, it depends on the type of solar lights you’re using. Some are designed to be left on for long periods without care or maintenance and are outdoor-rated, while others require more attention. If you have the latter kind, it’s likely best to turn them off in winter, the cold can damage them.
If you live in a climate with long winters and use outdoor-rated solar light, your solar lights can still provide light and energy if they’re not covered by snow or ice. This is because the sun will still charge them up throughout the day and provide light for you at night.
If you do not want to turn off your solar lights for the winter, then be sure to remove any snow or ice from the solar lights’ panels so they can collect sunlight throughout the day.
However, if you are using a non-outdoor-rated light, and it’s raining and/or snowing outside in winter, you should turn off your solar lights. They will not work when exposed to extreme weather conditions like this.
Do outdoor solar lights need direct sunlight
Yes, outdoor solar lights do need direct sunlight. This is because these lights are powered by the sun’s energy, which means they need to be in direct contact with the sun’s rays to function properly.
The more light they get, the faster they will charge. So if you’re looking for a light that will last all night, you’ll want to make sure you place it in an area that receives full sun all day.
Also, they can charge in indirect sunlight, but they need a lot more of it to do so. So if you have them on your deck or patio, the best thing you can do is make sure they’re facing south and are exposed to as much sunlight as possible during the day.
Conclusion
There are various outdoor-rated that can be left outdoor all year with no maintenance, and one of them is the Aootek New Solar Lights. This light is suitable for many areas around the home, such as the wall, fence, deck, porch, and more.
This light is also suitable for people that live in an area with less sunlight. Also, knowing how to care for your solar light will help enhance the durability of your light. During winter, always clean your solar panel to allow it to absorb available sunlight.
